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substantia nigra

·December 6, 2022·3 min read

How Neurons Respond to Aged-Related Iron Accumulation

Researchers identified two genes that respond to age-related iron accumulation in the substantia nigra. Knockdown of these genes results in severely impairing the cellular tolerance for iron toxicity.

This shows the chemical structures of the four different molecules

Featured Neuroscience

·July 14, 2021·4 min read

Compound Derived From Turmeric Essential Oil Has Neuroprotective Properties

Aromatic turmerone, a compound derived from turmeric essential oil, and its derivatives directly affect dopamine neurons to generate neuroprotective properties in tissue culture models of Parkinson's disease.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·April 5, 2021·4 min read

New Blueprint of Brain Connections Reveals Extensive Reach of Central Regulator

A new map of the basal ganglia provides a blueprint of the structure of the brain region and reveals a new level of influence connected to this area.

This shows a brain slice of a patient with PD

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 5, 2021·4 min read

Artificial Enzyme May Be First Step Toward Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers have created an artificial enzyme that stops alpha-synuclein from spreading. The findings could have positive implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 4, 2021·3 min read

Scientists Seek Insight Into Parkinson’s, Addiction by Tracking Gene Expression in the Brain

New studies are set to explore how gene expression alters the brain's response to drug abuse, and to screen for genes that could help brain cells withstand Parkinson's disease.

This is a cartoon of a woman sitting alone

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 23, 2020·6 min read

Social Isolation Provokes Brain Activity Similar to That Seen During Hunger Cravings

Activity in the substantia nigra is similar following a day of social isolation as it is following a day of starvation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 28, 2020·7 min read

Why Motivation to Learn Declines With Age

The decline of striosomal activity in the brain may explain why people lose the motivation to learn as they age.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 6, 2020·6 min read

Evidence of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s & MND in Brains of Young People Exposed to Dirty Air

An examination of brainstems from children and young adults constantly exposed to air pollution reveals markers of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease. Findings suggest air pollution poses risks of serious neurological damage from an early age.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 25, 2020·3 min read

Scientists Prove SARS-CoV-2 Potential to Infect Human Brain Organoids

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can infect human neural progenitor cells and brain organoids. The findings back previous research, finding coronavirus can infect the human brain.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·June 24, 2020·6 min read

One-time treatment generates new neurons and eliminates Parkinson’s disease

Researchers administered PTB antisense oligonucleotide treatment directly to the midbrain of mice. In the mouse models exposed to the treatment, a small subset of astrocytes converted to neurons, increasing the number of neurons by 30%. Three months after treatment, mice were completely free of Parkinson's disease symptoms and remained in remission for the rest of their lives.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 4, 2020·4 min read

Exercise boosts motor skill learning via changes in brain’s transmitters

Neurons in the caudal pedunculopontine nucleus, an area of the brain that regulates motor coordination, switch neurotransmitters from acetylcholine to GABA as a result of exercise. The switch appears to provide feedback control that regulates motor coordination and skill learning.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 13, 2019·4 min read

How emotion affects action

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.