Genetics

Discovery gives insight into brain function, breakdowns

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a long-sought gene-encoded protein that enables the brain to communicate a broad range of signals across gaps between neurons, known as synapses. The discovery ...

Neuroscience

How does the brain learn?

Everyone knows the human brain is extremely complex—but how does it learn, exactly? Well, the answer may be a lot simpler than commonly believed.

Neuroscience

Novel sensors enable precise measurement of dopamine

Dopamine is an important signaling molecule for nerve cells. Its concentration could not be precisely determined with both high spatial or temporal resolution until now. A new method has now made this possible: A research ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

A small mutation can make Zika virus even more dangerous

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have found that Zika virus can mutate to become more infective—and potentially break through pre-existing immunity.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Weed-killer compounds also kill parasite sometimes found in cat feces

The parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects up to one-third of the human population, experts say. Sometimes transmitted to humans from infected cat feces or litter, the protozoan can cause severe and even deadly illnesses in immunocompromised ...

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