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neurobiology

The image shows a modified schematic of the Circulatory system.

·January 31, 2013·3 min read

Examining the so-called Basque Mutation of Parkinson’s

Researchers examine mutations of the LRRK2 gene and R1441G, known as the Basque mutation, to better understand Parkinson's disease among patients in the Basque Country.

The image shows the atlas activity of the forebrain. The caption describes the image best.

Featured Genetics

·January 31, 2013·5 min read

Genome-Wide Atlas of Gene Enhancers in the Brain On-line

Future research into the underlying causes of neurological disorders such as autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia, should greatly benefit from a first-of-its-kind atlas of gene-enhancers in the cerebrum (telencephalon). This new atlas identifies and locates thousands of gene-regulating elements in a region of the brain that is of critical importance for cognition, motor functions and emotion.

The image shows a schematic structure of Insulin-like growth factor-1.

Autism Featured

·January 31, 2013·4 min read

Researcher Uncovers Potential Cause, Biomarker for Autism and Proposes Study to Investigate Theory

Based on prior findings, researchers propose that depressed levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in the blood of newborns could potentially serve as a biomarker for the later development of autism.

The image shows Dr. Lin Mei , Drs. Yongjun Chen and Chengyong Shen; the researchers involved in this study.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2013·3 min read

Scientists Learn more about how Inhibitory Brain Cells get Excited

New research discovers an early step in how the brain's inhibitory cells get excited. Erbin, a protein critical to brain development, is also crucial for the excitement of inhibitory cells.

The image shows an oligodendrocyte transfected with GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein).

Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2013·2 min read

New Drug Target Identified for Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers report that the protein Klotho plays an important role in the health of myelin, the insulating material allowing for the rapid communication between nerve cells. These findings may lead to new therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

The image shows Courney Miller, the lead researcher for this memory research.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2013·2 min read

Scientists Uncover a Previously Unknown Mechanism of Memory Formation

A recent study indicates microRNAs may play a far more important role in memory formation than previously thought. The research suggests microRNA—miR-182 is involved in developing memory in the amgydala.

The image is a pencil drawing of a head with a colorized computer component brain area.

Featured

·January 30, 2013·2 min read

Engineers Solve a Biological Mystery and Boost Artificial Intelligence

Simulating 25,000 generations of evolution within computers, researchers discover why biological networks tend to be organized as modules, a finding that will lead to a deeper understanding of the evolution of complexity.

Brain image with the basal ganglia and other brain areas.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 30, 2013·2 min read

NIH Study Advances Understanding of Movement Control

Voluntary movements involve the coordinated activation of two brain pathways that connect parts of deep brain structures called the basal ganglia, according to a study in mice.

Cultured cells are shown and described in the caption.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 29, 2013·5 min read

A Better Way to Culture Central Nervous Cells

A protein associated with neuron damage in Alzheimer's patients provides a superior scaffold for growing central nervous system cells in the lab.

The image shows Seth Tomchik, Ph.D, the lead researcher of this study.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 29, 2013·2 min read

Study Shows how Brain Cells Shape Temperature Preferences

A new study shows a complex set of overlapping neuronal circuits works in concert to drive temperature preferences in the fruit fly Drosophila by affecting a single target, a heavy bundle of neurons within the fly brain known as the mushroom body. These nerve bundles play critical roles in learning and memory.

The image shows a stained section of human brain tissue upon acute ischemic stroke.

Featured Neurology

·January 29, 2013·4 min read

Medical Societies Unite on Patient Centered Measures for Nonsurgical Stroke Interventions

Representatives from medical societies created a multispecialty and international consensus on the metrics and benchmarks for processes of care and technical and clinical outcomes for stroke patients.