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Synaptic Pruning

All articles tagged with #synaptic pruning

Unraveling the Mystery of COVID-19's Brain Fog: Scientists Make Breakthrough Discovery
health2 years ago

Unraveling the Mystery of COVID-19's Brain Fog: Scientists Make Breakthrough Discovery

Scientists have discovered that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread in neurons in the brain and accelerate the destruction of synapses, which are essential for communication between neurons. This may explain the neural and behavioral problems experienced by COVID-19 patients, including brain fog. Brain organoids, grown in the lab, have been used to study the effects of the virus on brain tissue. The excessive elimination of synapses observed in these organoids after infection may lead to memory loss and sluggish brain functions. Additionally, studies have shown that COVID-19 can cause brain shrinkage and activate hyperactive microglia, which may contribute to the increased risk of developing neurological or psychiatric conditions. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on the brain.

Uncovering the Competitive Nature of Synaptic Pruning in Brain Development.
neuroscience2 years ago

Uncovering the Competitive Nature of Synaptic Pruning in Brain Development.

Researchers at Kyushu University have uncovered the mechanisms of synaptic pruning in brain development, using mouse mitral cells, a neuron type in the olfactory system. The study reveals that neurons receiving a neurotransmitter signal are protected via specific chemical pathways while other dendrites in the same cell are triggered to undergo pruning. The neurotransmitter glutamate is crucial in synaptic pruning. Understanding this process could help in comprehending neurophysiological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.

The Brain's Remarkable Development During Adolescence.
science2 years ago

The Brain's Remarkable Development During Adolescence.

Adolescence is a time of rapid brain development, which scientists call "breathtaking." The adolescent brain seeks out new experiences, even if it means risking a broken arm or a broken heart. Adolescent brain changes tend to start earlier in girls than in boys. Adolescent brains produce more dopamine and are more sensitive to the chemical than adult brains, which encourages risk-taking. The brain's vulnerability during adolescence is probably one reason so many adult smokers picked up the habit as teens.