A channel sets the gain on pain

Article Abstract:

A rare inherited mutation that renders the people carrying it unable to feel any pain and could aid the search for novel painkillers is described. It is seen that the association of pain insensitivity with loss of function of a specific type of sodium channel might have therapeutic implications and it might be possible to ameliorate pain by blocking Na,1.7 without producing autonomic side-effects.

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Cortico-striatal synaptic defects and OCD-like behaviours in Sapap3-mutant mice

Article Abstract:

The obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-spectrum disorder that is characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts (obsession) and repetitive actions (compulsions). The targeted deletion of Sapap3 with many of the behavioural characteristics of OCD, and these behavioural signs are relieved by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

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Crossed circuits

Article Abstract:

An experiment was conducted by implanting a self-contained electronic circuit in the brains of monkeys to study the ability to change the routing of neural information. Such neural devices and the new research they trigger would help to elucidate how the brain can change and adapt within the complexity of an intact nervous system.

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