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NMDA

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Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·August 26, 2025·6 min read

Blocking a Brain “Death Complex” Slows Alzheimer’s

Scientists have discovered that a toxic complex formed between NMDA receptors and TRPM4 channels drives neuron death in Alzheimer’s disease. Using a novel molecule called FP802, researchers were able to break apart this “death complex” in mice, preventing cognitive decline, synapse loss, and mitochondrial damage.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 20, 2025·5 min read

Newly Found Brain Switch Regulates Synapses, Offers Clues to Autism

A research team has uncovered a molecular "switch" that precisely regulates NMDA receptors, key players in brain communication, by blocking excitatory synapse overactivity. The proteins MDGA2 and EphB2 were found to compete for receptor activation, with MDGA2 acting as a natural inhibitor.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 22, 2025·4 min read

Energy Starvation Triggers Dangerous Glutamate Surges in the Brain

The brain needs constant energy to function, especially for managing neurotransmitter activity. A new study shows that when energy is depleted—such as during a stroke—neurons begin releasing glutamate in abnormal, self-amplifying bursts that can damage nerve cells.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 15, 2024·6 min read

NMDA Stabilizes Brain Activity

Researchers have discovered that the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), known for its role in learning and memory, also stabilizes brain activity by setting baseline neural network activity. This stabilization supports the brain’s adaptability amid constant environmental and physiological changes.

This shows the molecular structure for ketamine.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 14, 2024·7 min read

“Lifesaving” Low-Dose Ketamine Unlocks Rapid Relief for Depression

Researchers have identified how low-dose ketamine alleviates depression by selectively targeting specific NMDA receptors in the brain. Unlike high-dose anesthetic effects, low-dose ketamine binds to lateral grooves on NMDA receptors, enhancing excitatory transmission and long-term synaptic changes.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 21, 2024·8 min read

Ketamine’s Effect on Brain Activity Revealed

A new computational model reveals how ketamine, a widely used anesthetic and antidepressant, affects brain activity. By simulating the drug's interaction with NMDA receptors, the model explains how ketamine alters neuronal firing patterns, leading to altered states of consciousness and potential therapeutic benefits for depression.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 16, 2024·6 min read

GLP-1 and NMDA Targeted Weight-Loss Drug Shows Promise

Researchers have developed a novel weight-loss drug that combines GLP-1 with molecules targeting NMDA receptors in the brain. This "Trojan Horse" approach allows the drug to specifically target the appetite control center, leading to significant weight loss in mice.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 30, 2022·4 min read

Ketamine Found to Increase Brain Noise

By inhibiting NMDA receptors, ketamine increases noise to gamma frequencies in one layer of the thalamic nucleus and one lay of the somatosensory cortex. Findings suggest psychosis may be triggered by an increase in background noise impairing thalamocortical neurons which may be caused by a malfunction in NMDA receptors affecting the balance of inhibition and excitation in the brain.

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Featured Neuroscience

·December 2, 2022·4 min read

How Ketamine Acts as a ‘Switch’ in the Brain

Ketamine alters neural activity in the cerebral cortex, silencing normally active neurons and activating neurons that are normally inactive. The ketamine activity-induced "switch" in brain regions associated with depression may help explain its treatment effects.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 30, 2022·7 min read

Silent Synapses Are Abundant in the Adult Brain

The adult brain contains millions of "silent synapses", or immature connections between neurons that remain inactive until they are required for learning new information and storing new memories.

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Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 16, 2022·6 min read

Modulating NMDA Receptor Activity Is the Key to Successful Treatment of PTSD

NYX-783, a newly discovered drug, helps modulate NMDA receptor function in neurons. The drug appears to be effective at suppressing the return of PTSD symptoms in rodent models.