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·July 17, 2012·4 min read

Researchers Find Evidence of Link between Immune Irregularities and Autism

A new Caltech study suggests that specific changes in an overactive immune system can indeed contribute to autism-like behaviors in mice, and that in some cases, this activation can be related to what a developing fetus experiences in the womb.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 16, 2012·2 min read

Gene Therapy Treatment Extends Lives of Mice with Fatal Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Mice born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy typically only live five to six days. University of Missouri researchers introduced the SMN gene into the mice’s central nervous systems and were able to extend their lives 10-25 days longer.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 16, 2012·3 min read

Neurons Derived from Cord Blood Cells May Represent New Therapeutic Option

The researchers demonstrated that cord blood cells, which come from the mesoderm, the middle layer of embryonic germ cells, can be switched to ectodermal cells, outer layer cells from which brain, spinal and nerve cells arise. "This study shows for the first time the direct conversion of a pure population of human cord blood cells into cells of neuronal lineage by the forced expression of a single transcription factor," says Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte.

Featured Neuroscience Neuroscience Videos

·July 13, 2012·3 min read

Controlling Your Computer With Your Eyes

Millions of people suffering from multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries or amputees could soon interact with their computers and surroundings using just their eyes, thanks to a new device that costs less than £40 (~$63).

Featured Neuroscience Business

·July 12, 2012·1 min read

Biologically Inspired Threat Monitoring System for Autonomous Vehicles Developed

Roke Manor Research Ltd has developed the world's first threat monitoring system for autonomous vehicles that emulates a mammal's conditioned fear-response mechanism.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·July 12, 2012·10 min read

Large, Medically Important Class of Proteins Starts to Yield Its Secrets

Five recent research papers shed light on elusive G protein-coupled receptors. New techniques and insights used to solve the GPCR structures are discussed.

Autism Featured

·July 12, 2012·2 min read

Saliva, Pupil Size Differences in Autism Show System in Overdrive

Pupil size and salivary alpha-amylase could be biological indicators for autonomic dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Electrophysiology Featured Psychology

·July 11, 2012·7 min read

Why the Thrill is Gone: Scientists Identify Potential Target for Treating Major Symptom of Depression

Scientists have laid bare a novel molecular mechanism responsible for the major depression symptom, anhedonia, the loss of the ability to experience pleasure. The brain circuit involved in this newly elucidated pathway is largely identical between rodents and humans, upping the odds that the findings point toward new therapies for depression and other disorders. Additionally, opinion leaders hailed the study’s inventive methodology, saying it may offer a much sounder approach to testing new antidepressants.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 11, 2012·3 min read

Gene Link to Multiple Sclerosis Explains Drug Side Effects

The biological role of a gene variant implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been determined by researchers at Oxford University. The researchers investigated one particular genetic variant - found in a gene called TNFRSF1A - which has previously been associated with the risk of developing MS.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 11, 2012·3 min read

Two Proteins Offer a Clearer Way to Treat Huntington’s Disease

HD mice crossbred with mice that produced greater levels of PGC-1alpha showed dramatic improvement. Production of misfolded proteins was essentially eliminated and the mice behaved normally. “Degeneration of brain cells is prevented. Neurons don’t die,” said La Spada.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 10, 2012·4 min read

Study Shows the Deaf Brain Processes Touch Differently

Lacking sound input, the primary auditory cortex “feels” touch. The finding reveals how the early loss of a sense affects brain development. It adds to a growing list of discoveries that confirm the impact of experiences and outside influences in molding the developing brain.