CMS121, a synthesized variant of fisetin, a chemical found in fruits and vegetables, improved memory, and slows neurodegeneration in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Read More
Study shows how sex-determining genes can mediate courtship and aggressive behaviors in fruit flies. The findings demonstrate the complexity of the relationship between behavior and sex. Read More
Calorie restricted diets reduce inflammation, delay the onset of age-related diseases, and extend lifespan, a new study reports. Read More
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. Read More
Neural progenitor cells generated from skin cell samples of people on the autism spectrum had heightened levels of DNA damage. The damage clustered in 36 of the same genes which had also been damaged in healthy cells exposed to replication stress. Twenty of the genes have previously been linked to the development of autism. Read More
CMS121 and J147, two drug candidates that improve memory and slow neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease, also slow aging in healthy, older mice. The compounds block damage to neurons caused by general aging and restore levels of specific molecules to those seen in younger animals. Read More
Researchers have identified a comprehensive circuit mechanism that governs how emotional states can influence movement through connections in the basal ganglia. The mechanism represents a way in which emotional states relate to changes in action control in depression, anxiety, and OCD. Read More
Researchers identified a set of neurons in the spinal cord that transmits a light-touch signal from the skin to the brain. NPY-Y1 signaling regulates the transmission of innocuous tactile information by establishing thresholds for touch discrimination and mechanical itch reflexes. The findings shed new light on the neurobiological basis of chronic itching. Read More
Study reveals at least six types of mammals distinguish odors in similar ways, using neural networks that are evolutionarily preserved across species. Read More
Visual neurons selectively respond to color and shape along a continuum. While some neurons are only activated by either a specific color or shape, others are responsive to color and shape simultaneously. The findings contradict previous beliefs about how visual processing works. Read More
Differences in serotonergic neuron morphology, along with altered gene expression have been identified in patients with MDD. The findings shed light on why some patients do not respond to SSRI antidepressants. Read More
Low-frequency optogenetic stimulation of the visual region of the brain impairs an animal's ability to make fine sensory discriminations. Read More
