12 September 2011 Researchers at the University of Southern California have produced the world’s first high-resolution images of the human neuroreceptor.
The breakthrough is expected to revolutionise the engineering of drugs used to treat ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. A7 (Alpha 7) receptor is a molecule responsible for transmitting signals between neurons—particularly in regions of the brain believed to be associated with learning and memory. Using the image, scientists will be better equipped to design pharmaceuticals specifically to interact with the receptor, instead of blindly using a trial-and-error approach. The high-resolution image will also help neuroscience researchers study how these receptors receive and transmit neuronal signals, a question that has puzzled researchers for decades. The study is detailed in this month’s Nature Neuroscience. http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report_scientists-produce-1st-detailed-map-of-human-neuroreceptor_1586274-all -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
