Synaptic plasticity
Recent articles
Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Knocking out the gene in adult mice triggered up- and down-regulated expression of myriad genes weeks before there were changes in neuronal function.
Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Knocking out the gene in adult mice triggered up- and down-regulated expression of myriad genes weeks before there were changes in neuronal function.
Targeting NMDA receptor subunit reverses fragile X traits in mice
The subunit acts as a “volume control” on signaling that shapes the density of dendritic spines, the new work suggests.
Targeting NMDA receptor subunit reverses fragile X traits in mice
The subunit acts as a “volume control” on signaling that shapes the density of dendritic spines, the new work suggests.
Cracking the code of the extracellular matrix
Despite evidence for a role in plasticity and other crucial functions, many neuroscientists still view these proteins as “brain goop.” The field needs technical advances and a shift in scientific thinking to move beyond this outdated perspective.
Cracking the code of the extracellular matrix
Despite evidence for a role in plasticity and other crucial functions, many neuroscientists still view these proteins as “brain goop.” The field needs technical advances and a shift in scientific thinking to move beyond this outdated perspective.
Synaptic changes shape winning mice into bullies
When a mouse repeatedly defeats its opponents, brain circuits that underlie aggressive behaviors develop more stable connections, helping to ensure continual triumph, a new study shows.
Synaptic changes shape winning mice into bullies
When a mouse repeatedly defeats its opponents, brain circuits that underlie aggressive behaviors develop more stable connections, helping to ensure continual triumph, a new study shows.
What makes memories last—dynamic ensembles or static synapses?
Teasing out how different subfields conceptualize central terms might help move this long-standing debate forward. I asked eight scientists to weigh in.
What makes memories last—dynamic ensembles or static synapses?
Teasing out how different subfields conceptualize central terms might help move this long-standing debate forward. I asked eight scientists to weigh in.
This paper changed my life: ‘Response of hippocampal synapses to natural stimulation patterns,’ by Dobrunz and Stevens
The work demonstrated how to effectively combine controlled in-vitro experiments and the messiness of natural brain patterns.
This paper changed my life: ‘Response of hippocampal synapses to natural stimulation patterns,’ by Dobrunz and Stevens
The work demonstrated how to effectively combine controlled in-vitro experiments and the messiness of natural brain patterns.
‘Star’ neuroscientist faked data in paper and grant applications, U.S. government finds
The faked data, which was part of research on the genetic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, was used to obtain more than $1.4 million in federal funding.
‘Star’ neuroscientist faked data in paper and grant applications, U.S. government finds
The faked data, which was part of research on the genetic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, was used to obtain more than $1.4 million in federal funding.
Neurons making memories shush their neighbors
When neurons strengthen their synapses, they “infect” surrounding cells with a virus-like protein to weaken those cells’ excitatory connections, according to a new preprint.
Neurons making memories shush their neighbors
When neurons strengthen their synapses, they “infect” surrounding cells with a virus-like protein to weaken those cells’ excitatory connections, according to a new preprint.
Synaptic protein’s shape-shifting skills propel plasticity
SYNGAP supports learning without tapping its eponymous “GAP” enzymatic activity, according to a new study.
Synaptic protein’s shape-shifting skills propel plasticity
SYNGAP supports learning without tapping its eponymous “GAP” enzymatic activity, according to a new study.
Mutation in top autism-linked gene may alter eye reflex
The discovery could help clinicians diagnose children who carry mutations in the gene, called SCN2A, and gauge their responses to potential therapies.
Mutation in top autism-linked gene may alter eye reflex
The discovery could help clinicians diagnose children who carry mutations in the gene, called SCN2A, and gauge their responses to potential therapies.
Explore more from The Transmitter
It’s time to examine neural coding from the message’s point of view
In studying the brain, we almost always take the neuron’s perspective. But we can gain new insights by reorienting our frame of reference to that of the messages flowing over brain networks.
It’s time to examine neural coding from the message’s point of view
In studying the brain, we almost always take the neuron’s perspective. But we can gain new insights by reorienting our frame of reference to that of the messages flowing over brain networks.
Autism traits, mental health conditions interact in sex-dependent ways in early development
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 31 March.
Autism traits, mental health conditions interact in sex-dependent ways in early development
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 31 March.
Organoids and assembloids offer a new window into human brain
These sophisticated 3D cultures reveal previously inaccessible stages of human brain development and enable the systematic study of disease genes.
Organoids and assembloids offer a new window into human brain
These sophisticated 3D cultures reveal previously inaccessible stages of human brain development and enable the systematic study of disease genes.