In this issue:  Science   |  Abstracts  |  Industry News   |  Policy Subscribe   |   Unsubscribe    TOP STORIES Harnessing the Brain's Own Ability for Repair Neuroscientists at Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research have shown that nerve cells in the brain produce an anti-inflammatory molecule that allows the brain to repair itself. SCIENCE Fluorescent Genetically Modified Monkeys 'Could Help Find Parkinson's Cure' Scientists have genetically modified marmoset monkeys with a fluorescent protein that under ultra violet light makes them glow a vivid green, but are able to pass on their unique ability to their offspring. Ceregene Presents Additional Clinical Data from Phase 2 Trial of CERE-120 for Parkinson's Disease Ceregene, Inc. today reported additional clinical data from a double-blind, controlled Phase 2 trial of CERE-120 in 58 patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Capturing the Birth of a Synapse Researchers have identified the locking mechanism that allows some neurons to form synapses to pass along essential information. Defining Neurological Deficits in Pediatric MS Patients A study by researchers in UB's Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence has produced the first examination of deficits in pediatric patients with demyelinating disorders compared to healthy children, using a new battery of neuropsychological tests for pediatric multiple sclerosis. Caltech Scientists Reveal How Neuronal Activity is Timed in Brain's Memory-Making Circuits A new study conducted by researchers argues that the long-held assumption of Theta oscillations as a type of prominent brain rhythm that orchestrates neuronal activity needs to be revised. Most Common Brain Cancer May Originate in Neural Stem Cells University of Michigan scientists have found that a deficiency in a key tumor suppressor gene in the brain leads to the most common type of adult brain cancer. Protein Linked to Mental Retardation is Found to Control Synapse Maturation, Plasticity A team of neuroscientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has demonstrated the mechanism by which a signaling protein found throughout the brain controls the maturation and strength of excitatory synapses, the tiny gaps across which the majority of neurons communicate. Visit our events page to stay up to date with the latest events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community. ABSTRACTS A General Model of Synaptic Transmission and Short-Term Plasticity This study offers a comprehensive model of presynaptic processes, encompassing mobilization of reserve vesicles, priming of docked vesicles, their association with Ca2+ channels, and refractoriness of release sites. (Neuron) Numb-mediated Neurite Outgrowth is Isoform-dependent, and Requires Activation of Voltage-dependent Calcium Channels This paper reports that the neural cells expressing Numb isoforms with short phosphotyrosine-binding domain undergo extensive neurite outgrowth, an effect that can be blocked by voltage-gated Ca2+ channel inhibitor or by Ca2+ chelator. (Cellular Neuroscience) A General Model of Synaptic Transmission and Short-Term Plasticity This study offers a comprehensive model of presynaptic processes, encompassing mobilization of reserve vesicles, priming of docked vesicles, their association with Ca2+ channels, and refractoriness of release sites, while accounting for data on presynaptic buffers governing Ca2+ diffusion. (Neuron) High-dose Corticosteroids After Spinal Cord Injury Reduce Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation The researchers assessed whether a clinical dose of the anti-inflammatory drug methylprednisolone (MP) given to adult mice acutely after spinal cord injury (SCI) influences spinal cord or hippocampal progenitor cells. Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 Activator p35 Over-expression and Amyloid Beta Synergism Increase Apoptosis in Cultured Neuronal Cells In this study the researchers used a tetracycline transactivator system to increase p35/GFP in neuronal cells, an activator associated with Alzheimer's disease. INDUSTRY Commercial Partnership with STEMCELL Technologies Inc ENKAM Pharmaceuticals A/S is pleased to announce that it has signed a licensing and development agreement with STEMCELL Technologies Inc, which is a leader in specialty cell culture media, cell separation products and ancillary reagents for life science research. Cellular Dynamics Licenses Key Patent Portfolio Surrounding Cardiovascular Progenitor Cells Further broadening its leading IP position, Cellular Dynamics International recently announced that it has exclusively licensed a key patent portfolio for the differentiation of stem cells into human cardiovascular progenitor cells. £4m Grant for Stem Cell Research A £4 million British Government grant has been awarded to scientists conducting research into stem cell treatments for broken bones. POLICY Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission Public Meeting Notice  Learn more about Neural Cell News:  Archives  |  Events   |  Subscribe   |  Contact Us This email was sent by: Connexon Creative 400-570 W. 7th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1B3 Canada