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university of alabama

·October 31, 2024·6 min read

How Brain Proteins Shape Neural Connections

A new study links hundreds of brain proteins to differences in how brain regions communicate, revealing how microscale molecules can influence macroscale brain connectivity. Researchers studied brain samples and scans from elderly participants to map biochemical mechanisms affecting structural and functional connectivity in the brain. By integrating protein and RNA data with neuroimaging, they identified key proteins associated with communication between brain areas.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 8, 2024·5 min read

Synaptic Quality Key to Age Related Memory Preservation

A recent study reveals that the quality, not the quantity, of synapses in the brain is crucial for preserving memory in older adults. Researchers found that larger dendritic spine head diameters in the temporal cortex correlate with better episodic memory performance, challenging the long-held belief that memory decline is primarily due to synapse loss.

Featured Neuroscience Pain

·May 4, 2023·6 min read

Underlying Mechanism of Neuropathic Pain Revealed

The enzyme Tiam1 in dorsal horn excitatory neurons of the spinal cord is responsible for initiating and maintaining neuropathic pain. Targeting spinal Tiam1 with anti-sense oligonucleotides injected into the cerebrospinal fluid effectively alleviates pain hypersensitivity.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 22, 2023·6 min read

Dial for Tuning Dopamine and Environmental Signals Found in Parkinson’s

Study reveals how signals from the environment integrate with genetic information that influences the survival and health of neurons, providing new insights into how Parkinson's disease may develop. Findings reveal the TNK2 gene mutations lead to the degeneration of dopamine producing neurons, resulting in Parkinson's disease pathology.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 16, 2022·5 min read

A Key Brain Region for Substance Use Disorders Now Has a Searchable Atlas of Distinct Cell Populations

Researchers identified 16 distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a brain area involved in dopamine neurotransmission involved in reward-directed behaviors.