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neurobiology

The image shows a comparative brain PET scan of a person with alzheimer's and one without the disease.

·February 20, 2013·6 min read

Genome-Wide Imaging Study Identifies New Gene Associated with Alzheimer’s Plaques

Researchers combined genetic data with neuroimaging in order to identify genes associated with amyloid plaque deposits in Alzheimer's disease patients. The study is believed to be the first genome-wide association study of plaque deposits using a specialized PET scan tracer that binds to amyloid.

The image shows brain scans of Alzheimer's patients.

Featured Neurology

·February 19, 2013·2 min read

It’s Not Just Amyloid: White Matter Hyperintensities and Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study suggest that along with amyloid deposits, white matter hyperintensities may be a second necessary factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The image shows a chart of the activation and antagonists of NMDA receptors.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·February 19, 2013·2 min read

Rewriting a Receptor’s Role

Researchers upend a long-held view about the basic functioning of a key receptor molecule involved in signaling between neurons. The study describes how a compound linked to Alzheimer's disease impacts NMDA receptors and weakens synaptic connections between brain cells.

The image is a pencil drawing of the hippocampus.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 19, 2013·3 min read

Reading the Minds of Mice

Researchers recently developed a system for observing real-time brain activity in a live mouse. The device could prove useful in studying new treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The image shows a participant sitting in the motorized chair, as described in the article.

Featured Neurology

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Our Primitive Reflexes May be More Sophisticated Than They Appear

Our "primitive" reflexes could involve more sophisticated brain function that originally thought, according to a new study.

The image shows a participant undergoing an eye tracking experiment.

Featured Psychology

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Eye Movements Reveal Impaired Reading in Schizophrenia

A new study which looked at eye movement in patients with Schizophrenia provides evidence of difficulties in reading fluency. The findings could help to provide early identification of the mental illness for some individuals.

The image is a drawing which outlines what happens to the brain when concussion occurs.

Featured Neurology

·February 18, 2013·3 min read

Evidence Shows Concussions Require Long-Term Follow-up for Players

New research into concussions sustained during sports shows damage to the brain can persist for decades after an original or head trauma. The long-term consequences of concussions include memory loss, attention deficits and motor control problems.

The image shows lead researcher Paolo Macciarini performing surgery.

Featured Genetics

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Stem Cell Based Bioartificial Tissues and Organs

Known for successfully transplanting a bioengineered stem cell-based trachea, surgeon Paolo Macchiarini plans to use his technique to recreate more complex tissue. He has recently made attempts to regenerate brain tissue in rats and mice.

The image shows the MS-OISI images of the cortical surface. The caption best explains the image.

Featured Neurology

·February 18, 2013·5 min read

Shedding New Light on Infant Brain Development

Researchers find the infant brain does not control its blood flow in the same way as the adult brain. The findings could change the way researchers study brain development in infants and children.

The image shows a brain scan of a person with Behcet's disease.

Featured Genetics

·February 15, 2013·3 min read

Researchers Uncover New Findings on Genetic Risks of Behçet’s Disease

Researchers identify regions of genes linked to Behçet’s disease, a poorly understood condition that causes painful and serious symptoms, including ulcers and brain inflammation. The study identified novel gene variants in the inflammatory disorder and uncovered data that could apply to studies of other diseases.

Featured

·February 15, 2013·2 min read

Nanomachines for Bionic Proteins

Researchers developed nanomachines which recreate principal activities of proteins. They present the first versatile and modular example of a fully artificial protein-mimetic model system.

The image shows a PET scan of a brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 15, 2013·2 min read

Neuronal Activity Induces Tau Release from Healthy Neurons

Researchers discover neuronal activity can stimulate tau release from healthy neurons in the absence of cell death. The study shows treatment of neurons with known biological signaling molecules increases the release of tau into the culture medium.