By identifying two enhancers that cooperatively drive experience-induced Igf1 transcription in mouse cortical VIP interneurons and by analyzing the synaptic and circuit functions of these enhancers, Roethler et al. demonstrate that single experience-induced enhancers maintain information processing in adult neural circuits by modulating E/I ratio to homeostatically restrict neural activity.
Category: Neuroscience
Unraveling connections between the brain and gut
AI SummaryMIT engineers have developed a new technology that allows them to control neural circuits connecting the gut and the brain in mice using fibers embedded with various sensors and light sources. Through their experiments, they were able to manipulate the gut cells to induce feelings of fullness or reward-seeking behavior in the mice, indicating… Continue reading Unraveling connections between the brain and gut
A neural circuit for regulating a behavioral switch in response to prolonged uncontrollability in mice
Li et al. establish two animal models relevant to giving up, quitting, and/or stopping an unsuccessful behavior in mice. They show that noradrenergic neurons and inhibitory neurons are major regulators of the behavior. Transition from action to no-action occurs because of reductions in norepinephrine and inhibitory neuronal activity in the orbitofrontal cortex.
Nav1.7 is essential for nociceptor action potentials in the mouse in a manner independent of endogenous opioids
AI SummaryDeng et al. demonstrate that Nav1.7 is crucial for initiating action potentials in nociceptors, leading to pain sensation, and blocking or inhibiting Nav1.7 can result in analgesia. The study suggests that enkephalin overexpression has a limited role, if any, in the analgesia observed in Nav1.7 knockout mice.Deng et al. show that genetic removal or selective… Continue reading Nav1.7 is essential for nociceptor action potentials in the mouse in a manner independent of endogenous opioids
Atlas of human brain blood vessels highlights changes in Alzheimer’s disease
AI SummaryScientists from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, and The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have created a molecular atlas of human brain vasculature and its changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) across six brain regions. The researchers characterized over 22,514 vascular cells from different… Continue reading Atlas of human brain blood vessels highlights changes in Alzheimer’s disease
PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint pathway regulates hippocampal neuronal excitability and learning and memory behavior
In this study, Zhao et al. report that the PD-L1/PD-1 axis in hippocampal excitatory neurons regulates neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and learning/memory. Blockade of PD-L1 or PD-1 is a new strategy to improve learning and memory in health and disease.
Magnetic robots walk, crawl, and swim
AI SummaryMIT scientists have developed tiny, soft-bodied robots that can be controlled with a weak magnet. The robots, made of rubbery magnetic spirals, can walk, crawl, swim, and have potential applications in biomedical fields. The robots are magnetized in different zones and directions, allowing a single magnetic field to enable different movements. Press Mentions This… Continue reading Magnetic robots walk, crawl, and swim
[In Context] From film to philanthropy
What is it like to be diagnosed with an incurable movement disorder as a young adult? When should you tell people about your illness? How does the diagnosis affect your mental state? Or your close relationships? Still: A Michael J Fox Movie provides an open and honest insight into these challenges, in the words of… Continue reading [In Context] From film to philanthropy
Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease: Current state and future use in a transformed global healthcare landscape
AI SummaryHampel et al. review data on Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers that are close to clinical use and discuss important factors for their development and implementation.Hampel et al. review current data on blood-based biomarkers (BBBMs) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that are closest to clinical adoption, discussing important concepts and considerations for the development and implementation of AD… Continue reading Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease: Current state and future use in a transformed global healthcare landscape
From labs to the streets, experts work to defuse childhood threats to mental health
AI SummaryThreats to child mental health, such as poverty, abuse, and pollution, were discussed by experts at a symposium at MIT, who stressed the importance of science and research in addressing these issues. The speakers highlighted various mechanisms that connect early life experiences to mental health problems, as well as interventions and programs aimed at… Continue reading From labs to the streets, experts work to defuse childhood threats to mental health