Entries by Marisa de la Cruz

New seizure-preventing role identified for brain immune cells

Akassoglou Lab Researchers discovered in mice studies that the brain’s microglia, cells that constantly monitor surrounding neurons, keep spontaneous seizures in check by tempering neuronal hyperactivity. To read full article, click here.  (AP Photo/David Duprey)

An Unexpected Role for the Brain’s Immune Cells

In the new study, Akassoglou and her team show that microglia (yellow) extend their branches to touch nearby neurons (blue and green), preventing these neurons from becoming overly active and causing seizures. Video by Keun-Young Kim, Gladstone Institutes. To read full article, click here.

Mark Petersen – UCSF New Frontier Research ( NFR) Award Recipient

Dr. Petersen has not only been promoted to Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics at UCSF; he is also the recipient of the UCSF New Frontier Research pilot award to expand his studies on ACVR1 in neurological diseases. The New Frontier Research (NFR) is part of the UCSF Sandler Program for Breakthrough Biomedical Research […]