Zinc’s role in the brain revealed

Researchers have discovered that zinc plays a critical role in regulating how the neurons in our brain communicate with one another as well as affecting how our memories form. The new findings, published in the journal Neuron, are the result of research by Xiao-an Zhang, at the University of Toronto Scarborough, and co-researchers at MIT and Duke University.

Neuroscientists have been trying to pin down the role of zinc in the brain for more than fifty years, ever since they found high concentrations of the chemical in synaptic vesicles, the part of the neuron that stores neurotransmitters.

In the new work, the researchers designed a chemical called ZX1 that would bind with zinc rapidly after it was released from the vesicles but before it could complete its journey across the synapse. Using the chemical, they were able to observe how neurons behaved when deprived of zinc.

The researchers studied neurons in a brain region called the hippocampus, which is associated with learning and memory formation. They found that removing zinc interfered with a process called long-term potentiation, which strengthens the connection between two neurons, and is believed to be important for memory and learning.

Related:
Nutrients Being Bred Out Of Modern Crops
Metals Shortage Looming
Poor Nutrition Leads To Low IQ

Source: University of Toronto Scarborough

, ,

Comments are closed.

New Universal Studios Men In Black Movie Brain Blaster picture

New Universal Studios Men In Black Movie Brain Blaster

$39.95



Rooftop Santas Bird Brain Comic Christmas Ornament D R Laird 2002 Reco 46311 Box picture

Rooftop Santas Bird Brain Comic Christmas Ornament D R Laird 2002 Reco 46311 Box

$14.99



Pandora Box Arcade game board/ brain DX picture

Pandora Box Arcade game board/ brain DX

$45.00



10

10" Brain Zombie Groundbreaker Halloween Decoration

$44.99



Bloody Brain picture

Bloody Brain

$8.99



Brain Powerd Anime Cel *Rare*  [Douga frame Included] picture

Brain Powerd Anime Cel *Rare* [Douga frame Included]

$150.00



Coral Brain Fossil Open White Natural Beach Ocean Approx. 8 Inches picture

Coral Brain Fossil Open White Natural Beach Ocean Approx. 8 Inches

$65.00



Boyd’s Bearstone Collection B.J. McScoop…Brain Freeze picture

Boyd’s Bearstone Collection B.J. McScoop…Brain Freeze

$12.00



Six Flags Pink and The Brain Log Flume Ride SF 1221 Figurine 1997 New picture

Six Flags Pink and The Brain Log Flume Ride SF 1221 Figurine 1997 New

$34.95



Futurama figuring, The Brain Slug [3D printed] picture

Futurama figuring, The Brain Slug [3D printed]

$12.50



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes