Researchers developed a highly selective fluorescent probe to image serotonin in cells and animal models, shedding light on its role in depression. The study revealed that while serotonin levels in normal and “depressed” cells are similar, depressive cells release significantly less serotonin.

A recent review of genetic and population studies reveals that premorbid cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, such as lower IQ, are largely due to neurodevelopmental disruptions rather than inherited genetic variants that directly increase schizophrenia risk. The findings suggest that non-familial factors, including rare genetic mutations and environmental influences, play a significant role in both cognitive impairments and schizophrenia risk.

A new gene therapy has restored vision in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis type I (LCA1), a rare genetic condition causing blindness. In a small trial, those receiving the highest dose saw up to a 10,000-fold improvement in light sensitivity and significant gains in reading and navigation abilities.

A new study identifies two proteins that interact with a mutant FUS variant linked to familial ALS, offering a potential therapeutic target. Researchers found that inhibiting these proteins in motor neurons derived from human stem cells reduced ALS-related changes. The findings suggest that similar mechanisms may be involved in sporadic ALS, which affects most patients. Further research will explore these proteins' roles in other ALS-related genes and sporadic cases.

Mutations in the gene ZNRF3 can lead to abnormal brain sizes—either too large or too small—causing various neurological symptoms. This gene, known for its role in cancer, is crucial in regulating brain cell production. The study found that specific mutations in the gene disrupt the balance of brain cell development, with potential implications for cancer risk in patients with abnormally large brains.

Researchers have identified a link between brain overgrowth and the severity of social and communication symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By analyzing MRI scans and conducting experiments with brain organoids, the study found that children with the most severe ASD symptoms had significantly larger brains. This enlargement is associated with altered activity of the enzyme Ndel1, which plays a crucial role in neuron development. The findings open new avenues for understanding ASD and its varying symptom severity.

Researchers have identified a natural molecule, phosphatidic acid, that reduces the sensitivity of touch-sensing ion channels, providing a promising new avenue for managing chronic pain. By increasing levels of this molecule, cells become less sensitive to touch, which was confirmed through tests on sensory neurons and in mice. This discovery could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for conditions involving inflammatory pain.

Researchers have developed an epigenetic clock, "Retro-Age," that predicts biological age by analyzing DNA markers from ancient viral remnants in the human genome. This study highlights how the reactivation of these retroelements, such as HERVs and LINEs, impacts aging, inflammation, and genomic stability. The findings suggest that monitoring these markers could guide anti-aging therapies and improve health outcomes, particularly in conditions like HIV. The research also opens avenues for exploring treatments that may reverse the biological effects of aging.

A new study reveals that certain muscle proteins activated during exercise can increase the desire to stay active, shedding light on a muscle-brain signaling pathway. The research suggests that this mechanism could play a crucial role in promoting regular physical activity, particularly in treating obesity and metabolic diseases. The findings also hint at the potential for developing targeted therapies to encourage exercise in those less inclined to do so.

Researchers identified 34 distinct subtypes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region crucial for reward and addiction. This discovery challenges previous views of MSNs as a homogeneous group, revealing a complex diversity with potential implications for understanding addiction and developing targeted therapies. The study suggests these findings may be conserved across species, offering insights into human brain function.

Children of parents with alcohol use disorders inherit early aging symptoms, including high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early-onset dementia. This effect is worse if both parents have alcohol issues, especially in male offspring, due to mitochondrial dysfunction inherited from parents. Researchers suggest that improving mitochondrial health through exercise and vitamin intake could help delay these effects.

New research indicates that 20% of children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism are also likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with this rate increasing to 36% when there are multiple siblings with ASD. The study highlights that gender, race, and maternal education significantly affect the likelihood of autism recurrence in families. It also emphasizes the need for extra developmental monitoring and early intervention for families with autistic children. This research underscores the importance of addressing disparities in healthcare access and support for all families affected by autism.

Researchers have developed GROVER, an AI language model trained on human DNA, to decode the complex information in our genome. GROVER treats DNA as a language, learning its rules and context to extract biological meanings, such as gene promoters and protein binding sites. This innovative approach could revolutionize genomics and personalized medicine by unlocking hidden layers of genetic information. The findings suggest that DNA functions are encoded in sequences, offering new insights into disease predispositions and treatments.

Researchers genetically engineered the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier. This innovative approach has been used to deliver therapeutic proteins to neurons, showing promise for treating neurological conditions like Rett syndrome. The research highlights the potential for parasites to act as delivery vehicles for large molecules that typically struggle to penetrate the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for a variety of neurological disorders.

Researchers have identified a novel defense mechanism in the brain that prevents herpesvirus from causing severe brain infections, despite the virus being present in over half the population. This discovery highlights the protective role of the TMEFF1 gene, which produces a protein that blocks the virus from entering nerve cells. The findings could lead to a better understanding of brain immunity and its role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for studying brain defense mechanisms and their implications for brain health.

A recent review outlines the genetic complexity of schizophrenia, highlighting nearly 300 common genetic variants and over 20 rare variants linked to the disorder. Researchers emphasize that schizophrenia's genetic basis is multifaceted, involving multiple genes rather than a single cause. Environmental factors like lifestyle and stress also play crucial roles. This understanding underscores the need for comprehensive research to develop better interventions for schizophrenia.

Researchers successfully transferred regenerative genes from simple organisms into fruit flies, resulting in improved stem cell function and suppression of age-related intestinal issues. This breakthrough suggests that studying highly regenerative species may uncover new mechanisms for extending the healthy lifespan of more complex organisms.

Researchers have developed a method to transform skin cells into brain neurons, capturing the aging effects crucial for studying late-onset Alzheimer's disease. This technique accurately mimics Alzheimer's hallmarks, like amyloid beta buildup, in lab-derived neurons, allowing for detailed analysis.

A new study reveals that certain genetic factors may protect against ALS, enabling partial or full recovery. Researchers found that a specific genetic variation reduces a protein blocking the IGF-1 pathway, which is crucial for motor neuron protection. This discovery provides a potential new approach for ALS treatment. The findings highlight the importance of further studying the IGF-1 pathway in ALS therapy.