Tag

Synapses

All articles tagged with #synapses

science5 days ago•9 min saved

Early-Development ZNF804A Linked to Hyper-Excitable Neurons in Schizophrenia

A precision functional genomics study shows the schizophrenia risk gene ZNF804A is most active in glutamatergic neurons during the second trimester. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to suppress ZNF804A in developing neurons increased local protein translation at dendritic tips, raised synapse density, and heightened electrical excitability, linking this genetic risk factor to a specific neurodevelopmental mechanism that may contribute to schizophrenia.

via Neuroscience News|

#crispr #neurodevelopment #schizophrenia

science13 days ago•6 min saved

Newborn Brain Isn’t Blank: Early Wiring Is Pruned Into Adult Structure

A Nature Communications study in mice shows the hippocampus is densely wired at birth and progressively prunes connections to form mature networks, supporting a tabula plena (not a blank slate) model of brain development; the research also notes human applicability remains to be tested.

via Indian Defence Review|

#brain-development #hippocampus #infancy

science29 days ago•8 min saved

Nitrosyl Switch in STING Fuels Alzheimer’s Brain Inflammation

Researchers identify S-nitrosylation of the immune protein STING at cysteine 148 as a driver of brain inflammation in Alzheimer's; blocking this switch in mice reduced inflammation and protected synapses, with the same pathway active in human Alzheimer’s samples and stem-cell models, suggesting a new therapeutic target that dampens harmful inflammation without shutting down normal immunity.

via SciTechDaily|

#alzheimers-disease #neuroinflammation #s-nitrosylation

science2 months ago•5 min saved

Aging brain's slow protein recycling may fuel synapse decline tied to Alzheimer's

Age-related slowdown of neuronal protein recycling leads to protein clumps at synapses; microglia attempt cleanup but can become overwhelmed, potentially impairing neuron communication and linking aging to synaptic loss and higher neurodegenerative risk, with new targets for therapy and biomarkers suggested.

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #alzheimers-disease #microglia

science5 months ago•3 min saved

Innovative Imaging Techniques Unveil Brain Cell Activity and Learning Processes

Researchers developed a new 'zap-and-freeze' technique to rapidly freeze and study brain cell activity, revealing ultrafast endocytosis processes in both mice and human brain tissues, which could provide insights into the mechanisms of Parkinson's disease and aid in developing targeted treatments.

via ScienceAlert|

#brain-imaging #neuroscience #parkinsons-disease

health6 months ago•3 min saved

Scientists Discover Synapse Formation in Pancreatic Cancer

Scientists at TUM discovered that pancreatic tumors form pseudosynapses by exploiting the nervous system, using glutamate to promote tumor growth via NMDA receptors. Blocking these receptors in mice slowed tumor progression, suggesting new therapeutic avenues.,

via Medical Xpress|

#cancer-therapy #glutamate #health

science10 months ago•3 min saved

Key Brain Protein Could Unlock Treatments for Memory Loss and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Scientists have discovered a key role for the brain protein cypin in maintaining neuron connections, which could lead to new treatments for memory loss, brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by improving synaptic function and plasticity.

via Medical Xpress|

#brain-protein #cypin #memory-loss

science10 months ago•3 min saved

Molecular Binding in the Brain Forms Long-Lasting Memories

Neuroscientists, including Todd Sacktor, have discovered that a persistent bond between two proteins in brain synapses is crucial for long-term memory storage, providing a molecular explanation for how memories last a lifetime despite molecular turnover, addressing a longstanding question in neuroscience.

via WIRED|

#memory #molecular-biology #neuroscience

science1 year ago•7 min saved

Decoding Memory: Molecular Signals in the Hippocampus

A study by ISTA and the Max Planck Institute reveals molecular mechanisms of memory formation in the hippocampus, focusing on mossy fiber synapses. Researchers found that proteins Cav2.1 and Munc13 rearrange during memory processing, enhancing synapse precision and power. Using live mouse brain tissue and advanced imaging, the study provides real-time insights into how neurotransmitters and synaptic plasticity enable the hippocampus to encode experiences, offering a foundation for understanding memory-related disorders.

via Neuroscience News|

#hippocampus #memory #molecularbiology

health1 year ago•6 min saved

New Imaging Technique Unveils Brain Differences in Autism and Schizophrenia

A new study using PET scans has found that autistic individuals have fewer synapses in their brains, which correlates with more pronounced autism traits such as social and communication difficulties. This discovery marks the first time synaptic density has been measured in living autistic individuals and could revolutionize diagnostic and treatment approaches, potentially leading to more targeted interventions. The research highlights the importance of understanding the biological underpinnings of autism to improve support and quality of life for those on the spectrum.

via SciTechDaily|

#autism #diagnostics #health

science2 years ago•5 min saved

Study Reveals Brain's Data Storage Capacity is 10x Greater Than Believed

A new study reveals that the brain can store nearly 10 times more information than previously thought, thanks to a more precise method of measuring synaptic strength and plasticity. This finding, based on research in rat hippocampus, suggests that synapses can store between 4.1 and 4.6 bits of information, challenging earlier assumptions and potentially enhancing our understanding of learning, aging, and neurological diseases.

via Livescience.com|

#brain #memory #neuroscience

neuroscience2 years ago•5 min saved

"Unlocking Brain Storage: Measuring Synaptic Information Capacity"

Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a new method using information theory to measure synaptic strength, plasticity, and information storage in the brain, revealing that synapses can store 10 times more information than previously thought. This breakthrough could significantly advance our understanding of learning, memory, and neurological diseases.

via Medical Xpress|

#brain-storage #information-theory #learning-and-memory

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Protein Discovery Offers Potential Alzheimer's Synapse Repair Solution"

Scientists have discovered a potential way to repair synapses damaged in Alzheimer's disease by focusing on the protein KIBRA, which is found in the brain and is crucial for synaptic function. The study proposes an alternate strategy for reversing the memory problems associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, aiming to restore memory by targeting the damage caused by the disease rather than reducing toxic proteins in the brain. The research suggests that KIBRA could be used as a biomarker of synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline, and a therapy based on this protein has shown promise in reversing memory impairment in laboratory mice with a condition mimicking human Alzheimer's disease. This approach could complement existing and future treatments by repairing synapses and improving their function.

via Medical Xpress|

#alzheimers-disease #health #kibra

science2 years ago•4 min saved

"Consistent Neural Wiring Process Found Across Species"

A new study has found that strong connections between neurons in the brains of various animal species form in the same way, indicating a universal mechanism underlying brain network formation. The research suggests that regardless of species, a principle known as Hebbian plasticity, where neurons that fire together wire together, guides the formation of these super strong connections. This finding may improve our understanding of brain structure and function in different animals, including humans.

via Livescience.com|

#animal-species #brain #neurons

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Sisters' Genetic Discovery Unlocks Parkinson's Disease Breakthrough"

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the origins of Parkinson's disease, challenging the long-held belief that the death of neurons is the initial event. Instead, their research suggests that dysfunction in synapses, the communication hubs between neurons, may be a trigger for the disease. This finding opens up new possibilities for potential therapies that could significantly impact the lives of those affected by Parkinson's. The study was based on the case of two sisters with a genetic predisposition to the disease, and it revealed a previously unknown role of the parkin gene in Parkinson's. While further research is needed, this discovery offers hope for targeted therapeutic strategies that address synaptic dysfunction in the early stages of the disease.

via PsyPost|

#genetic-research #health #neurological-condition