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Headlines 19 When it comes to neurological research, the pathway of hope is one that is walked on by many. From discovering an association between low vitamin D levels and dementia, to learning how probiotics can support the effect of antidepressants and help to alleviate depression – researchers from around the globe continue to expand our collective knowledge of the human brain. Here’s some fascinating developments that we’ve been following overseas (please note that the Neurological Foundation doesn’t contribute funding to any of these): China Researchers ledbyH. EricXu fromthe Shanghai InstituteofMateriaMedica (SIMM) recentlymade abreakthrough inunderstanding the structure and functionof serotonin receptors. This is thefirst time the structures of all 12serotonin receptor subtypes have been reported. Aswell as enriching our understandingof the structure and functionof the serotonin system, this researchmay also contribute to treatments for conditions linked to serotonin, suchas depression, schizophrenia,migraine, etc. Australia In aworld-first study, researchers fromtheUniversity of South Australia have found an association between lowvitaminD levels and reduced brain volume, aswell as increased risk of stroke and dementia. Thefindings of this study are incredibly significant given the high prevalence of dementia around theworld. “In theUKpopulationwe observed that up to17%of dementia casesmight have been avoided by boosting vitaminD levels to bewithin a normal range,” senior investigator, Professor ElinaHyppönen, says. Japan Researchers fromTokyoMedical and Dental University have found that some peoplewith schizophrenia have autoantibodies –which aremade by the immune systemand recognise the body's own proteins, rather than outside threats such as viruses or bacteria – against NCAM1, a protein that's important for communication between brain cells. The patients' autoantibodies also caused schizophrenia-related behaviours in mice. Thesefindingsmay improve the diagnosis and treatment of a subset of patients with schizophrenia.   References neurological.org.nz/aroundtheglobe