A NIH-funded research team has engineered a medication that targets the body's cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), which shows promise in treating acute and chronic pain. The new drug, VIP36, is more 'peripherally restricted' compared to previous drugs, reducing unwanted side effects.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created a four-dimensional brain map that reveals how lesions similar to those seen in human MS form. The findings provide insight into early disease state changes and could help identify potential targets for MS treatments and brain tissue repair.
The NIH is leading the implementation of the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, which aims to coordinate research and services across federal agencies, speed treatment development, and improve early diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
The NIH-funded RECOVER Initiative study reveals a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and an increased incidence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), with 4.5% post-COVID participants meeting ME/CFS diagnostic criteria, compared to 0.6% non-infected participants.
A study funded by NIH found no association between antiseizure drugs used during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental problems in children at age 6. Higher folate doses during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were associated with better cognitive outcomes.
A small NIH-funded trial found an implanted device regulated by brain activity can provide continual and improved treatment for Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The study showed adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) was markedly more effective at controlling PD symptoms compared to conventional DBS treatments.
A study by NIH-funded researchers visualizes the full network of blood vessels across the cortex of awake mice, revealing that blood vessels rhythmically expand and contract leading to 'waves' washing across the surface of the brain. The function of these waves remains a mystery.
A recent NIH-funded study found that adverse social determinants of health are linked to treatment-resistant hypertension in Black Americans. The risk was higher among Black adults than white adults, with factors including lower education and income levels contributing to the disparity.
A study published by NIH/NINDS found that low oxygen levels while sleeping and sleep apnea are linked to late-onset epilepsy in older adults. People with nocturnal hypoxia were three times more likely to develop late-onset epilepsy, independent of other medical issues.
A clinical trial at NIH demonstrated that experimental gene therapy slowed loss of motor function in patients with giant axonal neuropathy, a fatal childhood disease. The treatment also showed signs of regeneration in sensory nerves, offering new hope for those affected.
Researchers found differences in brain and immune systems of people with post-infectious ME/CFS. Abnormalities in the temporal-parietal junction and low levels of catecholamines were associated with fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and motor performance.
Researchers have found a connection between the brain and its tough protective covering, the dura mater, allowing waste fluid to leave the brain while exposing it to immune cells. This discovery has implications for neural-immune system responses and aging, potentially leading to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered phosphorylated α-synuclein is involved in normal neuronal communication processes in a healthy brain. The protein's structure changes promote interactions with other proteins, regulating activity and synaptic function.
A study found that immune cells in the meninges release IL-17, which activates inflammation and fights off infections, leading to cognitive decline. Targeting overactive T cells may be a new approach to treating hypertension-induced dementia.
Researchers used PET scans to detect low cardiac norepinephrine levels in individuals with Parkinson's risk factors, finding that those with low radioactivity were highly likely to develop Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia. The study suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and treatment of these diseases.
Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity, or biomarker, related to clinical signs of recovery from treatment-resistant depression. The study found that 90% of patients showed significant improvement in depression symptoms after six months of DBS therapy.
A small-scale clinical trial suggests a modified CAR-T therapy could effectively reduce myasthenia gravis symptoms, with three patients showing complete elimination of symptoms. The treatment was well-tolerated and has the potential for longer-lasting results compared to current treatments.
Researchers have recorded pain-related data from inside the brains of individuals with chronic pain disorders, identifying an area associated with chronic pain and objective biomarkers. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, represent a step towards developing novel methods for tracking and treating chronic pain.
Researchers at NIH have identified large-scale DNA changes, known as structural variants, that contribute to dementia risk. These variants were found in samples from patients with Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Researchers found lower levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in people with Long COVID, as well as increased B cells and immune cell dysregulation. Autonomic nervous system problems also contributed to symptoms like fatigue and 'brain fog',
Researchers found differences in gut microbiomes of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls, indicating a potential role for the microbiome in the disease. Abnormal levels of specific bacteria and metabolites were associated with reduced butyrate production, which is essential for gut health.
Researchers discovered a new daily rhythm in inhibitory synapses, which rebalance brain activity to consolidate new information into long-lasting memories during sleep. The study suggests that wakefulness strengthens inhibitory synapses, enhancing memory formation.
The NIH has launched an experimental science rigor initiative to improve the quality of research funded by the National Institutes of Health. The initiative provides a comprehensive, modular, and adaptable platform to host educational content on rigorous research, supporting the development of courses in experimental rigor.
A NIH study found that antibodies produced in response to COVID-19 may mistakenly target cells crucial to the blood-brain barrier, leading to inflammation and damage. The study suggests an antibody-mediated attack that activates endothelial cells, causing clots to form and leakage to occur.
A NIH-funded study identifies two types of brain cells involved in organizing discrete memories based on when they occurred. The study found that the creation of a new memory occurs when there is a peak in the activity of both boundary and event cells, following a hard boundary.
Researchers found that mislocalization of TDP-43 protein alters genetic instructions for UNC13A, providing a possible therapeutic target for treating ALS and FTD. The studies suggest that increasing UNC13A or stathmin 2 levels may prevent neuron death in these diseases.
Researchers developed an experimental drug that silences a faulty FUS gene, potentially treating rare and aggressive forms of ALS. The treatment delayed motor neuron degeneration in mice and showed promise in a patient with FUS-ALS.
Researchers report COVID-19 can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including loss of taste and smell, headaches, and brain inflammation. A new study suggests Long Covid may share common risk factors with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
A NIH-funded study sheds light on the potential of long-term, at-home deep brain stimulation as a treatment for OCD. Researchers are using brain recordings from patients to identify neural signatures and related behaviors that predict symptom onset.
A recent NIH study identifies oligodendrocytes as a key player in maintaining energy levels within axons, which are essential for long-distance communication. The research discovered that oligodendrocytes release an enzyme called SIRT2, which increases mitochondrial activity and provides a local power boost to axons.
Researchers found that viral, fungal, or bacterial infections impact blood vessel repair in the brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebrovascular injury. Infected animals took longer to repair damaged blood vessels, leading to permanent cognitive dysfunction and brain damage.
Researchers at NIH/NINDS built a detailed cellular map of chronic MS lesions, revealing gene activity patterns and interactions that could lead to new therapies. The study identified microglia and C1q as promising targets for progressive MS, potentially offering a way to halt disease progression.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a common cellular defect in ALS that can be treated with an antisense oligonucleotide drug. Researchers found that the accumulation of CHMP7 protein in the nucleus leads to nuclear pore injury and TDP-43 mislocalization, ultimately causing cell death.
A new NIH-funded study found that certain patterns on CT scans after mild traumatic brain injury can predict outcomes and guide treatment. The research identified three distinct sets of patterns, including bleeding into brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, associated with various short- and long-term outcomes.
A new study suggests that gene therapy delivered into the brain may be safe and effective in treating AADC deficiency. The therapy resulted in clinical improvement of symptoms, including reduced oculogyric crises, improved movement and motor function, and better sleep patterns.
Researchers found that only about 30% of genes associated with aging control the body's internal clock, while the rest reflect the response to bacteria. Antibiotics extended fly lives by up to six days and altered gene activity in many hallmark aging genes.
Researchers found that during rest, the brain rapidly replays compressed versions of previously practiced activities, strengthening memories and improving subsequent practice sessions. This study suggests that wakeful rest plays a crucial role in learning new skills and may be used to facilitate rehabilitation from stroke.
A large research project found that children of women with epilepsy who took antiseizure medication during pregnancy have similar cognitive outcomes at age 2 as those born to healthy women. However, higher levels of medication were linked to lower scores on motor and general adaptive tests related to self-care.
Researchers discovered that neural activity underlying visual signals can ignite and feed tumors in young children with neurofibromatosis type 1. The study found that raising mice in the dark or treating them with an experimental cancer drug slowed tumor growth, suggesting a key role for controlling neuronal activity.
Researchers link ALS to a unique genetic mutation affecting lipid metabolism, providing clues for a novel therapy and understanding the disease's progression. The study reveals slower symptom onset and longer survival rates in children compared to adults with ALS.
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed to restore communication in people with spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. The system uses mental handwriting to record brain activity, allowing participants to compose sentences and communicate at a speed comparable to typing on a smartphone.
A new study wirelessly records human brain activity during daily activities, allowing for adaptive deep brain stimulation and personalized treatment plans. This technology has significant implications for disease management and patient care.
Researchers discovered a cancer-causing gene mutation that accelerates cerebral cavernous malformation growth, leading to seizures or stroke. Repurposing an anticancer drug showed promise in improving brain-vascular health and preventing bleeding into the brain tissue.
Scientists have identified specific regions within the DNA of neurons that accumulate a certain type of damage, which appears to be unique to neurons. This discovery challenges current knowledge about the cause of DNA damage and its potential implications in neurodegenerative diseases.
Michael A. Moskowitz, a leading migraine researcher supported by the NIH, has won The Brain Prize 2021 for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding migraine triggers. By blocking the action of released neuropeptides, Moskowitz proposes a new approach to treating this debilitating condition.
A novel combination treatment approach has shown encouraging results in mice with tumors similar to human astrocytomas. The treatment, which blocks D-2-HG production and inhibits an immune checkpoint protein, led to tumor regression in 60% of treated animals, improving survival rates.
A genetic study of Lewy body dementia suggests that the disease is caused by a spectrum of problems seen in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Five genes have been identified as critical to the development of Lewy body dementia, with variations in these genes also linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The new NeuroCOVID database will collect information from clinicians about COVID-19-related neurological symptoms, complications, and outcomes. It aims to provide insight into how COVID-19 affects the nervous system and inform research on preventing and treating neurological complications.
Researchers discovered myelomonocytic cells that enter the brain too quickly and cause devastating damage, while a slower subset helps repair damaged vessels. Administering treatment within six hours of injury can reduce swelling and improve outcomes.
A NIH-supported workshop reveals gaps in knowledge about the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in women, including sex-based differences in outcomes and responses to treatment. Research opportunities include imaging studies, examination of brain tissue, and longitudinal studies on military-related TBI in female servicemembers.