Neuroscience

Turn left! How myosin-Va helps direct neuron growth

Researchers at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan have discovered a protein complex that helps direct the growth of axons—the parts of neurons that make up our nerves, connecting our senses and muscles to the brain ...

Neuroscience

Discovery helps explain what guides neurons to connect

It's a wonder of nature - and a darned good thing - that amid many billions of similar cells in the brain and spinal cord, neurons can extend their tendrillous axons to exactly the right place to form connections. Otherwise ...

Neuroscience

New approach to spinal cord and brain injury research

Many an injury will heal, but the damaged spinal cord is notoriously recalcitrant. There's new hope on the horizon, though. A team of researchers led by the University of South Carolina's Jeff Twiss just reported an innate ...

Neuroscience

Two-way traffic in the spinal cord

The progress a baby makes in the first year of life is amazing: a newborn can only wave its arms and legs about randomly, but not so long after the baby can reach out and pick up a crumb from the carpet. What happens in the ...

Neuroscience

Neuronal regeneration and the two-part design of nerves

Researchers at the University of Michigan have evidence that a single gene controls both halves of nerve cells, and their research demonstrates the need to consider that design in the development of new treatments for regeneration ...

Neuroscience

Scientists describe the genetic signature of a vital set of neurons

Scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center have identified two genes involved in establishing the neuronal circuits required for breathing. They report their findings in a study published in the December issue of Nature Neuroscience. ...

Genetics

Gene required for nerve regeneration identified

A gene that is associated with regeneration of injured nerve cells has been identified by scientists at Penn State University and Duke University. The team, led by Melissa Rolls, an assistant professor of biochemistry and ...

page 2 from 5