Scientists tie specific brain circuit to sociability in mice

Social behavior in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder normalized when investigators triggered the release of a specific signaling substance, serotonin, in a single part of the animals’ brains, according to a study from the Stanford University School of Medicine. “This points to a previously understudied brain mechanism that contributes to an inability to derive pleasure from social interactions,” said […]

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Changes to specific MicroRNA involved in development of Lou Gehrig’s disease

A new Tel Aviv University study identifies a previously unknown mechanism involved in the development of Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research focuses on a specific microRNA whose levels were found to decrease as a result of ALS-causing muscular mutations. The study highlights, for the first time, the importance of toxic muscle-secreting molecules in the pathology […]

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