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Hippocampal neurons are labeled in blue and purple on a black background
New Role for Leptin: Promoting Synapse Formation in Rat Neurons
The hormone, which is well known for regulating appetite, appears to influence neuronal development—a finding that could shed light on disorders such as autism that involve dysfunctional synapse formation.
New Role for Leptin: Promoting Synapse Formation in Rat Neurons
New Role for Leptin: Promoting Synapse Formation in Rat Neurons

The hormone, which is well known for regulating appetite, appears to influence neuronal development—a finding that could shed light on disorders such as autism that involve dysfunctional synapse formation.

The hormone, which is well known for regulating appetite, appears to influence neuronal development—a finding that could shed light on disorders such as autism that involve dysfunctional synapse formation.

neuronal development, neuroscience

Image of the Day: Neuron Guides
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A gene helps motor neurons successfully venture out from the spinal cord to muscles during mouse development.
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Anna Azvolinsky | Nov 1, 2017 | 8 min read
Li-Huei Tsai began her career in cancer biology, then took a fearless leap into neuroscience, making singular breakthroughs along the way.
Contributors
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Meet some of the people featured in the November 2017 issue of The Scientist.
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Young cells make their way to the frontal lobe to create new circuits in the brains of infants, researchers report. 
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Gene Linked to Pain Insensitivity
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Neuronal regeneration in the human adult brain is more widespread than previously thought. 
Nascent Neurons Break Free
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Neuronal precursors are partially dismantled during early development before they find their fate.  
An Olfaction Odyssey
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Thanks to a book, a war, and a big green caterpillar, John Hildebrand found himself mapping the exquisite and surprising wiring of the insect olfactory system.
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Sabrina Richards | Feb 25, 2013 | 3 min read
Transplanting mouse neurons into rats allows the neurons to survive twice as long as they would in mice.
Rita Levi-Montalcini Dies
Kelly Rae Chi | Jan 1, 2013 | 3 min read
The neurophysiologist who earned a Nobel Prize for discovering nerve growth factor has passed away at age 103.
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Mice raised in isolation from their mothers developed cognitive deficits similar to those of babies raised in orphanages where physical contact is infrequent.
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Full Professor and Senior Research Group Leader, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Age: 42
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