Manipulating a Single Gene Defines a New Pathway to Anxiety
According to a new PLOS Biology study, removing the Lef1 gene in mice and zebrafish disrupts the development of hypothalamus neurons that affects anxiety. ... Read More...
neurogenesis
CRISPR Advances Autism Research
Using CRISPR gene editing technology, researchers target the Shank3 gene in monkey embryos. Research backs previous findings of the importance of the Shank3 gene for brain development and its role in autism.... Read More...
Therapeutic Cocktail Could Restore Motor Skills after Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a therapeutic cocktail of molecules that restored fine motor skills in mice with spinal cord injuries. When applied to mice who had experienced stroke symptoms, researchers observed increased axon sprouting in subcortical areas.... Read More...
Adult Brains Produce New Cells in Previously Undiscovered Area
University of Queensland researchers report they have discovered evidence of neurogenesis in the amygdala. Researchers say their findings could help develop new avenues of treatment for fear processing disorders.... Read More...
Two Genes Help Older Brain Gain New Cells
A new study reveals the role two Pumilio genes, PUM1, and PUM2, play in the creation of new neurons in the dentate gyrus.... Read More...
Brain Cells Found to Control Aging
A new Nature study reports hypothalamic neural stem cell decline accelerates as a result of aging. Introducing new stem cells into the brains of old mice slowed and reversed various measures of aging. ... Read More...
Risk for Bipolar Disorder Associated with Faster Aging
A new study in Neuropsychopharmacology reveals an association between faster aging and bipolar depression. Researchers discovered those with bipolar disorder who did not take lithum had shorter telomere length than those with the disorder who took the medication. The study suggests reduced telomere length could reduce hippocampal neurogenesis, increasing the risk for mood disorders.... Read More...
Lunatic Fringe Gene Plays Key Role in the Renewable Brain
A new study in eLife reports lunatic fringe genes mediates a mechanism that preserves neural stem cells, so they can form new neurons throughout life. The findings, researchers say, have far-reaching implications for the study of neurogenesis.... Read More...
Chew On This: Reduced Mastication Impairs Memory and Learning Function
Researchers find changes in masticatory stimuli can modulate neurogenesis and hippocampal function. Published in the Journal of Dental Research, findings reveal reduced mastication impaired learning and memory function in mice.... Read More...
Drug Restores Cells and Memories in Alzheimer’s: Mouse Study
A new drug has proven effective at restoring memories and neural connections in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The new drug was originally developed as a treatment for Schizophrenia. While the drug does not destroy amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's, it does allow the plaques to co-exist with neurons.... Read More...
Motor Neuron Disease Discovery Offers New Insights into Potential Treatment Targets
A new study sheds light on how some forms of motor neuron disease begins and progresses at a cellular level.... Read More...
Plasma Membrane Protein May Help Generate New Neurons in Adult Hippocampus
A plasma membrane protein affects the generation of new neurons in the adult hippocampus, a new study reports.... Read More...