Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity or neural plasticity, is a fundamental property of the brain that refers to its ability to change and adapt throughout life in response to experiences, learning, environmental stimuli, injury, and disease. This remarkable capacity for structural and functional reorganization enables the brain to modify neural pathways, establish new connections, … 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
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 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
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
High-intensity exercise induces brain-protective effects that have the potential to not just slow down but possibly reverse the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease, a new pilot study suggests. Prior research has shown that many forms of exercise are linked to improved symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. But there has been no evidence that hitting the gym … Read more
A neurotransmitter previously thought only to calm neurons may also play a role in waking them up, according to a study published in the journal PLOS Biology, a discovery which challenges the textbook view of how neurons communicate with one another in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, is thought to be the principal inhibitory … Read more
In a series of groundbreaking experiments involving lab-grown brain cells and mouse models, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have unveiled a fascinating discovery concerning a cell surface protein known as Lag3. Not only does Lag3 serve as a biological target for FDA-approved drugs that bolster the immune system’s ability to combat cancer, but it also … Read more
A new study published in Nature Communications gives insights into the underlying mechanisms of the formation of protein clumps in Alzheimer’s disease. The study, led by researchers from Karolinska Institutet, could pave the way for new treatments for this devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, causing memory loss, confusion, and cognitive … Read more
A team of University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists has developed the first 3D-printed brain tissue that can grow and function like typical brain tissue. It’s an achievement with important implications for scientists studying the brain and working on treatments for a broad range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. “This could … 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
A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Jonathan Lipton from Boston Children’s Hospital delves into the intricate relationship between our internal body clocks, known as circadian rhythms, and cognitive sharpness. This research sheds light on why our mental acuity, memory retention, and learning capabilities fluctuate throughout the day. Dr. Lipton, a sleep specialist affiliated with the … 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
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
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
A placebo is a substance or treatment that appears identical to a real medical intervention but lacks any active component. It is often used in medical research and clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of a new treatment by comparing its results with those of a placebo. The term “placebo” is derived from the Latin … Read more
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have identified a protein key to the development of a type of brain cell believed to play a role in disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and used the discovery to grow the neurons from stem cells for the first time. The stem-cell-derived norepinephrine neurons of the type found … Read more