For the first time, researchers have successfully visualized the intricate network of blood vessels spanning the cortex of awake mice. Their groundbreaking observations revealed that these blood vessels rhythmically expand and contract, creating “waves” that wash across the brain’s surface. This discovery, published in the journal Neuron, significantly enhances our understanding of cerebral blood flow, … Read more
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
Nonsense-mediated RNA decay, or NMD, is an evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanism in which potentially defective messenger RNAs, or mRNAs (genetic material that instructs the body on how to make proteins), are degraded. Disruption of the NMD pathway can lead to neurological disorders, immune diseases, cancers, and other pathologies. Mutations in human NMD regulators are seen … Read more
In a groundbreaking paper titled “Multimodal MRI reveals brainstem connections that sustain wakefulness in human consciousness,” published in Science Translational Medicine, a collaborative team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital has unveiled a critical brain network believed to be pivotal in human consciousness. Utilizing high-resolution scans that offered unprecedented submillimeter spatial … Read more
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
One in every 10 individuals above the age of 65 develops an age-related neurological disorder like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, yet treatment options remain sparse for this population. Scientists have begun exploring whether cannabinoids—compounds derived from the cannabis plant, like well-known THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)—may offer a solution. A third, lesser-known cannabinoid called CBN (cannabinol) … Read more
Autism spectrum disorder has yet to be linked to a single cause, due to the wide range of its symptoms and severity. However, a study by University of Virginia researchers suggests a promising new approach to finding answers, one that could lead to advances in the study of other neurological diseases and disorders. The work … Read more
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
Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital have shed light on how our brains manage to stay tethered to reality even while daydreaming. Their findings, published in Nature on March 13, 2024, reveal a crucial role played by the dentate gyrus, a region in the hippocampus. When our minds wander, the brain typically engages in replaying past … Read more
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
The hippocampus, akin to a seahorse in shape, holds a pivotal role in cognitive aging and memory function within the brain. Over the years, researchers have diligently probed its mysteries, yet a gap persisted in understanding how age or diseases alter its various subfields. A groundbreaking study, spearheaded by scholars from Western and Maastricht University … Read more
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
Neurons, the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, play a crucial role in transmitting signals throughout the body. This intricate process involves the flow of information in the form of electrical impulses and neurotransmitters, allowing for communication between neurons and facilitating various physiological functions. Understanding the mechanisms behind neural signal transmission is essential for … Read more
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
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
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
The cell membrane, often referred to as the plasma membrane, stands as a critical component in the realm of biology, serving as a protective barrier that encapsulates the internal environment of cells. Its intricate structure and dynamic functions are integral to the survival and functionality of living organisms. This semi-permeable boundary is a mosaic of … Read more
While millions worldwide undergo general anesthesia annually for various medical interventions, the intricate biological processes underpinning how different anesthetics induce unconsciousness remain elusive. A recent study published in eLife suggests that microglia, minute immune cells within the brain, might hold pivotal clues in unraveling this mystery. Bo Peng, a distinguished professor at Fudan University’s Institute … Read more
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
Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It explores a vast range of topics, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. This discipline delves into various levels of biological organization, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecosystems. Through methods like observation, experimentation, and analysis, biologists seek … Read more