New molecular driver of frontal circuit maturation discovered
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Mount Sinai Researchers find a new way to prevent attention deficits associated with Fragile X, a leading genetic cause of autism, in an animal model.
* Natural compound found in catnip is at least as effective as synthetic insect repellents such as DEET * Catnip can easily be grown in a home garden and made into oil or extract * New type of deterrent targets pain receptors in insects while maintaining no impact on humans
Cells called astrocytes derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells of patients with bipolar disorder offer suboptimal support for neuronal activity. In a paper appearing March 4th in the journal Stem Cell Reports, researchers show that this malfunction can be traced to an inflammation-promoting molecule called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is secreted by astrocytes. The results highlight the potential role of astrocyte-mediated inflammatory signaling in the psychiatric disease, although further investigation is needed.
Clinical trial results provide rationale for continued study of the KCNQ type of ion channel
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease are in the firing line after researchers identified an attractive therapeutic drug target.
Research from the University of Kent has led to the development of the MeshCODE theory, a revolutionary new theory for understanding brain and memory function. This discovery may be the beginning of a new understanding of brain function and in treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A number of brain areas change their activity before we execute a planned voluntary movement. A new study by Umeå University identifies a novel function of this preparatory neural activity, highlighting another mechanism the nervous system can use to achieve its goals.
The objective of this review is to update the main risk genes involved in schizophrenia and to establish an association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these genes and pharmacotherapy resistance/efficacy of a determined antipsychotic treatment. Besides, neural networks in the brain centers involved in schizophrenia will be updated to point out the altered functions of classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides due to risk genes.
New research in mice published today in the journal Scientific Reports strengthens the growing scientific consensus regarding the role of the gut microbiome in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.
Olfactory dysfunction or partial loss of smell is one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). While accumulation of the toxic amyloid β protein in the brain is known to drive AD progression, its involvement with olfactory sensory neurons is poorly understood. Researchers have now dug deeper into the molecular mechanisms underlying olfactory dysfunction by assessing behavioral, physiological, and anatomical changes in a mouse model of AD. These findings could help reveal therapeutic targets for AD.