Neuroscience

How synaptic vesicles accumulate glutamate

In the brain, neurons communicate via neurotransmitters, which trigger electrical signals in downstream neurons by binding and activating specific receptors. Neurotransmitters are released through the fusion of synaptic vesicles, ...

Neuroscience

Astrocyte cells critical for learning skilled movements

From steering a car to swinging a tennis racket, we learn to execute all kinds of skilled movements during our lives. You might think this learning is only implemented by neurons, but a new study by researchers at The Picower ...

Neuroscience

Silent synapses are abundant in the adult brain

MIT neuroscientists have discovered that the adult brain contains millions of "silent synapses"—immature connections between neurons that remain inactive until they're recruited to help form new memories.

Neuroscience

How desk jobs alter your brain—and why they're so tiring

A long day in the office can leave you empty of energy and overcome with desire for TV and a takeaway. But you've been sitting down all day. So why do you feel as tired as your friends who have physical jobs?

Neuroscience

How do tired animals stay awake?

New research provides clues to falling fast asleep—or lying wide awake. Studying fruit flies, the researchers found that brain neurons adapt to help the flies stay awake despite tiredness in dangerous situations and help ...

Neuroscience

Putting the brakes on heroin relapse

Neuroscientists from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) report in Science Advances that star-shaped brain cells known as astrocytes can "turn off" neurons involved in relapse to heroin. Drug-related cues in the ...

Neuroscience

Revealing roles of dementia proteins in normal memory

New research has revealed how the tau protein, a critical element in the formation of Alzheimer's disease, is also involved in normal learning processes in the healthy brain—potentially providing a focal point for future ...

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