Category Health/Medical

Scientists discover new mechanism of how brain networks form

Scientists have
discovered that networks of inhibitory neurons develop through a mechanism opposite to the one followed by excitatory networks. Excitatory neurons sculpt and refine maps of the external world throughout development and experience, while inhibitory neurons form maps that become broader with maturation. This discovery adds a new piece to the puzzle of how the brain organizes and processes information. Knowing how the normal brain works is an important step toward understanding the nature of neurological conditions and opens the possibility of finding treatments in the future.

“The brain represents the external world as specific maps of activity created by networks of neurons,” said Dr...

An illustration of aquaporin’s effect on cells. Credit: M. Shapiro Laboratory/Caltech

Knowing which genes are switched on is important for the treatment and monitoring of disease. Now, for the first time, Caltech scientists have invented a new method to link MRI signals to gene expression in cells – including tumor cells – in living tissues. The technique, which eventually could be used in humans, would allow gene expression to be monitored non-invasively, requiring no surgical procedures eg biopsies.

In MRI, hydrogen atoms in the body – atoms that are mostly contained in water molecules and fat – are excited using a magnetic field...

Top, from left: Dr. Wan Hee Yoon and Dr. Hugo Bellen. Bottom, from left: Dr. James R. Lupski and Dr. Michael F. Wangler.

An international team has discovered that the gene, OGDHL, a key protein required for normal function of the mitochondria – the energy-producing factory of the cell – and its chaperone, nardilysin (NRD1) are linked to progressive loss of neurological function in humans. Working with the fruit fly, an experimental animal model in the lab, the scientists found a mechanism by which misregulation of mitochondrial function leads to neurodegeneration. The results appear in Neuron.

“In our research we look for genes whose loss of function results in deterioration of neurological functions in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster,” said Dr...

Defensins, anti-microbial molecules essential to maintain healthy gut flora

Extra vitamin D can restore good bacteria in the gut, according to a study in mice, giving hope in the fight against risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. It is well known that a diet high in fat can trigger a metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms that pose as risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. Scientists have now found vitamin D deficiency is necessary for this syndrome to progress in mice, with disturbances in gut bacteria.

If these findings can be validated in humans, sun bathing and vitamin D supplements may be feasible and affordable approaches to improve or even prevent metabolic syndrome...