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pyramidal neurons

·September 7, 2012·3 min read

A Brain Filter for Clear Information Transmission

Frequently, as many as one thousand signals rain down on a single neuron simultaneously. To ensure that precise signals are delivered, the brain possesses a sophisticated inhibitory system. Scientists have now illuminated how this system works.

This shows pyramidal neurons from different animals and a human

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·November 10, 2021·6 min read

A Striking Difference Between Neurons of Humans and Other Mammals

Human neurons have fewer ion channels compared to other animals. The reduced number of ion channels may have allowed the human brain to divert energy to other neural processes, researchers say.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 8, 2020·4 min read

Abnormal neuron activity manifests as parental neglect

Abnormal activation of parvalbumin neurons in the young mouse auditory cortex manifests as a result of maternal neglect.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 19, 2020·5 min read

Altered potassium levels in neurons may cause mood swings in bipolar disorder

Increased potassium currents were responsible for hyperactivity of CA3 neurons. When exposed to potassium channel blockers, the hyperactivity disappeared. However, when exposed to lithium, the drug not only reversed hyperactivity but reduced potassium currents at the same time. The findings strengthen the case that potassium currents play a role in bipolar disorder.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 3, 2017·6 min read

Autism May Reflect Excitation-Inhibition Imbalance in Brain

Reducing the excitation-inhibition ratio by diminishing excitability of pyramidal neurons or increasing excitability of PV neurons led mice to spend more time engaged in social encounters. Researchers believe the excitation-inhibition balance may play a key role in autism and normal social behavior.

The illustration is of pyramidal neurons in a rat's neocortex

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 21, 2019·4 min read

Blue Brain solves a century-old neuroscience problem

A mathematical algorithm developed by the Blue Brain Project can objectively classify different shapes of neurons in the brain. The algorithm has already helped researchers objectively identify 17 types of pyramidal neurons in the somatosensory cortex of a rat.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 13, 2018·2 min read

Brain Circuits that Trigger Fear Relapse Identified

Researchers report connections between the hippocampus and a specific type of neuron in the prefrontal cortex are involved in fear relapse. The findings could help in the development of new treatments for PTSD.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 26, 2019·3 min read

Brain region linked to altered social interactions in autism model

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a critical role in regulating social behaviors. In mouse models of ASD, dysfunction in the ACC was linked to social impairments associated with the disorder.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 9, 2020·4 min read

Brain-doping produced by your own body

Cognitive challenges trigger a slight oxygen deficit in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. This increases the production of erythropoietin (Epo) and its receptors in the active neurons, stimulating neighboring precursor cells to form new neurons and enhancing connectivity.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 13, 2018·4 min read

Brain’s GPS Has a Buddy System

A new study by Riken researchers reveals how the hippocampus is able to maintain a mental map of both a rat's location and the movements of other rats close by.