Summary: Researchers have developed a three-dimensional mouse organoid model to study how olfactory neurons regenerate. Their work reveals that a stem cell type previously thought to be largely inactive plays an important role in repairing smell-sensing tissue. The study shows that horizontal basal cells (HBCs), identified by KRT5 expression, actively support neuron formation in concert … Read more
Summary: Understanding the complexity of the human microbiome may help unlock many mysteries behind physical health and psychological illnesses. Source: The Conversation Bacteria are central to life on Earth and form essential building blocks that shape living organisms. Both the mitochondrion — the cellular structure that produces energy in most organisms — and the chloroplast … Read more
Summary: Heightened reactivation of negative memory engrams in the hippocampus may be a key cellular mechanism behind the cognitive symptoms of depression. Source: SfN Physical traces of negative memories in the hippocampus may help explain cognitive symptoms of depression, according to a mouse study published in Journal of Neuroscience. Targeting these traces could offer a … Read more
Summary: New research shows that people with high blood pressure who sleep less than six hours per night face higher risks of brain injury, accelerated brain aging, and declines in executive function. The study analyzed 682 dementia-free participants from the Framingham Heart Study, combining overnight sleep recordings, self-reported sleep duration, blood pressure measurements, cognitive testing, … Read more
New Salk study reveals how bipolar disorder alters neuronal sensitivity and shows fundamental cellular differences tied to lithium response Researchers at the Salk Institute have found that neurons derived from patients with bipolar disorder are unusually sensitive to stimulation compared with neurons from healthy individuals. The study, published in October 2015 in Nature, is one … Read more
Scientists produce the strongest evidence yet about the causes of schizophrenia: risk mutations disturb a delicate chemical balance in the brain that is essential for development and function. An international research team led by Cardiff University has produced the most compelling genetic evidence to date explaining how schizophrenia develops. The findings, published in the journal … Read more
Summary: New research highlights a strong link between mental health and cardiovascular disease. Depression, anxiety and chronic stress are associated with earlier development of heart disease risk factors and a higher likelihood of major cardiac events. Two preliminary studies presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 show that psychological conditions do more than … Read more
Summary: Controlled expression of the Yamanaka factors can reverse signs of aging in brain neurons, restoring synaptic connections, normalizing metabolism, and providing protection against neurodegenerative processes such as those seen in Alzheimer’s disease. In adult mice, delivering these factors to neurons led to cellular rejuvenation without observable side effects and corresponded with improved motor and … Read more
Key Questions Answered: Q: How long does it typically take to diagnose dementia?A: On average about 3.5 years from first symptom recognition—about 4.1 years for early-onset cases. Q: What factors delay diagnosis?A: Younger age at onset, frontotemporal dementia, limited specialist access, healthcare system barriers, stigma and low public awareness. Q: Why does timely diagnosis matter?A: … Read more
Summary: Electric fields generated by groups of neurons may carry working memory content, providing a stable representation that overcomes representational drift. Source: MIT A new study indicates that electric fields produced by neuronal populations can reliably represent information held in working memory, helping the brain maintain stable function despite changing participation of individual neurons. When … Read more
