Dopamine in the cerebellum helps regulate social behaviors via its action on D2 receptors. Changes in D2 levels in Purkinje cells alter sociability and preference for social novelty without affecting motor function.
Researchers have identified 75 regions of the genome associated with Alzheimer's disease, including 42 novel regions. The findings shed new light on the biological mechanisms of Alzheimer's and provide a new avenue for the treatment of this neurodegenerative disorder.
Study reveals the role astrocytes play in the crucial closing period of brain plasticity following birth. The findings could help in the development of strategies to reintroduce plasticity in the adult brain.
Exposing mice to THC, researchers noted persistent activation of mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors located within astrocytes resulted in a cascade of molecular processing that led to dysfunctional glucose metabolism. The ability of astrocytes to transform glucose into "food" for neurons was reduced. The reduction resulted in a compromise in neural function, with a harmful impact on behavior. Specifically, social interactions were reduced for 24 hours post cannabis exposure.
Neuroimaging study finds the resurgence of intrusive images and thoughts could be linked to a dysfunction in brain networks implicated in controlling memory.
Researchers have identified a population of neurons that appear to be responsible for muscle paralysis during REM sleep.
