All-trans retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative, induces synaptic plasticity in human cortical neurons.
In older mice, adult neurons in the primary visual cortex with an increased number of "silent synapses" and lacking PSD-95, showed the same structural changes only seen previously in younger animals.
Some neurons have the ability to detect and compensate for neighboring neurons, while others do not. The findings shed new light on synaptic plasticity.
A new series of studies review the roles neuroplasticity and neurogenesis play in alcohol addiction and recovery.
A newly developed light-activated protein allows researchers to study single synapses of a neuron.
Glutamate is first released near the AMPA-type glutamate receptors, then released near the NMDA-type receptors immediately after the first signal to activate the switch for synaptic plasticity.
Enzyme activity outside of specific cell types contribute to synaptic plasticity associated with addiction behaviors.
The ability to foster and form secure interpersonal attachments can mitigate some of the genetic risks associated with PTSD.
Fecal transplants could someday be a useful tool to help improve cognitive decline associated with aging, a new study reports.
Repeatedly administered tactile simulation over a sustained period of time alters neural processing of the hand area in the brain. The observable changes over time illustrate neuroplasticity and shed new light on the process of learning.
During non-REM sleep, visual areas of the brain exhibit an excitation/inhibition balance indicative of increased plasticity. REM sleep appears to be essential for people to reap the benefits of the increased plasticity that occurs during NREM sleep.
Oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone," could help to treat cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Researchers demonstrated oxytocin reversed the effects of amyloid-beta on hippocampal LTP in mice. The findings suggest oxytocin could be used as a therapeutic for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
