Neurobiology Notes

Neurobiology Notes explores advancements in neuroscience focusing on brain preservation, neuroimaging techniques, neural connectivity, and memory encoding. It discusses innovative research methods, ethical considerations in brain banking, and the genetic basis of neurological and psychiatric conditions. The blog also covers technological progress in brain mapping and preservation strategies aimed at future revival possibilities.

Brain Preservation Neuroimaging Techniques Neural Connectivity Memory Encoding Brain Banking Ethics Genetics of Neurological Conditions Technological Advances in Neuroscience Preservation Strategy and Techniques

The hottest Substack posts of Neurobiology Notes

And their main takeaways

Three challenges in interpreting neurogenesis data from banked human brains

0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 19
  1. Some studies suggest adult neurogenesis is negligible in humans, contrary to findings in rodents.
  2. Methodological challenges in interpreting neurogenesis data include postmortem interval impact, causes of death affecting protein breakdown, and the need for 3D data analysis.
  3. Critiques on previous research highlight the importance of considering variables like PMI and cause of death in neurogenesis studies.

Coolness Emphasizes Short Run Over Long Run

0 implied HN points • 08 Nov 09
  1. Coolness often prioritizes short-term enjoyment over long-term goals.
  2. Cool activities are those that emphasize immediate fun and thrill.
  3. Coolness is a signal to prioritize present enjoyment over future outcomes.

Clustering antipsychotics based on their receptor affinity

0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 18
  1. Clustering antipsychotics based on receptor affinity reveals distinct groups like benzamides and phenothiazines
  2. Chemical structure-based clustering for antipsychotics is more challenging than for antidepressants
  3. Understanding receptor affinity of antipsychotics can help identify trends and similarities in drug classes

Does primacy trump recency?

0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 08
  1. The primacy effect is dominant unless overloaded with information.
  2. In forming opinions, give more weight to later data to avoid cognitive flaws.
  3. A real-world example shows that losing later in a season may have less impact than losing earlier.
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Microglia can last a lifetime

0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 17
  1. Microglia can last a lifetime, with an estimated median lifespan of 2.5 years.
  2. As mice age, microglia die at a higher rate, potentially affecting neurodegenerative diseases.
  3. Microglia in specific areas of the brain may proliferate differently based on the presence of amyloid plaque.

Would you play harder against a human than a computer?

0 implied HN points • 05 Feb 09
  1. Subjects played harder against humans than computers in a study.
  2. Brain activity differed when playing humans versus computers.
  3. The study suggests greater theory of mind use when playing against humans.

Problems with the diagnosis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

0 implied HN points • 18 Sep 17
  1. Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms.
  2. Ventricle enlargement, a key feature of NPH, is also common in other neurodegenerative diseases.
  3. Treatment response to CSF diversion is crucial for confirming a true NPH diagnosis.

Is necroptosis a key mechanism of cell death in Alzheimer's?

0 implied HN points • 17 Sep 17
  1. Cells can die for different reasons - some programmed, some not.
  2. Necroptosis might be a key way neurons die in Alzheimer's disease.
  3. Understanding the cell death pathway in Alzheimer's could help develop targeted treatments.

Chimpanzees have Alzheimer's neuropathology including plaques and tangles

0 implied HN points • 12 Sep 17
  1. Chimpanzees can have Alzheimer's-like plaques and tangles in their brain.
  2. Genetically, chimpanzees are very similar to humans, making them likely candidates for studying neurodegenerative diseases.
  3. Research on non-human primates like chimpanzees can provide important insights into Alzheimer's disease biology.

Predictions for the FDA approval of Alzheimer's drugs currently in development

0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 17
  1. Historically, only about 1.85% of drugs in Phase III clinical trials for Alzheimer's were approved by the FDA.
  2. Quantitative predictions are being made about the approval of various Alzheimer's drugs based on public information and clinical trial progress.
  3. There is hope for new treatments, but skepticism remains about the success of specific drugs due to historical failures in Alzheimer's drug development.

Traversed edges per second and brain myelination

0 implied HN points • 18 Apr 17
  1. Comparisons between brains and computers have existed throughout history, particularly in neurobiology.
  2. Traversed edges per second (TEPS) is a measure of computer communication speed in supercomputers.
  3. The degree of myelination in the brain is crucial for communication between different brain regions and impacts cognition.

Connectomics of zebrafish larvae

0 implied HN points • 11 May 17
  1. A study on zebrafish larvae connectome revealed symmetrical myelinated axons across hemispheres.
  2. The positions of axons are likely predetermined by zebrafish genetics rather than environmental factors.
  3. The study's main advancement is the ability to generate faster and routine serial EM data sets for neuroscience research.

Towards A More Risk Loving imdb

0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 11
  1. The true rating of a movie may be biased due to various factors like conditions during viewing, so it's important to adjust ratings down towards the average.
  2. Deciding how much to adjust a movie rating based on sample size is subjective and depends on personal risk tolerance.
  3. Proposing that users should have the freedom to choose their own scaling parameter for movie ratings to avoid biases in the current system.

Another factor regulating synaptic strength: synaptic columns

0 implied HN points • 10 Oct 16
  1. Synaptic vesicle release far from a receptor cluster leads to decreased postsynaptic current.
  2. Presynaptic proteins are found near each other in nanocolumns, matching postsynaptic receptor densities for efficient synapse strength.
  3. Inhibiting synapses by activating postsynaptic NMDA receptors decreases correspondence between synaptic active zones and postsynaptic densities.

Making a shiny app to visualize brain cell type gene expression

0 implied HN points • 13 Jun 16
  1. Creating a shiny app to visualize brain cell gene expression is important for understanding diseases.
  2. The app allows users to query different data sets to analyze gene expression in various brain cell types.
  3. Analyzing gene expression patterns in different brain cell types can reveal insights into disease pathology.

Psychiatry Classics #4: Disulfiram for alcohol addiction

0 implied HN points • 23 May 16
  1. In the 1940s, disulfiram was discovered to increase sensitivity to alcohol's toxic effects.
  2. Disulfiram works by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase, leading to unpleasant effects from alcohol consumption.
  3. Disulfiram is still used in treating alcohol addiction today and is part of comprehensive treatment programs.

A Brief Tour of Human Consciousness book notes

0 implied HN points • 27 Nov 08
  1. Capgras syndrome disrupts the connection between visual centers and emotions.
  2. Chronic pain and acute pain serve different purposes.
  3. Synesthesia, where musical notes or numbers are linked to colors, is fairly common.

Are four postulated disease spectra due to evolutionary trade-offs?

0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 16
  1. The study proposes that certain diseases may be connected by evolutionary trade-offs.
  2. There are four main disease spectrum pairs discussed in the study.
  3. The author finds some of the explanations weak and suggests an alternative trade-off theory.

New page on biomedical trade-offs

0 implied HN points • 02 Feb 16
  1. Many topics in medicine involve underlying trade-offs.
  2. Understanding trade-offs can help make complex medical concepts clearer.
  3. Biomedical trade-offs can have significant impacts on patient care and treatment decisions.

Nine paradoxes with a statistical theme

0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 15
  1. Regression to the mean can explain improvements in performance after a screwup.
  2. Weight of dehydrated potatoes decreases when water content decreases.
  3. Planes with no bullet 'wounds' should have extra armor due to selection effects.

Variation in Sports Highlights

0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 09
  1. Watching sports highlights can be predictable if every shot shown goes in.
  2. Adding missed shots occasionally can increase viewer anticipation and suspense.
  3. Variety in sports highlights keeps viewers engaged and on their toes.

Five take aways on a history of automated ECG interpretation

0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 15
  1. In a study comparing computerized ECG interpretation programs to cardiologists, some programs showed promising accuracy levels.
  2. Limited research exists comparing healthcare providers' ECG interpretation to computers, highlighting the need for understanding differences.
  3. Most ECG interpretation programs are accessed through major manufacturers, but lack of published methods inhibits widespread adoption and improvement.

Clinical trial evidence related to calling Alzheimer's "Type 3 Diabetes"

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 15
  1. Evidence suggests that Alzheimer's could be related to insulin and diet factors.
  2. Trials are underway to test the impact of insulin treatments on Alzheimer's symptoms.
  3. Improving therapies for all types of dementia is crucial, regardless of classification.

Single formaldehyde-fixed cells retain strong epigenomic signals

0 implied HN points • 29 Nov 15
  1. Single formaldehyde-fixed cells can retain strong epigenomic signals.
  2. Periodic DNA hypersensitivity patterns are maintained in single formaldehyde-fixed cells.
  3. Preserving epigenomic signals through formaldehyde is important for brain cell research.

How to make YouTube rating better

0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 08
  1. YouTube rating system needs improvement, as the current system is flawed.
  2. Implementing a 10-point scale for ratings can provide a clearer picture of video quality.
  3. Creating a larger, more organized list of top rated videos can offer better content recommendations to users.

Telomeres: something to fear, or merely a seer?

0 implied HN points • 15 May 15
  1. Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that get shorter with each cell division.
  2. Shorter telomeres might not directly cause aging or mortality, but they do serve as a biomarker for aging.
  3. Genetic evidence suggests that telomere length in blood leukocytes may not play a strong causal role in promoting aging.

Describing the chemistry of the glutamate-glutamine cycle

0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 09
  1. Astrocytes play a major role in regulating the glutamate-glutamine cycle in the synapse.
  2. The conversion of glutamate to glutamine involves a four-step reaction, as described by Colanduoni et al, 1987.
  3. Carbon-13 NMR analysis by Shen et al, 1999, helped distinguish between glutamine labeling from the glial TCA cycle and the glutamate-glutamine cycle.

Immanentizing the common trade-offs canon

0 implied HN points • 01 Nov 14
  1. Started with 25 trade-offs, then combined them to have 20.
  2. Realized that most trade-offs are context-dependent due to evolutionary processes.
  3. Trimmed down the list to 11 common trade-offs that decision makers face.

The Levels of 10 Lipids Predict Progression to AD

0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 14
  1. Levels of certain lipids can predict progression to Alzheimer's disease.
  2. Researchers identified 10 specific lipids with lower blood levels in people who later developed MCI/AD.
  3. Changes in these lipid levels may be linked to cell membrane damage and Alzheimer's pathogenesis.

Review of Kandel's Principles

0 implied HN points • 29 Jul 13
  1. Kandel's Principles textbook does a good job focusing on neuroscience without getting too deep into cell biology and other topics.
  2. The book delves into perception, sensation, and movement with detail and care, offering valuable principles that are likely to generalize.
  3. Most chapters of the textbook effectively motivate their material and explore themes from the history of brain study, making it a comprehensive resource on how the mind works.

In Praise Of The Obvious, Pt 2

0 implied HN points • 31 Aug 12
  1. Scott Aaronson explains the Church-Turing thesis in an intuitive way for newbies.
  2. It's important to praise those who understand the details but also point out the obvious.
  3. Academics may feel pressure to complicate things, but simplicity is valuable.

Statistics Is Like Medicine, Not Software

0 implied HN points • 21 Jul 12
  1. Statistics questions require dialogue, like a doctor-to-patient conversation.
  2. Answering unclear questions in statistics can add confusion to the internet.
  3. More answers are not always better, especially if a question is poorly posed.

Coming soon

0 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
  1. Neurobiology Notes is a newsletter about various neurobiological topics like psychiatry, Alzheimer's disease, engrams, and brain banking.
  2. Posts from an old blog have been imported to the Neurobiology Notes platform.
  3. Stay tuned for more updates on neurobiology at neurobiology.substack.com.