Cellular railroad switches: How the brain routes supplies to build memories

October 15, 2025

When we form a memory, brain cells need to deliver supplies to strengthen specific neural connections. A new study from MPFI and Weill Cornell Medicine has revealed how two cellular switches, Rab4 and Rab10, direct supplies to where they are needed. The findings are published in the journal eLife.

Hands off: Why human touch can create a food-safety blind spot
Consumers often assume that hand-prepared foods are fresher, higher quality and safer than factory-packaged alternatives, but a new study co-authored by a University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher suggests those assumptions may overlook important food safety considerations—and that targeted messaging can significantly change purchase intentions.
Strength training linked to lower heart disease risk in women
Women who lift weights may have a lower risk of major heart disease, especially when combined with aerobic exercise, according to a new study published in JACC. Findings show that heart health is better understood by looking at overall movement habits, rather than focusing on single behaviors alone, and resistance training can result in additional health benefits when incorporated into an active lifestyle.
Study identifies a new cause of age-related inflammation, suggesting promising treatment pathway
A new study led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has uncovered a previously unknown connection between nucleic acid structures called R-loops and age-related inflammation—or inflammaging—that could herald new intervention options for chronic inflammation and the subsequent health conditions.
Can't stick to a diet? Try intermittent fasting for weight loss
Yo-yo dieters who struggle to lose weight and keep it off may achieve better results by following an intermittent fasting diet, rather than traditional calorie counting. An Adelaide University study focusing on the psychological aspects of both intermittent fasting and calorie restriction compared the effects the diets had on eating behaviors, mood, sleep and quality of life. The research is published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
How a flash of light could help the brain learn new skills
A new University of Otago—Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-led study has put its own spin on Pavlov's dog experiment, shining a light on how our brain learns new things. The study, "The superior colliculus gates dopamine responses to conditioned stimuli in visual classical conditioning" is published in Nature Communications.

Cellular railroad switches: How the brain routes supplies to build memories

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