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Oregon Health and Science University

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 14, 2025·4 min read

Shared Protein Link Found Between Parkinson’s and Cancer

A new study reveals that the protein alpha-synuclein, known for its role in Parkinson’s disease, also contributes to the development of melanoma by promoting excessive DNA repair and cell proliferation. While in neurons, excess alpha-synuclein leads to cell death, in melanoma cells it enables uncontrolled growth by recruiting repair proteins to DNA breaks.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·5 min read

How Evolution Shaped the Brain’s Understanding of Numbers

Human number cognition may be rooted in the putamen, a deep brain structure traditionally associated with movement rather than abstract thought. Neurosurgery patients demonstrated activity in this area while processing numbers as symbols, words, and concepts, suggesting that numerical understanding emerged early in evolution.

This shows a pregnant woman surrounded by smoke.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 7, 2024·7 min read

Combined Cannabis and Nicotine Use Amplifies Pregnancy Risks

A new study highlights the compounded risks of using both cannabis and nicotine during pregnancy. The research reveals that simultaneous use of these substances significantly increases the chances of adverse newborn outcomes, such as preterm delivery, small gestational size, and infant mortality.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 12, 2024·5 min read

Brain Junctions Unlocked

New research unveils the function of a previously little-understood brain junction involving oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). These cells, integral in forming the protective myelin sheath around nerve cells, have been found to form unique synapses with neurons, influencing myelin production.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 19, 2023·3 min read

Xanax’s Efficacy Questioned

Researchers have discovered discrepancies in the efficacy of alprazolam (Xanax XR), a widely prescribed benzodiazepine sedative, when analyzing both published and unpublished clinical trial data. The study found that only one of the five FDA-reviewed trials showed a clearly positive outcome.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 5, 2023·5 min read

Iron Buildup Triggers Cell Death in Alzheimer’s

Researchers identified a new form of cell death, termed ferroptosis, in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. This process involves the destruction of microglia cells—brain immune cells—due to the accumulation of iron.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 6, 2023·6 min read

Prenatal THC Exposure May Risk Lifelong Health

A recent study shows that exposure to THC during pregnancy could significantly affect fetal development, leading to life-long health impacts on offspring. The research discovered that THC exposure altered the placental and fetal epigenome, changes that are consistent with common neurobehavioral conditions like autism spectrum disorder.

This shows a peron's hands and the HIV virus structure.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 25, 2023·8 min read

Stem Cell Transplants May Cure HIV

Researchers reveal two nonhuman primates were cured of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), the monkey form of HIV, after a stem cell transplant. The team identified two circumstances that must coincide for a cure to occur and tracked the sequence in which HIV is cleared from the body. The insights may help develop a widespread cure for HIV, which affects around 38 million people globally.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 21, 2023·4 min read

Pill for Skin Disease Also Curbs Excessive Drinking

Apremilast, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of skin conditions including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, triggers increased activity in the nucleus accumbens, a brain area associated with regulating alcohol intake. Apremilast reduced drinking behaviors in mouse models with a genetic risk of alcohol use disorder.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 20, 2022·3 min read

Insight Into Brain Function and Breakdowns

Study identifies the synaptotagmin-3 (SYT3) protein as a key molecule that allows for synaptic transmission. The findings could help with the development of treatment for a range of neurological disorders including ASD and epilepsy.

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·October 12, 2022·4 min read

Scientists Discover Mechanism of Hearing

For the first time, researchers have captured in near-atomic detail the structure of a key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing. The results could pave the way for developing new treatments for those with hearing impairments.