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Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 25, 2013·3 min read

Scientists Create Novel Approach to Find RNAs Involved in Long-term Memory Storage

Researchers question why numerous different RNAs are transported to synapses. One reason, they suggest, is that they are stored to later help maintain long-term memory.

The image shows cultured neurons with projecting dendrites highlighted in green.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 6, 2013·2 min read

Flip of a Single Molecular Switch Makes an Old Brain Young

Monitoring the synapses of living mice, researchers discover an important genetic switch for brain maturation. Mice without the Nogo Receptor 1 gene have persistent levels of juvenile brain plasticity through adulthood.

The image shows a computer chip with a built in memristor the researchers used during their research.

Featured

·February 26, 2013·3 min read

Blueprint For an Artificial Brain

Researchers are using memristors, electronic microcomponents which imitate natural nerves, as key components to create a blueprint for an artificial brain.

The image shows a chart of the activation and antagonists of NMDA receptors.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·February 19, 2013·2 min read

Rewriting a Receptor’s Role

Researchers upend a long-held view about the basic functioning of a key receptor molecule involved in signaling between neurons. The study describes how a compound linked to Alzheimer's disease impacts NMDA receptors and weakens synaptic connections between brain cells.

The image shows neurons expressing neuroglobin-2 and MDGA1. The caption explains the image best.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·January 28, 2013·3 min read

Protein Family Linked to Autism Suppresses the Development of Inhibitory Synapses

A study shows another family of proteins linked to neurodevelopmental disorders regulates the function of neuroligins and neurexins in order to suppress the development of inhibitory synapses.

Amygdala is shown and the image is explained well in the caption

Featured Neuroscience

·January 28, 2013·4 min read

Neuroscientists Pinpoint Location of Fear Memory in Amygdala

Researchers examine the how fear responses are learned, controlled, and memorized. They show that a particular class of neurons in a subdivision of the amygdala plays an active role in these processes.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 19, 2012·4 min read

Human Brains Share a Consistent Genetic Blueprint and Possess Enormous Biochemical Complexity

Scientists at the Allen Institute for Brain Science reported that human brains share a consistent genetic blueprint and possess enormous biochemical complexity. The findings stem from the first deep and large-scale analysis of the vast data set publicly available in the Allen Human Brain Atlas.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 17, 2012·4 min read

Blue Brain Project Accurately Predicts Connections Between Neurons

Proof of concept: Researchers identify principles to support brain simulation models. Blue Brain Project has identified key principles that determine synapse-scale connectivity by virtually reconstructing a cortical microcircuit and comparing it to a mammalian sample. These principles now make it possible to predict the locations of synapses in the neocortex.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos

·August 15, 2012·5 min read

Scientists Discover Previously Unknown Cleansing System in Brain

A previously unrecognized system that drains waste from the brain at a rapid clip has been discovered by neuroscientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center and dubbed the glymphatic system.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 8, 2012·4 min read

New Model Synapse Could Shed Light on Disorders Such as Epilepsy and Anxiety

A new way to study the role of a critical neurotransmitter in disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol addiction has been developed. This model synapse can precisely control a variety of receptors for the neurotransmitter called GABA, which is important in brain chemistry.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 6, 2012·4 min read

Brain’s Stem Cells Eavesdrop to Find Out When to Act

Working with mice, Johns Hopkins researchers say they have figured out how stem cells found in a part of the brain responsible for learning, memory and mood regulation decide to remain dormant or create new brain cells. Apparently, the stem cells “listen in” on the chemical communication among nearby neurons to get an idea about what is stressing the system and when they need to act.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·July 26, 2012·2 min read

Ion Selectivity in Neuronal Signaling Channels Evolved Twice in Animals

Scientists have now revealed that voltage-gated sodium channels, which are responsible for neuronal signaling in the nerves of animals, evolved twice in higher and lower animals.