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Kumamoto University

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 3, 2024·3 min read

RNA Structures Linked to Parkinson’s Protein Aggregates

Researchers have identified unique RNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) that promote harmful α-synuclein protein aggregation linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Elevated calcium levels trigger these G4s, acting as "scaffolds" for α-synuclein clumping. Administering 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to model mice prevented aggregation and reduced motor symptoms. This breakthrough suggests that G4-targeted therapies could offer early intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 18, 2024·3 min read

Key Enzyme Found to Drive Inflammation in Aging Cells

Researchers have discovered that the enzyme ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) plays a critical role in driving the inflammatory process linked to aging, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The study shows that blocking ACLY can reduce the expression of inflammation-related genes in aging cells, opening the door for potential therapies to combat age-related diseases like dementia and atherosclerosis.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 27, 2024·3 min read

Enzyme Key to Brain Function and Synapse Health Discovered

A new study reveals that the absence of the TRMT10A enzyme disrupts tRNA levels, leading to impaired protein synthesis and brain function. Researchers found that mice lacking the Trmt10a gene had decreased levels of key tRNAs, which affected neuronal synapses and cognitive abilities.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 16, 2023·4 min read

Matcha Tea Powder Has Antidepressant-Like Effects

Researchers say Matcha, a traditional Japanese tea, can help boost mood and mental performance. Match tea powder activates dopaminergic neural networks and improves depressive symptoms in mice that previously experienced stress as a result of social isolation.

This shows the outline of a head and a question mark

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 19, 2023·4 min read

Exploring the Effect of an Autism-Associated Mutation on Protein Movements

The autism-associated TOP2B H58Y genetic mutation was significantly less mobile than the TOP2B WT mutation. Researchers say TOP2B H58Y's retrained movement is mediated by ATPase activity.

This shows the chemical structures of the four different molecules

Featured Neuroscience

·July 14, 2021·4 min read

Compound Derived From Turmeric Essential Oil Has Neuroprotective Properties

Aromatic turmerone, a compound derived from turmeric essential oil, and its derivatives directly affect dopamine neurons to generate neuroprotective properties in tissue culture models of Parkinson's disease.

This shows the location of the amygdala in the brain

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 10, 2020·5 min read

Amygdala Changes in Male Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Study uncovers DNA hypermethylation is responsible for reduced amygdala volume in male patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 17, 2020·3 min read

New nanocarrier drug delivery technology crosses the blood-brain barrier

Researchers have developed a cyclic peptide that can enhance blood-brain barrier penetration.

This shows a drawing of a mouse and photo of Matcha extract

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 9, 2019·3 min read

Research shows that drinking Matcha tea can reduce anxiety

Matcha tea can help reduce anxiety, a new study reports. Mice given Match extract showed a reduction in anxious behaviors. The calming effects are a result of Matcha activating dopamine and serotonin receptors.

a diagram of people sitting next to eachother

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 7, 2018·4 min read

Your Brain Considers Other People’s Personal Space as Your Own

A new study reveals people respond to stimuli in another person's peripersonal space as they could their own.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 6, 2018·4 min read

A Typical Communication Pattern of People with Alzheimer’s

Researchers provide a statistical analysis of 'saving appearance responses' in patients with dementia. The study reveals the SAR responses are particularly common in those with Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 22, 2017·3 min read

Early Stages of Dementia Reduce Human Face Memorization Ability

Kumamoto University researchers reveal people with MCI have a harder time memorizing human faces that their aging peers without the disorder. Additionally, researchers note, those with mild cognitive impairment express different gaze behavior while trying to memorize a face.

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Kumamoto University

RNA Structures Linked to Parkinson’s Protein Aggregates

Key Enzyme Found to Drive Inflammation in Aging Cells

Enzyme Key to Brain Function and Synapse Health Discovered

Matcha Tea Powder Has Antidepressant-Like Effects

Exploring the Effect of an Autism-Associated Mutation on Protein Movements

Compound Derived From Turmeric Essential Oil Has Neuroprotective Properties

Amygdala Changes in Male Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

New nanocarrier drug delivery technology crosses the blood-brain barrier

Research shows that drinking Matcha tea can reduce anxiety

Your Brain Considers Other People’s Personal Space as Your Own

A Typical Communication Pattern of People with Alzheimer’s

Early Stages of Dementia Reduce Human Face Memorization Ability

Most Daily Actions Run on Habit, Not Conscious Choice

Prenatal Endocannabinoid Disruption Impacts Brain Wiring, Behavior

Oral Bacteria May Trigger Parkinson’s Disease

Brain Waves Hand Off Visual Signals Across Hemispheres

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