Guardians of the Synapse: A New Role For Schwann Cells Identified
Schwann cells help protect nerves against blood clotting factors that cause degeneration, researchers report. ... Read More...
synapses
Young Bone Marrow Rejuvenates Aging Brains: Mouse Study
Researchers report transplanting bone marrow from young mice to older mice helps to preserve memory and learning skills. If the findings can be replicated in humans, researchers believe new therapies can be devised to help combat disorders associated with brain aging.... Read More...
Mapping Brain Circuits in Newborns May Aid Early Detection of Autism
Researchers used non invasive MRI brain scans to map the brains of newborns. The study reveals the brain architecture that emerges as the brain reshapes during the third trimester of pregnancy. The map can be used to detect atypical connections in the brain that serve as biomarkers for ASD.... Read More...
Depression Reversed by Activating Gene That Helps Excite Neurons: Male Mouse Study
Researchers report activating the SIRT1 gene in male mice helped to reverse symptoms of depression, such as social isolation and loss of interest. The study suggests drugs that activate SIRT1 may be an effective therapy for some with major depression.... Read More...
How Exercise May Protect Against Alzheimer’s
Researchers report irisin, a hormone released during physical exercise, may promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus. The study sheds new light on why exercise helps improve memory and could help to protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease.... Read More...
A New Culprit of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s
Researchers have identified a potential new biomarker for cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study reports fibrinogen, a blood clotting protein, causes a series of molecular events that may trigger the destruction of connections between neurons, resulting in cognitive decline.... Read More...
Excess Immune Pruning of Synapses in Neural Cells Derived From Patients with Schizophrenia
Researchers have directly observed excessive synaptic pruning in cells derived from people with schizophrenia.... Read More...
Erasing Memories Associated with Cocaine Use Reduces Drug Seeking Behavior
Disrupting memories associated with environmental cues significantly reduces cocaine seeking behaviors in rat models of addiction, a new study reports. ... Read More...
Specific Gene Variants May Increase Bipolar Risk
According to researchers, CPG2 is significantly less abundant in the brains of those with bipolar disorder. The findings could help develop new diagnostics and treatment for bipolar disorder.... Read More...
Synaptic Logic for Connections Between Two Brain Hemispheres Discovered
Researchers have developed a new technique that helps identify the functional properties of individual synapses that link the two hemispheres of the brain.... Read More...
Specific Gene Variants May Raise Bipolar Disorder Risk
Researchers report the CPG2 protein is significantly decreased in the brains of people with bipolar disorder and mutations in the SYNE1 gene undermines the expression of CPG2. The study shows how a set of genetic differences in those with bipolar disorder can lead to specific psychological dysfunction in synapses in the brain. The findings could help improve diagnosis of the disorder and help develop new treatments for BD.... Read More...
Brain Plasticity Restored in Adult Mice Through Targeting Specific Neural Connections
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism which appears to be critical for the maturation of brain function, and may be used to restore plasticity in the aging brain. ... Read More...