The new stereo-EEG method enables exact localization of functionally important brain areas, improving the safety of epilepsy surgery. The technique also provides a more pleasant experience for patients, with thin recording electrodes placed through small holes.
A personalized dendritic cell vaccine has been shown to increase median survival time in patients with glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. The vaccine was found to be effective in patients with the mesenchymal subtype of glioblastoma, which accounts for about one-third of all cases.
A Phase I clinical trial at UTHealth demonstrates that bone marrow stem cells are safely used in treating severe traumatic brain injury in children. After six months of follow-up, all children showed significant improvement, with seven out of ten experiencing a good outcome.
Researchers at Brandeis University have developed a method to study the splicing of pre-messenger RNA molecules using lasers and a custom microscope. This technique allows for the visualization of the spliceosome's assembly process in unprecedented detail, providing insights into the fundamental biology of protein synthesis.
Abnormal neural activity was recorded from the deep brain of Parkinson's disease and dystonia patients, confirming previous animal study results. The findings suggest that cortically evoked neural responses in the basal ganglia can be used to determine target locations for deep brain stimulation electrodes.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are testing a gene therapy product called CERE-120 to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The treatment involves delivering the human gene for neuturin directly to degenerating dopamine neurons in the brain.
University of South Florida researchers have found that the blood-brain barrier is structurally and functionally damaged in mice with Sanfilippo syndrome type B. This damage may lead to destruction of the central nervous system equilibrium and accelerate neuropathological changes in the disease.
Researchers have found that stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood cells and menstrual blood may offer therapeutic benefits for disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These cells can differentiate into various types of cells and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully derived neurons with symptoms of Parkinson's disease from a patient's skin cells. These neurons exhibit key features of the condition, including oxidative stress and Lewy body formation, in a short timeframe.
Researchers found that a naturally present brain chemical signal, CX3CL1, can suppress microglial activation and reduce inflammation in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. This suggests that the communication between neurons and glial cells may play a role in neurodegeneration.
Human amniotic epithelial cells, derived from discarded human placenta, demonstrate therapeutic response when transplanted into lab test tubes and animal models of stroke. The interaction with melatonin receptor MT1 promotes functional recovery.
Patients with hydrocephalus and white matter changes who underwent shunt operations showed significant improvements in mental function and walking ability. The study's findings provide conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of shunt surgery in treating this condition.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model to assess the growth of stem cells and their malignant counterparts. The method, published in PLOS ONE, may aid in developing stem cell therapies for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Medical College of Georgia researchers explore the role of aquaporin-4 in traumatic brain injuries, discovering that curcumin and brilliant blue G can block inflammation and swelling. The findings hold promise for improved treatment options for patients with TBI.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that people with fatty liver disease are three times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without the condition. High levels of liver enzymes were also found in adults who had an acute stroke, suggesting a potential link between the two.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a gene deletion in up to one-fourth of glioblastoma cases, a type of brain cancer with poor survival prospects. The deletion contributes to tumor growth, resistance to therapy, and worsens patient outcomes.
Researchers at University of South Florida found that spirulina supplementation delayed motor symptoms and disease progression in a mouse model of ALS. The study suggests a dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on motor neurons, offering potential clinical benefits for ALS patients.
Researchers have developed a novel virus-based gene therapy for renal cell carcinoma, killing cancer cells both locally and distantly. The therapy combines Sorafenib with Ad.5/3-mda-7 adenovirus, which activates the MDA-7/IL-24 protein to stop tumor growth.
USF researchers discovered that human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) promote the growth and differentiation of hippocampal neurons in both young and old laboratory animals. HUCBs have been found to enhance survival, maturation, and arborization of key brain cells, potentially benefiting treating brain injury and degenerative disease...
Researchers developed a color-changing patch to indicate blast exposure and potential brain injury risk. The badges use nanoscale structures that change color with intensity of exposure.
Phase III trial data suggests Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy increases median survival time and improves quality of life scores compared to standard chemotherapy. Younger patients and those with better functional status show an impressive survival advantage.
A recent study by Dr. Michael Cusimano found that existing headgear and mouth guards are ineffective in preventing concussions in rugby players, but educational injury prevention programs and rule changes can significantly reduce injuries.
The OHSU Doernbecher team is conducting a second phase of a landmark clinical trial to assess the safety and preliminary effectiveness of purified human neural stem cells as a potential treatment for infantile or late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a rare and currently fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The trial aims to eval...
A study funded by NIH shows that participants can force a computer to display one image and discard another using only their thoughts. The research used brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to understand how the brain processes information, particularly attention and decision-making.
Researchers demonstrate that individuals can intentionally alter the firing rate of specific neurons in the brain, increasing some while decreasing others. This control is achieved through focusing thoughts on particular images displayed on a computer screen.
A vaccine that targets a genetic mutation driving aggressive glioblastoma improved patient survival, with median overall survival of 26 months compared to 15 months for control group. Limited side effects were reported.
A new vaccine has been shown to extend survival for patients with glioblastoma, the most deadly form of brain cancer, by eliminating aggressive cancer cells carrying the EGFRvIII marker. The study found that adding the vaccine to standard therapy improved median survival time from 15 months to 26 months.
A special issue of Neurologic Clinics details latest advances in treating neurologic disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. The issue includes treatments for Parkinson's disease and headaches, as well as new medications for epilepsy.
Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) is a safe and effective treatment for advanced brain diseases and traumatic injuries. By performing surgery through the eye socket, surgeons can gain equivalent access to the front of the brain while eliminating large ear-to-ear scars associated with major brain surgery.
Neuralstem's spinal cord stem cells survive and differentiate into neurons in rat brains affected by stroke, leading to improved motor skill and strength measurements. The study shows significant promise for treating post-stroke symptoms and paralysis.
The Journal will provide a strong multidisciplinary forum to advance the understanding of therapeutic hypothermia. Novel findings from translational preclinical investigations as well as clinical studies and trials will be featured in original articles.
A meta-analysis of three trials found that stenting is associated with a higher risk of stroke than surgical endarterectomy, particularly in patients over 70. However, younger patients (under 70) can tolerate both treatments equally well.
A Loyola University Health System study found that only seven of the 22 patients who experienced pulmonary embolisms showed evidence of leg blood clots. Researchers suggest screening for DVTs in the arms as well as legs before and after surgery to assess risk.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cells stabilized the brain cell environment and aided astrocyte survival after oxygen deprivation. However, the cells also had an impact on cytokine expression, sometimes suppressing inflammation and other times enhancing it.
The University of South Florida researchers warn that the growing number of stem cell journals may compromise the quality of research in the field. They recommend authors to follow Good Publications Practices when choosing a publication outlet.
The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies has launched World Neurosurgery, a monthly journal addressing regional and global issues in neurosurgery. Published by Elsevier, the journal will disseminate content to over 20 million clinicians and scientists.
Researchers have identified a new cellular communication mechanism in glioblastoma cells, which could be targeted to slow tumor growth. If blocked, this pathway may significantly reduce GBM malignancy.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have identified a way to target and destroy Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells without harming healthy cells. The breakthrough allows for new possibilities in cancer research, potentially leading to less toxic and invasive treatments.
Researchers have demonstrated the use of iron oxide nanoparticles to deliver antibodies to implanted brain tumors, enhancing tumor visibility via MRI while killing cancer cells. The particles also show potential for targeted therapy against glioblastoma multiforme, a common and aggressive primary brain tumor.
A study by UCLA researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells can metabolize fructose to generate nucleic acids, driving cell division and proliferation. The study suggests that high fructose corn syrup consumption may be linked to increased cancer risk, highlighting the need for reduced refined sugar intake.
A new study suggests that oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may reduce the incidence of brain aneurysms in women. The study, conducted at Rush University Medical Center, found strong similarities between women with unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, including lower estrogen levels.
Researchers have discovered that Michelangelo's depiction of God in the Sistine Chapel ceiling contains unusual features resembling a brainstem, with implications for our understanding of the artist's anatomy knowledge. The findings suggest another hidden anatomical detail in the painting, potentially related to the spinal cord.
Researchers at USF found that combining nutrients called NT-020 increased adult neural stem cell proliferation and boosted learning and memory performance in aged rats. The study suggests aging may be linked to reduced neurogenesis due to inflammation.
ATV accidents result in severe head and spine trauma, costing $3.24 billion annually, with children under 20 years old accounting for 42% of these injuries. The study highlights the need for improved ATV stability, increased helmet use, and rider training to reduce the risk of such accidents.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that the cytokine interleukin-17 plays a significant role in disc disease and may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches. Targeting this immune response could reduce painful inflammation and halt the evolution of arthritis.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai are studying the mechanisms of how human immune systems reject or accept transplanted brain stem cells. The team aims to develop new stem cell therapies for patients with ALS, Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.
A new study suggests that awake sedation for brain surgery can shorten hospital stays by 3.5 days compared to general anesthesia. The study also found a 36% decrease in post-intensive-care direct cost for cases receiving conscious sedation.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital tested spinal cord stimulation in a single patient with Parkinson's disease, finding that low-frequency SCS worsened symptoms while high-frequency SCS improved motor function. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits of this approach for PD patients.
The study enrolled 237 patients with recurrent GBM and found that NovoTTF was as effective as the best available chemotherapies without the toxicity. Patients treated with NovoTTF lived longer and experienced fewer infections compared to chemotherapy.
A University of South Florida-led study finds that mannitol boosts the therapeutic effectiveness of human umbilical cord blood cells in treating cerebral palsy. Mannitol helps open the blood-brain barrier to facilitate entry of beneficial cells and promote neurotrophic factor effects.
A modified measles virus has been shown to effectively kill medulloblastoma cells in laboratory studies and mouse models, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option for childhood brain tumors. The vaccine strain targets the CD46 receptor, which is highly expressed in multiple tumor types.
Researchers found that PDE5 inhibitors increase blood-brain barrier permeability to Herceptin, boosting effectiveness against lung and breast cancer brain metastases. The combination of vardenafil plus Herceptin improved survival by 20% in mouse models.
The American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) has awarded Dr. Shinn-Zong Lin with the 2010 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair in recognition of his significant research contributions in neuroscience. Dr. Lin's work focuses on neural and stem cell transplantation therapy for stroke and Parkinson's disease.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people with a common heart defect called bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are more likely to develop brain aneurysms. The research found that 9.8% of individuals with BAV had brain aneurysms, compared to 1.1% of those without the condition.
A recent study suggests that the risk of brain hemorrhage from unruptured or accidentally discovered brain AVMs may be lower and less severe than initially believed. The Rush University Medical Center's ARUBA trial aims to determine whether a hands-off approach is sufficient for managing these malformations, or if intervention using en...
The NFL is supporting the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy's (CSTE) research on long-term effects of head trauma in athletes. The $1 million gift will fund clinical research to develop early detection methods and prevent treatment for CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with dementia.
Scientists have discovered that residual glioblastoma cells have different properties than those found in the tumor mass, making them more mobile and resistant to treatment. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against this aggressive brain cancer.
UCLA researchers have made a direct recording of mirror neurons in the human brain, showing they are more widely distributed than previously thought. The study found that specific subsets of mirror cells increased activity during action execution but decreased it when observing an action.
A Yale-led team has discovered three new genetic factors that significantly increase the risk of developing brain aneurysms. The study analyzed over 20,000 subjects and found that individuals carrying these variants are up to seven times more likely to suffer an aneurysm than those with no risk factors.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) affects one ear, often associated with tinnitus and vertigo. Short-course corticosteroids are recommended for patients with suspected SSNHL after ruling out life-threatening causes.