Category: Blog

Source: Medical Xpress It’s only during the last few decades that neuroglia, a diverse group of cells found in the brain that perform a variety of functions to support neurons, have been the subject of research. Prior to that, brain research focused heavily on the role of neurons. But as investigations continue, scientists increasingly suspect…

Source: Medical Xpress It’s common knowledge that our brains—and, specifically, our brain cells—store memories. But a team of scientists has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function, opening new pathways for understanding how memory works and creating the potential to enhance learning and to treat memory-related afflictions. “Learning…

Source: NeuroscienceNews.com Researchers have identified unique RNA structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) that promote harmful α-synuclein protein aggregation linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Elevated calcium levels trigger these G4s, acting as “scaffolds” for α-synuclein clumping. Administering 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to model mice prevented aggregation and reduced motor symptoms. This breakthrough suggests that G4-targeted therapies could…

Source: NeuroscienceNews.com Researchers have identified potential drug targets in glioblastoma cancer stem cells, providing a new approach to treat this aggressive brain cancer. By analyzing stem cells derived from patient tumors, scientists found two primary cell subtypes responsible for tumor growth, each with unique vulnerabilities. The discovery could lead to treatments targeting both subtypes, reducing…