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·October 28, 2019·4 min read

Biomarker for schizophrenia can be detected in human hair

Mouse models and human postmortem brain tissue sample studies reveal a subtype of schizophrenia is related to abnormally high levels of hydrogen sulfide in the brain. Hair follicle analysis of patients with this schizophrenia subtype revealed higher expression of MPST mRNA than in those without the condition. MPST is linked to the production of hydrogen sulfide. The findings may lead to new tests to determine if a patient has the schizophrenia subtype from a simple hair sample analysis.

This shows a diagram of the artificial membrane

Featured Neuroscience

·October 9, 2019·3 min read

Brain tissue kept alive for weeks on an artificial membrane

A newly developed microfluidic device allowed researchers to keep tissue from the suprachiasmatic nucleus alive for over 25 days.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 26, 2019·4 min read

Boosting amino acid derivative may be a treatment for schizophrenia

Reduced levels of an amino acid called betaine is associated with schizophrenia pathology. Supplementing betaine levels improved cognitive and behavioral deficits in mouse models of schizophrenia. The amino acid also reduced oxidative stress at the molecular level.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 26, 2019·3 min read

Trigger region found for absence epileptic seizures

Absence epilepsy may be triggered by an impairment in communication between the striatum and somatosensory cortex.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 10, 2019·4 min read

Protein pileup affects social behaviors through altered brain signaling

Study implicates disrupted autophagy and protein aggregation in the pathogenesis of autism schizophrenia and social behavior deficits in other disorders.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 13, 2019·3 min read

Brain Clock Ticks Differently in Autism

A new study reports the hierarchy of intrinsic neural timescales appears to be disrupted in adults on the autism spectrum. Researchers say the differences in neural timescales could underlie features of ASD, like hypersensitivity.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 28, 2018·3 min read

Genes that Regulate How Much We Dream

A new study identifies two genes which regulate how much we dream. The genes, Chrm1 and Chrm3, play a key role in regulating REM sleep and function in different ways.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 27, 2018·4 min read

Dopamine’s Role in Unlearning Fearful Association

Researchers report dopamine neurons may play a role in fear extinction. The study suggests targeting dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area could be of therapeutic benefit to reduce the impact of learned fear in PTSD and anxiety disorders.

a drawing of a mouse with a dna strand for a tail

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 11, 2018·3 min read

Mutation Links Bipolar Disorder to Mitochondrial Disease

Researchers report mitochondrial dysfunction may affect the activity of serotonergic neurons in mice with ANT1 mutations. The findings may provide insight into the origins of bipolar disorder.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·June 4, 2018·4 min read

Gene Linked to Intellectual Ability Affects Memory Replay: Mouse Study

SCN2A, a gene commonly associated with intellectual ability, plays an essential role in memory formation and replay, a new study reports.

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.