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neuropharmacology

·December 11, 2019·7 min read

Rave new world: Scientists pry apart party drug’s therapeutic, addictive qualities

Researchers have distinguished two different molecular pathways responsible for addiction and the prosocial feelings generated by MDMA. The findings could lead to novel treatments for psychiatric disorders marked by withdrawal and social awkwardness.

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·December 10, 2019·4 min read

Alzheimer’s drug candidates reverse broader aging

CMS121 and J147, two drug candidates that improve memory and slow neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease, also slow aging in healthy, older mice. The compounds block damage to neurons caused by general aging and restore levels of specific molecules to those seen in younger animals.

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·December 4, 2019·6 min read

Drugs that quell brain inflammation reverse dementia

A synthesized small-molecule drug blocks the TGF-beta receptor in astrocytes and traverses the blood-brain barrier in mice. When administered, the drug lowered receptor activity to that seen in younger mice and reduced inflammation. The aged mice were able to navigate mazes and learn spatial tasks as well as younger mice.

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·November 26, 2019·5 min read

One shot of ketamine could reduce problem drinking

A single shot of ketamine administered to heavy drinkers following reactivation of their drinking memories led to a rapid decrease in the urge to drink. The effect lasted for over nine months.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 21, 2019·7 min read

Scientists find promising drug combination against lethal childhood brain cancers

Researchers have discovered a pair of drugs that work together to kill cancer cells and counter genetic mutations that cause diffuse midline gliomas.

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·November 12, 2019·4 min read

Potential vitamin and Alzheimer’s drug produced in yeast

Researchers were able to produce 0.6 grams of ergothioneine, a natural amino acid that has promising effects on Alzheimer's disease in animal studies, per liter of yeast broth via a small scale fermentation process.

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·November 7, 2019·1 min read

Study provides insights on the effects of cannabidiol on severe form of epilepsy

The effect cannabidiol has on Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may be explained by the drug-drug interaction between CBD and anti-seizure medication.

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·October 24, 2019·3 min read

Mindfulness meditation enhances positive effects of psilocybin

Mindful meditation enhances the positive effects of a single dose of psilocybin by increasing empathy and reducing egocentricity.

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Auditory Neuroscience Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 23, 2019·5 min read

Drug combination reverses hypersensitivity to noise

Summary: Treating mouse models of autism with modafinil and EBIO reduced hypersensitivity to noise. Source: MIT People with autism often...

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 21, 2019·4 min read

New therapeutic strategy may help reverse autism behavioral abnormalities

Genetically silencing mTORC2 in mouse models prolonged lifespan, suppressed seizures, increased long-term memory, and reduced autism-like behaviors.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 15, 2019·3 min read

Researchers discover potential therapy to treat detrimental effects of marijuana

Prenatal exposure to THC makes dopamine neurons hyperactive and increases the sensitivity to the behavioral effects of the compound during pre-adolescence. This may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. However, treatment with pregnenolone, a drug under clinical trials for ASD, cannabis use disorder, and schizophrenia, appears to correct the brain abnormalities and behavioral problems associated with prenatal cannabis exposure.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·October 10, 2019·6 min read

Brain mechanisms have potential to block arthritis pain

Researchers discover the amygdala is a critical site of action for pain modulation. An existing compound, LY379268, provides pain-relieving effects and helps to reduce anxiety.