Like humans, zebra finches can recognize songs by their rhythmic pattern, even when the tempo is changed.
Allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid used in the treatment of postpartum depression, alters neural communication in the basolateral amygdala, an area of the brain associated with emotion and mood regulation. The drug may alter the network associated with chronic stress, which may explain its persistent antidepressant effect.
DHA may be more effective at reducing chronic inflammation than EPA.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that disrupts the flow of enzymes in axons, results in the accumulation of amyloid plaques.
When people were warned about the inaccuracy of retelling events, they were less susceptible to misinformation. Providing warnings increased reinstatement of visual activity associated with witnessing an event and decreased the reinstatement of auditory activity associated with hearing misleading post-event information.
Researchers have uncovered a neural mechanism in female mice that shifts estrogen from playing a protective role in glucose metabolism to a disruptive one.
Tufts researchers have developed neurotransmitter-lipid hybrids that help transport therapeutic drugs and gene editing proteins across the blood-brain barrier in mice.
The SSRI sertraline (Zoloft), if taken while pregnant, can result in birth defects caused by the drug damaging a cell's genetic information. Researchers report one potential way to counter the effect is with specific antioxidants.
A 3D human tissue culture model demonstrated a possible causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection. 40 Alzheimer's associated genes were over-expressed in the HSV-1 infected brain tissue, including genes associated with the production of amyloid-beta.
Consuming a flavonoid-rich diet could help combat the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease for those with risk factors. Low intake of specific flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, which are found in blueberries and strawberries, was associated with a four-fold risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Study adds to the growing body of evidence that the microbiome may impact muscle mass and physical function. In high-functioning older adults and mouse models, researchers identified higher levels of good bacteria in the microbiome than in their lower-functioning peers.
Mimicking effects of the ketogenic diet with a drug called 2-DG reduced cell excitation and epileptic activity in mouse models of post-traumatic epilepsy. 2-DG may have the potential to restore network function following TBI, reducing the risk of epilepsy associated with head injuries. The findings may have positive implications for people who developed post-traumatic epilepsy, suggesting a change in diet could help alleviate some symptoms.
