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microglia

·January 21, 2025·5 min read

Microglia Act Differently in Male and Female Brains

Microglia, the brain’s immune cells, play vital roles in clearing toxins and maintaining neuronal health but can also contribute to neurodegenerative diseases if overactive. New research reveals sex-based differences in how adult male and female microglia respond to the enzyme inhibitor PLX3397, a common tool in microglial research. While male microglia showed the expected depletion, female microglia employed alternative signaling pathways, leading to increased survival.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 17, 2024·4 min read

Microglia Found to Protect Neurons Post-Spinal Cord Injury

Researchers discovered a neuroprotective mechanism in spinal cord injury (SCI) involving microglia, the brain’s immune cells, which could provide new therapeutic targets. Using advanced in vivo imaging, the team revealed that microglia form protective wraps around injured axons, preventing further damage. This interaction, regulated by P2Y12 receptors and sodium channels, sheds light on neuron-glia communication after injury. The study's insights into spinal cord protection could eventually lead to new treatments for SCI and related neurological diseases.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 12, 2024·4 min read

New Target for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Identified

Researchers discovered a druggable target that could prevent autonomic dysfunction after spinal cord injury. The research found that microglia cells control abnormal nerve growth and autonomic reflexes. By depleting microglia in a mouse model, researchers prevented life-threatening complications. This finding could lead to new therapies for spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.

This shows a doctor looking at brain scans.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 3, 2024·6 min read

Immunotherapy Shows Promise as Alzheimer’s Treatment

Researchers unveiled a novel approach to combat Alzheimer’s disease by activating microglia, the brain's immune cells, to devour amyloid beta plaques, a hallmark of the condition. This study highlights the potential of using immunotherapy to not only tackle Alzheimer’s but also other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by harmful protein accumulations.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 20, 2024·4 min read

Microglia Are Key Players in Awakening the Brain Post-Anesthesia

Microglia, the central nervous system's immune cells, are crucial in helping the brain recover from anesthesia. By interacting directly with brain circuits and inhibitory synapses, microglia work to counteract sedation effects, offering new insights into managing post-anesthesia delirium and hyperactivity.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 15, 2023·6 min read

Microglia’s Crucial Role in Human Brain Development

Researchers discovered the essential role of microglia, brain immune cells, in early human brain development by incorporating them into lab-grown brain organoids. This breakthrough allows scientists to understand how microglia influence brain cell growth and development, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of brain development and disorders.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 19, 2023·5 min read

Aging in the Brain: Microglial Changes Differ Between Sexes

Researchers delved into how microglial cells in the brain age and their link to brain dysfunction. Their study, using male and female mice, found surprising sex-based distinctions in microglial aging.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 19, 2023·6 min read

Motherly Love? Immune System Changes May Play a Role

Changes in the immune system during pregnancy, specifically the decrease of immune cells known as microglia, may contribute to the onset of maternal behavior. Depletion of microglia in female rats, who typically dislike being around offspring, led to accelerated care for newborn rats placed in their cages.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 5, 2023·6 min read

Microglia’s Role in Controlling Anxiety and OCD

A new study reveals how microglia can regulate anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (OCSD) behaviors. Traditionally overlooked in favor of neurons, specific microglia populations were found to both stimulate and suppress these behaviors, thus acting as both a "brake" and "accelerator".

Featured Neuroscience

·May 30, 2023·4 min read

Understanding Microglia’s Dual Roles Could Aid Brain Protection

Researchers made a significant discovery regarding microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, and their role in neurodegenerative diseases. They investigated how these cells respond to injury and their change in behavior under specific conditions.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 22, 2023·5 min read

Microglia Less Active in Those With Depression

Researchers have uncovered a crucial link between depression and the immune system. A new study reveals microglial cells, a type of immune cell in the brain, are less active in individuals with depression.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 15, 2023·4 min read

Unique Microglia Subset Crucial for Cognitive Functioning

A new study discovered not all microglia are the same, challenging existing beliefs. A unique subset of these cells, the ARG1+microglia, important for proper cognitive functions, were identified in mice, with evidence suggesting a similar subset exists in humans.

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microglia

Microglia Act Differently in Male and Female Brains

Microglia Found to Protect Neurons Post-Spinal Cord Injury

New Target for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Identified

Immunotherapy Shows Promise as Alzheimer’s Treatment

Microglia Are Key Players in Awakening the Brain Post-Anesthesia

Microglia’s Crucial Role in Human Brain Development

Aging in the Brain: Microglial Changes Differ Between Sexes

Motherly Love? Immune System Changes May Play a Role

Microglia’s Role in Controlling Anxiety and OCD

Understanding Microglia’s Dual Roles Could Aid Brain Protection

Microglia Less Active in Those With Depression

Unique Microglia Subset Crucial for Cognitive Functioning

Why We Are Misjudging How Childhood Trauma Changes the Body

Everyday Habit Changes Lowers Dementia Risk

Legalized Cannabis Does Not Increase Consumption

Disrupted Neuronal Microexons Drive Hyperarousal and Insomnia

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