motor neurons

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motor neurons

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 28, 2020·3 min read

Rat spinal cords control neural function in biobots

Researchers combined intact neurons from a rat's spinal cord with a tissue-engineered 3D muscle system, creating a biohybrid robot, or biobot. After culturing the system for seven days, the motor neurons from the spinal cord produced electrical activity, causing contractions in the artificial muscles and mimicking the behavior of the peripheral nervous system. The findings could have positive implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders that affect motor control.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·March 27, 2020·6 min read

Gene that first slows, then accelerates, progression of ALS in mice identified

The TBK1 gene regulates the disease progression of ALS in mouse models of the neurodegenerative disease. Loss of the TBK1 gene in motor neurons increases SOD1 aggregation and accelerates the onset of the disease.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 4, 2019·4 min read

New insight into motor neuron death mechanisms could be a step toward ALS treatment

When a motor neuron-specific pool of heat shock protein 90 (Hps90) was inhibited, motor neuron apoptosis was triggered.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 30, 2019·4 min read

The surprising link between a babies’ weeble-wobble and the genetics of motor control

A 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 27, 2019·4 min read

ALS patients may benefit from more glucose

Using fruit fly models of ALS, researchers discover neurons given glucose transform the power source into energy, enabling them to survive longer and function better.

This shows baby Arabella Smygov following gene therapy treatment for SMA

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 10, 2019·7 min read

‘Like Looking at a Miracle’: Baby Blossoms Thanks to Gene Therapy For Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Zolgensma, an FDA approved gene therapy, supplements the production of the SMN protein to improve motor neuron function in children with spinal muscular atrophy after just one dose.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 19, 2019·2 min read

Research provides important insight on the brain-body connection

Neurons in the motor cortex of rats fall into two categories, those that are externally focused and relay information to other parts of the body, and those that are internally focused. When inhibition is increased, the externally focused neurons switch to internally focused cells.

This shows tyrobp expression in cells from the spinal cord in ALS

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 7, 2019·5 min read

How ALS progresses on genetic and cellular level revealed by high-res spinal cord study

Changes in gene expression help researchers identify ALS associated pathways and establish the key drivers of motor neuron degeneration in the disease.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·January 15, 2019·5 min read

Potential Therapeutic Target for ALS Revealed

Researchers have identified the gene STMN2 as a novel biomarker and potential drug target for ALS.

Featured Neurology

·November 17, 2018·3 min read

Breakthrough in Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome

Researchers report, in restless leg syndrome, neurons targeting muscles may be responsible.

Featured Neurology Psychology

·September 12, 2018·6 min read

ADHD May Increase Parkinson’s Risk

A new study reports those with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study reveals people with ADHD are twice as likely to develop early onset Parkinson's between the ages of 21-66. Additionally, those who are prescribed stimulant medications to help reduce ADHD symptoms, including Ritalin and Adderal, are at a 6-8 times increased risk of developing Parkinson's.