FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·May 26, 2020New method provides unique insight into the development of the human brainResearchers have developed a new model of early embryonic brain development. The model, called MiSTR, allows researchers to create tissue that contains different brain regions and place them next to each other. The model produces results similar to embryonic brain development at five weeks post-fertilization. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 13, 2020Exercise restores youthful properties to muscle stem cells of old miceOlder mice who exercised had enhanced muscle repair capabilities. Findings suggest exercise can help restore youthful tissue repair. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·March 30, 2020Using stem cells to combat COVID-19Transplanting ACE2-mesenchymal stem cells shows promise for the treatment of COVID-19. A small study reveals seven severely ill patients who received the stem cell transplant recovered and were discharged from hospital within 14 days. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·March 27, 2020A new way to study HIV’s impact on the brainHIV infection leads to increased EIF2 signaling in microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. Study reveals how HIV infection and some antiretrovirals affect cognition and the central nervous system. Read More
Brain CancerFeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·March 23, 2020Stem cells and nerves interact in tissue regeneration and cancer progressionStudy examines the interactions between stem cells and neurons in both tissue regeneration and the development of cancerous tumors. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 15, 2020Stem cells exert tight control over the timing of brain developmentNeural stem cells affect the trajectory and timing of division in brain development more than previously believed. The findings provide insight into the mechanisms controlling early brain development and shed light on the evolution of the brain. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·March 12, 2020Mathematical rules underpinning brain growth discoveredCombining advanced microscopy and mathematical modeling, researchers have discovered a pattern that governs the growth of neurons. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceNeuroscience Videos·January 30, 2020Not ‘brains in a dish’: Cerebral organoids flunk comparison to developing nervous systemHailed by many as a breakthrough for neuroscience research, a new study reports brain-in-a-dish models may not be as useful as reported previously. The study reports instead of differentiating normally into the brain's distinctive cell types, cerebral organoids often express mixed genes normally found in different kinds of cells. Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 30, 2020Study links rapid brain growth in autism to DNA damageNeural 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
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·January 29, 2020New injection technique may boost spinal cord injury repair effortsResearchers have developed a new method for delivering neural precursor cells into rat models of spinal cord injury. The method is safe, effective, and reduces the likelihood of further spinal trauma while delivering larger doses of reparative stem cells. The new approach could also be used for the treatment of ALS and multiple sclerosis. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·January 27, 2020Parkinson’s disease may start before birth10% of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are between the ages of 21 and 50. For those with young-onset Parkinson's disease, researchers report the foundations for the disease may have been apparent before they were born. The study also points to a drug, currently approved to treat precancerous skin growths, that has the potential to reduce elevated levels of alpha-synuclein. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeurosciencepain·January 25, 2020First treatment for pain using human stem cells a successTransplanting GABAergic cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells into mice resulted in safe, lasting, and effective relief from extreme neuropathic pain. Researchers hope to begin human testing within five years. Read More
