Researchers found a strong connection between retinal layer thickness and brain volume, suggesting retina assessments as a potential biomarker for brain atrophy. Thinner retinal layers correlated with reduced brain white matter and hippocampus volume.
Researchers found that modulating immune cell activity via TREM2 receptor may impact neurodegenerative disease processes. Hyperactive microglia were shown to retain certain neuroprotective functions, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
A new study reveals the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a wide range of antibodies effective against both Delta and Omicron variants. The findings suggest that vaccination strategies could be improved by leveraging this broad immunity.
A study published in Neuron found that inflammatory markers are elevated even before dementia symptoms appear, suggesting a potential role in neuroprotection. The researchers discovered two proteins linked to a damage control program, which may support the development of new drugs for early detection and treatment.
DZNE researchers found that viral molecules facilitate the intercellular spreading of protein aggregates, which are hallmarks of brain diseases like Alzheimer's. The presence of viral ligands increases protein aggregate spreading between cells, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration.
Michel Goedert's research focuses on protein aggregates in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, providing deep insights into disease development. His work is essential for finding new treatments, as evidenced by his discovery of gene mutations leading to dementia.
New research reveals that microglia in the brain take up more glucose than previously thought, leading to altered PET scan images. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing new diagnostic tools.
Scientists at DZNE and UMG identified three microRNAs in the blood that correlate with mental fitness and cognitive decline. The biomarker is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease within two years, offering potential targets for therapy and early warning signs.
The SCAIFIELD project aims to develop measuring protocols and procedures for maximizing the use of existing MRI technology. This will enable finer details of the human brain to be visualized, leading to better detection of pathological changes in neurodegenerative diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxias.
Researchers discovered that stimulating environments preserve a young DNA methylation landscape in the aged mouse hippocampus, leading to greater neuroplasticity. This finding suggests that active lives may help preserve mental fitness in old age, with implications for human brain health and disease prevention.
Researchers at DZNE's Dresden site develop i3D-Markers, a cutting-edge technology platform that uses high-density microelectrode arrays and 3-dimensional neuronal networks to predict the reaction of neurons to compounds. This platform aims to optimize drug candidate selection and accelerate brain disease development.
Researchers have developed a novel AI technology, Swarm Learning, to analyze big data in decentralized fashion, enabling private and collaborative analysis of scientific data. The approach combines machine learning with blockchain technology, allowing for secure information exchange and optimized parameters.
Scientists have found that a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern with high intake of vegetables, legumes, and fish may reduce protein deposits in the brain and prevent brain atrophy. The study suggests that adhering to this diet could lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Research from the Rhineland Study in Bonn, Germany, suggests that neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 decline significantly within 4-5 months after infection. The study found that only about one-third of individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies actually had specific antibodies against the virus.
A new gene regulation therapy using zinc finger proteins has shown high efficacy in reducing Tau protein levels in the brain, potentially protecting against Alzheimer's disease. The treatment reduces Tau production by 50-80% and prevents nerve damage without obvious side effects.
Researchers found that heart failure causes impaired gene activity in the brain's memory center, leading to cognitive deficits. A specific drug alleviated mental deficits in mice, suggesting potential approaches for therapies.
Researchers discovered that Niemann-Pick type C disease is associated with neuroinflammation and impaired intracellular lipid transport, leading to the accumulation of lipids in the brain. The findings suggest a potential new approach for monitoring disease progression and response to therapy.
Researchers identified five molecular phenotypes of COVID-19, each with unique gene activity patterns, and found potential drug candidates for therapy. The study's results may lead to more effective treatments by tailoring therapies to individual patients.
Researchers discover that reactive oxygen molecules control cellular processes important for brain adaptation in mice. Free radicals are necessary for healthy aging and neuroplasticity, contradicting previous harmful views.
Scientists discover a chain reaction leading to Alzheimer's disease starts earlier than thought, triggering toxic protein deposits. An antibody, aducanumab, has been shown to remove seeds of aggregation and reduce brain damage in transgenic mice.
Researchers found that neuropilin-1 promotes infection in the presence of ACE2, enabling virus to reach the nervous system. Blocking neuropilin-1 may be a viable therapeutic approach for COVID-19 treatment.
Researchers at DZNE identified effective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which could trigger undesired side effects when binding to various organs. These neutralizing antibodies can prevent the virus from entering cells and reproducing, helping immune cells eliminate the pathogen.
A study of 82 young adults with varying ApoE gene variants found no differences in memory performance, but distinct brain activity patterns, suggesting potential early disease processes. The researchers used functional MRI to examine the impact on the hippocampus, an area crucial for memory.
Researchers found that Medin protein deposits reduce blood vessel elasticity in aging brains, contributing to vascular dementia. These deposits also cause sluggish vessel expansion, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply.
A study published in Cell Reports identifies new possible entry points for SARS-CoV-2 into human bodies, including the nasal mucosa and potential hotspots such as the intestine and kidneys. The research provides insights into cellular factors that could contribute to the virus's spread and suggests promising candidates for therapies.
Researchers developed a synthetic compound called CPTX that improved symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, and cerebellar ataxia in mice. The protein restored neural connections, increased excitatory transmission, and promoted memory formation.
A European research alliance studied 252 adults at risk of spinocerebellar ataxia, tracking the development of symptoms over several years. The study provides valuable data for prevention studies and highlights the need for additional biomarkers to detect ataxia early.
The study found that immune cells are produced in large quantities but their function is defective, leading to an ineffective immune response against the virus. In severe cases, immature cells with inhibitory effects on the immune response prevail.
A study of 449 older adults found that individuals with subjective felt memory problems also exhibited measurable cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that early diagnosis and therapy development could benefit from these results.
Researchers from DZNE and experts from US institutions study how noise in movement speed perception affects spatial navigation. They found that internal noise, accumulating with age, is the main cause of errors in determining position, leading to age-related orientation problems.
Research at DZNE reveals that experience encoding neurons interfere with memory containing neurons, disturbing recall of memories. Healthy mice and those with Alzheimer-like pathology were used to explore novel environments, showing a difference in brain activity.
Scientists have identified a specific antibody that binds to brain immune cells and triggers processes that enhance microglia activity. This stimulates the immune cells to detect and degrade abnormal protein deposits, known as plaques, more effectively, potentially providing better protection against Alzheimer's disease.
A study by DZNE researchers found that a good blood supply to the hippocampus is crucial for healthy memory performance. Participants with doubly supplied hippocampi showed improved cognitive scores compared to those with single-supplied hippocampi or microbleeding, suggesting better oxygen delivery may be key.
Researchers used AI to analyze gene activity in blood cells from over 12,000 samples, achieving a hit rate of above 99% for AML diagnosis. This approach could support conventional diagnostics and potentially accelerate therapy initiation, while also reducing costs.
Researchers found structural diversity in alpha-synuclein protein deposits associated with Parkinson's and MSA, revealing potential starting points for medicines. The study suggests that the variability of Parkinson's disease could be related to differences in the folding of aggregated alpha-synuclein.
Researchers found that inflammatory processes triggered by the NLRP3 inflammasome play a key role in emerging tau pathology, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study suggests that modulating the immune response could be a promising approach for treating these conditions.
Scientists at DZNE have discovered a protein called RhoA that regulates nerve cell growth by pulling the brake, potentially leading to new approaches for spinal cord injury treatment.
Research suggests that autoantibodies targeting the NMDA receptor in pregnant women may cause behavioral disorders in their children. Studies have found a link between these autoantibodies and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of TREM2 protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with improved prognosis and reduced cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that TREM2 may play a key role in regulating the brain's protective immune response, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Scientists at DZNE have identified a group of proteins that help regenerate damaged nerve cells, potentially leading to new treatments for spinal cord injuries. These proteins, part of the 'cofilin/ADF' family, drive growth and regeneration in both young and adult neurons.
Researchers at DZNE associate oxidative stress with the spreading of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. The findings suggest that oxidative stress may trigger the formation and aggregation of toxic alpha-synuclein species, leading to progressive pathology and neuronal damage.
Research finds that older brains have a higher rate of tau protein spread, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study uses gene vectors to demonstrate this connection in mice, raising questions about therapeutic options and disease mechanisms.
Scientists at DZNE and University of Bonn found that regulatory T cells use the protein HPGD to suppress inflammation in adipose tissue, preventing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. HPGD also showed a correlation with reduced levels in patients with diabetes.
Scientists discovered eight distinct cell populations in zebrafish brains that proliferate in response to amyloid-β aggregates, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. These populations may serve as potential targets for inducing regeneration and developing new treatments for humans.
A lab study found that a substance called Emapunil alleviated motor disorders in mice, potentially slowing down Parkinson's disease progression. The compound targets microglia and TSPO, a molecular receptor involved in neurodegeneration.
Researchers at DZNE and HIH developed a blood test that detects neurofilament, a protein found in the blood, which accumulates long before clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The test accurately reflects the course of the disease and predicts future developments.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that defective immune cells in the brain play a key role in Alzheimer's disease. Activating a specific gene, TREM2, can help prevent toxic deposits, but over-activation may have negative consequences.
A novel stem cell-based model system mimics human brain tissue and reproduces features of Alzheimer's disease, indicating that modulating the immune system can trigger neuronal repair processes. The study suggests a potential approach to therapy by unlocking the potential of neural stem cells to build new neurons.
Researchers at DZNE found that blocking a particular receptor on astrocytes can normalize brain function and improve memory performance in mice models of Alzheimer's. This novel approach holds strong potential for treating the disease by targeting aberrant network dysfunctions in astrocytes.
Researchers found that microglia's immune response to inflammation can create a 'memory' that worsens Alzheimer's and stroke. The study suggests that environmental factors could trigger long-term changes in the brain's immune cells, leading to increased disease severity.