Molecular pathways

Neurochemistry: Chemical Processes in the Nervous System

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Neurochemistry is the branch of neuroscience that focuses on the chemical processes occurring within the nervous system, including the synthesis, release, reuptake, and metabolism of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and other signaling molecules. It encompasses the study of molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal communication, synaptic transmission, neuroplasticity, and brain function. Understanding neurochemistry is essential for unraveling the molecular … Read more

Developmental Biology: Processes from Fertilization to Organism Formation

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Developmental biology is a fascinating field that explores the processes governing the growth, differentiation, and organization of cells into complex multicellular organisms. From the moment of fertilization, when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, to the formation of fully functional organs and tissues, developmental biology seeks to unravel the intricate molecular, cellular, and … Read more

New study reveals striking similarities between ALS and FTLD at cellular level

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), seemingly distinct neurological disorders, have long puzzled doctors and scientists with their seemingly disparate symptoms and affected brain regions. However, a groundbreaking study published in Cell has unveiled remarkable similarities between these conditions at the cellular and molecular levels, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets that … Read more

Study links hereditary ALS to accumulation of non-functional ribosomal proteins

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, remains a formidable challenge in medical science. Characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, ALS robs individuals of their ability to control muscles, ultimately leading to paralysis and, tragically, death. Despite decades of research, the underlying causes of ALS remain elusive, and effective treatments remain elusive. … Read more

RNA modification (ac4C) plays a key role in stress granule formation

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A recent study by an international research team has unveiled an exciting discovery about how our cells defend themselves during stressful situations. The research, published in EMBO Reports, shows that a tiny modification in the genetic material, called ac4C, acts as a crucial defender, helping cells create protective storage units known as stress granules. These … Read more

Patterned low-intensity low-frequency ultrasound (LILFUS) shows promise for precise neuromodulation and enhanced brain plasticity

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The human brain’s adaptability to internal and external changes, known as neural plasticity, forms the foundation for understanding cognitive functions like memory and learning, as well as various neurological disorders. New research conducted by a team led by Dr. Park Joo Min of the Center for Cognition and Sociality within the Institute for Basic Science … Read more

Chronic circadian disruption linked to liver cancer in humanized mice

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When asked about what could cause cancer, people most likely think of chemicals like tobacco or radiation such as UV light in sunshine, but chronic jet lag probably does not come to mind. Human epidemiological studies have linked chronic jet lag, also known as chronic circadian dysfunction, to increased liver cancer risk. However, direct evidence … Read more

Microbes in fruit fly microbiome boost reproduction by controlling germline stem cells

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For many of us, when we think of microbiomes, our first thoughts are probably about the beneficial microorganisms that live in our guts. But now, researchers from Japan and the US have discovered how the microbes living in fruit flies can enhance their reproduction. In a recently published study in Communications Biology, the research group … Read more

Gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease may lead to new therapeutic targets

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Microglia, immune-regulating brain cells, have long been implicated in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A recent study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital delves into the genetic aspect of microglia and its contribution to neuroinflammation, a key factor in AD. The researchers identified that a reduction in INPP5D, a gene present in microglia, leads to … Read more

Parasite turns amphipods bright orange and makes them more vulnerable to predators

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Salt marshes serve as the habitat for small crustaceans known as amphipods, which usually blend in with their environment due to their gray-brown color and tendency to hide among vegetation. However, when infected by a parasitic worm called a trematode, these amphipods transform into a bright orange hue and no longer try to conceal themselves. … Read more

Japanese plum juice concentrate may reduce cardiovascular disease risk

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects over 122 million Americans, accounting for approximately half of the population aged 20 and older. It is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease, and despite advancements in treatment, individuals taking medications to manage their blood pressure still face a high risk of death from conditions like heart attack, heart … Read more

New method for activating GPCRs could lead to more effective and safer drugs

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Researchers from the University of Tokyo have made a significant discovery regarding G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play a crucial role in relaying molecular signals in our bodies. GPCRs are involved in about one-third of existing drugs, but their activation can lead to adverse side effects by activating multiple signaling pathways. To address this issue, … Read more

New machine-learning method reveals sex-specific genes and pathways in Alzheimer’s disease

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Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute have made a significant breakthrough in understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They have developed a novel machine-learning method called Evolutionary Action Machine Learning (EAML) that enables the identification of sex-specific genes and molecular pathways associated with AD. The study, published in … Read more