Synapse's 3D Model: This New Technique May Help Understand Neurodegenerative Diseases

Researchers have developed a 3D model of synapses, and it is a form of imaging that explores more how cells communicate with each other that have massive applications in the medical industry. One of its most important applications is for learning more about neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, to further understanding in this area.

This new technique will help in learning about the affected areas, especially with synapse dysfunctions and other important indications about the intercellular network in our bodies.

Synapse 3D Model: New Mapping Technique Developed by Researchers

In a study published in at PNAS journal, researchers from the University of Rochester developed a novel 3D imaging technique for looking into synapses. This centers on how the nervous system works, especially as two or more cells communicate with each other, sending these special signals to one another.

Neuroscience News reported that the team developed this technique with the use of multiphoton microscopy, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, and more to develop these 3D models.

This study has determined the importance of astrocytes, brain support cells, and the maintenance of the proper chemical environment whenever synapses occur, focusing on medium spiny motor neurons whose progressive loss is linked to Huntington's disease.

New Technique's Application First Used on Mice

The team first tested this new mapping technique on mice, and it compared how a healthy mice's brain is to those afflicted with the Huntington's mutant gene.

Its study was able to see how it affects the structural flow of the synapses that disrupt cellular communication, best known as the synapse.

The Brain and Studies Behind Them

Understanding the brain has been long-running research for academics, and there is more to learn about the human grey matter to better understand its functions and the diseases that fall upon it. Several studies have looked into mapping it better, as well as capturing the sharpest brain scan that is considered to be 64 million times better than ever.

Apart from learning or understanding more of the cause, researchers have also dedicated their time and effort to developing better treatments that could help with certain diseases that manifest in people. One example would be the way to grow electrodes in the brain, with the belief that it could help in the therapy needed to treat or ease the condition.

The abundance of brain research and how the nervous system works is a massive study now in the academic field, as well as looking for ways to help understand more of how it works and how it gets affected. In the University of Rochester's new study, their goal is to create a way to map and image the synapse into a 3D model that helps significantly in understanding more of its process and catching diseases early on.