Optogenetics News and Research

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New technique connects lab-grown "neural organoids" to resemble brain circuits

The idea of growing a functioning human brain-like tissues in a dish has always sounded pretty far-fetched, even to researchers in the field.

10 Apr 2024

“Zombie neurons” shed light on the cerebellum's critical teaching signals

Nestled at the back of your head, the cerebellum is a brain structure that plays a pivotal role in how we learn, adapting our actions based on past experiences.

2 Apr 2024

MIT researchers identify key brain circuit for vocalization control

MIT researchers have discovered a brain circuit that drives vocalization and ensures that you talk only when you breathe out, and stop talking when you breathe in.

7 Mar 2024

NIH funds study on neural mechanisms behind autism and sound sensitivity

Supported by a $2 million R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health, the Auerbach Lab at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology will examine how different genes associated with autism spectrum disorders may similarly impact our brain's neurons, resulting in heightened sensitivity to sounds.

28 Feb 2024

Study uncovers missing piece in the complex nerve-network needed for left-right turns

Have you ever wondered what happens in the brain when we move to the right or left? Most people don't; they just do it without thinking about it. But this simple movement is actually controlled by a complex process.

12 Feb 2024

Scientists discover key pathway linking brain's habit center and motor learning region

Researchers explored how the cerebellum directly affects dopamine release in the substantia nigra compacta (SNc).

29 Jan 2024

New technique helps track the brain's "off switches"

For decades, scientists have studied the intricate activity patterns in human and animal brains by observing when different groups of brain cells turn on.

23 Jan 2024

Exploring fear engrams to shed light on physical manifestation of memory in the brain

In a world grappling with the complexities of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, new research from Boston University neuroscientist Dr. Steve Ramirez and collaborators offers a unique perspective.

2 Jan 2024

Patient-specific muscle models pave way for personalized neuromuscular therapies

Scientists have so far identified around 800 different neuromuscular diseases. These conditions are caused by problems in the way muscle cells, motor neurons and peripheral cells interact.

19 Dec 2023

Unlocking the secrets of dopamine-driven learning in the brain

Imagine you're teaching a dog to play fetch. You throw a ball, and your dog sprints after it, picks it up, and runs back. You then reward your panting pup with a treat.

13 Dec 2023

Pancreatic vagus nerve stimulation boosts insulin production in mice

Insulin is a hormone that decreases blood glucose levels. The only cells that produce insulin are pancreatic beta cells (β-cells), and a decrease in these cells is a major cause of diabetes.

4 Dec 2023

Researchers discover mechanism for memory storage in engram cells

What is the mechanism that allows our brains to incorporate new information about the world, and form memories? New work by a team of neuroscientists led by Dr Tomás Ryan from Trinity College Dublin shows that learning occurs through the continuous formation of new connectivity patterns between specific engram cells in different regions of the brain.

22 Nov 2023

Study reveals surprising role of cerebellar nuclei in associative learning

Associative learning was always thought to be regulated by the cortex of the cerebellum, often referred to as the "little brain".

20 Nov 2023

New study reveals link between autism brain states and early life memory retention

Neuroscientists have discovered a fascinating connection between the retention of early life memories and brain developmental trajectories associated with autism [Wednesday 8th November 2023].

8 Nov 2023

Neural circuit linked to aversion and depression discovered

Researchers have identified a new neural circuit in the brain which produces a strong sense of discomfort when activated.

6 Nov 2023

Researchers discover brain pathways involved in sleep preparatory behavior in mice

Researchers have discovered the brain pathways involved in 'sleep preparatory behaviour' in mice, which is likely to also apply to humans.

21 Sep 2023

Cerebellum plays a key role in generalized convulsive seizures, study finds

Recurrent seizures are debilitating and can sometimes, be fatal. The onset and presentation of seizures vary significantly among epilepsy patients. Of more than 25 categories of seizure presentations within epilepsy, those with motor convulsions are perhaps the most disruptive and generally most feared among patients and caregivers.

2 Aug 2023

Optogenetics News and Research

New technique connects lab-grown "neural organoids" to resemble brain circuits

“Zombie neurons” shed light on the cerebellum's critical teaching signals

MIT researchers identify key brain circuit for vocalization control

NIH funds study on neural mechanisms behind autism and sound sensitivity

Study uncovers missing piece in the complex nerve-network needed for left-right turns

Scientists discover key pathway linking brain's habit center and motor learning region

New technique helps track the brain's "off switches"

Exploring fear engrams to shed light on physical manifestation of memory in the brain

Patient-specific muscle models pave way for personalized neuromuscular therapies

Unlocking the secrets of dopamine-driven learning in the brain

Pancreatic vagus nerve stimulation boosts insulin production in mice

Researchers discover mechanism for memory storage in engram cells

Study reveals surprising role of cerebellar nuclei in associative learning

New study reveals link between autism brain states and early life memory retention

Neural circuit linked to aversion and depression discovered

Researchers discover brain pathways involved in sleep preparatory behavior in mice

Cerebellum plays a key role in generalized convulsive seizures, study finds

Living digital camera: scientists capture light patterns in DNA for image storage

Study reveals neural circuits underlying adolescent stress-induced postpartum social behavior

BU researcher receives $2.8M grant to study serotonin's role in chronic stress and depression

Genetics & Genomics - Second Edition eBook

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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