In novel mouse study, drug significantly prevented onset of cognitive and cellular effects Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that long-term treatment with a small-molecule drug that dampens the brain’s stress circuitry markedly reduces Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology and prevents the onset of cognitive impairment in a validated mouse … Read more

Summary: Newly discovered chemical modifications and a high-resolution map of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA provide fresh clues for fighting COVID-19 and improve understanding of the virus’s lifecycle. Source: Institute for Basic Science Jean and Peter Medawar described a virus as “simply a piece of bad news wrapped up in proteins.” For SARS-CoV-2, that “bad news” is … Read more

Summary: New laboratory-grown retinal organoids recreate key features of human retinal development and reveal factors that promote axon growth from retinal ganglion cells, a step toward restoring connections between the eye and brain. Source: IUPUI IUPUI researchers are growing three-dimensional “mini retinas” from human pluripotent stem cells to model how the human retina develops and … Read more

University of Leicester researchers reveal how inositol phosphates activate HDAC-containing gene regulatory complexes New findings from the University of Leicester shed light on how small signaling molecules called inositol phosphates control the activity of large gene regulatory complexes. The discovery refines our understanding of histone deacetylase (HDAC) regulation and may guide development of more selective … Read more

Summary: Small moments of shared fun with colleagues can reduce workplace stress and help employees stay engaged and creative, a new study finds. Source: TCD Short, positive interruptions that take employees away from unpleasant or demanding tasks can meaningfully lower stress and preserve self-control resources, according to new research by WHU – Otto Beisheim School … Read more

Summary: Glutamate-producing neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a central role in how stress affects behavior. Temporarily silencing these neurons made mice more resilient to the lasting behavioral effects of severe stress. Source: University of Colorado More than 70% of adults worldwide will encounter at least one traumatic event—such as a life-threatening illness, … Read more

Lack of understanding of dementia impacts diagnosis, treatment and quality of life Believing that dementia is a normal part of aging remains the most widespread misconception about the condition, according to a systematic review led by researchers from Trinity College Dublin and the Dementia Services Centre at St James’s Hospital in Ireland. The review synthesised … Read more

New research published in The FASEB Journal indicates that blocking the TRPV1 protein increases noradrenaline release and raises core body temperature. Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized role for the TRPV1 protein in controlling the body’s “fight or flight” response and core temperature. In experiments with mice, scientists found that TRPV1 influences the nerves that … Read more

Summary: A new neuroimaging study identifies a specific neural ensemble that activates when monogamous animals run to reunite with their mate. The discovery sheds light on the brain mechanisms that drive long-term pair bonding and could guide future treatments for social behavior disorders. It may also help explain why enforced separation feels so difficult. Source: … Read more

Summary: New research indicates that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to early cognitive decline, reduced executive function, and diminished impulse control in middle-aged men—even when those men do not have obesity or other common co-morbid conditions. Source: Frontiers Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and potentially serious sleep disorder. During sleep, the throat … Read more