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synapses

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·May 7, 2019·6 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 5, 2019·3 min read

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.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 5, 2019·3 min read

Possible link discovered between autism and formation of inhibitory synapses

Study finds a possible link between the formation of inhibitory synapses and autism.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 14, 2019·3 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 20, 2019·4 min read

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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·February 18, 2019·3 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·February 18, 2019·5 min read

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 9, 2019·5 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·February 5, 2019·5 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 4, 2019·5 min read

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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·January 22, 2019·4 min read

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.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·January 20, 2019·5 min read

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.