FeaturedNeuroscience·March 31, 2025·5 min readGlutamate Unlocks Brain Cell Channels to Enable Thinking and LearningResearchers used advanced cryo-electron microscopy to capture atomic-level images of how glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, opens channels in brain cells. These channels, known as AMPA receptors, are essential for neuron-to-neuron communication and play a role in learning, memory, and disorders like epilepsy.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 13, 2024·4 min readtRNA Fragments Linked to Alzheimer’sA new study identifies a crucial factor in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease—the accumulation of Glu-5’tsRNA-CTC in neuron mitochondria. This small RNA fragment disrupts mitochondrial protein synthesis and cristae structure, accelerating cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s pathology.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 26, 2023·7 min readGlutamate Receptor Activation: A Potential Cure for Opioid Addiction?Scientists discovered a potential new weapon in the battle against opioid use disorder (OUD), a condition that affects over two million people in the U.S. alone. The drug, ADX106772, acts on metabotropic glutamate 2 receptors in the brain, leading to a reduction in oxycodone intake and drug-seeking behavior in an animal model.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 12, 2023·5 min readResearch Points to Drug Option for Hair-Pulling and Skin-Picking DisordersMemantine, a drug commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, reduces symptoms for adults with hair-pulling and skin-picking disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 2, 2022·5 min readKey Brain Cells in Mice Underlying Stress-Related Behaviors IdentifiedGlutamate neurons in the ventral tegmental area play a key role in the underlying impact of stressors. Silencing the neurons made the brain more resilient to stress.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·November 2, 2022·3 min readA New Look at Brain Function and Psychiatric DisordersResearchers have revealed the 3D structure of NMDA receptor molecules that are critical for brain health. NMDA receptors are believed to contribute to a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. The new model could help with the development of novel treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·October 12, 2022·5 min readHow Do Tired Animals Stay Awake?In fruit flies, specific neurons in the brain adapt to help the insect remain alert in dangerous situations and fall asleep after a trying day. The findings could help in the development of new therapies to treat sleep disorders in humans.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·August 31, 2022·4 min readExcessive Blue Light From Our Gadgets May Accelerate the Aging ProcessExcessive exposure to blue light emitted from modern technology such as cell phones, TVs, and computer screens, impacts our basic cellular function and can accelerate aging, a new study reveals.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 2, 2022·6 min readPsychedelic Drugs’ Therapeutic Potential for a Range of Psychiatric DisordersResearchers discuss how psychedelics can affect the brain and provide therapeutic benefits for those suffering from a range of psychiatric disorders.Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 27, 2022·2 min readA Methodological Leap in the Exploration of MemoryResearchers have developed a comprehensive "toolbox" to establish that the mobility of receptors exists in intact brain tissue, and this mobility is critical for certain types of memory.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 31, 2022·6 min readStudy Sheds New Light on a Promising AntidepressantKetamine's antidepressant effect is a result of the enhancement of Kcnq2 potassium channels in a certain subtype of glutamate-sensitive neurons.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceNeuroscience Videos·April 24, 2022·3 min readWidespread Brain Receptor Hides Surprising Mechanism of ActionGlutamate binds to the subunits of its receptor only in specific patterns. The findings upend previous belief that each subunit binds glutamate independently and points to a new level of complexity in neurotransmission and drug response.Read More
