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Motor Neurons

All articles tagged with #motor neurons

neuroscience1 year ago•5 min saved

"The Intricacies of Motor Neuron Function Revealed"

A groundbreaking study on fruit flies has challenged traditional views on motor neurons, revealing that individual motor neurons can produce a variety of complex head movements rather than just simple actions. Utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and artificial intelligence, researchers were able to stimulate single motor neurons and observe the resultant movements, uncovering a sophisticated system akin to a digital thermostat that adjusts based on the body’s current posture. This discovery not only challenges existing notions of motor neuron functionality but also opens new avenues for understanding motor system diseases and the interplay between different types of neurons in movement control.

via Neuroscience News|

#artificial-intelligence #fruit-flies #motor-neurons

science1 year ago•3 min saved

"Neural Adjustments Alter Animal Movement"

Researchers discovered that small tweaks to a single protein in rattlesnake motor neurons can lead to vastly different movement behaviors, challenging the traditional view of motor circuits as fixed entities. Despite initial expectations, gene expression of the potassium channel did not differ between rattle and body neurons, suggesting that post-translational modifications may play a role. This finding suggests that subtle changes in the chemical environment of cells, rather than structural differences, could drive the evolution of new movement behaviors. The study highlights the potential for tuning motor neurons to produce diverse behaviors and raises questions about the mechanisms behind frequency control in other species.

via Quanta Magazine|

#animal-behavior #evolution #genetic-expression

neuroscience1 year ago•5 min saved

Unveiling the Mysteries of Locomotion through Neural Insights

Researchers at the University of Cologne have discovered that the rhythmic activation of nerve cells controlling leg muscles in stick insects is specific to each motor neuron pool, challenging previous assumptions about motor neuron activation. The study reveals that the depressor muscle's motor neurons receive unique rhythmic excitation, unlike other leg muscles, highlighting the role of central pattern generators (CPGs) in producing rhythmic movements and the complexity of neural networks in coordinating walking movements.

via Neuroscience News|

#central-pattern-generators #locomotion #motor-neurons

healthneuroscience2 years ago•3 min saved

"Uncovering Mechanisms to Reduce ALS Symptoms through Targeting Inflammation"

Research suggests that structural changes in neurons activate immune cells, leading to inflammation and reduced motor function in people with ALS. A study found that blocking inflammation with a semi-synthetic drug derived from the Ashwagandha plant can restore synaptic connections, offering a potential treatment for ALS and other inflammation-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. The findings provide insight into the correlation between neuron changes and immune responses, offering hope for new therapeutic approaches.

via Neuroscience News|

#als #healthneuroscience #immune-response

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Oral Supplement Unveiled as Potential Anti-Aging Breakthrough, Scientists Say"

Scientists from China have identified a group of cells surrounding motor neurons in the spinal cord that accelerate the aging process. These cells secrete a toxic protein called CHIT1, which contributes to the aging of motor neurons. The researchers found that vitamin C can act on the CHIT1 protein and slow down the aging process. In a study involving cynomolgus monkeys, oral vitamin C supplements showed a significant improvement in aging-related indicators for motor neurons, suggesting potential benefits for anti-aging.

via IndiaTimes|

#anti-aging #cells #chit1-protein

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Chinese Scientists Make Groundbreaking Anti-Aging Discovery with Spinal Cord Cells

Chinese scientists claim to have discovered a unique group of cells in the spinal cord that contribute to the ageing process and may be mitigated with vitamin C supplements. These cells, which surround motor neurons, are believed to accelerate ageing and affect mobility. The seven-year study involved researchers from three labs and aimed to fill a knowledge gap in understanding the relationship between ageing and the spinal cord. Animal experiments showed that vitamin C supplements improved ageing-related indicators in motor neurons, suggesting potential benefits for anti-ageing.

via Deccan Herald|

#anti-ageing #chinese-researchers #health

medical-research2 years ago•3 min saved

"PrimeC: A Promising Breakthrough in ALS Treatment, Enhancing Survival of Motor Neurons"

NeuroSense Therapeutics' investigational therapy, PrimeC, has shown promising results in a lab study by significantly boosting the survival of patient-derived motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to levels similar to healthy controls. PrimeC is a fixed-dose combination of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and the anti-inflammatory celecoxib, targeting inflammation and other mechanisms that damage motor neurons. The therapy is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b clinical trial, with results expected later this year.

via ALS News Today|

#als #clinical-trial #medical-research

medical-research2 years ago•3 min saved

"NEK1 gene mutations identified as key drivers of ALS in groundbreaking study"

Mutations in the NEK1 gene, a major genetic cause of ALS, disrupt the structure of nerve fibers and hinder the movement of molecules inside nerve cells, according to a study by Northwestern University. The research identified two pathways affected by NEK1 mutations: disruptions in microtubule function, which support the structure of motor neurons, and disruptions in nuclear import, the movement of molecules in and out of the nucleus. Treating NEK1-mutant motor neurons with certain cancer drugs improved nuclear import, suggesting a connection between the two processes. The findings provide potential therapeutic targets for ALS treatment.

via ALS News Today|

#als #medical-research #microtubules

medical-research2 years ago•3 min saved

"Autophagy protein p62: A Key Factor for Survival in Sporadic ALS"

Accumulation of p62 protein, involved in the autophagy process, in the spinal cord is associated with worse survival outcomes in individuals with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The buildup of p62 clumps indicates impaired autophagy, leading to the improper clearance of toxic protein aggregates contributing to ALS. The study suggests that p62 could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in ALS.

via ALS News Today|

#als #autophagy #medical-research