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neurogenesis

The image shows a chalk outline of a human head surrounded by question marks.

·February 21, 2013·2 min read

Neuroscientist Sheds Light on Cause for ‘Chemo Brain’

A new study argues that prolonged chemotherapy decreases the development of new brain cells, and disrupts ongoing brain rhythms in the part of the brain responsible for making new memories.

The image shows Newborn neurons in the brain of a 3 month old mouse.

Featured Neurology

·February 7, 2013·3 min read

Dickkopf Makes Fountain of Youth in the Brain Run Dry

Scientists have discovered that significantly more neurons are generated in the brains of older animals if the signaling molecule Dickkopf-1 is turned off. The results give rise to the question whether the function of Dickkopf-1 may be turned off using drugs to prevent age related cognitive decline.

Wine from a wine bottle is being poured into a glass.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 24, 2012·2 min read

Researchers Say Daily Drinking Can Be Risky

Drinking a couple of glasses of wine each day has generally been considered a good way to promote cardiovascular and brain health. A new study indicates there is a fine line between moderate and binge drinking - a risky behavior that can decrease the making of adult brain cells by as much as 40 percent.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 21, 2012·4 min read

Research Identifies Protein that Regulates Key Fate Decision in Cortical Progenitor Cells

Researchers solved an important piece of one of neuroscience's outstanding puzzles: how progenitor cells in the developing mammalian brain reproduce themselves while also giving birth to neurons that will populate the emerging cerebral cortex, the seat of cognition and executive function in the mature brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 24, 2012·2 min read

Astrocytes Control the Generation of New Neurons from Neural Stem Cells

Neuroscience researchers show how astrocytes control the generation of new neurons in the brain. “In the brain, astrocytes control how many new neurons are formed from neural stem cells and survive to integrate into the existing neuronal networks. Astrocytes do this by secreting specific molecules but also by much less understood direct cell-cell interactions with stem cells”, says Prof. Milos Pekny.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 6, 2012·4 min read

Brain’s Stem Cells Eavesdrop to Find Out When to Act

Working with mice, Johns Hopkins researchers say they have figured out how stem cells found in a part of the brain responsible for learning, memory and mood regulation decide to remain dormant or create new brain cells. Apparently, the stem cells “listen in” on the chemical communication among nearby neurons to get an idea about what is stressing the system and when they need to act.

Genetics Neuroethics

·March 9, 2012·2 min read

Genetic Manipulation Boosts Growth of Brain Cells Linked to Learning, Enhances Effects of Antidepressants

Southwestern Medical Center investigators have identified a genetic manipulation that increases the development of neurons in the brain during aging...

Neuroscience

·April 8, 2011·2 min read

Dopamine Controls Formation of New Brain Cells

A study of the salamander brain has led researchers at Karolinska Institutet to discover a hitherto unknown function of the...

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 28, 2011·4 min read

Spinal Cord Regeneration Barriers Removed with Cancer Drug

The researchers claim Taxol was effective in promoting regeneration of injured spinal cord nerve cells in rats following spinal cord lesions. Only a few weeks following the spinal cord lesions and Taxol application, rats showed significant improvement in movements.