FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 20, 2020COVID-19 cytokine storm: Possible mechanism for the deadly respiratory syndromeSARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, enters human cells by attaching to ACE2 and utilizing TMPRSS2. Drugs that block ACE2 or inhibit the enzyme could help treat the coronavirus, but only during early infection. As the infection progresses, SARS-CoV-2 becomes engulfed in human cells, reducing the number of ACE2 receptors on a cell and leading to an increase of angiotensin II in the blood. Angiotensin II triggers an inflammatory pathway, providing a positive feedback cycle, named IL-6 amplifier, resulting in excessive immune activation and the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 2, 2019New brain mechanisms regulating body weight identified: Rodent studyInterleukin-6 interacts with leptin in the lateral parabrachial nucleus to reduce food intake. Reducing IL-6 in the IPBL increases weight gain and could help explain why some are more prone to overeating and obesity. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologypain·April 8, 2019Migraine-linked protein exhibits sex-specific pain effectsCGRP, a protein associated with migraine pain, appears to act differently between sexes. Researchers say a female-specific mechanism of downstream CGRP receptor activation is likely to contribute to the higher prevalence of migraine in women. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 27, 2018How Exercise Reduces Belly Fat in HumansAccording to researchers, interleukin 6 plays a critical role in how exercise helps to reduce body fat. Read More
artificial intelligencedeep learningFeaturedNeuroscience·April 9, 2018Study Confirms Inflammation During Pregnancy is Linked to Baby’s Brain DevelopmentA new study confirms previous findings that link inflammation during pregnancy to altered brain development in children. Researchers have created a machine learning algorithm that can predict the long term neurodevelopmental impact of MIA. Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 10, 2017iPSCs Show Astrocyte-Neuron Impact on Brain Pathology in AutismA new study in Biological Psychiatry reports researchers discovered astrocytes may contribute to the cause of ASD. The findings could help to develop new treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·October 18, 2017Inflamed Support Cells Appear to Contribute to Some Kinds of AutismA new study demonstrates astrocytes play a role in certain subtypes of autism spectrum disorder. Read More
FeaturedNeurology·June 6, 2016Researchers Detail Link Between Stress and DiabetesResearchers report they have established a link between emotional stress and diabetes. Read More
FeaturedOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·February 25, 2016Immunotherapy May Improve Cognition in People With SchizophreniaA small study supports the mounting evidence that targeted immunotherapy can help improve cognitive ability in people with schizophrenia. Read More
FeaturedPsychology·January 26, 2016Monoclonal Antibody Shows Promise for Reducing Memory and Learning Problems in SchizophreniaResearchers report a monoclonal antibody that shows promise in the fight against cancer also appears to help reduce learning and memory problems associated with schizophrenia. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 11, 2016New Evidence For Immune System PlasticityA new study reports researchers have developed a method to influence long term memory formation in the immune system. Read More
Autism·February 14, 2012Undergrad’s Work Details Protein’s Role in Neurological DisordersStudent and prof. study suspected link to hyper-excitability factors in epilepsy, autism and more. A UT Dallas undergraduate’s research is... Read More
