Astrocytes Have an Unexpected Role in Brain Plasticity
A new study reports a protein made by astrocytes plays a critical role in brain plasticity by assisting with neural maturation and flexibility.... Read More...
neurogenesis
Hippocampus Yields Clues to Treatment Strategies for Cognitive Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers report hippocampal plasticity can be improved by aerobic exercise and memory retraining for those with MS.... Read More...
Previous Motherhood Could Affect Hormone Therapy’s Ability to Prevent Memory Loss
A new study reports mother rats who received hormone replacement therapy responded worse to memory and spatial learning tasks than those who had not given birth. Researchers suggest a woman's reproductive history could impact how the brain responds to hormones later in life.... Read More...
Implantable, Biodegradable Device Speeds Up Neural Regeneration: Rat Study
WUSTL researchers have developed a new, implantable and biodegradable device that delivers pulses of electrical activity to damaged peripheral nerves in rats, helping the animals to regrow nerves and improve nerve function.... Read More...
Amputation Injury is Communicated to Opposing Limbs
Researchers report that following amputation of one limb, the bioelectrical properties are immediately reflected in the undamaged, opposing limb.... Read More...
Thousands of DNA Changes in Developing Brain Revealed by Machine Learning
Researchers have developed a new single cell analysis, combined with machine learning, to detect CNVs smaller than one million base pairs. The study reports genetic changes peak midway through brain development.... Read More...
Even Mild Physical Activity Immediately Improves Memory Function
A new study reports participating in light physical activity, such as yoga or tai chi, can help to increase connectivity between brain areas responsible for memory formation and storage.... Read More...
Exercise Generates New Neurons and Improves Cognition in Alzheimer’s: Mouse Study
Researchers report exercise can promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis and improve cognition in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The study identifies ways to mimic the beneficial effects of experience through pharmacological and gene therapy. ... Read More...
An Early Recipe for Rewiring Spinal Cords
A new study reveals reverting neurons to an early growth state can help reconnect severed spinal cord nerves in rodent models of SCI.... Read More...
An Ion Channel Differentiates Newborn and Mature Neurons in the Adult Brain
Researchers report newborn granule cells in the dentate gyrus become less excitable after three weeks. The loss of excitability is crucial for the functioning of mature neurons.... Read More...
Rewiring the Brain to Fight Epilepsy
Sema4D not only reduces the severity of seizures in mouse models of epilepsy, it also helps to increase the number of inhibitory synapses in the brains of the animals, researchers report. ... Read More...
Alzheimer’s Risk Gene Impairs Neurogenesis: Mouse Study
A new mouse study finds APOE genes, commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, impairs the development of new neurons in areas of the brain associated with memory.... Read More...