The way a single neuron processes information is never the same
When a neuron receives information, dendrites functionally work together to adjust for the complexity of the input.... Read More...
synapses
Sorting protein in neurons defends against neurodegenerative disease
VPS35 is a novel critical component of tau metabolism and the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. ... Read More...
Sleep readies synapses for learning
Hippocampal neurons become longer and stronger following a period of sleep deprivation. The study supports the hypothesis that sleep may weaken synapses, which are strengthened from learning, allowing for learning to occur after waking.... Read More...
Dementia study links gene with damage to brain connections
Post mortem examinations of brain tissue from Alzheimer's patients revealed synapses contained clumps of clusterin, in addition to amyloid beta. The clumps were more abundant in those with genetic risk factors from Alzheimer's disease.... Read More...
New causes of autism found in ‘junk’ DNA
Using artificial intelligence, researchers discover mutations in noncoding regions of the human genome that may result in autism. The noncoding mutations are associated with altered gene regulation in children with ASD. Additionally, the mutations affect gene expression in the brain and genes already linked to autism, such as those responsible for neuron development and migration.... Read More...
Brain changes in autism traced to specific cell types
Studying brain tissue samples from people with ASD revealed a common set of alterations in genes associated with synaptic communication between neurons. The changes were identified mainly in neurons in the uppermost layers of the neocortex. ... Read More...
Why visual stimulation may work in fight against Alzheimer’s: Mouse study
Inducing gamma oscillations with visual stimulation via a process known as gamma entrainment using sensory stimuli, or GENUS, was shown to reduce amyloid plaques and phosphorylated tau in mouse models of dementia. Providing GENUS daily during the early stages of neurodegeneration helps preserve neural and synaptic density across multiple brain areas and improves cognitive performance for learning and spatial memory tasks.... Read More...
Connecting neurons in the brain
The phosphatase Prl-1 plays a key role in specifying where to form the highest density of synaptic connections on a neuron. ... Read More...
Possible link discovered between autism and formation of inhibitory synapses
Study finds a possible link between the formation of inhibitory synapses and autism.... Read More...
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...
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...