Big Dynorphin and ASIC1a: How a Neuropeptide Triggers Pain Signals Summary: Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have mapped how the neuropeptide Big Dynorphin binds to the acid-sensing ion channel receptor ASIC1a, revealing a molecular interaction that promotes pain signaling. Source: University of Copenhagen Fast communication between brain cells — neurotransmission — is essential for … Read more

New research into memory formation indicates that lactate and astrocytes play a far more significant role in long-term memory than previously thought. The study, led by Cristina Alberini, PhD, at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, shows that lactate produced and transported by astrocytes is essential for consolidating long-term memories in mammals, with potential implications for … Read more

Summary: High‑dose repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduces post‑stroke depression by increasing brain network activity. Source: University of South Australia Researchers at the University of South Australia have reported a significant advance in treating depression after stroke, showing that intensive high‑frequency brain stimulation can lift low mood and alter brain function. A clinical trial led … Read more

Summary: A new study finds that deletion of a gene linked to schizophrenia alters neuronal differentiation, producing fewer neurons and more astrocytes in developing brain tissue. Source: RIKEN. Researchers at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute used human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to uncover a specific developmental abnormality associated with schizophrenia. Published in Translational Psychiatry, the … Read more

Summary: Beta2-adrenergic receptors in human brown fat cells drive thermogenesis. Source: University of Copenhagen An international research team has identified how to pharmacologically activate brown adipose tissue (BAT) in humans, a discovery that could open new avenues for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The collaborative study between the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier … Read more

Shift Work Linked to Slower Performance on a Common Cognitive Screening Test, Study Finds Summary: Researchers report that people who currently work shifts, or who worked shifts within the past five years, require more time to complete a commonly used cognitive screening task than those who have never worked shifts or who quit shift work … Read more

Summary: New review research suggests that aging brains dedicate more capacity to accumulated knowledge, which can make locating specific memories more difficult because there is simply more stored information to search through. Source: Cell Press As people attempt to recall past events, their brains rapidly scan stored information to identify the relevant memory. Many older … Read more

Summary: A new study finds that living on streets lined with trees may benefit mental health. Researchers report that people residing within 100 meters of street trees were less likely to be prescribed antidepressant medication. Source: IDIV Depression in cities is increasing, and the environments where people live play a significant role in mental health. … Read more

Summary: Young autistic women are more likely than young autistic men to receive a co-occurring psychiatric diagnosis — including depression, anxiety, sleep problems and self-harm — and they face a substantially higher risk of psychiatric hospitalization. Source: Karolinska Institute Key finding: Autistic young adults are substantially more likely than their non-autistic peers to experience psychiatric … Read more

Summary: New research links motor neurons’ large cell size and supporting cellular structures with genes that may explain their vulnerability to degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Source: NIH Researchers present a detailed cellular atlas of the adult human spinal cord and identify molecular features of motor neurons that relate to ALS vulnerability. A team … Read more