FeaturedNeuroscience·February 19, 2013·5 min readEngineering Control Theory Helps Create Dynamic Brain ModelsModels of the human brain, patterned on engineering control theory, could assist researchers control neurological diseases, according researcher who is using mathematical models of neuron networks from which more complex brain models emerge.Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeuroscience·February 19, 2013·2 min readRewriting a Receptor’s RoleResearchers upend a long-held view about the basic functioning of a key receptor molecule involved in signaling between neurons. The study describes how a compound linked to Alzheimer's disease impacts NMDA receptors and weakens synaptic connections between brain cells.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 19, 2013·3 min readReading the Minds of MiceResearchers recently developed a system for observing real-time brain activity in a live mouse. The device could prove useful in studying new treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 15, 2013·2 min readNeuronal Activity Induces Tau Release from Healthy NeuronsResearchers discover neuronal activity can stimulate tau release from healthy neurons in the absence of cell death. The study shows treatment of neurons with known biological signaling molecules increases the release of tau into the culture medium.Read More
AutismFeatured·February 14, 2013·4 min readBehavioral Therapy for Children With Autism Can Impact Brain FunctionUsing fMRI for before-and-after analysis, a team of researchers discovered positive changes in brain activity in children with autism who received a particular type of behavioral therapy.Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeatured·February 13, 2013·2 min readScientists Turn Off the Ability to Feel ColdResearchers have isolated chills at a cellular level, identifying the sensory network of neurons in the skin that relays the sensation of cold. By better understanding the specific ways in which we feel sensations, scientists hope to one day develop better pain treatments without knocking out all ability to feel for suffering patients.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·February 7, 2013·4 min readResearchers Uncover Key to Antidepressant ResponseResearchers identify a protein that appears to be the target of both antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive therapy. The experimental results explain how these therapies likely work to relieve depression by stimulating stem cells in the brain to grow and mature.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·February 7, 2013·3 min readExcess Protein Linked to Development of Parkinson’s DiseaseResearchers suggest the overexpression of a protein called alpha-synuclein appears to disrupt vital recycling processes in neurons. The study may have major implications for more fully understanding the causes and mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·February 7, 2013·3 min readDickkopf Makes Fountain of Youth in the Brain Run DryScientists 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.Read More
Featured·February 6, 2013·3 min readInsect Drives Robot to Track Down SmellsIn a new study, a small, two-wheeled robot was driven by a male silkmoth to track down the sex pheromone usually given off by a female mate.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·February 5, 2013·3 min readStudy Confirms No Transmission of Alzheimer’s Proteins Between HumansWhile evidence suggests pathological proteins linked to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders are capable of spreading from cell-to-cell within the brains of affected individuals, new research shows no evidence to support concerns that these abnormal disease proteins are “infectious” or transmitted from animals to humans or from one person to another.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·February 4, 2013·2 min readChemical Reaction Keeps Stroke Damaged Brain from Repairing itselfWhen the brain produces too much nitric oxide, it contributes to the severity and progression of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Researchers recently discovered that nitric oxide not only damages neurons, it also shuts down the brain’s repair mechanisms.Read More
