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Illustration of myelinated neuron axons in light blue, with spindly blue and purple cells interspersed among them.
A Gene Variant Linked to Alzheimer’s May Disrupt Myelin Production
The APOE4 variant causes cholesterol buildup in the cells that make protective fatty sheaths for neurons, possibly helping explain its role in neurodegeneration.
A Gene Variant Linked to Alzheimer’s May Disrupt Myelin Production
A Gene Variant Linked to Alzheimer’s May Disrupt Myelin Production

The APOE4 variant causes cholesterol buildup in the cells that make protective fatty sheaths for neurons, possibly helping explain its role in neurodegeneration.

The APOE4 variant causes cholesterol buildup in the cells that make protective fatty sheaths for neurons, possibly helping explain its role in neurodegeneration.

oligodendrocyte

Epigenetic Marks May Cause Brain Tumor Formation
Jennifer Zieba, PhD | Sep 19, 2023 | 3 min read
Scientists established an epigenetic mouse model for glioma, providing insight into how epigenetics can initiate cancer.
A colorized transmission electron microscope image of an oligodendrocyte (blue) surrounded by cells that it coated in myelin (red outlines).
Brain Fluid from Youngsters Gives Old Mice a Memory Boost
Dan Robitzski | May 11, 2022 | 3 min read
A growth factor found in the cerebrospinal fluid of young mice triggered the proliferation of myelin-making cells when injected into the brains of older mice.
illustration of neurons in blue with synapses lighting up
Gut Molecule Linked to Decreased Myelination in Mouse Brains
Angie Voyles Askham, Spectrum | Feb 17, 2022 | 4 min read
A study shows that a molecule produced by intestinal microbes can enter the brain and that its presence is also associated with altered brain connectivity.
Two oligodendrocyte progenitor cells are being generated from adult stem cells nestled on the surface of brain ventricle
Scientists Discover “Gorditas” and Other Novel Brain Cell Types
Amanda Heidt | Jun 10, 2021 | 5 min read
A pool of neural stem cells that ordinarily lies dormant in the brains of adult mice spawns two types of never-before-documented glial cells when artificially reactivated, potentially pointing to a novel mechanism of brain plasticity.
a photograph of a Greenland shark
Isotopic Bomb Traces Are a Boon to Biological Dating
Shawna Williams | Feb 21, 2020 | 6 min read
The decades-old signature of nuclear testing can reveal the ages of organisms, or even individual cells.
march 2019 the scientist profile
Master Decoder: A Profile of Kári Stefánsson
Anna Azvolinsky | Mar 1, 2019 | 9 min read
A neurologist by training, Stefánsson founded Iceland-based deCODE Genetics to explore what the human genome can tell us about disease and our species’ evolution.
Glia Guru
Anna Azvolinsky | May 1, 2017 | 9 min read
Ben Barres recast glial cells from supporting actors to star performers, crucial for synaptic plasticity in the brain and for preventing neurodegenerative disorders.
Into the Limelight
Kate Yandell | Oct 1, 2015 | 8 min read
Glial cells were once considered neurons’ supporting actors, but new methods and model organisms are revealing their true importance in brain function.
Remodeling Myelin
Dan Cossins | Aug 1, 2013 | 2 min read
New oligodendrocytes in the adult mouse brain appear to remodel existing myelin sheaths, which may fine-tune the speed of nerve impulses.
Stem Cells Myelinate Human Brain
Sabrina Richards | Oct 10, 2012 | 4 min read
In a Phase I trial, researchers show that neural stem cells transplanted into humans can differentiate and begin producing myelin.
Stem Cells Help Regain Memory
Cristina Luiggi | Jul 13, 2011 | 1 min read
For brain cancer patients suffering from cognitive dysfunction due to radiation treatment, stem cells may offer relief.
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