Normally bushy networks of neural fibers within fat tissue shrink in the absence of leptin, but grow back when the hormone is administered in drug form. The alterations influence the ability to burn energy stored in fat in mouse models.
Sensory neurons that send signals from the intestines to the brain stem extend to the interface of areas of the intestine that are exposed to high levels of microbial compounds. Turning off the neurons, researchers observed activated neurons in the brainstem as well as activation of gut neurons that control intestinal motility. The findings shed light on the potential mechanisms behind neurological abnormalities and intestinal diseases, including IBS.
Activity of the c-Fos gene begins the increase on the ninth day of exposure to antidepressants. By day 14, mice showed behavioral changes associated with SSRI use. This may explain why suicide rates drop after nine days of treatment, and symptoms of depression improve after three weeks.
Working memory isn't confined to one area of the brain. It requires synchronous activity of at least two brain areas.
SARS_CoV_2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can directly enter the nervous system. The virus can infect the brain, causing alterations in blood vessels and directly disrupt oxygen supply to the organ.
Researchers have identified a pathway involving a protein called Rab35 in glioblastoma brain cancer. The study reports restoring the activity of Rab35 could have therapeutic benefits for those with glioblastoma.
Researchers have identified specific anti-bodies that can have a neutralizing effect on the virus responsible for tick-borne encephalitis. Preliminary response in using the anti-bodies in mice has proven affected in preventing TBE. It is hoped a vaccine candidate for TBE can be developed for humans.
Researchers have identified a novel population of neurons in the temporal pole that links facial perception to long-term memory.
A new microscopy technique allows researchers to capture detailed images of the activity of vast amounts of neurons across different depths in the brain at high speed and clarity.
A new technique dubbed light beads microscopy allowed researchers to generate a vivid functional movie of the near-simultaneous activity of almost a million neurons in the mouse brain.
Synthesizing a human embryo from stem cells and using gene editing to insert the Huntingtin gene, researchers found the mutation affected the size of germ layers compared to the control embryos. Findings suggest Huntington's disease may be a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents as a neurodegenerative disease later
Study reveals dopamine neurons that play a role in learning and memory also drive motivation.
