THE SIXTH TASTE?
UC Santa Barbara researchers reveal humans and fruit flies can sense the taste of calcium. The researchers have identified a unique class of gustatory receptor neurons required to help taste calcium in Drosophila.… READ MORE…
ALZHEIMER’S DAMAGE REDUCED WITH COMPOUND THAT TARGETS APOE GENE: MOUSE STUDY
Researchers from WUSTL have identified a compound that targets APOE in mouse brains and which protects against Alzheimer’s disease. The APOE4 genetic variant increases the risk of people developing Alzheimer’s disease. The findings offer new possible avenues of treating the disease in humans.… READ MORE…
NATURE OR NURTURE? INNATE SOCIAL BEHAVIORS IN THE MOUSE BRAIN
Social experience appears to be key for the development of separate, sex-specific neural populations and expression of aggression in male mice, a new study reveals. … READ MORE…
DOGS’ SOCIAL SKILLS LINKED TO OXYTOCIN SENSITIVITY
A new study reports genetic variations in sensitivity to oxytocin allows dogs to be more sociable and seek out contact with their owners.… READ MORE…
SHARPEST IMAGE OF ALZHEIMER’S FIBRILS SHOWS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN DETAILS
Researchers have captured some of the sharpest images of Alzheimer’s associated amyloid fibrils to date. The 3D structure of the fibrils displays some previously unknown structural details that researchers believe could help answer some important questions about the development of Alzheimer’s disease.… READ MORE…
CAFFEINE TEMPERS TASTE, TRIGGERING TEMPTATION FOR SWEETS
Researchers report caffeinated drinks reduce our ability to taste just how sweet something is. Ironically, this makes us crave sweet tastes more.… READ MORE…
YOU AND SOME ‘CAVEMEN’ GET A GENETIC CHECKUP
A new study looks at genomic changes through human evolution and finds, for the most part, evolution has improved the genetic foundations for human health in the most part. However, modern humans appear to be at more of a genetic predisposition to mental health problems than our ancestors.… READ MORE…
REWIRED TASTE SYSTEM REVEALS HOW FLAVORS MOVE FROM TONGUE TO BRAIN
According to a new Nature study, in order for our taste system to work, the connection between neurons and taste bud cells have to rewire correctly each time. … READ MORE…
THREE VISUAL ILLUSIONS THAT REVEAL THE HIDDEN WORKINGS OF THE BRAIN
When it comes to optical illusions, the brain must make educated guesses based on the ambiguous information entering the visual system, researchers say.… READ MORE…
ON-SITE ECSTASY PILL TESTING SERVICE MAY REDUCE USER RISKS AT CONCERTS AND RAVES
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that free ecstasy pill testing at raves and concerts could have a positive impact in preventing some people from using adulterated drugs. The study, researchers say, adds to critical evidence that on site pill testing is a valuable tool for public health and safety.… READ MORE…
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ALS IS GENETIC?
Summary: Researchers discover a specific genetic mutation in approximately 17% of people with ALS who report no family history of the condition. Source: AAN.… READ MORE…
BITTER OR SWEET? HOW TASTE CELLS DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT TO BE
Researchers shed new light on how stem cells on the tongue grow into different types of mature taste cells dedicated to specific tastes.… READ MORE…
