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·June 1, 2016·4 min read

Flu Like Symptoms During Pregnancy May Affect Fetal Brain Development

A new study reports babies born to moms who suffered from viral infections, even mild ones, while pregnant are at increased risk of brain abnormalities.

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·April 20, 2022·5 min read

Got Food Cravings? What’s Living in Your Gut May Be Responsible

Microbes in the gut influence what an animal chooses to eat. Altering the microbiome resulted in changes to preferred diets.

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·June 4, 2019·4 min read

Antibiotic produced by the microbiome kills bacteria by disturbing energy metabolism

A synthetic version of a fibupeptide, which is naturally produced by the microbiome, may help in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Lugdunin has been shown to be effective against MRSA. The findings could help in the creation of a new class of antibiotics to treat infections currently resistant to drugs on the market.

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·February 7, 2020·4 min read

New biochemical ‘warning sign’ of early-stage depression identified

High levels of anthranilic acid in the blood may be a new biomarker for assessing the risk of developing major depressive disorder.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 8, 2018·3 min read

Discovering Dopamine’s Role in the Brain

Researchers pay tribute to Arvid Carlsson, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his research into dopamine, and evaluate what his research means to modern neuroscience.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·January 10, 2023·5 min read

Study Reveals Mechanism Involved in Neuropathic Pain and Could Help Develop Specific Treatment

Study reveals the role played by neuropathic pain in dendritic cells in the meninges via an increase in the metabolic kynurenine pathway. When the kynurenine pathway initiated by IDO1 was blocked, neuropathic pain was nullified.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 16, 2018·4 min read

How the Gut Influences Neurological Diseases

Researchers examine the role gut bacteria plays in the development of neurological disorders. Using mouse models of multiple sclerosis, researchers found compounds generated from the breakdown of tryptophan can cross the blood-brain barrier and activate anti-inflammatory pathways that limit neurodegeneration. Activation of these pathway have also been linked to Alzheimer's and brain cancers.

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·November 27, 2020·4 min read

Gut Microbes: A Key to Normal Sleep

Normal sleep in mice is reliant upon bacteria that help produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in the gut.

Image shows a baby drinking from a bottle.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 17, 2018·6 min read

Prebiotics in Infant Formula May Improve Memory, Learning and Alter Brain Function

A new study using piglets shows prebiotics used in baby formula can enhance memory and learning, as well as altering brain chemistry.

Image shows people sitting around a table chatting.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 23, 2017·4 min read

No, Turkey Doesn’t Make You Sleepy, But it May Bring More Trust to Your Thanksgiving Table

While research has cleared tryptophan of causing us to be sleepy following our Thanksgiving lunch, studies reveal TRP can promote interpersonal trust.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 17, 2020·6 min read

How Psychedelics Bind to Key Serotonin Receptor

Researchers have uncovered the structure of psychedelic compounds when they actively bind to the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor on the surface of brain cells. The discovery could lead to the exploration of more precise compounds that offer the therapeutic effects of psychedelics for mental health disorders, but without the hallucinations.