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The Virtual Mouse Brain: A Computational Neuroinformatics Platform to Study Whole Mouse Brain Dynamics

The study of the brain is rapidly progressing towards information collected over much of the brain. To help make sense of large scale dynamics in mouse brain, a “Virtual Mouse Brain” was created which enables the construction and simulation of individual mouse brains using diffusion MRI experiments. This simulation environment allows for the inclusion of various modalities (e.g. EEG, fMRI) and detailed connectomes from other data bases, such as that of the Allen Institute. The addition of this resource will facilitate the understanding of large scale dynamics in whole brain networks. http://www.eneuro.org/content/4/3/ENEURO.0111-17.2017
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A translational approach for NMDA receptor profiling as a vulnerability biomarker for depression and schizophrenia

The change in plasma arginine vasopressin concentration (P[AVP]) in response to osmotic stimulation (POsm) can be used as a biomarker for NMDA receptor signalling in schizophrenia and depression, distinguishing between these mental illnesses? In response to hyperosmotic challenge, depressed subjects showed increased  P [AVP]  response in comparison with healthy control and schizophrenic subjects.  Read the research paper: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/EP086212/full
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Smell Test May Predict Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), New York State Psychiatric Institute, and NewYork-Presbyterian reported that an odor identification test may prove useful in predicting cognitive decline and detecting early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. http://newsroom.cumc.columbia.edu/blog/2016/07/26/smell-test-may-predict-early-stages-alzheimers-disease/
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Plain packets help smokers quit by killing brand identities

The proof is in the packaging. Making all cigarette packets look the same reduces the positive feelings smokers associate with specific brands and encourages quitting, Australian research shows. The findings come ahead of the UK and Ireland introducing plain tobacco packaging in May. Australia was the first nation to introduce such legislation in December 2012. Since then, all cigarettes have been sold in plain olive packets with standard fonts and graphic health warnings. https:// www.newscientist.com/ article/ 2122340-plain-packets-help- smokers-quit-by-killing-br and-identities/
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Study identifies neural circuits involved in making risky decisions

New research sheds light on what’s going on inside our heads as we decide whether to take a risk or play it safe. Scientists have located a region of the brain involved in decisions made under conditions of uncertainty, and identified some of the cells involved in the decision-making process. The work could lead to treatments for psychological and psychiatric disorders that involve misjudging risk, such as problem gambling and anxiety disorders. https:// medicine.wustl.edu/news/ study-identifies-neural-cir cuits-involved-in-making-r isky-decisions/
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UCLA researchers use stem cells to grow 3-D lung-in-a-dish!

UCLA researchers use stem cells to grow 3-D lung-in-a-dish! Using the new lung organoids, researchers will be able to study the biological underpinnings of lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and also test possible treatments for the diseases. http://newsroom.ucla.edu/ releases/ ucla-researchers-use-stem-c ells-to-grow-3-d-lung-in-a -dish
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RESVERATROL APPEARS TO RESTORE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER INTEGRITY IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Resveratrol, given to Alzheimer’s patients, appears to restore the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, reducing the ability of harmful immune molecules secreted by immune cells to infiltrate from the body into brain tissues.  The reduction in neuronal inflammation slowed the cognitive decline of patients, compared to a matching group of placebo-treated patients with the disorder. https://gumc.georgetown.edu/news/Resveratrol-Appears-to-Restore-Blood-Brain-Barrier-Integrity-in-Alzheimers-Disease
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