Collections
Chemistry of the brain
In this collection, we turn the spotlight inside our heads and focus on the brain and neurochemistry. How do we remember things and feel pain? Are we any closer to a cure for Alzheimer’s? These are some of the questions we’re looking at, as well as in-depths examinations of the chemistry of addiction and how researchers are trying to get around the blood—brain barrier.
Highlights
Brain chemistry basics
Andy Extance looks into the latest in Alzheimer’s disease, pain and memory
The proteins that drive drug addiction
Jamie Durrani speaks to researchers exploring how epigenetic changes in the brain affect drug-seeking behaviours
Bypassing the blood–brain barrier
Researchers are on a quest to outsmart and overcome the sophisticated security system of the brain. Julia Robinson reports on some of the approaches being studied
ResearchNew mechanism identified that is potentially linked to very early stages of Alzheimer’s
Understanding role of fragments of amyloid protein could lead to novel therapies for the disease
ResearchCertain household chemicals could pose a threat to brain health, research suggests
Cell and animal tests suggest two classes of common chemicals might play a role in neurological disease
FeatureHow microbes influence our brain health
Our gut microbiome has been linked to conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Anthony King reports on the connections
OpinionFrom one sinking ship to another?
Biogen abandoning Alzheimer’s antibody aducanumab is unusual, but hardly surprising, says Derek Lowe
ResearchRare medical transmission of Alzheimer’s disease from donor to patient discovered
Human growth hormone extracted from cadavers passed disease protein to at least five people
OpinionMoving beyond protein structure
Efforts to understand how intrinsically disordered regions interact have produced a variety of answers
BusinessAntibodies face Alzheimer’s reality
Companies are convincing regulators, but will doctors use them, and will providers pay for them?
ResearchTell-tale protein fragment discovered in Alzheimer’s patients could be basis for blood test
Tau protein fragment could track progress of the disease
OpinionRegulators must follow their heads, not their hearts
The 2019 US approval of antibiotic Recarbrio seems not to have met the normally expected standards
ResearchFluidic chemical systems can mimic the way the brain stores memories
Imitating the way that neurons communicate could lead to low-power neuromorphic computing
OpinionProtein filaments allow ‘diary’ of cell events to be read
Expression recording islands show when and where cells responded
BusinessSecond Alzheimer’s antibody approved in the US
Biogen–Eisai’s lecanemab can slow disease progression a little, but at significant cost and risk of side effects
BusinessAlzheimer’s antibody engenders anticipation
Tantalising press-released data on Biogen and Eisai’s lecanemab prompt questions without firm answers
OpinionAlzheimer’s, amyloid and abandoned antibodies
Biogen’s aducanumab is stumbling into obscurity. Where does that leave the amyloid hypothesis?
FeatureThe curious case of the ancient brain
A 2000 year old decapitated Yorkshire man and the ancient proteins in his preserved brain might provide clues to modern diseases, as Hayley Bennett discovers
OpinionWhen regulatory cooperation goes too far, we all lose
Were FDA staff unduly influenced by Biogen in approving Alzheimer’s antibody?
BusinessAlzheimer’s antibody gets surprise US approval
Good news for industry and future drug approvals, but physicians doubt it will be effective for most patients
ResearchBiochemical mystery unfolds as elemental metals found in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains
In a discovery that raises more question than it answers, researchers have found zero-oxidation-state iron and copper deposits inside amyloid plaques
ReviewOn Task: How Our Brain Gets Things Done
From why brains are like search engine algorithms to tips on boosting your memory
ResearchCase closed on decades old mystery of American bald eagle deaths
Invasive plant and cyanobacterium join up to form a deadly duo that have been killing US wildlife
BusinessRegulatory panel unconvinced by Alzheimer’s antibody evidence
US FDA advisors vote against approving Biogen’s aducanumab on the basis of incomplete data analysis
ResearchEngineered neurons synthesise their own conductive polymer coating
Cell-specific electric stimulation could help be used with bioelectronic prostheses or treat diseases like epilepsy