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Conventional optogenetics involves invasive implantation of optical fibers in target brain tissues. This is especially challenging for deep areas of the brain owing to extensive tissue damage. Now, researchers have finally overcome this challenge by using X-rays to penetrate deep regions of the brain.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal degenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. Researchers have found a possible starting point for the dysfunction that causes the disease.

Researchers have developed a “dimmer switch” system that can control levels of proteins expressed from gene therapy vectors. The system is based on alternative RNA splicing and works effectively in tissues throughout the body, including the brain.

A meta-analysis of nearly 200,000 men has revealed 22 new genetic locations that could be susceptible to inherited testicular germ cell tumors, a 40% increase in the number of known regions associated with the cancer.

Certain species of floral bacteria can enhance pollen germination, according to a study published today from the University of California, Davis in the journal Current Biology.

In a pilot Phase 2 study, a drug was shown to slow brain metabolic decline and had a positive effect on cognitive performance versus placebo in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers have developed a sensor that uses a “glow-in-the-dark” signal to indicate the presence of tiny amounts of proteins and anti-drug antibodies, as well as COVID-19 spike proteins and antibodies in the blood.

A new optogenetic tool, a protein that can be controlled by light, has been characterized by researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB).

Scientists have discovered how levels of a protein could be used in the future as a blood-based diagnostic aid for schizophrenia. The activity of the protein, which is found in both the brain and blood, affects neural connections in human brains and is uniquely imbalanced in people diagnosed with the condition.

Researchers have developed two tests that can detect the presence of glioma, a type of brain tumor, in patient urine or blood plasma.