Latest

hippocampus

·June 1, 2023·3 min read

Sleep Apnea and Its Link to Alzheimer’s Associated Brain Changes

A new study uncovers a new link between sleep apnea and brain volume in Alzheimer's susceptible regions. The study found that people with Alzheimer's disease-linked amyloid plaques and severe sleep apnea were more likely to have reduced volumes in memory-associated regions of the brain, like the hippocampus.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 1, 2023·6 min read

Hippocampal Neurons Hold Key to Social Recognition

Using a new experimental paradigm in mice, the study showed that the CA1 region plays an essential role in individual recognition.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 27, 2023·4 min read

GPS of the Brain: Marmoset Gaze Reveals New Insights into Spatial Navigation

Researchers have discovered that the common marmoset, a diurnal primate, navigates its surroundings differently from previously studied rats, reflecting its unique ecological adaptations. Marmosets use visual cues, relying on rapid head-gaze shifts while stationary, and minimize head movements while navigating. In contrast, rats use low-velocity head movements and tactile whisker explorations.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·May 22, 2023·5 min read

Brain’s Computational Flexibility Unveiled by Neuronal Diversity

Neurons in the hippocampus vary in function depending on their exact genetic identity. The study revealed these neurons, once believed to be homogeneous, are quite diverse and encode task-related information differently based on their location.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2023·5 min read

Glutamate Imbalance Impairs Hippocampus, Leading to Psychosis

People with a genetic risk for psychosis have an imbalance of glutamate and GABA neurotransmitters in their brains, specifically in the hippocampus.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 9, 2023·3 min read

AI Emulates Brain’s Memory Replay, Uncovering How We Learn

Scientists have made strides in uncovering the mechanisms underlying memory formation and consolidation in the brain during rest or sleep. Their research focuses on the role of the hippocampus, a brain region important for memory, and its place cells which "replay" neuronal sequences. A team of scientists built an artificial intelligence model to better understand these processes, discovering that sequences of experiences are prioritized during replay based on familiarity and rewards. The AI agent was found to learn spatial information more effectively when replaying these prioritized sequences, offering valuable insight into the way our brains learn and process information.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 29, 2023·7 min read

Accelerated Aging: Study Turns Young Mice Old in a Matter of Weeks

Researchers inhibited somatostatin interneurons in a subregion of the hippocampus, inducing aging-related cellular and behavioral changes. This study establishes a causal link between reduced interneuron function and cognitive decline, offering a new model for studying age-related cognitive disorders.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 27, 2023·6 min read

Researchers Discover Protein That May Help Resist Dementia Despite Plaque Buildup

Researchers have discovered a protein, neuritin, that is associated with cognitive resilience to Alzheimer’s disease and may delay cognitive decline. This protein helps retain neuronal connections, even when toxic substances such as amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles that cause Alzheimer's try to break them down.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 21, 2023·4 min read

Key Protein of Hippocampal Neurogenesis Discovered

The protein Yap1 plays a key role in the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus. However, tight regulation of Yap1 activity is essential as dysregulation causes the disruption of tissue seen in glioblastoma brain cancer.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 18, 2023·4 min read

Exercise Boosts Brain Health With Chemical Signals

Chemical signals released by muscles during exercise promote neural development in the brain, researchers report.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 17, 2023·5 min read

A Brain Model Learns to Drive

A new AI model that mimics the neural architecture and connections of the hippocampus is able to alter its synaptic connections as it moves a car-like virtual robot.