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·February 17, 2025·8 min read

AI Reveals How Brain Cells Evolved Over 320 Million Years

A new study reveals how AI-driven deep learning models can decode the genetic regulatory switches that define brain cell types across species. By analyzing human, mouse, and chicken brains, researchers found that some brain cell types remain highly conserved over 320 million years, while others have evolved uniquely.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 7, 2025·4 min read

Key Neurons Linked to Autism and Schizophrenia Risk

Layer 5 pyramidal neurons, crucial for brain information processing, vary significantly in their synaptic protein composition based on neuron type. Research shows that intratelencephalic (IT) neurons and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons share some synaptic proteins but also have unique characteristics influencing their functions.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·December 17, 2024·5 min read

Targeted or Broadcast? How the Brain Processes Visual Information

Researchers have uncovered how visual information is processed across the brain’s complex and flexible networks. One study showed visual signals are selectively targeted or broadly broadcast, challenging the idea of a simple, linear flow of visual input.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 14, 2024·5 min read

Human-Specific Genes Reveal Link Between Brain Growth and Autism

Researchers have found a link between two human-specific genes and the gene SYNGAP1, a factor in intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. These genes, SRGAP2B and SRGAP2C, slow down synapse development, a hallmark of prolonged brain growth thought to enhance learning in humans. By turning off these genes in human neurons, scientists observed accelerated brain connectivity development, mimicking changes seen in certain neurodevelopmental conditions.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·September 26, 2024·3 min read

Newly Found Genetic Mutation Linked to Early-Onset Parkinson’s

A new study led by scientists has uncovered a mutation in the SGIP1 gene that may cause early-onset Parkinson's. The discovery, based on a family with a history of the disease, sheds light on how this mutation disrupts brain cell communication.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 14, 2024·5 min read

FUS Protein Linked to FTD and ALS Spread

A new study reveals how the FUS protein aggregates and spreads in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research shows that misfolded FUS proteins act like prions, spreading disease within the brain and exacerbating neurodegeneration. This discovery opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting protein aggregate spread.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 11, 2024·5 min read

Spinal Cord Learns and Remembers Movements Autonomously

The spinal cord possesses its own learning and memory capabilities, challenging the long-held view of it as merely a message relay between the brain and body. Through innovative experiments, the team identified two distinct neuronal populations that enable the spinal cord to independently adapt and remember movements.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 4, 2024·7 min read

Fecal Bacteria Transplant May Improve Parkinson’s Symptoms

A new clinical trial revealed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential new treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), showing significant improvement in motor symptoms. The study explores the connection between the gut microbiome and Parkinson's, finding that patients with PD often exhibit altered gut bacteria and increased intestinal inflammation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·August 13, 2020·4 min read

Becoming a Nerve Cell: Timing Is of the Essence

Mitochondria regulate how neural stem cells become neurons during brain development. The findings may help explain how humans developed larger brains during evolution and how mitochondrial defects lead to some neurodevelopmental disorders.

This shows the chemical structure of dopamine

Featured Neuroscience

·February 5, 2020·3 min read

Novelty speeds up learning thanks to dopamine activation

Novelty directly activates the dopamine system and enhances associative learning. The findings have implications for the development of new machine learning technologies and educational strategies.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 25, 2019·4 min read

To become, or not to become… a neuron

Bcl6 acts as a driver of neurogenic transition by directly silencing a selection of genes that belong to multiple extrinsic pathways promoting self-renewal. Bcl6 is only expressed in specific subsets of neurons and progenitor cells during brain development.

This shows the outline of two heads and neurons

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 6, 2019·3 min read

Detailed brain map uncovers hidden immune cells that may be involved in neurodegenerative disorders

Using mouse models, researchers have developed a comprehensive map of the brain's immune cells. The study found microglia in the choroid plexus showed a similar activation state as microglia that come into contact with Amyloid deposits.

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VIB

AI Reveals How Brain Cells Evolved Over 320 Million Years

Key Neurons Linked to Autism and Schizophrenia Risk

Targeted or Broadcast? How the Brain Processes Visual Information

Human-Specific Genes Reveal Link Between Brain Growth and Autism

Newly Found Genetic Mutation Linked to Early-Onset Parkinson’s

FUS Protein Linked to FTD and ALS Spread

Spinal Cord Learns and Remembers Movements Autonomously

Fecal Bacteria Transplant May Improve Parkinson’s Symptoms

Becoming a Nerve Cell: Timing Is of the Essence

Novelty speeds up learning thanks to dopamine activation

To become, or not to become… a neuron

Detailed brain map uncovers hidden immune cells that may be involved in neurodegenerative disorders

How PTSD Disrupts Brain Cell Communication

Why Some People Struggle to Recognize Faces of Other Races

Facial Expressions Reveal Hidden Cognitive States

Chronic Pain Linked to Neuron Overactivity in the Brainstem

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