Researchers develop nanopipette scanning probe method to record electrical activity at individual synapses A team led by a researcher at Queen Mary University of London has developed a precise new method that makes it possible to measure electrical activity directly at the tiny communication junctions between neurons—synapses. Synapses in the central nervous system are extremely … Read more

Understanding the brain’s recovery process could improve treatment for many types of central nervous system injury. An interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists and neurosurgeons at the University of Rochester has applied an advanced imaging method to chart how the human brain restores visual function within weeks after surgical removal of a pituitary tumor. Published on the … Read more

Summary: A new SISSA study examines how the visual system influences our food choices. Source: SISSA. Red often signals “go for it” while green can signal “maybe skip it.” Like a reversed traffic light in the brain, color helps guide our decisions about what to eat. A recent study from the International School for Advanced … Read more

Genetic Links between Autism and Stem Cell Dysfunction: L-type Calcium Channel Alterations in Fragile X Syndrome Summary: Researchers report functional alterations in L-type calcium channels detected in models of Fragile X syndrome. Source: University of Helsinki Overview Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with hundreds of genetic variants. These discoveries have highlighted recurring intracellular signalling … Read more

Stowers researchers identify protein that initiates the formation of stable, long-term memories Prions are often associated with damaging effects because they can trigger proteins to misfold and spread uncontrolled through cells. However, new research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research demonstrates that certain prion-like proteins can be tightly controlled and produced only at specific … Read more

Summary: A large international study finds that extreme heat affects not only physical health and productivity but also people’s emotions. By analyzing more than 1.2 billion social media posts, researchers discovered that when daily temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C), expressed sentiment turns noticeably more negative—an effect that is substantially stronger in lower-income countries. The study highlights … Read more

Summary: Middle-aged Americans are reporting more chronic pain than older generations, and this rise is concentrated among those without a four-year college degree. Source: Princeton Contrary to the typical expectation that pain increases steadily with age, recent research finds that in the United States people in midlife report more chronic pain than the elderly. The … Read more

Summary: Researchers have identified five genes across the genome that enable efficient sleep. Source: UCSF Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco report that some individuals carry genetic variants that allow them to sleep fewer hours while maintaining alertness and cognitive function. These “elite sleepers” can thrive on approximately four to six hours of … Read more

Summary: A new Brown University study shows that people instinctively weigh popularity and social distance when deciding who to tell gossip. By mentally mapping their social networks, individuals can spread information widely while reducing the chance that the gossip reaches the person being discussed. Researchers report that people form internal maps of their social circles … Read more

Summary: Researchers have developed a new system that can automatically detect mouse song. Source: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Mice, like some songbirds, produce complex vocalizations from an early age. Many of these calls occur in the ultrasonic range and are inaudible to humans, yet they form structured sequences that mice use to communicate in … Read more