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ion channels

·October 29, 2025·5 min read

How the Brain’s Ion Gates Open and Close

New research reveals how tiny electrical gates in the brain, known as NMDA receptors, control learning, memory, and neuron survival. Using cryo-electron microscopy, scientists captured atomic-level images showing how a natural neurosteroid, 24S-HC, holds these channels wide open, while a synthetic compound locks them partially shut.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 7, 2024·5 min read

Addiction Medication Offers New Hope for Long COVID Patients

Researchers identified a potential treatment for long COVID by restoring the function of ion channels in immune cells using low-dose Naltrexone. This discovery, detailed in Frontiers in Immunology, mirrors earlier findings with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients, suggesting a common pathophysiological thread between the two conditions.

This shows two people with loud speakers as head

Auditory Neuroscience Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·July 22, 2022·3 min read

A New Mechanism Responsible for Controlling Auditory Sensitivity

Researchers identified a new mechanism by which auditory sensitivity is regulated. The mechanism can temporarily reduce sensitivity in the auditory system to protect itself from loud sounds that can cause hearing damage.

This shows the structure of Flycatcher1, the protein discussed in the article

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 17, 2022·5 min read

Scientists Reveal How Venus Fly Traps Snaps Shut

Researchers have revealed the 3d structure of the Flycatcher1 protein channel which enables the Venus flytrap to close in response to prey. The findings shed light on how other mechanosensitive ion channels may operate in other plants, bacteria, and the human body.

This shows pyramidal neurons from different animals and a human

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·November 10, 2021·6 min read

A Striking Difference Between Neurons of Humans and Other Mammals

Human neurons have fewer ion channels compared to other animals. The reduced number of ion channels may have allowed the human brain to divert energy to other neural processes, researchers say.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 6, 2021·6 min read

In a Cell-Eat-Cell World Calcium Ions Activate ‘Eat-Me’ Signal in Necrotic Cells

When necrotic cells expose phosphatidylserine on their outer surfaces, and when phagocytes detect it, the phagocytes ingest and destroy the dying cells.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 30, 2021·6 min read

Too Much Salt Suppresses Phagocytes

Too much salt can disrupt the energy balance of immune cells and prevent them from functioning correctly.

This shows the outline of a head and brain

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 14, 2021·4 min read

Toxic Gas in Rat Brains Shows Potential For New Dementia Treatments

Researchers have discovered a potential new way to reduce levels of hydrogen sulfide in rats' brains. Decreasing H2S levels decreases the damage the toxic gas can cause, and ultimately may pave the way for the development of new treatments for dementia and epilepsy.

This shows the odontoblast containing the ion channel

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 27, 2021·5 min read

How Teeth Sense the Cold

The ion channel TRPC5 acts as a molecular cold sensor in teeth. Researchers report the TRPC5 could be a new target to help treat pain from toothaches and cold sensitivity.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 3, 2021·6 min read

Researchers Identify Brain Ion Channel as New Approach to Treating Depression

Ezogabine, a drug that opens up the KCNQ2/3 type potassium channel, significantly improved symptoms of depression and anhedonia.

This is a graphic abstract from the study

Featured Neuroscience

·April 11, 2020·5 min read

Ion channel VRAC enhances immune response against viruses

Findings suggest cell-to-cell transmission of cGAMP via LRRC8/VRAC ion channels is central to effective antiviral immunity.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 18, 2020·4 min read

Ball-and-chain inactivation of ion channels visualized by cryo-electron microscopy

Ion channels use a "ball-and-chain" mechanism to help regulate ion flow. Findings confirm a long-standing hypothesis about ion channels and provide key advances in understanding the basic biological processes at work.

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