Planet Neuroscience

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Solving Inverse Problem for Multi-armed Bandits via Convex Optimization

arXiv:2501.18945v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: We consider the inverse problem of multi-armed bandits (IMAB) that are widely used in neuroscience and psychology research for behavior modelling. We first show that the IMAB problem is not convex in general, but can be relaxed to a convex problem via variable transformation. Based on this result, we propose a two-step sequential heuristic for (approximately) solving the IMAB problem. We discuss a condition where our method provides global solution to the IMAB problem with certificate, as well as approximations to further save computing time. Numerical experiments indicate that our heuristic method is more robust than directly solving the IMAB problem via repeated local optimization, and can achieve the performance of Monte Carlo methods within a significantly decreased running time. We provide the implementation of our method based on CVXPY, which allows straightforward application by users not well versed in convex optimization.

in arXiv: Quantitative Biology: Neurons and Cognition on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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PAIR: A Novel Large Language Model-Guided Selection Strategy for Evolutionary Algorithms

arXiv:2503.03239v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) employ random or simplistic selection methods, limiting their exploration of solution spaces and convergence to optimal solutions. The randomness in performing crossover or mutations may limit the model's ability to evolve efficiently. This paper introduces Preference-Aligned Individual Reciprocity (PAIR), a novel selection approach leveraging Large Language Models to emulate human-like mate selection, thereby introducing intelligence to the pairing process in EAs. PAIR prompts an LLM to evaluate individuals within a population based on genetic diversity, fitness level, and crossover compatibility, guiding more informed pairing decisions. We evaluated PAIR against a baseline method called LLM-driven EA (LMEA), published recently. Results indicate that PAIR significantly outperforms LMEA across various TSP instances, achieving lower optimality gaps and improved convergence. This performance is especially noticeable when combined with the flash thinking model, demonstrating increased population diversity to escape local optima. In general, PAIR provides a new strategy in the area of in-context learning for LLM-driven selection in EAs via sophisticated preference modelling, paving the way for improved solutions and further studies into LLM-guided optimization.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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Classifying States of the Hopfield Network with Improved Accuracy, Generalization, and Interpretability

arXiv:2503.03018v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: We extend the existing work on Hopfield network state classification, employing more complex models that remain interpretable, such as densely-connected feed-forward deep neural networks and support vector machines. The states of the Hopfield network can be grouped into several classes, including learned (those presented during training), spurious (stable states that were not learned), and prototype (stable states that were not learned but are representative for a subset of learned states). It is often useful to determine to what class a given state belongs to; for example to ignore spurious states when retrieving from the network. Previous research has approached the state classification task with simple linear methods, most notably the stability ratio. We deepen the research on classifying states from prototype-regime Hopfield networks, investigating how varying the factors strengthening prototypes influences the state classification task. We study the generalizability of different classification models when trained on states derived from different prototype tasks -- for example, can a network trained on a Hopfield network with 10 prototypes classify states from a network with 20 prototypes? We find that simple models often outperform the stability ratio while remaining interpretable. These models require surprisingly little training data and generalize exceptionally well to states generated by a range of Hopfield networks, even those that were trained on exceedingly different datasets.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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Hopfield Networks Meet Big Data: A Brain-Inspired Deep Learning Framework for Semantic Data Linking

arXiv:2503.03084v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: The exponential rise in data generation has led to vast, heterogeneous datasets crucial for predictive analytics and decision-making. Ensuring data quality and semantic integrity remains a challenge. This paper presents a brain-inspired distributed cognitive framework that integrates deep learning with Hopfield networks to identify and link semantically related attributes across datasets. Modeled on the dual-hemisphere functionality of the human brain, the right hemisphere assimilates new information while the left retrieves learned representations for association. Our architecture, implemented on MapReduce with Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS), leverages deep Hopfield networks as an associative memory mechanism to enhance recall of frequently co-occurring attributes and dynamically adjust relationships based on evolving data patterns. Experiments show that associative imprints in Hopfield memory are reinforced over time, ensuring linked datasets remain contextually meaningful and improving data disambiguation and integration accuracy. Our results indicate that combining deep Hopfield networks with distributed cognitive processing offers a scalable, biologically inspired approach to managing complex data relationships in large-scale environments.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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A Multimodal Framework for Topic Propagation Classification in Social Networks

arXiv:2503.03112v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: The rapid proliferation of the Internet and the widespread adoption of social networks have significantly accelerated information dissemination. However, this transformation has introduced complexities in information capture and processing, posing substantial challenges for researchers and practitioners. Predicting the dissemination of topic-related information within social networks has thus become a critical research focus. This paper proposes a predictive model for topic dissemination in social networks by integrating multidimensional features derived from key dissemination characteristics. Specifically, we introduce two novel indicators, user relationship breadth and user authority, into the PageRank algorithm to quantify user influence more effectively. Additionally, we employ a Text-CNN model for sentiment classification, extracting sentiment features from textual content. Temporal embeddings of nodes are encoded using a Bi-LSTM model to capture temporal dynamics. Furthermore, we refine the measurement of user interaction traces with topics, replacing traditional topic view metrics with a more precise communication characteristics measure. Finally, we integrate the extracted multidimensional features using a Transformer model, significantly enhancing predictive performance. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms traditional machine learning and unimodal deep learning models in terms of FI-Score, AUC, and Recall, validating its effectiveness in predicting topic propagation within social networks.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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A 262 TOPS Hyperdimensional Photonic AI Accelerator powered by a Si3N4 microcomb laser

arXiv:2503.03263v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: The ever-increasing volume of data has necessitated a new computing paradigm, embodied through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). Digital electronic AI computing systems, however, are gradually reaching their physical plateaus, stimulating extensive research towards next-generation AI accelerators. Photonic Neural Networks (PNNs), with their unique ability to capitalize on the interplay of multiple physical dimensions including time, wavelength, and space, have been brought forward with a credible promise for boosting computational power and energy efficiency in AI processors. In this article, we experimentally demonstrate a novel multidimensional arrayed waveguide grating router (AWGR)-based photonic AI accelerator that can execute tensor multiplications at a record-high total computational power of 262 TOPS, offering a ~24x improvement over the existing waveguide-based optical accelerators. It consists of a 16x16 AWGR that exploits the time-, wavelength- and space- division multiplexing (T-WSDM) for weight and input encoding together with an integrated Si3N4-based frequency comb for multi-wavelength generation. The photonic AI accelerator has been experimentally validated in both Fully-Connected (FC) and Convolutional NN (NNs) models, with the FC and CNN being trained for DDoS attack identification and MNIST classification, respectively. The experimental inference at 32 Gbaud achieved a Cohen's kappa score of 0.867 for DDoS detection and an accuracy of 92.14% for MNIST classification, respectively, closely matching the software performance.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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From Infants to AI: Incorporating Infant-like Learning in Models Boosts Efficiency and Generalization in Learning Social Prediction Tasks

arXiv:2503.03361v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Early in development, infants learn a range of useful concepts, which can be challenging from a computational standpoint. This early learning comes together with an initial understanding of aspects of the meaning of concepts, e.g., their implications, causality, and using them to predict likely future events. All this is accomplished in many cases with little or no supervision, and from relatively few examples, compared with current network models. In learning about objects and human-object interactions, early acquired and possibly innate concepts are often used in the process of learning additional, more complex concepts. In the current work, we model how early-acquired concepts are used in the learning of subsequent concepts, and compare the results with standard deep network modeling. We focused in particular on the use of the concepts of animacy and goal attribution in learning to predict future events. We show that the use of early concepts in the learning of new concepts leads to better learning (higher accuracy) and more efficient learning (requiring less data). We further show that this integration of early and new concepts shapes the representation of the concepts acquired by the model. The results show that when the concepts were learned in a human-like manner, the emerging representation was more useful, as measured in terms of generalization to novel data and tasks. On a more general level, the results suggest that there are likely to be basic differences in the conceptual structures acquired by current network models compared to human learning.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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Inference-Scale Complexity in ANN-SNN Conversion for High-Performance and Low-Power Applications

arXiv:2409.03368v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) have emerged as a promising substitute for Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) due to their advantages of fast inference and low power consumption. However, the lack of efficient training algorithms has hindered their widespread adoption. Even efficient ANN-SNN conversion methods necessitate quantized training of ANNs to enhance the effectiveness of the conversion, incurring additional training costs. To address these challenges, we propose an efficient ANN-SNN conversion framework with only inference scale complexity. The conversion framework includes a local threshold balancing algorithm, which enables efficient calculation of the optimal thresholds and fine-grained adjustment of the threshold value by channel-wise scaling. We also introduce an effective delayed evaluation strategy to mitigate the influence of the spike propagation delays. We demonstrate the scalability of our framework in typical computer vision tasks: image classification, semantic segmentation, object detection, and video classification. Our algorithm outperforms existing methods, highlighting its practical applicability and efficiency. Moreover, we have evaluated the energy consumption of the converted SNNs, demonstrating their superior low-power advantage compared to conventional ANNs. This approach simplifies the deployment of SNNs by leveraging open-source pre-trained ANN models, enabling fast, low-power inference with negligible performance reduction. Code is available at https://github.com/putshua/Inference-scale-ANN-SNN.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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Sequential Learning in the Dense Associative Memory

arXiv:2409.15729v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: Sequential learning involves learning tasks in a sequence, and proves challenging for most neural networks. Biological neural networks regularly conquer the sequential learning challenge and are even capable of transferring knowledge both forward and backwards between tasks. Artificial neural networks often totally fail to transfer performance between tasks, and regularly suffer from degraded performance or catastrophic forgetting on previous tasks. Models of associative memory have been used to investigate the discrepancy between biological and artificial neural networks due to their biological ties and inspirations, of which the Hopfield network is the most studied model. The Dense Associative Memory (DAM), or modern Hopfield network, generalizes the Hopfield network, allowing for greater capacities and prototype learning behaviors, while still retaining the associative memory structure. We give a substantial review of the sequential learning space with particular respect to the Hopfield network and associative memories. We perform foundational benchmarks of sequential learning in the DAM using various sequential learning techniques, and analyze the results of the sequential learning to demonstrate previously unseen transitions in the behavior of the DAM. This paper also discusses the departure from biological plausibility that may affect the utility of the DAM as a tool for studying biological neural networks. We present our findings, including the effectiveness of a range of state-of-the-art sequential learning methods when applied to the DAM, and use these methods to further the understanding of DAM properties and behaviors.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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Mitigating the Stability-Plasticity Dilemma in Adaptive Train Scheduling with Curriculum-Driven Continual DQN Expansion

arXiv:2408.09838v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: A continual learning agent builds on previous experiences to develop increasingly complex behaviors by adapting to non-stationary and dynamic environments while preserving previously acquired knowledge. However, scaling these systems presents significant challenges, particularly in balancing the preservation of previous policies with the adaptation of new ones to current environments. This balance, known as the stability-plasticity dilemma, is especially pronounced in complex multi-agent domains such as the train scheduling problem, where environmental and agent behaviors are constantly changing, and the search space is vast. In this work, we propose addressing these challenges in the train scheduling problem using curriculum learning. We design a curriculum with adjacent skills that build on each other to improve generalization performance. Introducing a curriculum with distinct tasks introduces non-stationarity, which we address by proposing a new algorithm: Continual Deep Q-Network (DQN) Expansion (CDE). Our approach dynamically generates and adjusts Q-function subspaces to handle environmental changes and task requirements. CDE mitigates catastrophic forgetting through EWC while ensuring high plasticity using adaptive rational activation functions. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in learning efficiency and adaptability compared to RL baselines and other adapted methods for continual learning, highlighting the potential of our method in managing the stability-plasticity dilemma in the adaptive train scheduling setting.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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Perceptual Motor Learning with Active Inference Framework for Robust Lateral Control

arXiv:2503.01676v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: This paper presents a novel Perceptual Motor Learning (PML) framework integrated with Active Inference (AIF) to enhance lateral control in Highly Automated Vehicles (HAVs). PML, inspired by human motor learning, emphasizes the seamless integration of perception and action, enabling efficient decision-making in dynamic environments. Traditional autonomous driving approaches--including modular pipelines, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning--struggle with adaptability, generalization, and computational efficiency. In contrast, PML with AIF leverages a generative model to minimize prediction error ("surprise") and actively shape vehicle control based on learned perceptual-motor representations. Our approach unifies deep learning with active inference principles, allowing HAVs to perform lane-keeping maneuvers with minimal data and without extensive retraining across different environments. Extensive experiments in the CARLA simulator demonstrate that PML with AIF enhances adaptability without increasing computational overhead while achieving performance comparable to conventional methods. These findings highlight the potential of PML-driven active inference as a robust alternative for real-world autonomous driving applications.

in arXiv: Computer Science: Neural and Evolutionary Computing on 2025-03-06 05:00:00 UTC.

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Trump's nominee for NIH chief talks frozen grants and fostering ‘scientific dissent’

Nature, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00694-z

Health economist Jay Bhattacharya, who drew censure for controversial views on COVID-19, vows to provide funding but is short on details.

in Nature on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Exclusive: NIH to terminate hundreds of active research grants

Nature, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00703-1

Studies that touch on LGBT+ health, gender identity and DEI in the biomedical workforce could be terminated, according to documents obtained by Nature.

in Nature on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Surface hydrogen migration significantly promotes electroreduction of acetonitrile to ethylamine

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-57462-w

The competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) presents a major challenge in achieving the selective acetonitrile reduction reaction (ARR) to ethylamine. Here, the authors report halting HER at the Volmer step on a CuO@Cu heterostructure, significantly promoting the selective ARR.

in Nature Communications on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Tracking HIV persistence across T cell lineages during early ART-treated HIV-1-infection using a reservoir-marking humanized mouse model

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-57368-7

Characterization of HIV infection at the cellular level is important to understand the molecular forces maintaining the latent reservoir and productive infection in T cells. Here authors describe the pathways that are governing these T cell states across the T lineage via a humanized mouse model allowing precise labeling of the HIV-infected cells coupled to single cell RNA sequencing.

in Nature Communications on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Monitoring mRNA vaccine antigen expression in vivo using PET/CT

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-57446-w

mRNA vaccines have been successfully developed, but a better understanding of in vivo distribution of the encoded antigen may aid further improvements. Here the authors use PET imaging and demonstrate transient expression of the vaccine antigen in the injection site and draining lymph nodes in mice and non-human primates.

in Nature Communications on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Cross-species and mammal-to-mammal transmission of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 with PB2 adaptations

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-57338-z

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza lineage 2.3.4.4b has spread through the Americas in birds since 2021 with frequent spillover into mammals. Here, the authors characterise the dissemination of the virus in Chile and find evidence of sustained transmission between mammals.

in Nature Communications on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Virtual library docking for cannabinoid-1 receptor agonists with reduced side effects

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-57136-7

Tummino et al. dock 74 million molecules against the human cannabinoid-1 receptor to find uM ligands. Optimization led to a nM agonist conferring analgesia with reduced side effects in mice, highlighting its potential as a pain therapeutic and the promise of a structure-based approach.

in Nature Communications on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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A fast approach for structural and evolutionary analysis based on energetic profile protein comparison

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-57374-9

In structural bioinformatics, predicting protein similarity and function is critical. Here, authors introduce a fast approach using protein energy profiles for efficient comparison, revealing insights into protein relationships and enabling fast predictions with reduced computational cost.

in Nature Communications on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Structure-function relationship of ASH1L and histone H3K36 and H3K4 methylation

Nature Communications, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-57556-5

Mutations of the histone H3K36-specific methyltransferase ASH1L have been linked to several human diseases. Here, the authors report the mechanism by which three C-terminal domains in ASH1L regulate its enzymatic activity and interact with chromatin.

in Nature Communications on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Brain Sciences, Vol. 15, Pages 279: Molecular Motors in Blood–Brain Barrier Maintenance by Astrocytes

Brain Sciences, Vol. 15, Pages 279: Molecular Motors in Blood–Brain Barrier Maintenance by Astrocytes

Brain Sciences doi: 10.3390/brainsci15030279

Authors: Ana Filipa Sobral Inês Costa Vanessa Teixeira Renata Silva Daniel José Barbosa

The blood&ndash;brain barrier (BBB) comprises distinct cell types, including endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, and is essential for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis by selectively regulating molecular transport and maintaining integrity. In particular, astrocytes are essential for BBB function, as they maintain BBB integrity through their end-feet, which form a physical and biochemical interface that enhances endothelial cell function and barrier selectivity. Moreover, they secrete growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-&beta;), which regulate tight junction (TJ) proteins (e.g., claudins and occludins) crucial for limiting paracellular permeability. Molecular motors like kinesins, dynein, and myosins are essential for these astrocyte functions. By facilitating vesicular trafficking and protein transport, they are essential for various functions, including trafficking of junctional proteins to support BBB integrity, the proper mitochondria localization within astrocyte processes for efficient energy supply, the polarized distribution of aquaporin (AQP)-4 at astrocyte end-feet for regulating water homeostasis across the BBB, and the modulation of neuroinflammatory responses. Moreover, myosin motors modulate actomyosin dynamics to regulate astrocyte process outgrowth, adhesion, migration, and morphology, facilitating their functional roles. Thus, motor protein dysregulation in astrocytes can compromise BBB function and integrity, increasing the risk of neurodegeneration. This review explores the complex interplay between astrocytes and molecular motors in regulating BBB homeostasis, which represents an attractive but poorly explored area of research.

in Brain Sciences on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Brain Sciences, Vol. 15, Pages 280: Current Trends in Pediatric Migraine: Clinical Insights and Therapeutic Strategies

Brain Sciences, Vol. 15, Pages 280: Current Trends in Pediatric Migraine: Clinical Insights and Therapeutic Strategies

Brain Sciences doi: 10.3390/brainsci15030280

Authors: Adnan Khan Sufang Liu Feng Tao

Background/Objectives: Pediatric migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly impacts children&rsquo;s quality of life, academic performance, and social interactions. Unlike migraines in adults, pediatric migraines often present differently and involve unique underlying mechanisms, making diagnosis and treatment more complex. Methods: This review discusses the clinical phases of pediatric migraine, key trigger factors, sex- and age-related differences, and the role of childhood maltreatment in migraine development. We also discuss episodic syndromes such as cyclic vomiting syndrome, abdominal migraine, benign paroxysmal vertigo, and benign paroxysmal torticollis, along with comorbidities such as psychiatric disorders, sleep disturbances, and epilepsy. Results: The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms for pediatric migraines, including genetic predispositions, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, are summarized. Current therapeutic strategies, including conventional and emerging pharmacological treatments, nutraceuticals, and non-pharmacological approaches, are evaluated. Non-pharmacological strategies, particularly evidence-based lifestyle interventions such as stress management, diet, hydration, sleep, exercise, screen time moderation, and cognitive behavioral therapy, are highlighted as key components of migraine prevention and management. The long-term prognosis and follow-up of pediatric migraine patients are reviewed, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, and tailored multidisciplinary care to prevent chronic progression. Conclusions: Future research should focus on novel therapeutic targets and integrating gut&ndash;brain axis modulation, with a need for longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term course of pediatric migraine.

in Brain Sciences on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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Brain Sciences, Vol. 15, Pages 278: Normative Data for the D-KEFS Tower Test in Greek Adult Population Between 20 and 85 Years Old

Brain Sciences, Vol. 15, Pages 278: Normative Data for the D-KEFS Tower Test in Greek Adult Population Between 20 and 85 Years Old

Brain Sciences doi: 10.3390/brainsci15030278

Authors: Marianna Tsatali Despina Eleftheriadou Nikoleta Palla Magda Tsolaki Despina Moraitou

Background: The Delis&ndash;Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Tower Test (TT) is a widely used neuropsychological tool that assesses complex executive functions, including planning, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, switching, and impulsivity&mdash;key abilities often impaired in individuals with frontal dysfunction. Aims: There is currently no normative data for the D-KEFS TT in the Greek population. Consequently, it cannot be effectively used to detect executive dysfunction in neurological and psychiatric populations or for research purposes. Methods: The study sample included 249 healthy adults (28.9% male, 71.1% female) aged 20 to 85 years (M = 46.53, SD = 17.41), with educational levels ranging from secondary school graduates to master&rsquo;s degree holders. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between age and D-KEFS TT performance, while chi-square test assessed the effects of education and gender. Normative data were then derived from raw scores and converted into percentiles. Results: Norms were established for the following D-KEFS TT variables: Total Achievement Score, Total Rule Violations, Move Accuracy Ratio, Mean First Move Time, and Time-per-Move Ratio. Age was the strongest predictor of performance, and normative data were stratified accordingly for the Greek adult population. Conclusions: This study introduces the D-KEFS TT as a neuropsychological assessment tool for Greek adults across different age groups to evaluate complex executive functions throughout the lifespan. Unlike other D-KEFS tests, the TT had not previously been adapted for the Greek population. This study is the first to provide normative data, supporting its use in clinical practice and research.

in Brain Sciences on 2025-03-06 00:00:00 UTC.

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This Week in The Journal

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Brain State-Dependent Neocortico-Hippocampal Network Dynamics Are Modulated by Postnatal Stimuli

Neurons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus discharge synchronously in a brain state-dependent manner to transfer information. Published studies have highlighted the temporal coordination of neuronal activities between the hippocampus and a neocortical area; however, how the spatial extent of neocortical activity relates to hippocampal activity remains partially unknown. We imaged mesoscopic neocortical activity while recording hippocampal local field potentials in anesthetized and unanesthetized GCaMP-expressing transgenic mice. We found that neocortical activity elevates around hippocampal sharp wave ripples (SWRs). SWR-associated neocortical activities occurred predominantly in vision-related regions including the visual, retrosplenial, and frontal cortex. While pre-SWR neocortical activities were frequently observed in awake and natural sleeping states, post-SWR neocortical activity decreased significantly in the latter. Urethane-anesthetized mice also exhibited SWR-correlated calcium elevation, but in longer timescale than observed in natural sleeping mice. During hippocampal theta oscillation states, phase-locked oscillations of calcium activity were observed throughout the entire neocortical areas. In addition, possible environmental effects on neocortico-hippocampal dynamics were assessed in this study by comparing mice reared in ISO (isolated condition) and ENR (enriched environment). In both SWR and theta oscillations, mice reared in ISO exhibited clearer brain state-dependent dynamics than those reared in ENR. Our data demonstrate that the neocortex and hippocampus exhibit heterogeneous activity patterns that characterize brain states, and postnatal experience plays a significant role in modulating these patterns.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Reduced Neural Responses to Natural Foreground versus Background Sounds in the Auditory Cortex

In everyday hearing, listeners face the challenge of understanding behaviorally relevant foreground stimuli (speech, vocalizations) in complex backgrounds (environmental, mechanical noise). Prior studies have shown that high-order areas of human auditory cortex (AC) preattentively form an enhanced representation of foreground stimuli in the presence of background noise. This enhancement requires identifying and grouping the features that comprise the background so they can be removed from the foreground representation. To study the cortical computations supporting this process, we recorded single-unit activity in AC of male and female ferrets during the presentation of concurrent natural sounds from these two categories. In contrast to expectations from studies in high-order AC, single-unit responses to foreground sounds were strongly reduced relative to the paired background in primary and secondary AC. The degree of reduction could not be explained by a neuron's preference for the foreground or background stimulus in isolation but could be partially explained by spectrotemporal statistics that distinguish foreground and background categories. Responses to synthesized sounds with statistics either matched or randomized relative to natural sounds showed progressively decreased reduction of foreground responses as natural sound statistics were removed. These results challenge the expectation that cortical foreground representations emerge directly from a mixed representation in the auditory periphery. Instead, they suggest the early AC maintains a robust representation of background noise. Strong background representations may produce a distributed code, facilitating selection of foreground signals from a relatively small subpopulation of AC neurons at later processing stages.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Absolute Number of Three Populations of Interneurons and All GABAergic Synapses in the Human Hippocampus

The human hippocampus, essential for learning and memory, is implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, each linked to specific neuronal subpopulations. Advancing our understanding of hippocampal function requires computational models grounded in precise quantitative neuronal data. While extensive data exist on the neuronal composition and synaptic architecture of the rodent hippocampus, analogous quantitative data for the human hippocampus remain very limited. Given the critical role of local GABAergic interneurons in modulating hippocampal functions, we employed unbiased stereological techniques to estimate the density and total number of three major GABAergic cell types in the male and female human hippocampus: parvalbumin (PV)-expressing, somatostatin (SOM)-positive, and calretinin (CR)-positive interneurons. Our findings reveal an estimated 49,400 PV-positive, 141,500 SOM-positive, and 250,600 CR-positive interneurons per hippocampal hemisphere. Notably, CR-positive interneurons, which are primarily interneuron-selective in rodents, were present in humans at a higher proportion. Additionally, using three-dimensional electron microscopy, we estimated ~25 billion GABAergic synapses per hippocampal hemisphere, with PV-positive boutons comprising ~3.5 billion synapses, or 14% of the total GABAergic synapses. These findings contribute crucial quantitative insights for modeling human hippocampal circuits and understanding its complex regulatory dynamics.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Noninvasive Brain Stimulation over the Frontopolar Cortex Promotes Willingness to Exert Cognitive Effort in a Foraging-Like Sequential Choice Task

Individuals avoid spending cognitive effort unless expected rewards offset the perceived costs. Recent work employing tasks that provide explicit information about demands and incentives suggests causal involvement of the frontopolar cortex (FPC) in effort-based decision-making. Using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), we examined whether the FPC's role in motivating effort generalizes to sequential choice problems in which task demand and reward rates vary indirectly and as a function of experience. In a double-blind, within-subject design, 46 participants (36 female, 8 male, 1 "neither/other") received anodal (i.e., excitatory) or sham stimulation over the right FPC during an Effort Foraging Task, which required choosing between harvesting patches for successively decreasing resources or traveling to replenished patches by performing a cognitive task with environment-specific difficulty. As expected, participants exited patches later (i.e., exhibited lower exit thresholds) when traveling required greater (versus less) effort, indicating increased travel costs in high-effort environments. Under anodal tDCS, the difference in exit thresholds between environments was significantly smaller relative to sham. Finally, individual differences analyses hint that participants with lower self-reported motivation to exert effort exhibited greater travel cost reductions following tDCS. Together, these findings support the theorized causal role of the FPC in motivating cognitively effortful behavior, expand its role to more ecologically valid serial decisions, and highlight the potential for tDCS as a tool to increase motivation with potential clinical applications.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Neural Correlates of Perceptual Plasticity in the Auditory Midbrain and Thalamus

Hearing is an active process in which listeners must detect and identify sounds, segregate and discriminate stimulus features, and extract their behavioral relevance. Adaptive changes in sound detection can emerge rapidly, during sudden shifts in acoustic or environmental context, or more slowly as a result of practice. Although we know that context- and learning-dependent changes in the sensitivity of auditory cortical (ACX) neurons support many aspects of perceptual plasticity, the contribution of subcortical auditory regions to this process is less understood. Here, we recorded single- and multiunit activity from the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) and the ventral subdivision of the medial geniculate nucleus (MGV) of male and female Mongolian gerbils under two different behavioral contexts: as animals performed an amplitude modulation (AM) detection task and as they were passively exposed to AM sounds. Using a signal detection framework to estimate neurometric sensitivity, we found that neural thresholds in both regions improve during task performance, and this improvement is largely driven by changes in the firing rate rather than phase locking. We also found that ICC and MGV neurometric thresholds improve as animals learn to detect small AM depths during a multiday perceptual training paradigm. Finally, we revealed that in the MGV, but not the ICC, context-dependent enhancements in AM sensitivity grow stronger during perceptual training, mirroring prior observations in the ACX. Together, our results suggest that the auditory midbrain and thalamus contribute to changes in sound processing and perception over rapid and slow timescales.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Right-Lateralization of the Visual Word Form Area after Left-Hemisphere Perinatal Stroke

In literate adults, an area along the left posterior fusiform gyrus that is often referred to as the "visual word form area" (VWFA) responds particularly strongly to written characters compared with other visually similar stimuli. Theoretical accounts differ in whether they attribute the strong left-lateralization of the VWFA to a left-hemisphere (LH) bias toward visual features used in script, to competition of visual word form processing with that of other visual stimuli processed in the same general cortical territory (especially faces), or to the well established left-lateralization of the language system. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to test the last hypothesis by investigating lateralization of the VWFA in participants (male and female) who have right-hemisphere language due to a large LH perinatal stroke. Demographically matched controls were included for comparison. All participants had intact language skills and were proficient readers; age at testing ranged from 9.75 years to early adulthood. Activation maps contrasting activation during rapid presentation of pseudowords and pictures of places revealed left-lateralized fusiform activation in controls, as expected. In participants with left-hemisphere perinatal stroke and right-lateralized language, the VWFA was instead found in the right fusiform gyrus, despite the fact that the left-hemisphere tissue normally occupied by the VWFA was intact and responded normally to pictures of places. Region-of-interest analyses confirmed right-lateralization for visual word form processing, both relative to place stimuli and relative to a resting baseline. This provides compelling evidence that the lateralization of the VWFA indeed follows that of the frontotemporal language system.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Cell Adhesion Molecule Protocadherin-{gamma}C5 Ameliorates A{beta} Plaque Pathogenesis by Modulating Astrocyte Function in Alzheimer's Disease

Accumulation of astrocytes around β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques is one of the earliest neuropathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms and significance remain unclear. Cell adhesion molecule protocadherin-C5 (Pcdh-C5) has been reported to implicate in AD. Here, we find elevated expression levels of Pcdh-C5 in the brain of 5xFAD mice and Aβ-treated astrocytes and further reveal that Pcdh-C5 deficiency leads to exacerbated Aβ deposition in 5xFAD mice. Deletion of Pcdh-C5 impairs astrocyte migration, astrocytic response to Aβ signaling, and Aβ phagocytosis in both cultured astrocytes in vitro and 5xFAD mice in vivo. Both male and female mice were used in this study. Our findings support a model in which increased expression level of Pcdh-C5 promotes astrocyte migration in response to Aβ signaling and engulfment and phagocytosis of neurotoxic Aβ plaques, therefore exerting a critical neuroprotective function in AD.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Longitudinal Sex-at-Birth and Age Analyses of Cortical Structure in the ABCD Study

While the brain continues to develop during adolescence, such development may depend on sex-at-birth. However, the elucidation of such differences may be hindered by analytical decisions (e.g., covariate selection to address brain-size differences) and the typical reporting of cross-sectional data. To further evaluate adolescent cortical development, we analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, whose cohort of 11,000+ youth participants with biannual neuroimaging data collection can facilitate understanding neuroanatomical change during a critical developmental window. Doubly considering individual differences within the context of group-level effects, we analyzed regional changes in cortical thickness, sulcal depth, surface area, and volume between two timepoints (~2 years apart) in 9- to 12-year-olds assigned male or female sex-at-birth. First, we conducted linear mixed-effect models to gauge how controlling for intracranial volume, whole-brain volume (WBV), or a summary metric (e.g., mean cortical thickness) influenced interpretations of age-dependent cortical change. Next, we evaluated the relative changes in thickness and surface area as a function of sex-at-birth and age. Here, we showed that WBV (thickness, sulcal depth, volume) and total cortical surface area were more optimal covariates; controlling for different covariates would have substantially altered our interpretations of overall and sex-at-birth-specific neuroanatomical development. Furthermore, we provided evidence to suggest that aggregate change in how cortical thickness is changing relative to surface area is generally comparable across those assigned male or female sex-at-birth, with corresponding change happening at slightly older ages in those assigned male sex-at-birth. Overall, these results help elucidate neuroanatomical developmental trajectories in early adolescence.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Choice Behaviors and Prefrontal-Hippocampal Coupling Are Disrupted in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Determining how temporally specific alcohol exposure (AE) affects neural circuits is crucial to understanding the FASD phenotype. Third trimester AE can be modeled in rats by administering alcohol during the first two postnatal weeks, which damages the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC), structures whose functional interactions are required for working memory and executive function. Therefore, we hypothesized that AE during this period would impair working memory, disrupt choice behaviors, and alter mPFC–HPC oscillatory synchrony. To test this hypothesis, we recorded local field potentials from the mPFC and dorsal HPC as male and female AE and sham-intubated (SI) rats performed a spatial working memory task in adulthood and implemented algorithms to detect vicarious trial and errors (VTEs), behaviors associated with deliberative decision-making. We found that, compared with the SI group, the AE group performed fewer VTEs and demonstrated a disturbed relationship between VTEs and choice outcomes, while spatial working memory was unimpaired. This behavioral disruption was accompanied by alterations to mPFC and HPC oscillatory activity in the theta and beta bands, respectively, and a reduced prevalence of mPFC–HPC synchronous events. When trained on multiple behavioral variables, a machine learning algorithm could accurately predict whether rats were in the AE or SI group, thus characterizing a potential phenotype following third trimester AE. Together, these findings indicate that third trimester AE disrupts mPFC–HPC oscillatory interactions and choice behaviors.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Amyloid-Beta Deposition in Basal Frontotemporal Cortex Is Associated with Selective Disruption of Temporal Mnemonic Discrimination

Cerebral amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation, a hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), precedes clinical impairment by two to three decades. However, it is unclear whether Aβ contributes to subtle memory deficits observed during the preclinical stage. The heterogeneous emergence of Aβ deposition may selectively impact certain memory domains, which rely on distinct underlying neural circuits. In this context, we tested whether specific domains of mnemonic discrimination, a neural computation essential for episodic memory, exhibit specific deficits related to early Aβ deposition. We tested 108 cognitively unimpaired human older adults (66% female) who underwent 18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography (Aβ-PET) and a control group of 35 young adults, on a suite of mnemonic discrimination tasks taxing object, spatial, and temporal domains. We hypothesized that Aβ pathology would be selectively associated with temporal discrimination performance due to Aβ's propensity to accumulate in the basal frontotemporal cortex, which supports temporal processing. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found a dissociation in which generalized age-related deficits were found for object and spatial mnemonic discrimination, while Aβ-PET levels were selectively associated with deficits in temporal mnemonic discrimination. Furthermore, we found that higher Aβ-PET levels in the medial orbitofrontal and inferior temporal cortex, regions supporting temporal processing, were associated with greater temporal mnemonic discrimination deficits, pointing to the selective vulnerability of circuits related to temporal processing early in AD progression. These results suggest that Aβ accumulation within basal frontotemporal regions may disrupt temporal mnemonic discrimination in preclinical AD, and future work is needed to determine whether assessing temporal mnemonic discrimination can aid in predicting emerging AD progression.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Network Mechanisms Underlying the Regional Diversity of Variance and Time Scales of the Brain's Spontaneous Activity Fluctuations

The brain's activity fluctuations have different temporal scales across the brain regions, with associative regions displaying slower timescales than sensory areas. This hierarchy of timescales has been shown to correlate with both structural brain connectivity and intrinsic regional properties. Here, using publicly available human resting-state fMRI and dMRI data, it was found that, while more structurally connected brain regions presented activity fluctuations with longer timescales, their activity fluctuations presented lower variance. The opposite relationships between the structural connectivity and the variance and temporal scales of resting-state fluctuations, respectively, were not trivially explained by simple network propagation principles. To understand these structure–function relationships, two commonly used whole-brain models were studied, namely, the Hopf and Wilson–Cowan models. These models use the brain's connectome to couple local nodes (representing brain regions) displaying noise-driven oscillations. The models show that the variance and temporal scales of activity fluctuations can oppositely relate to connectivity within specific parameter regions, even when all nodes have the same intrinsic dynamics—but also when intrinsic dynamics are constrained by the myelinization-related macroscopic gradient. These results show that, setting aside intrinsic regional differences, connectivity and network state are sufficient to explain the regional differences in fluctuations’ scales. State dependence supports the vision that structure–function relationships can serve as biomarkers of altered brain states. Finally, the results indicate that the hierarchies of timescales and variances reflect a balance between stability and responsivity, with greater and faster responsiveness at the network periphery, while the network core ensures overall system robustness.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Projections to the Nucleus Accumbens Enhance the Reward Value of Food Consumption and Do Not Induce Feeding or REM Sleep

Regulation of food intake and energy balance is critical to survival. Hunger develops as a response to energy deficit and drives food-seeking and consumption. However, motivations to eat are varied in nature and promoted by factors other than energy deficit. When dysregulated, nonhomeostatic drives to consume can contribute to disorders of food intake, adding to the increasing prevalence of restrictive eating disorders and obesity. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons have been implicated in the regulation of feeding behavior, in addition to a number of other fundamental behaviors including sleep, anxiety, and maternal behavior. Several studies suggest that MCH peptide increases food consumption, while studies of MCH neurons show effects only on cued feeding, and others show no effect of MCH neuron manipulation on feeding. MCH neurons have widespread projections to diverse downstream brain regions, yet few studies have investigated the function of specific projections or differentiated the behaviors they regulate. Here we use optogenetics, in combination with different behavioral paradigms, to elucidate the role of MCH projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in sleep and feeding behavior. We show that MCH neurons projecting to the NAc do not induce changes in baseline feeding or REM sleep but do enhance the preference for a food paired with optogenetic stimulation. Furthermore, this effect is diminished in female mice relative to males, in line with previous results suggesting sex differences in the functional role of MCH neurons. These results suggest that MCH projections to the NAc can enhance the rewarding value of consumed food.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Calretinin-Expressing Neurons in the Basal Forebrain Specifically Contact Granule Cells in the Olfactory Bulb and Modulate Odor Learning

GABAergic neurons in basal forebrain (BF) nuclei project densely to all layers of the mouse main olfactory bulb (OB), the first relay in odor information processing. However, BF projection neurons are diverse, and the contribution of each subtype to odor information processing is not known. In the present study, we used retrograde and anterograde tracing methods together with whole-brain light–sheet analyses, patch-clamp recordings coupled with optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches during spontaneous odor discrimination, and go/no-go odor discrimination/learning tests to characterize the synaptic targets in the OB of BF calretinin-expressing (CR+) GABAergic cells and to reveal their functional implications. We used mice of either sex to show that OB-projecting CR+ neurons innervate the bulbar granule cell (GC) layer but not the glomerular layer. Optogenetic stimulation of CR+ axonal projections in OB slices elicited monosynaptic GABAergic currents in GCs. Retrograde rabies virus-based transsynaptic tracing experiments confirmed these synaptic connections and further suggested that CR+ neurons provide the principal, if not the unique, BF input onto GCs. Chemogenetic inhibition of CR+ neurons in the BF of male mice did not affect odor discrimination in habituation/dishabituation tasks but led to impairment in odor learning during go/no-go odor–associative tasks. Our results revealed a subtype-specific projection pattern in the OB of a select population of BF neurons and suggested that distinct BF GABAergic projections have distinct effects on odor information processing and learning.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Recalibrating Olfactory Neuroscience to the Range of Naturally Occurring Odor Concentrations

Sensory systems enable organisms to detect and respond to environmental signals relevant for their survival and reproduction. A crucial aspect of any sensory signal is its intensity; understanding how sensory signals guide behavior requires probing sensory system function across the range of stimulus intensities naturally experienced by an organism. In olfaction, defining the range of natural odorant concentrations is difficult. Odors are complex mixtures of airborne chemicals emitting from a source in an irregular pattern that varies across time and space, necessitating specialized methods to obtain an accurate measurement of concentration. Perhaps as a result, experimentalists often choose stimulus concentrations based on empirical considerations rather than with respect to ecological or behavioral context. Here, we attempt to determine naturally relevant concentration ranges for olfactory stimuli by reviewing and integrating data from diverse disciplines. We compare odorant concentrations used in experimental studies in rodents and insects with those reported in different settings including ambient natural environments, the headspace of natural sources, and within the sources themselves. We also compare these values to psychophysical measurements of odorant detection threshold in rodents, where thresholds have been extensively measured. Odorant concentrations in natural regimes rarely exceed a few parts per billion, while most experimental studies investigating olfactory coding and behavior exceed these concentrations by several orders of magnitude. We discuss the implications of this mismatch and the importance of testing odorants in their natural concentration range for understanding neural mechanisms underlying olfactory sensation and odor-guided behaviors.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Modulatory Neurotransmitter Genotypes Shape Dynamic Functional Connectome Reconfigurations

Dynamic reconfigurations of the functional connectome across different connectivity states are highly heritable, predictive of cognitive abilities, and linked to mental health. Despite their established heritability, the specific polymorphisms that shape connectome dynamics are largely unknown. Given the widespread regulatory impact of modulatory neurotransmitters on functional connectivity, we comprehensively investigated a large set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of their receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters in 674 healthy adult subjects (347 females) from the Human Connectome Project. Preregistered modulatory neurotransmitter SNPs and dynamic connectome features entered a Stability Selection procedure with resampling. We found that specific subsets of these SNPs explain individual differences in temporal phenotypes of fMRI-derived connectome dynamics for which we previously established heritability. Specifically, noradrenergic polymorphisms explained Fractional Occupancy, i.e., the proportion of time spent in each connectome state, and cholinergic polymorphisms explained Transition Probability, i.e., the probability to transition between state pairs, respectively. This work identifies specific genetic effects on connectome dynamics via the regulatory impact of modulatory neurotransmitter systems. Our observations highlight the potential of dynamic connectome features as endophenotypes for neurotransmitter-focused precision psychiatry.

in Journal of Neuroscience on 2025-03-05 17:30:27 UTC.

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Modulation of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Signaling Together with Neuronal Activation Enhances Forelimb Motor Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Singular strategies for promoting axon regeneration and motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) have been attempted with limited success. For instance, the deletion of RhoA and phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) (an extrinsic and intrinsic modulating factor, respectively) in corticospinal neurons (CSNs) promotes axon sprouting after thoracic SCI; however, it is unable to restore motor function. Here, we examine the effects of combining RhoA/Pten deletion in CSNs with chemogenetic neuronal stimulation on axonal growth and motor recovery after SCI in mice. We find that this combinatorial approach promotes greater axonal growth and presynaptic bouton formation in CSNs within the spinal cord compared with RhoA;Pten deletion alone. Furthermore, chemogenetic neuronal stimulation of RhoA;Pten-deleted CSNs improves forelimb performance in behavioral tasks after SCI compared with RhoA;Pten deletion alone. These results demonstrate that combination therapies pairing genetic modifications with neuronal stimulation can promote greater presynaptic formation and motor recovery following SCI than either strategy alone.

in eNeuro on 2025-03-05 17:30:19 UTC.

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Ex Vivo Functional Characterization of Mouse Olfactory Bulb Projection Neurons Reveals a Heterogeneous Continuum

Mitral cells (MCs) and tufted cells (TCs) in the olfactory bulb (OB) act as an input convergence hub and transmit information to higher olfactory areas. Since first characterized, they have been classed as distinct projection neurons based on size and location: laminarly arranged MCs with a diameter larger than 20 µm in the mitral layer (ML) and smaller TCs spread across both the ML and external plexiform layers (EPL). Recent in vivo work has shown that these neurons encode complementary olfactory information, akin to parallel channels in other sensory systems. Yet, many ex vivo studies still collapse them into a single class, mitral/tufted, when describing their physiological properties and impact on circuit function. Using immunohistochemistry and whole-cell patch–clamp electrophysiology in fixed or acute slices from adult mice, we attempted to align in vivo and ex vivo data and test a soma size-based classifier of bulbar projection neurons using passive and intrinsic firing properties. We found that there is no clear separation between cell types based on passive or active properties. Rather, there is a heterogeneous continuum with three loosely clustered subgroups: TCs in the EPL, and putative tufted or putative MCs in the ML. These findings illustrate the large functional heterogeneity present within the OB projection neurons and complement existing literature highlighting how heterogeneity in sensory systems is preponderant and possibly used in the OB to decode complex olfactory information.

in eNeuro on 2025-03-05 17:30:19 UTC.

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Analyzing Molecular Traits of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from a Same Poultry Farm in West Java Province, Indonesia, in 2017 and 2023 [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Background Indonesia is one of the countries that is endemic to avian influenza virus subtype H9N2. This study aims to compare the molecular characteristics of avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 from West Java. Methods Specific pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs were used to inoculate samples. RNA extraction and RT–qPCR confirmed the presence of H9 and N2 genes in the samples. RT–PCR was employed to amplify the H9N2-positive sample. Nucleotide sequences were obtained through Sanger sequencing and analyzed using MEGA 7. Homology comparison and phylogenetic tree analysis, utilizing the neighbor-joining tree method, assessed the recent isolate’s similarity to reference isolates from GenBank. Molecular docking analysis was performed on the HA1 protein of the recent isolate and the A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017 isolate, comparing their interactions with the sialic acids Neu5Ac2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal. Results RT–qPCR confirmed the isolate samples as AIV subtype H9N2. The recent virus exhibited 11 amino acid residue differences compared to the A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017 isolate. Phylogenetically, the recent virus remains within the h9.4.2.5 subclade. Notably, at antigenic site II, the recent isolate featured an amino acid N at position 183, unlike A/Layer/Indonesia/WestJava-04/2017. Molecular docking analysis revealed a preference of HA1 from the 2017 virus for Neu5Ac2-3Gal, while the 2023 virus displayed a tendency to predominantly bind with Neu5Ac2-6Gal. Conclusion In summary, the recent isolate displayed multiple mutations and a strong affinity for Neu5Ac2-6Gal, commonly found in mammals.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 16:47:26 UTC.

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Relationship between corporate culture, service quality, and customer satisfaction of food and beverage franchise enterprises [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background This study examines the intricate relationship between corporate culture, service quality, and customer satisfaction in franchise businesses operating in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Given the increasing significance of corporate culture in shaping business performance, this research aims to uncover its direct and indirect effects on customer satisfaction. Methods The study utilizes a dataset of 207 observations and employs a rigorous analytical framework. The methodology includes descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha for reliability assessment, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for dimensionality reduction, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for model validation, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for hypothesis testing. Results The findings highlight the significant influence of corporate culture on service quality, which subsequently impacts customer satisfaction. Moreover, service quality is identified as a mediating factor, demonstrating an indirect pathway through which corporate culture enhances customer satisfaction. These results underscore the interconnectedness between organizational culture and service performance, particularly in franchise settings within emerging economies. Conclusions This study offers practical insights for franchise business operators seeking to enhance their competitive advantage. Establishing a strong corporate culture that emphasizes customer orientation, innovation, and employee engagement is crucial. Additionally, investment in service quality—through employee training, process improvements, and customer-centric policies—is essential for fostering customer satisfaction and loyalty. This research contributes to the literature on organizational behavior and service management by shedding light on the mechanisms through which corporate culture influences customer satisfaction via service quality. It provides a nuanced understanding of these dynamics in the underexplored context of franchise businesses in Vietnam, offering valuable implications for both academia and practice.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 16:37:22 UTC.

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Protocol for a pilot clinical trial of the senolytic drug combination Dasatinib Plus Quercetin to mitigate age-related health and cognitive decline in mental disorders [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia are linked to accelerated aging leading to reduced lifespan, health span and cognitive decline. Cellular senescence, in which cells lose proliferative capacity and develop a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), plays a role in this process. Emerging research suggests that the senolytic regimen of dasatinib+quercetin (D+Q) reduces senescent cells, potentially mitigating age-related health and cognitive decline. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and safety of D+Q in older adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods This single-center study will recruit 30 participants total aged 50 years or older with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder or 60 years or older with TRD; the difference in age limits is because individuals with schizophrenia are biologically about 10 years older than general population owing to metabolic burden. Each participant will receive two consecutive days of 100 mg oral dasatinib plus 1250 mg oral quercetin at baseline and weeks one through three, (i.e., two days on, five days off ) along with lifestyle risk management education. Questionnaires and assessments will measure health and cognitive function as well as psychiatric function at baseline, week 10, and one year. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will measure structural and functional brain health at baseline and 10 weeks. Blood sampling for SASP testing will occur at seven time points: baseline, weeks one through four, week 10, and one year. Conclusion This pilot aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the senolytic regimen and D+Q’s potential to counteract accelerated aging in adults with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and TRD. Trial registration Dasatinib Plus Quercetin for Accelerated Aging in Mental Disorders is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05838560; posted May 1, 2023.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 15:45:27 UTC.

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RNA-sequencing Reveals Altered Gene Expression in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus Following Predator Odor Exposure [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]

Background Physical activity is the second largest contributor to our total daily energy expenditure (EE). Uncovering ways to increase EE during activity could yield new approaches to treat obesity. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) regulates body weight by modulating muscle metabolism and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. The VMH also mediates behavioral responses to predator threat. This thermogenic response is associated with weight loss and increased EE even when controlling for physical activity. While the VMH is a potential mediator of metabolic responses to predator threat, the mechanisms are unknown. Methods and Results Exposing rats to predator odor (PO) causes a rapid increase in skeletal muscle thermogenesis that peaks between 20-30 min and dissipates to baseline by 4 hr. To probe potential targets of PO-induced metabolic responses in the VMH, we first performed qPCR for genes known to be involved in brain regulation of muscle metabolism using VMH samples from rats exposed to PO or control odor for either 30 min or 4 hr. Next, to uncover novel, relevant genes, we performed RNA-sequencing on VMH samples of rats exposed to either PO or control odor for 20 min. qPCR results show that after 4 hr of PO exposure, Bdnf and Sirt1 expression were increased. RNA-sequencing analyses further identified 245 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that showed at least 1.5-fold change in expression due to PO exposure. Functional and Gene Ontology annotation showed that pathways related to immune response, oxidative stress, and synaptic plasticity were overrepresented among these DEGs. Discussion Taken together, these findings suggest that acute PO exposure induces both rapid and delayed changes in VMH gene expression that likely have downstream metabolic consequences.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 15:26:58 UTC.

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Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Trichoderma Isolates from Vegetable Crop Rhizospheres in Nepal [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Background Trichoderma spp. hold significant potential as biocontrol agents in agriculture due to their antagonistic properties against plant pathogens. The study aimed to characterize and identify Trichoderma isolates from rhizospheric regions of vegetable crops. Methods In this study, Trichoderma isolates were collected from rhizospheric soil samples of vegetable crops from different ecological zones and were selected for comprehensive morphological and molecular characterization. The isolates were visually assessed for colony color, growth pattern, aerial mycelium presence, phialide and conidial morphology, and chlamydospore presence. Molecular analysis was employed based on ITS and tef-1α sequences. Diversity indices were also computed for different ecological zones. Results The morphological characteristics and phylogenetic trees for both regions provided a clear species resolution, with four main clades: Harzianum, Viride, Brevicompactum and Longibrachiatum with 12 species T. harzinaum, T. afroharzianum, T. lentiforme, T. inhamatum, T. camerunense, T. azevedoi, T. atroviride, T. asperellum, T. asperelloides, T. koningii, T. longibrachiatum and T. brevicompactum and nine species as a new country record. Diversity indices indicated that high mountain regions displayed the highest species diversity and evenness (H = 1.724 [0.28], J = 0.84, D = 0.28), followed by hilly regions (H = 1.563 [0.28], J = 0.72, D = 0.28). Plains, on the other hand, exhibited lower species diversity (H = 1.515, J = 0.66, D = 0.33). The calculated species abundance values showed that plains (E = 2.11), mid-hills (E = 1.95), and high mountains (E = 1.99) each had their unique diversity profiles. Notably, T. afroharzianum and T. asperellum were predominant. Conclusions Overall, the study unveiled a rich diversity of Trichoderma species in different agricultural zones of Nepal. These findings shed light on the ecological distribution and diversity of Trichoderma spp., which could have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and biological control strategies.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 15:24:57 UTC.

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Prevalence, satisfaction and preference of tooth shades and their correlation with age, gender and skin shade: A cross sectional study [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]

Shade selection is one of the most important factors that determines the satisfaction of the patient with the dental prosthesis and thus the overall success of the treatment. Conventional methods of shade selection require the presence of existing teeth or past dental/photographic records. Despite the presence of these records, shade selection continues to be challenging, subjective and arbitrarily based on the patient’s age and gender especially if the visual method is employed. This study aims to assess the prevalence, satisfaction, and preference of tooth shades in a cross section of the local Indian population, investigating their correlation with age, gender, and skin color in a diverse sample of 120 participants visiting the outpatient department of this Institution. Methods A total of 120 participants, 60 males and 60 females, categorized into four age (n=15): groups 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, & 50-60 yrs were recruited randomly and evaluated visually using the VITA 3D Master in the study. Participants were also asked about their satisfaction with existing tooth shades and their preferences. Results The most common existing tooth shade was Value 2 (52.5%). Statistical analysis using Chi-square tests revealed that Value 2 was the most desired shade among males and females alike, particularly in the age group of 41 to 50 years (p < 0.001). Shade 2L1.5 was the most prevalent (n=26), with Value 2 (59.16%) being the most sought-after shade, followed by Shade 2L1.5 (n=21), Shade 2M1 (n=18), Shade 1M1 (n=15), and Shade 2R1.5 (n=14). Existing tooth shades of Value 0 were the least common. The highest satisfaction with existing shades was observed in males aged 41 to 50 (n=15), followed by males aged 51 to 60 (n=14) and females aged 31 to 40 (n=12) and 41 to 50 (n=12). Significant differences in satisfaction were noted among males (p < 0.001). Conclusions This study reveals a consistent and strong preference among both males and females for tooth shades classified as Value 2, following the VITA Tooth-Guide 3D Master shade guide. This universal preference suggests the relevance and acceptance of this shade category across diverse patient groups.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 14:04:13 UTC.

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“I just very much love the journal”: Understanding the community-led publishing landscape at the University of Cambridge [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Background A growing movement of researcher-driven publishing projects has emerged in response to several challenges and shifts within the academic publishing landscape. One publishing initiative in this area are what we term community-led publishing projects (CPPs), which are produced entirely by academics, librarians and students without any involvement of the commercial publishing industry. CPPs are part of a growing global movement but their values and practices remain underexplored. This article presents findings on the landscape of CPPs at the University of Cambridge. Methods A landscape analysis was undertaken to identify and describe the various CPPs at Cambridge. A subset of 10 journal editors were subsequently interviewed to explore the practices, motivations and needs of these initiatives. Results Thirty-four CPPs were identified across a range of disciplines with a variety of publishing practices, open access status and professionalisation. From the interviews, CPPs were driven by an array of motivations including volunteers who are dedicated to their disciplines, who care for publishing, have a responsibility to disseminate their own research and who acknowledge the value these projects bring. They have complicated relationships with open access, being encouraged by public access to knowledge while maintaining a desire for print and being critical of some cultures of publishing brought on by the turn to openness. Practically, they employ a “DIY” approach due to the availability of resources but in doing so adhere to professional standards. Their success relies on collaboration and support, leveraging networks, technical and financial backing, and ensuring sustainability through careful handover. Conclusions This study helps us better understand the scope and practices of community-led publishing at a research-intensive university in the UK. It shows that CPPs are valuable for a variety of reasons and that universities, funders and governments should support such projects to ensure the preservation of unique scholarly content.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 11:58:46 UTC.

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Towards sustainable short-form video: Modelling solutions for social and environmental challenges [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Abstract* Background The rapid adoption of short-form video content has significantly transformed online content consumption patterns. This study investigates measures to mitigate the dual social and environmental impacts of short-form video platforms, addressing a critical gap in current literature where these dimensions have typically been studied in isolation. Methods Utilizing a dynamic data-driven simulation model, which is openly available for further research, and taking TikTok™ as a representative case study, we evaluate mitigation strategies across financial, content-based, and design interventions. Results Results indicate that while financial measures effectively reduce impacts, they could significantly affect platform revenue. Content-focused strategies and non-punitive design modifications show promise in promoting behavioural change and reducing addictive behaviours. A balanced combination of these approaches yields optimal outcomes, highlighting the necessity of a realistic and multi-pronged strategy for sustainable short-form video platforms. Conclusions This research provides valuable insights and tools for policymakers, platform designers, and companies, focused on creating a more sustainable short-form video industry. This work serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for further sustainable advances in regulation and business models in the short-form video industry.

in F1000Research on 2025-03-05 11:53:20 UTC.

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Quantifying Stern layer water alignment before and during the oxygen evolution reaction

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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An antidepressant mechanism underlying the allosteric inhibition of GluN2D-incorporated NMDA receptors at GABAergic interneurons

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Immunomodulatory role of the stem cell circadian clock in muscle repair

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa assembles H1-T6SS in response to physical and chemical damage of the outer membrane

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Kir7.1 is the physiological target for hormones and steroids that regulate uteroplacental function

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Lessened projections of Arctic warming and wetting after correcting for model errors in global warming and sea ice cover

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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The conductance of KCNQ2 and its pathogenic variants is determined by individual subunit gating

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Differential regulation of BAX and BAK apoptotic activity revealed by small molecules

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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A natural biomimetic prosthetic hand with neuromorphic tactile sensing for precise and compliant grasping

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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GPR132 regulates the function of NK cells through the Gαs/CSK/ZAP70/NF-κB signaling pathway as a potential immune checkpoint

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Age and cognitive skills: Use it or lose it

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Discovery of antimicrobial peptides with notable antibacterial potency by an LLM-based foundation model

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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The interplay between age at menopause and synaptic integrity on Alzheimer’s disease risk in women

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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In-plane hierarchical assembly of two-dimensional molecular crystals toward on-chip multimode optical waveguides

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Oxytocin induces embryonic diapause

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Creation of a macrolide antibiotic against non-tuberculous Mycobacterium using late-stage boron-mediated aglycon delivery

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Donor HLA-DQ genetic and functional divergence affect the control of BK polyoma virus infection after kidney transplantation

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Scalable acoustic virtual stirrer for enhanced interfacial enzymatic nucleic acid reactions

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Structural insights into promoter-proximal pausing of RNA polymerase II at +1 nucleosome

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Epstein-Barr virus infection promotes T cell dysregulation in a humanized mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Aging activates escape of the silent X chromosome in the female mouse hippocampus

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Linking birth experience and perinatal depression symptoms to neuroanatomical changes in hippocampus and amygdala

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Associations between hormone therapy use and tau accumulation in brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Evidence of ferroelectricity in an antiferromagnetic vanadium trichloride monolayer

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Development of xanthone derivatives as effective broad-spectrum antimicrobials: Disrupting cell wall and inhibiting DNA synthesis

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Advancing the science of women’s health

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Perinatal intrusions: A window into perinatal anxiety disorders

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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The power—and complexity—of policy to drive advances in women’s health

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Toward personalized clinical interventions for perinatal depression: Leveraging precision functional mapping

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Sex differences in age-associated neurological diseases—A roadmap for reliable and high-yield research

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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The monthly rhythm of the brain-heart connection

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

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Pregnancy as an opportunity to explore brain-immune connections in mental health

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Two paradoxes in women’s well-being

Science Advances, Volume 11, Issue 10, March 2025.

in Science Advances on 2025-03-05 08:00:00 UTC.

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Cover Image, Volume 533, Issue 3

The cover image is based on the article Heterogeneity of Layer 1 Interneurons in the Mouse Medial Prefrontal Cortex by Lin Mei et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.70030.

in Journal of Comparative Neurology on 2025-03-05 03:54:45 UTC.

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Hip posture affects the firing properties of motor units in the tibialis anterior muscle

Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.

in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2025-03-05 03:51:07 UTC.

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NSF Workshop Report: Exploring Measurements and Interpretations of Intelligent Behaviors Across Animal Model Systems

• Overview of challenges in defining and measuring intelligence in neuroscience, considering evolutionary diversity and ecological niches.

• Insights from humans, macaques, ferrets, crows, octopuses, bees, and flies, including how intelligence manifests in their respective contexts.

• In order to more equivocally define intelligence - both in behaviors, and in the neural circuits from which they arise - a return to more comparative work is essential.

ABSTRACT

Defining intelligence is a challenging and fraught task, but one that neuroscientists are repeatedly confronted with. A central goal of neuroscience is to understand how phenomena like intelligent behaviors emerge from nervous systems. This requires some determination of what defines intelligence and how to measure it. The challenge is multifaceted. For instance, as we begin to describe and understand the brain in increasingly specific physical terms (e.g., anatomy, cell types, activity patterns), we amplify an ever-growing divide in how we connect measurable properties of the brain to less tangible concepts like intelligence. As our appreciation for evolutionary diversity in neuroscience grows, we are further confronted with whether there can be a unifying theory of intelligence. The National Science Foundation (NSF) NeuroNex consortium recently gathered experts from multiple animal model systems to discuss intelligence across species. We summarize here the different perspectives offered by the consortium, with the goal of promoting thought and debate of this ancient question from a modern perspective, and asking whether defining intelligence is a useful exercise in neuroscience or an ill-posed and distracting question. We present data from the vantage points of humans, macaques, ferrets, crows, octopuses, bees, and flies, highlighting some of the noteworthy capabilities of each species within the context of each species’ ecological niche and how these may be challenged by climate change. We also include a remarkable example of convergent evolution between primates and crows in the circuit and molecular basis for working memory in these highly divergent animal species.

in Journal of Comparative Neurology on 2025-03-05 03:45:02 UTC.

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Issue Information

in Journal of Comparative Neurology on 2025-03-05 03:44:16 UTC.

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Fighting off a gut feeling: A gut-brain-lung neuroimmune circuit

In this issue of Neuron, Chen et al. identify a postprandial neuroimmune axis by which feeding-induced stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract triggers type 2 immunity in the lung. This study hints that there are likely distinct sensory and motor circuits coordinated by the brain across different tissues to drive neuroinflammation.

in Neuron: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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A subtype of T cells impedes tissue repair in aged spinal cord after injury

In this issue of Neuron, Kong et al. identify targetable natural killer-like T cells that seed the intact aged human and murine spinal cords and increase further after injury. These cells impede myeloid-cell-dependent wound healing in the aged injured cord through expressing natural killer cell granule protein 7 (NKG7).

in Neuron: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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New mechanisms highlight the complex relationship of Apolipoprotein E and tau pathogenesis

A rare variant of Apolipoprotein E3 with neuroprotective properties has been identified in autosomal-dominant Alzheimer’s disease. In this issue of Neuron, Chen et al. show that direct interaction between this variant and tau blocks tau pathogenesis in rodent models.

in Neuron: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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KCTD20 suppression mitigates excitotoxicity in tauopathy patient organoids

Using an organoid model of glutamate excitotoxicity, Berlind and Lai et al. show that excess glutamate induces early tau oligomerization and neuron death, which is enhanced in MAPT-mutant FTD neurons. The authors identify KCTD20 suppression as protective in this model, in part via enhanced lysosomal exocytosis to clear oligomeric tau.

in Neuron: In press on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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Cell-type-specific roles of FOXP1 in the excitatory neuronal lineage during early neocortical murine development

Ortiz et al. leverage mice with loss of FOXP1 in their cortical progenitors. Detailed cell-type-specific genomic and epigenetic alterations are described, with key findings in progenitors related to autism and synaptic genes reported. They also uncover cell biological alterations, highlighting early neuronal differentiation at the expense of progenitor proliferation.

in Cell Reports: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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ENKD1 modulates innate immune responses through enhanced geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase activity

Tianyu Zhang et al. identified ENKD1 as a critical regulator of inflammation that modulates immune responses through the GGPS1-RAC1-NF-κB signaling axis. ENKD1 deficiency exacerbates innate immune activation and septic inflammation, emphasizing its pivotal role in regulating immune responses and inflammation-related diseases.

in Cell Reports: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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PRC1 and PRC2 proximal interactome in mouse embryonic stem cells

Zijlmans and Stelloo et al. profiled in vivo proximal interactomes of PRC1 and PRC2 in mouse embryonic stem cells, identifying >100 proteins, including transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins. Their findings reveal shared and distinct roles of these complexes in gene silencing and highlight their dynamic functions during early development and pluripotency.

in Cell Reports: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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Astrocyte glypican 5 regulates synapse maturation and stabilization

Bosworth et al. demonstrate that astrocyte-expressed glypican 5 regulates glutamatergic synapse maturation and stabilization in the developing cortex, identifying a role for this factor in astrocytes in sculpting developing neural circuits.

in Cell Reports: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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Distinct roles of PV and Sst interneurons in visually induced gamma oscillations

Onorato et al. make cell-type-specific recordings from PV and Sst interneurons in mouse V1 during visually-induced gamma oscillations. They show that PV interneurons and different Sst subtypes fire at distinct phases in the gamma cycle with differential phase-locking strengths and control the firing of excitatory cells in distinct ways.

in Cell Reports: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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Mitochondrial fusion and cristae reorganization facilitate acquisition of cardiomyocyte identity during reprogramming of murine fibroblasts

Spurlock et al. characterize shifts in mitochondrial energetics and morphology during the direct cardiac reprogramming of murine fibroblasts. They show that mitochondrial fusion is required for the acquisition of cardiomyocyte-like identity and identify the fission regulator Mtfr1l as a potent barrier to reprogramming.

in Cell Reports: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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MicroRNA-19b exacerbates systemic sclerosis through promoting Th9 cells

(Cell Reports 43, 114565; August 27, 2024)

in Cell Reports: Current Issue on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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Adhesion strength of tumor cells predicts metastatic disease in vivo

Kane et al. show that adhesion measurements of cancer cells can be used to retrospectively predict metastatic capacity within an in vivo murine model. Additionally, adhesion can be used to stratify human patient samples into healthy reduction tissue, non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ, and invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma.

in Cell Reports: In press on 2025-03-05 00:00:00 UTC.

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Vision: protecting and restoring a prized sense

Nature, Published online: 05 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00653-8

The scale of work to improve therapies for eye disease reflects the importance people place on sight.