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A portion of the mouse hypothalamus reveals that the protein made by the Otp gene (green) is expressed in all the neurons (red) that drive hunger – and the combined color is therefore yellow. It was known that in the developing brain, Otp is needed for the generation of these neurons. The study found that during adulthood, Otp is crucial for causing these neurons to express AgRP, a major hunger-promoting substance
From Brain Wiring to Stress and Metabolism: One Gene Has a Finger on the Switch
17.08.2026
Brain & Behavior, Evolution and Development

Known to shape the brain before birth, this master switch is repurposed in the adult brain to regulate mental and metabolic networks

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain in three children with a missing copy of the Chaserr gene. The scans performed at age 8 months or 4 years (top row) reveal structural changes in the brain, including reduced volume of the brain stem (asterisks) and decreased myelin coating of nerves (arrows) in deep-seated brain areas. These changes are less apparent at 1 month of age (bottom row)
Emma’s Gene
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Biochemistry, Brain & Behavior, Molecular and Cell Biology, Disease, Drugs & Diagnostics, Genetics

Scientists discover a rare disorder caused by a missing genetic brake

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There’s a New Hypothesis on Your Hypophysis
02.02.2024
Brain & Behavior, Evolution and Development, Genetics

Weizmann Institute study challenges an old dogma regarding the pituitary gland’s embryonic origins and may lead to new insights into growth...

Peripheral sensory neurons in a laboratory dish
Unlocking a Secret Nerve Cell Regenerator
31.08.2023
Brain & Behavior, Molecular and Cell Biology, Disease, Drugs & Diagnostics, Evolution and Development

A protein facilitating nerve cell repair in the peripheral nervous system might one day point to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases...

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Born Ready for Pressure
18.01.2023
Brain & Behavior, Molecular and Cell Biology, Evolution and Development

Stress-resilient fish are born that way; their immune system reveals why

Changing the Channel: Study Sheds New Light on a Promising Antidepressant
Changing the Channel: Study Sheds New Light on a Promising Antidepressant
31.05.2022
Brain & Behavior, Molecular and Cell Biology, Disease, Drugs & Diagnostics, Genetics

A newly revealed mechanism of ketamine’s action on potassium channels in neurons may lead to improved therapies for depression

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Mutations in Noncoding DNA Protect the Brain from ALS
31.03.2022
Brain & Behavior, Disease, Drugs & Diagnostics, Genetics

Weizmann Institute of Science researchers discover a new neuroprotective pathway

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The Social Sense
28.12.2021
Brain & Behavior, Molecular and Cell Biology

Oxytocin in a developing fish brain determines later social behavior  

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A portion of the mouse hypothalamus reveals that the protein made by the Otp gene (green) is expressed in all the neurons (red) that drive hunger – and the combined color is therefore yellow. It was known that in the developing brain, Otp is needed for the generation of these neurons. The study found that during adulthood, Otp is crucial for causing these neurons to express AgRP, a major hunger-promoting substance

From Brain Wiring to Stress and Metabolism: One Gene Has a Finger on the Switch

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