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mitochondria

·August 13, 2020·4 min read

Becoming a Nerve Cell: Timing Is of the Essence

Mitochondria regulate how neural stem cells become neurons during brain development. The findings may help explain how humans developed larger brains during evolution and how mitochondrial defects lead to some neurodevelopmental disorders.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 22, 2020·6 min read

Neural Vulnerability in Huntington’s Disease Tied to Release of Mitochondrial RNA

In both human cell and mouse models of Huntington's disease, RNA from mitochondria was misplaced within spiny projection neurons. The stray RNAs, which looked different to cells than RNA derived from the cell nucleus, trigger an immune reaction that can lead to striatal cell type vulnerability.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 8, 2020·4 min read

Astrocytes Shed Light on the Link Between Cannabis Use and Sociability

Exposing mice to THC, researchers noted persistent activation of mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors located within astrocytes resulted in a cascade of molecular processing that led to dysfunctional glucose metabolism. The ability of astrocytes to transform glucose into "food" for neurons was reduced. The reduction resulted in a compromise in neural function, with a harmful impact on behavior. Specifically, social interactions were reduced for 24 hours post cannabis exposure.

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 24, 2020·5 min read

Protein in mitochondria appears to regulate health and longevity

Humanin, a peptide encoded in mitochondria, appears to have a beneficial impact on both health and longevity in both humans and animals. Higher levels of humanin in the body are associated with longer life spans and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 3, 2020·4 min read

Boosting energy levels within damaged nerves may help them heal

Enhancing mitochondrial transportation and cellular energetics could help promote regeneration and function following spinal cord injury.

Electrophysiology Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 12, 2020·4 min read

Neurons’ energy organelle protected from damage linked to ALS & Alzheimer’s

Researchers have identified a set of drug-like compounds, including a common ingredient in throat lozenges, that can help protect mitochondria from the stresses associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 7, 2020·3 min read

Cancer-like metabolism makes brain grow

The ARHGAP11B protein located in mitochondria induces a metabolic pathway, similar to the characteristics of cancer cells, in brain stem cells, resulting in brain development.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 11, 2019·4 min read

New genetic link found for some forms of SIDS

Researchers tie some cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with a genetic mutation that causes an inability to process milk, leaving the child vulnerable to sudden heart failure. Future studies will explore if a drug called Elamipretide can help reduce cardiac events in children with the mutation.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 9, 2019·3 min read

High-fat diets affect your brain, not just your physical appearance

High-fat diets are not only bad for your waistline, they are also bad for your brain health. A new study reveals high-fat diets contribute to hypothalamic inflammation which occurs long before symptoms of obesity arise.

The gut and brain are highlighted in this drawing of a man

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 17, 2019·5 min read

Bacterial intestinal infections may trigger Parkinson’s disease

Mice infected with bacteria that cause mild intestinal infections exhibited Parkinson's like symptoms later in life. The findings provide a pathophysiological model in which intestinal infections may act as a trigger for Parkinson's disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·July 15, 2019·4 min read

The human microbiome is a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked

Understanding the complexity of the human microbiome may help unlock mysteries behind health and psychological illnesses.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·July 15, 2019·5 min read

Differences in MS patients’ cerebrospinal fluid may be key to drugs that halt progression

Ceramide exposure impairs the ability for neurons to make energy by directly damaging mitochondria. Additionally, ceramides force neurons to rapidly uptake glucose in order to provide cellular energy.