A novel microRNA shapes development of cortical projection neurons

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A novel microRNA shapes development of cortical projection neurons

Can you imagine a world where doctors help people with previously irreversibly paralysis regain their ability to walk? Many scientists across the globe are working towards making this a reality, and they are doing so by studying the development of the neurons of the motor cortex. In this study, Jessica Diaz and her colleagues uncover part of what prevents the neurons of the motor cortex from becoming something else entirely.

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A Tale of Two Neurotransmitters: Dopamine & Histamine

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A Tale of Two Neurotransmitters: Dopamine & Histamine

Communication is an important feature of our lives as humans. It is also important for cells within the brain called neurons. Neurons communicate through special chemicals, called neurotransmitters, and these chemicals can impact the way we interact with the world around us. One neurotransmitter that has been overlooked is histamine, but it likely has important functions in the brain. Researchers Xu & Pittenger investigate how histamine might interact with other neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine, bringing us one step closer to understanding the mystery of histamine.

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Shedding new light on single cell transcriptomics

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Shedding new light on single cell transcriptomics

Many scientists work with cells that are too small to see with the naked eye. Cells are also incredibly fragile and physically difficult to manipulate. What if we could characterize the genetic profile of individual cells by using light as our laser pointer? Kishi et al., have developed an innovative technique to do just that, which opens up completely new path for exploring the constellation of cells everywhere around us.

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Molly Talk Therapy: How MDMA-assisted therapy can be used to help reduce alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking in people with PTSD

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Molly Talk Therapy: How MDMA-assisted therapy can be used to help reduce alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking in people with PTSD

Molly or MDMA is a psychedelic known to increase feelings of love for others and increase empathy. A less mainstream way this compound has been used is to help people with PTSD. Sometimes, alcohol consumption is used to cope with symptoms of PTSD, making it challenging to treat the underlying disease. In a study published in 2022, scientists found that MDMA-assisted therapy can help curb alcohol consumption in people with PTSD.

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The different thirst neurons (and why we sometimes prefer water over Gatorade)

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The different thirst neurons (and why we sometimes prefer water over Gatorade)

Thirst, that primal sensation that drives us to seek hydration, has long intrigued scientists. We become thirsty either because we don’t have enough water and/or because there is too much salt in our bodies. How does our brain differentiate between these thirsts and tell us what to drink? In an elegant study by Pool et al., researchers unravel the intricate workings of thirst and its neural basis.

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Love Will Carry On: the oxytocin system and social behavior

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Love Will Carry On: the oxytocin system and social behavior

Love. Bonding. Attachment. These are powerful emotions that are present in so many people’s lives, and also many different animal species. But how do these emotions come about and what is the role our brain plays in behaviors associated with these emotions? In a recent paper by Kristen Berendzen and colleagues, the role of oxytocin, an important hormone and neurotransmitter, in behaviors associated with bonding and social attachment is assessed.

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Can the flu affect our brain?

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Can the flu affect our brain?

It is likely that you’ve heard of people developing attention and memory problems following an infection with Covid-19. These pervasive neurocognitive symptoms are known as “brain fog.” How does a respiratory infection result in brain fog? In this paper, the authors explore the effects of influenza infection on the brain and cognitive behavior in mice. With the high number of patients suffering from brain fog following Covid-19, it is important to understand how infections such as the flu can impact the central nervous system in order to develop treatments for brain fog patients.

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The role of glia and immune cells in trigeminal nerve pain

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The role of glia and immune cells in trigeminal nerve pain

Do you or someone you know suffer from chronic unilateral facial pain?  Are you pain-free and simply interested in what could cause such pain? Scientist Junjin Lin and his colleagues may have some answers for you. In their study published in Scientific Reports in 2021, they delve into the different cellular contributions to the pathology of trigeminal neuralgia, a common cause of chronic facial pain. This article summarizes their findings and their impact on future research into trigeminal pain.

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Shaping Adolescent Behavior: The Role of Brain Immune Cells

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Shaping Adolescent Behavior: The Role of Brain Immune Cells

Do you remember what it’s like being a teenager? Did you spend a lot of time socializing with your friends? Microglia, immune cells that live in the brain, are important for normal brain development through the regulation of cell death and synapse elimination. In this paper, the authors investigate the role of microglia in shaping adolescent social behavior.

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