Neuroscience

An unexpected role for the brain's immune cells

An important part of the brain's immune system, cells called microglia constantly extend and retract "branches" from their cell body to survey their environment. Think of an octopus, not moving its body, but reaching its ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Autism in males linked to defect in brain immune cells, microglia

Many cases of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may result from problems in immune cells that normally work to trim back unneeded brain connections in early life, suggests a new study led by scientists at Scripps Research.

Alzheimer's disease & dementia

Pathway discovered that prevents buildup of Alzheimer's protein

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered a pathway that functions like a car wash to prevent the buildup of a toxic protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. The report appeared online today in ...

Neuroscience

Brain defense cells live longer than expected

Eliminating pathogens and cellular waste is an important task of microglia, the immune cells of the brain. They are among the group of non-neural brain cells that support the normal function of nerve cells. A new study now ...

Alzheimer's disease & dementia

Suppressing protein may stem Alzheimer's disease process

Scientists funded by the National Institutes of Health have discovered a potential strategy for developing treatments to stem the disease process in Alzheimer's disease. It's based on unclogging removal of toxic debris that ...

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