All articles tagged with #brain signaling
New mouse study suggests the dry, astringent sensation of flavanols found in foods like cocoa and berries can directly signal the brain, activating attention, learning, and memory pathways through sensory nerves and stress systems—producing effects similar to a mild workout—despite flavanols' low bloodstream presence. This points to sensory nutrition as a potential way to design foods that couple taste with brain benefits.
Scientists have identified the first gene, GRIN2A, that can directly cause mental illness on its own, with certain variants linked to early-onset psychiatric symptoms and potential treatment options like L-serine to improve symptoms.
Scientists discovered that the gut hormone FGF19 signals the brain to increase energy expenditure and fat burning, offering promising new avenues for obesity and metabolic disease treatments, similar to drugs like Ozempic.
Research shows that semaglutide drugs like Ozempic significantly reduce intrusive food thoughts and improve mental well-being in individuals seeking weight loss, by affecting brain signaling and taste perception, although further scientific validation is needed.
A study using advanced electron microscopy reveals that axons, previously thought to be tube-like, have a "pearl-on-a-string" structure, termed "non-synaptic varicosities." This discovery, which may impact brain signaling and neurodegenerative disease research, shows that axon morphology is influenced by membrane mechanics, such as cholesterol levels. The findings challenge long-held beliefs about neuron structure and suggest potential revisions in biology textbooks.