Research Keyword: neurodevelopment

Developmental Neurotoxicity Screen of Psychedelics and Other Drugs of Abuse in Larval Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

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Researchers tested 13 mind-altering drugs on developing zebrafish to see if they cause birth defects or behavioral problems. They found that psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine were relatively safe for developing organisms, but traditional drugs of abuse like cocaine and methamphetamine caused significant behavioral changes without obvious physical defects. The study provides important safety information for these compounds, especially for pregnant or nursing individuals considering their use for therapeutic purposes.

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Neonatal Tactile Stimulation Downregulates Dendritic Spines in Layer V Pyramidal Neurons of the WAG/Rij Rat Somatosensory Cortex

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Researchers found that gently brushing young rats with epilepsy-prone genetics helps prevent abnormal brain development. Specifically, this tactile stimulation reduces the excessive spiny connections on brain cells in the sensory cortex that are associated with seizures. The study shows that simple, early physical stimulation can have lasting protective effects on brain structure in epilepsy-prone individuals.

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Deciphering the role of CAPZA2 in neurodevelopmental disorders: insights from mouse models

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Scientists studied a gene called CAPZA2 that helps control how brain cells connect to each other. When this gene doesn’t work properly, mice had trouble learning, remembering things, and interacting socially, similar to intellectual disability in humans. The researchers found that the problem happens because the connections between brain cells become abnormal and don’t mature properly. This research helps explain why some people with mutations in this gene have developmental difficulties and could lead to new treatments.

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Axin2 coupled excessive Wnt-glycolysis signaling mediates social defect in autism spectrum disorders

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Autism spectrum disorder affects social abilities in millions of people, but the underlying causes remain poorly understood. This research discovered that in the brains of people with autism, certain cellular processes that control energy and signaling become overactive, particularly in the region controlling social behavior. The good news is that the researchers found a drug-like compound called XAV939 can restore normal function by blocking the abnormal interaction between two key proteins, potentially offering a new treatment approach.

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