Astrocytes respond to cocaine exposure in the brains of mice by promoting the formation of new synapses. Read More
Low-level exposure to lead during development does not lead to alcohol use disorder, but does alter the neural circuits in a way that if addiction occurs, it makes it harder to refrain from returning to addiction related behaviors. Read More
A clusterization approach allows researchers to analyze dendritic spines in new ways. Read More
The retrieval of mitochondria via a feedback loop is vital to sustaining synaptic transmission. Read More
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which neurons communicate via intonations. Read More
A newly designed synthetic compound could act as a prototype for a novel class of drugs to treat neurological damage. Read More
When T helper cells are absent in the brain, microglia remain suspended between the fetal and adult developmental state. Mice lacking brain T cells showed changes in behavior and defective synaptic pruning. The study reveals the critical role T cells play in the development of the brain. Read More
A mutated form of the huntingtin protein disrupts the normal movement of vesicles holding HT and Rab4. This leads to defects in synapses, resulting in movement abnormalities and lifespan decreases in fruit fly larvae. Findings suggest Rab4 could be a novel therapeutic target for the early intervention of Huntington's disease, before the neuronal loss and behavioral deficits associated with the neurodegenerative disorder. Read More
Study identified a new class of proteins that protect synapses from being destroyed. The findings have important implications for both Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Read More
Dropping the level of the IL-33 immune molecule increased the number of synapses in the brain. In older mice, ramping up IL-33 helped push the number of new synapses toward a more youthful state. Read More
Chandelier cells have an unusual direct method of communication. Unlike other neurons, chandelier cells connect directly to the part of a target neuron that initiates a spike. Read More
Strengthened amygdala pathways increase aggression in those who have experienced trauma. The findings could lead to new treatments for PTSD. Read More
