New insights into how astrocytes help the brain process information
Noradrenaline is essential for astrocytes to respond to local stimulation.... Read More...
neurons
Blue Brain finds how neurons in the mouse neocortex form billions of synaptic connections
Scientists generated statistical instances of the micro-connectome, containing over 10 million neurons. The model spans five orders of magnitude and contains 88 billion synaptic connections.... Read More...
Abnormal expression of genes in psychopathy
Psychopathy is associated with altered expression of genes and immune responses related to molecular pathways. In neurons, the up-regulation of PRL10P9 and ZNF132 and down-regulation of CDG5 and OPRD1 were linked to psychopathic behaviors. The genetic expression explained up to 92% of the variance of psychopathic symptoms. Researchers speculated these genes may be relevant to the lack of empathy and emotional callousness associated with psychopathy, as previous studies have linked a number of these genes to ASD and problematic social behaviors.... Read More...
Scientists advance search for memory’s molecular roots
A new study sheds light on the molecular basis of memory. The study details how the binding sites of CamKII act to align actin fragments, creating bundles that support skeletons of dendritic spines.... Read More...
New method classifies brain cells based on electrical signals
Researchers distinguish between four distinct classes of neurons based on their spiking information.... Read More...
The new field of sonogenetics uses sound waves to control the behavior of brain cells
A new technology known as sonogenetics can control neural activity by using sound frequencies. The technology could be used to non-invasively treat a range of neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.... Read More...
Scientists can now manipulate brain cells using smartphone
A soft neural implant that can be controlled by a smartphone is capable of drug delivery and optogenetics. The technology could speed up efforts to uncover the causes of neurological and psychological disorders.... Read More...
To become, or not to become… a neuron
Bcl6 acts as a driver of neurogenic transition by directly silencing a selection of genes that belong to multiple extrinsic pathways promoting self-renewal. Bcl6 is only expressed in specific subsets of neurons and progenitor cells during brain development.... Read More...
Neuron type that acts as brain’s metronome discovered
A distinct fast-spiking interneuron subtype mediates perceptually relevant brain oscillations, independently of local field potential and sensory drive.... Read More...
Healthy blood vessels may be the answer to Alzheimer’s prevention
Damaged capillaries in the brain may set the stage for the development of Alzheimer's disease, years before symptoms appear.... Read More...
The way a single neuron processes information is never the same
When a neuron receives information, dendrites functionally work together to adjust for the complexity of the input.... Read More...
How a popular antidepressant drug could rewire the brain
Fluoxetine rearranges nerve fibers in the hippocampus of mice, a new study reports. ... Read More...