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microglia

·October 21, 2019·3 min read

Pregnancy stress triggers immune response that may contribute to postpartum depression

Chronic stress during pregnancy increases neuroinflammation. The immune changes may create circumstances in the brain, which increase susceptibility to postnatal depression.

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·October 21, 2019·4 min read

Immune cells rewire and repair the brain while we sleep

Microglia play a critical role in reorganizing neural connections, fighting infections, and repairing damage to neurons while we sleep.

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·October 1, 2019·3 min read

A brain protein that could put the brakes on Alzheimer’s

Reducing the expression of the protein TOM1 in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease increased the pathology, exacerbated cognitive problems, and raised levels of inflammation in the brain. Restoring TOM1 reversed the effects. Findings suggest a new therapeutic target for treating dementia.

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·September 27, 2019·8 min read

Common nutrient supplement choline may hold the answers to combating Alzheimer’s

Taking dietary choline supplements may help to protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease. Choline reduces the activation of microglia which, when overactivated, contribute to neuroinflammation and apoptosis associated with Alzheimer's. Choline also helps block the production of amyloid plaques.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 16, 2019·4 min read

Alzheimer’s disease risk gene APOE4 impairs function of brain immune cells

APOE4 increases the inflammatory response of human microglia while reducing cellular migration. The gene also impairs the metabolic activity of the immune cells. The findings show APOE4 has a profound impact on the basic functions of microglia.

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·September 13, 2019·3 min read

Acute cerebellar inflammation and hyperexcitability induces ‘depression-like’ behavior

Acute inflammation of the anterior cerebellum resulted in depression-like symptoms in rodent models. Suppressing microglia helped reduce hyperexcitability and symptoms of depression.

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·August 30, 2019·4 min read

Creation of new brain cells plays an underappreciated role in Alzheimer’s disease

Microglia may play a significant role in disrupting neurogenesis in those with Alzheimer's disease. When mice were given drugs which caused microglial cells to die, neurogenesis returned to normal.

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·August 21, 2019·3 min read

Link between brain immune cells and Alzheimer’s disease development identified

The brain's immune cells may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Turning off microglia in specific areas of the brain prevented the formation of amyloid plaques. The findings could help pave the way for new treatments for Alzheimer's.

This shows astrocyte in the corpus callosum

Featured Neuroscience

·August 19, 2019·6 min read

Study identifies type of brain cell involved in stuttering

In mice genetically engineered to carry human stuttering mutations, vocalization defects are derived from abnormalities in astrocytes in the corpus callosum.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 16, 2019·3 min read

Gut microbes protect against neurologic damage from viral infections

A healthy and diverse microbiome is essential for quickly clearing viral infections in the nervous system to prevent risks associated with multiple sclerosis. Mice with lower gut bacteria had weaker immune responses and were unable to eliminate viruses, leading to worsening paralysis. Those treated with antibiotics before infection had fewer microglia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 11, 2019·3 min read

Raising eyebrows on neuroinflammation: Surprising role of ‘skin plumping’ hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the human body and a popular additive in cosmetics that boast plumper skin, may be a useful tool in treating neuroinflammation.