AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 3, 2025·6 min readMicroRNAs Guide Purkinje Cell Growth, Shedding Light on Autism LinksA new study reveals that microRNAs—tiny regulators of gene expression—play a crucial role in shaping Purkinje cells, rare brain neurons linked to movement and neurodevelopmental disorders. Using advanced genetic tools, researchers showed that disabling microRNAs during specific developmental windows impaired the cells’ growth and ability to form key connections.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·December 17, 2022·5 min readOctopuses May Link Evolution of Complex Life to Genetic ‘Dark Matter’Findings support the theory that microRNAs are essential for the development and evolution of intelligent life.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 12, 2022·3 min readBPA Exposure of the Placenta Could Affect Fetal Brain DevelopmentDirect transmission of BPA from a pregnant woman to her child via the placenta may have a negative impact on fetal brain development, researchers report.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·October 11, 2021·5 min readWarning Signs for Dementia in the BloodResearchers say levels of microRNA in the blood may be a reliable new biomarker for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment and other forms of dementia.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 13, 2020·7 min readTiny RNA that should attack coronavirus diminish with age and diseaseMicroRNAs that should attack SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, diminish with age, and due to chronic health problems. The findings shed light on why those who are older, and those with health conditions are more susceptible to coronavirus.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 12, 2020·3 min readAre your children sleeping enough? New blood test might hold the answerExamining microRNA from a simple blood test can help determine whether your child is getting enough sleep.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·November 12, 2019·3 min readSmall RNAs link immune system and brain cellsFindings show sex-specific baizes in gene expression changes and demonstrate cellular control mechanisms based on microRNA change. The study sheds new light on genetic and neurological changes associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·July 30, 2019·4 min readThe surprising link between a babies’ weeble-wobble and the genetics of motor controlA new fruit fly study reveals a simple genetic system is behind complex movements. The finding sheds light on motor control issues associated with neurodegenerative diseases.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·June 19, 2019·4 min readOvercoming PTSD: Study reveals memory disruption drug targetLevels of a key molecule are elevated in the amygdala of both humans and mouse models of PTSD. The microRNA, mir-135b-5p, may be a novel biomarker for treating the disorder.Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 25, 2019·4 min readThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to Defeating GlioblastomaResearchers have developed a new approach that uses microRNA in combination with chemotherapy to help treat glioblastoma brain cancer. In preclinical models, the approach increases survival of the deadly brain cancer five fold.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·December 14, 2018·3 min readA Role For MicroRNAs in Social BehaviorResearchers report on how a microRNA cluster associated with the regulation of synaptic strength plays a role in controlling social behaviors in mammals.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·November 5, 2018·4 min readMaster Key Gene Has Links to ASD and SchizophreniaResearchers implicate MIR-137 as a potential causal factor in schizophrenia and ASD.Read More
