Vitamin B6 breakdown inhibitor shows promise for vrain disorders

A low vitamin B6 level has negative effects on brain performance. A research team from Würzburg University Medicine has now found a way to delay the degradation of the vitamin. Vitamin B6 is important for brain metabolism. Accordingly, in various mental illnesses, a low vitamin B6 level is associated with impaired memory and learning abilities, … Read more

Neurochemistry: Chemical Processes in the Nervous System

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

Cellular Respiration: Energy Production in Cells

Cellular respiration is a fundamental biological process that occurs in living cells to generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process involves the breakdown of organic molecules, such as glucose, through a series of biochemical reactions that release energy stored in chemical bonds. Cellular respiration is essential for the survival and functioning … Read more

Neurobiology: Exploring the Nervous System

Neurobiology is a fascinating field of study that delves into the intricacies of the nervous system, which serves as the body’s communication and control center. The nervous system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that coordinate sensory perception, motor function, cognition, and behavior. In this exploration of neurobiology, we will delve into … Read more

Scientists create mice with hybrid brains

If mice ever wonder what it’s like to experience the world as a rat, some are now able to live that dream, at least when it comes to the sense of smell. Researchers led by Columbia University’s Kristin Baldwin have created mice with hybrid brains—part mouse, part rat—that sense the odors of the world with … Read more

Mutated protein in lysosomes linked to dopamine neuron degeneration in Parkinson’s disease

A mutated protein expressed in lysosomes may contribute to Parkinson’s disease, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study published in the Journal of Cell Biology. Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the U.S., after Alzheimer’s disease. The National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that as many as one million Americans … Read more

Study links mutations in key brain cells to chronic opioid use disorder

A study led by Ryan W. Logan, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and neurobiology, has found mutations in key brain cells among individuals with chronic opioid use that could shift how we think about treatment strategies for opioid use disorder. “One thing we’ve been trying to think about is how can we heal the brain?” said … Read more

New drug delivery platform utilizes helical amyloid fibers for targeted release

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have pioneered a novel drug delivery system centered on helical amyloid fibers engineered to release medications upon reaching body temperatures. Their recent study, published in Nature Communications on January 26, delves into the intricate structural intricacies underlying diseases like Alzheimer’s, potentially unlocking a mechanism to … Read more

Role of ATP in cellular processes

Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, serves as the primary energy currency in living organisms, playing a crucial role in various cellular processes across all forms of life. Its significance lies in its ability to store and transfer energy within cells, enabling fundamental biological functions necessary for life, growth, and reproduction. At its core, ATP consists of … Read more

Direct link to brain’s reward center found

New findings published in the journal Nature Neuroscience have shed light on a mysterious pathway between the reward center of the brain that is key to how we form habits, known as the basal ganglia, and another anatomically distinct region where nearly three-quarters of the brain’s neurons reside and assist in motor learning, known as … Read more

Role of neurotransmitters in nerve signaling

Neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in the intricate and dynamic process of nerve signaling, facilitating communication between nerve cells or neurons within the nervous system. This intricate signaling system is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, coordinating various physiological processes and enabling the transmission of information from one part of the body … Read more

How do neurotransmitters function in the nervous system?

Neurotransmitters are essential signaling molecules in the nervous system, playing a central role in transmitting information between neurons and facilitating communication throughout the intricate neural networks. These chemical messengers enable the transmission of signals across synapses, the junctions between neurons, allowing for the precise and rapid communication necessary for various physiological processes. Understanding how neurotransmitters … Read more

Structure and function of the nervous system

The nervous system is a complex and intricate network that plays a crucial role in coordinating and regulating the functions of the human body. Comprising the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, the nervous system serves as the body’s command center, responsible for processing information, initiating responses, and maintaining homeostasis. Understanding the structure and function … Read more

What is neuropharmacology?

Neuropharmacology is a specialized field within pharmacology that focuses on the study of how drugs affect the nervous system, both in terms of normal functioning and in the context of disease. This multidisciplinary science combines elements of neuroscience, pharmacology, and psychology to understand the interactions between drugs and the complex network of cells in the … Read more

What is neuroscience?

Neuroscience, a multidisciplinary field of study, is dedicated to understanding the structure and function of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This dynamic and rapidly evolving field integrates knowledge from various scientific disciplines, including biology, psychology, physics, and computer science, to unravel the complexities of the nervous system. Neuroscience … Read more

Free tools turn brain dissection photos into 3D models

Researchers have developed a suite of free tools for analyzing vast amounts of brain dissection photographs at brain banks worldwide to enhance understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. The study, published today as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife, is described by the editors as providing a valuable open-source tool for researchers in the neuropathology and neuroimaging field, … Read more

What is mitochondria?

Mitochondria are dynamic and vital organelles found in the cells of eukaryotic organisms, playing a central role in energy production and numerous cellular processes. These double-membraned structures are often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell” due to their primary function of generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular currency for energy. However, their significance … Read more

What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?

The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, play a pivotal role in cellular function and energy metabolism. These double-membraned organelles are essential components of eukaryotic cells, where they perform diverse functions crucial for the cell’s survival and overall functionality. The primary function of mitochondria is to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the … Read more

Diamond sensors reveal early brain changes in disease

European researchers have recently conducted a study showcasing the potential of highly sensitive sensors utilizing color centers in diamonds to capture electrical activity from neurons within living brain tissue. Published in Scientific Reports, this research aims to delve into the subtle changes occurring in the brain before noticeable symptoms of diseases like dementia manifest. Prior … Read more

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

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