Category Biology/Biotechnology

Marijuana plant (stock image). Evidence of a compromised dopamine system has been found in heavy users of marijuana. Credit: © Vasily Merkushev / Fotolia

Evidence of a compromised dopamine system has been found in heavy users of marijuana. Effect similar to other addictions. Lower dopamine release was found in the striatum – involved in working memory, impulsive behavior, and attention. Previous studies have shown that addiction to other drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and heroin, have similar effects on dopamine release, but such evidence for cannabis was missing until now.

“In light of the more widespread acceptance and use of marijuana, especially by young people, we believe it is important to look more closely at the potentially addictive effects of cannabis on key regions of the brai...

New findings indicate that a previously thought harmful inflammation in the brain after a stroke might actually support self-healing. Photo: MostPhotos Published: 15/04/2016

After a stroke, there is inflammation in the damaged part of the brain. Until now, the inflammation has been seen as a negative consequence that needs to be abolished as soon as possible. But, as it turns out, there are also some positive sides to the inflammation, and it can actually help the brain to self-repair. “This is in total contrast to our previous beliefs,” says Professor Zaal Kokaia from Lund University in Sweden. It may lead to new ways of treating stroke in the future.

When stroke occurs, the nerve cells in the damaged area of the brain die, causing an inflammation that attracts cells from the immune syste...

Authors of the new study included The Scripps Research Institute’s (left to right) Research Associate Ze Liu, Research Associate Yunchao Gai and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience Ron Davis. Credit: Photo courtesy of The Scripps Research Institute.

While research has identified 100s of genes required for normal memory formation, genes that suppress memory are of special interest because they offer insights into how the brain prioritizes and manages all of the information, including memories, that it takes in every day. These genes also provide clues new treatments for cognitive disorders eg, Alzheimer’s disease. TSRI scientists have identified a unique memory suppressor gene in the brain cells of Drosophila fruit fly, a widely recognized substitute for human memory studies.

Davis et a...