By turning off a single gene, University of Virginia researchers and their collaborators caused stem cells already becoming heart cells to change course and become future brain cells. And that could help scientists understand how specific genes affect the development of your body and the role they play in developmental diseases, potentially leading to new...
Tag: <span>brain cells</span>
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Researchers identify a subtype of brain cells that die in Parkinson’s patients
by Bob Yirka, Medical Xpress Quantification of DA subtype vulnerability to PD-associated degeneration. a, Volcano plot showing OR and FDR computed by MASC (Methods) for each of the 68 clusters identified in SNpc snRNA-seq analysis. Labeled clusters are those significantly (FDR-adjusted P < 0.05) increased or depleted in association with PD/LBD. Points and text are colored by major...
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Tufts University researchers discover new function performed by nearly half of brain cells
TUFTS UNIVERSITY IMAGE: RESEARCHERS AT TUFTS UNIVERSITY HAVE DISCOVERED ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY OF ASTROCYTES IN THE BRAIN. CREDIT: ILLUSTRATOR: SIENA FRIED FOR TUFTS UNIVERSITY Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine have discovered a previously unknown function performed by a type of cell that comprises nearly half of all cells in the brain. The scientists say this discovery...
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Long-suspected turbocharger for memory found in brain cells of mice
by Columbia University A mouse hippocampus showing the nuclei of neurons (blue) and RNA (red) derived from the Pdz8 gene that researchers used to investigate the role of intracellular calcium in learning. Credit: Stephanie Herrlinger/Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute Scientists have long known that learning requires the flow of calcium into and out of brain cells. But...
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Single protein prompts mature brain cells to regenerate multiple cell types
by UT Southwestern Medical Center Stem-like cells (red) are generated from adult brain astrocytes. Credit: UT Southwestern Medical Center A single protein can reverse the developmental clock on adult brain cells called astrocytes, morphing them into stem-like cells that produce neurons and other cell types, UT Southwestern researchers report in a PNAS study. The findings might someday lead...
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Newly discovered brain cells may be a memory filing system, study
By Tino Delamerced March 7, 2022 ADOBE Ascientist opens a laptop in front of a patient. On screen, a boy, tied to a fleet of balloons, fades in. As he rises into the air, the scene cuts abruptly to an office, where a man sits in front of his boss. A question then appears: “Was anyone...
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Protein protects brain cells most impacted by glaucoma
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA AT AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY IMAGE: DRS. KATHRYN BOLLINGER (LEFT) AND SYLVIA SMITH CREDIT: MICHAEL HOLAHAN, AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY AUGUSTA, Ga. (March 1, 2022) — A ubiquitous protein called sigma 1 receptor, which is known to protect cells from stress, appears key to the function and survival of the neurons most impacted by glaucoma, scientists...
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Touch sensitive brain cells controlled by micromagnets
by University College London Graphic illustration of magnetomechanical stimulation. Credit: Yichao Yu and Mark Lythgoe at UCL Scientists at UCL have developed a new technique that uses microscopic magnetic particles to remotely activate brain cells; researchers say the discovery in rats could potentially lead to the development of a new class of non-invasive therapies for...
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Star-like brain cells display unique activity patterns
by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Astrocytes (meaning ‘star-cells’) have a unique morphology. While the internal structure is star-like, tiny protrusions of the cell form a cloud-like region that surround all nearby synapses – the junctions where different neurons meet and communicate. In mice, astrocytes are estimated to be in contact with, and take...
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What Do Memories Look Like?
One of the greatest mysteries in neuroscience is how groups of brain cells work together to form and maintain memories. Now a team of Columbia neuroscientists led by Attila Losonczy of the Zuckerman Institute has achieved a breakthrough in this area, capturing how brain cells in mice perform computations as the animals navigate the world. The researchers accomplished...