Neural vulnerability in Huntington’s disease tied to release of mitochondrial RNA
Unique survey of gene expression by cell type in humans and mice reveals several deficits affecting the most vulnerable neurons.
Seemingly similar, two neurons show distinct styles as they interact with the same muscle partner
Diversity in how cells talk to the muscle they innervate reveal distinct propensities for change, or “plasticity.”
A mechanical way to stimulate neurons
Magnetic nanodiscs can be activated by an external magnetic field, providing a research tool for studying neural responses.
Findings weaken notion that size equals strength for neural connections
Among study’s many surprises may be a new way to address Fragile X syndrome — by finding a “protein X.”
COMMANDing drug delivery
A new computational method fine-tunes delivery of therapeutics to specific brain regions.
Flatworms muscle new eyes' wiring into their brains
Peter Reddien's lab at the Whitehead Institute takes a step forward in understanding how neural circuits could be regenerated in adults.
How worms move: Dopamine helps nematodes coordinate motor behaviors
To spy on worms for days on end, Picower Institute scientists invent a new open-source microscopy platform.
Producing a gaseous messenger molecule inside the body, on demand
Method could shed light on nitric oxide’s role in the neural, circulatory, and immune systems.
A focused approach to imaging neural activity in the brain
New molecule for imaging calcium in neurons reduces crosstalk from neighboring neurons.
Like a treasure map, brain region emphasizes reward location
The lateral septum encodes spatial information with a special emphasis on where the reward lies.
Study sheds light on a classic visual illusion
Neuroscientists delve into how background brightness influences our perception of an object.
Study finds path for addressing Alzheimer’s blood-brain barrier impairment
MIT researchers pinpoint mechanism and demonstrate that drugs could help.
Research highlights immune molecule’s complex role in Huntington’s disease
Knocking out the immune cytokine IL-6 exacerbates symptoms in HD model mice, affects neural connection genes.
Making tissue stretchable, compressible, and nearly indestructible
Chemical process called ELAST allows labeling probes to infuse more quickly, and makes samples tough enough for repeated handling.
Study finds that aging neurons accumulate DNA damage
Reactivating an enzyme that promotes DNA repair can help to reverse age-related cognitive decline in mice.