Summary: A new mathematical model clarifies the catalytic chemical reactions that drive the formation of amyloid fibrils, including the Alzheimer’s-associated Ab40 protein. Source: American Institute of Physics Amyloids are large, tightly packed protein aggregates whose formation is linked to disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Type II diabetes. Researchers publishing in the Journal of Chemical … Read more

Summary: Researchers have developed a new computer system that emulates the brain’s neural networks. This advance may improve understanding of neural processing and support research into brain disorders. Source: Frontiers Researchers report that a custom-built computer designed to mimic brain networks produces results comparable to leading brain-simulation supercomputer software. The system, called SpiNNaker, was evaluated … Read more

Summary: A study examines how interpersonal synchronization between partners can reduce pain through touch. Source: University of Colorado at Boulder. When Partners Touch: Heartbeat and Breathing Sync as Pain Eases Expectant partners, take note: when a caring partner holds the hand of someone in pain, their heart and breathing rates can fall into sync—and the … Read more

Summary: A new machine learning tool released free online enables sleep researchers to investigate the K-complex—a brief, prominent EEG waveform that lasts about half a second during sleep—and to study its potential links with health and cognition. Source: Finders University Machine learning and deep learning techniques are helping Flinders University researchers explore a key mystery … Read more

Full Detonation in the Hippocampus: Plasticity-Dependent Switch at Mossy Fiber–CA3 Synapses Summary: Researchers demonstrate that altering short-term synaptic plasticity can flip a hippocampal synapse from a conditional to a full “detonator” mode, enabling a single presynaptic action potential to trigger firing in the postsynaptic CA3 neuron. Source: IST Austria Overview: Synapses are the communication points … Read more

Novel molecules spur growth of neuronal structures linked to memory Chemists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new class of small molecules that trigger anatomical changes in neurons involved in memory formation and retention. These promising compounds increase the number of dendritic spines—tiny, thornlike protrusions on neuron branches that receive synaptic … Read more

Summary: New research suggests children conceived after less than three years of parental sexual contact may face a slightly higher risk of developing schizophrenia. Source: Mount Sinai Hospital Overview: Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai report that offspring born to couples who had been sexually involved for under three years prior … Read more

Summary: A new mouse study shows that pups born to mothers who experienced prenatal stress and that were exposed at birth to the mother’s vaginal microbiota developed lower body weight and higher stress hormone levels as adults. Source: University of Maryland Vaginal Microbiome at Birth May Transfer Effects of Prenatal Stress to Offspring Researchers at … Read more

Summary: Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized rare genetic disorder now named RPN1-CDG. Using whole exome sequencing, investigators traced a damaging mutation in the RPN1 gene in two siblings with an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental condition. Biochemical studies showed the mutation disrupts glycosylation—the process of attaching sugar chains to proteins—resulting in widespread cellular dysfunction. This finding expands … Read more

Summary: A neuroimaging study identifies distinct alterations in white matter and other brain tissue physiology in people with post-treatment Lyme disease. The research also found atypical frontal lobe activity—an area tied to memory recall and concentration—in those previously treated for Lyme disease. Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used advanced brain imaging … Read more