Ever wonder what delivering drugs to the brain and Greek mythology have in common? If so, come check out this article on Trojan Horses in science!
The blood brain barrier and its Trojan Horses
Recording everything everywhere all at once
Neuroscientists can now record from many parts of the mouse brain at once, helping us see how millions of neurons work together to guide behavior.
Mighty mitochondria, the powerhouses of your nervous system
Neurons require a lot of energy to keep your brain functioning, and this energy is overwhelmingly generated by certain cellular components: the mitochondria. Here, we discuss how mitochondria actually perform their most famous job of producing your cells’ energy, as well as the other roles they play in neuronal health.
Sweet but not innocent: Artificial sweeteners and brain health
A recent study suggests artificial sweeteners are associated with a faster cognitive decline. How might that be happening?
Going viral: How scientists use viruses in research every day
Viruses are experts at getting new DNA into cells. Every day, neuroscientists take advantage of this ability to help us understand the brain.
A hung jury on hangovers
Hangovers have been around as long as alcohol. But how much do we really know about them?
Neuroscientists are building Google Maps for the fly brain
What if we had Google Maps for the brain? Scientists recently charted every connection in a fruit fly’s brain. Six months later, the discoveries are just getting started!
The UPS system inside your neurons
The transport and delivery of goods is essential for ourselves and our community. Did you know that neurons have a delivery system too? Dive into axonal transport, your neurons’ method of transporting cargo.
Fighting brain cancer, one cell at a time
Glioblastoma, an aggressive and highly lethal cancer, produces cells that rapidly invade brain tissue, making it particularly difficult to treat. A new system for testing this cancerous cell invasion is an exciting breakthrough that may help discover new treatment options.
Bacteria in the brain: Friend, foe or figment?
Does the brain, like the gut, have a microbiome?
2024 Neuroscience Year in Review
Our writers share what got them excited about neuroscience in 2024.
What does “brain activity” actually mean?
“Brain activity” is thought to underlie everything we do – from walking to thinking to eating. But what actually is brain activity and where does it come from?
Caught up in your thoughts
An exploration into the ‘nets’ that surround your brain cells, and how they influence your thoughts and behavior
Bee-lieving in the brain
Bees have brains just the size of poppy seeds, yet they can do so much! These black and yellow critters are famous for being nature’s hardest workers, but they are also expert navigators, communicators, and decision-makers. So, maybe something far smaller can help us think bigger about what the brain is capable of.
Out-of-this-world impacts of spaceflight on the brain and body
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what it would be like to spend some time up there, you’re not alone. Here, we talk about the less-discussed aspects of space travel: the impact it can have on your brain and body.
When nature helps neuroscience
Scientists often look to nature for experiment inspiration. But how has nature helped build the neuroscientist’s toolbox?
Sniffing us out: How mosquitos seek their hosts
Why do mosquitoes have such a knack for finding you? These tiny bloodhounds use complex senses to zero in on their next snack. Unraveling the brainy secrets behind their host-hunting skills might just be the key to keeping them away and stopping the spread of mosquito-borne diseases!
Of mice and men (and brains)
What can and can’t we learn about the human brain by studying rodent brains?
Glia in neurodegeneration: Gladiators or traitors?
Neurons are far from the only cell type in the brain; other cells like astrocytes and microglia are also crucial for brain function. In certain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s where we see irreversible neuron death, researchers are starting to ask: what role do these other cell types play?
Opioid drugs: Pain, pleasure…poison?
Opioid drugs have many effects – from medicinal to thrilling to deadly. How do they do so much at once?
Your brain on Ozempic
We’ve all likely heard of the “weight loss” drug Ozempic, but what does it do to the brain?
2023 Neuroscience Year in Review
Our writers share what got them excited about neuroscience in 2023.
Astrocytes: the “stars” of our central nervous system
The cells in our brain are constantly chatting, with neurons being the loudest of them all. But listen closely, for some quieter voices may be saying things you don’t want to miss…
Parsing Parkinson’s pathology
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects 1% of the U.S. population above the age of 60. Symptoms of Parkinson’s impact all facets of life. You might be wondering- if Parkinson’s is so common, why haven’t we been able to develop a cure? Here, we break down some of the aspects of Parkinson’s pathology that make it such a complicated disease to understand.
The curious tale of epigenetics: How do genes change during our lives?
Genes may not be the only thing parents are passing down to you.
A new tool to bypass common drug side effects
Scientists are developing a therapeutic tool to treat disease that avoids common side effects.
From Paleolithic to Petri dish
What growing ‘mini brains’ of our ancestors can tell us about ourselves
Autism spectrum disorder linked to long-ignored brain area
What overlooked part of the brain could be contributing to autism?
Healing from the hypothalamus
When we get hit with an infection, the reaction of a brain structure called the hypothalamus makes us feel sick – but its unpleasant responses are also important steps on the way to healing.
Mighty microbes: The gut-brain axis and the motivation to exercise
The bacteria in your gut may be helping move more than your bowels– they can actually improve your overall health! Read about how a healthy balance of microbes in the gut can improve motivation to exercise
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