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glutamate

·April 22, 2025·4 min read

Energy Starvation Triggers Dangerous Glutamate Surges in the Brain

The brain needs constant energy to function, especially for managing neurotransmitter activity. A new study shows that when energy is depleted—such as during a stroke—neurons begin releasing glutamate in abnormal, self-amplifying bursts that can damage nerve cells.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 31, 2025·5 min read

Glutamate Unlocks Brain Cell Channels to Enable Thinking and Learning

Researchers 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.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 13, 2024·4 min read

tRNA Fragments Linked to Alzheimer’s

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 26, 2023·7 min read

Glutamate 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 12, 2023·5 min read

Research Points to Drug Option for Hair-Pulling and Skin-Picking Disorders

Memantine, a drug commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, reduces symptoms for adults with hair-pulling and skin-picking disorders.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 2, 2022·5 min read

Key Brain Cells in Mice Underlying Stress-Related Behaviors Identified

Glutamate 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.

This shows a rendering of an NMDA receptor

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 2, 2022·3 min read

A New Look at Brain Function and Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers 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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 12, 2022·5 min read

How 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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 31, 2022·4 min read

Excessive Blue Light From Our Gadgets May Accelerate the Aging Process

Excessive 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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 2, 2022·6 min read

Psychedelic Drugs’ Therapeutic Potential for a Range of Psychiatric Disorders

Researchers discuss how psychedelics can affect the brain and provide therapeutic benefits for those suffering from a range of psychiatric disorders.

This shows glutamate on a hippocampal neuron

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 27, 2022·2 min read

A Methodological Leap in the Exploration of Memory

Researchers 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.