US scientists believe they have uncovered one of the mechanisms that enables the brain to form memories.
Synapses – where brain cells connect with each other – have long been known to be the key site of information exchange and storage in the brain.
But researchers say they have now learnt how molecules at the site of the synapse behave to cement a memory.
It is hoped the research, published in Neuron, could aid the development of drugs for diseases like Alzheimer’s. Read the rest of this entry »
A new study has found a derivative of cholesterol is necessary for brain cell formation.
Researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute say tests on mice prove that the formation of dopamine-producing neurons during brain development is dependent on the activation of a specific receptor in the brain by an oxidized form of cholesterol called oxysterol.
Dopamine-producing nerve cells play an important part in many brain functions and processes, from motor skills to reward systems and dependency. They are also the type of cell that die in Parkinson’s disease. Read the rest of this entry »
Drinks containing a cocktail of proteins found in beans, nuts and meat, could help people recover from head injuries more quickly, a study suggests.
Scientists fed a mixture of amino acids to brain-damaged mice. The drinks restored the right balance of brain chemicals in their brains which returned their learning capacity returned to normal levels.
Head researcher Dr Akiva Cohen, from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in the US, said if the results were reproduced in humans, patients with traumatic brain injuries could be given the amino acids in a drink. Read the rest of this entry »
An ingredient found in natural supplement green tea may help treat brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s.
According to a study published in Natural Chemical Biology, when EGCG, a green tea ingredient mixed with chemical DAPH-12, it may help destroy amyloids, which are proteins that bring on the brain diseases.
Some feel this study is significant as no other research has found a chemical combination to destroy amyloids. Researchers found that while EGCG could destroy weaker amyloids on their own, it needed to be mixed with DAPH-12 to destroy the stronger proteins. Read the rest of this entry »
The master gene Math1 is involved in the genesis of the most common childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, said researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in a report in the current issue of the journal Science.
The finding provides a new treatment target in the deadly disease that most commonly affects children and young adults, said Dr. Huda Zoghbi, the report’s senior author and professor of molecular and human genetics, pediatrics, neurology and neuroscience at BCM. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by admin | Posted in Cancer | Posted on 05-12-2009
New discoveries into how the body clock works could provide clues to help combat jet lag, research suggests.
A University of Manchester team studied special cells which they say play an important role in regulating a person’s body clock.
The cells had been thought to be inactive during the day – but their research found the opposite is true.
It is hoped the findings may also pave the way to combating sleep disorders triggered by body clock malfunctions. Read the rest of this entry »
US scientists believe they have uncovered one of the mechanisms that enables the brain to form memories.
