Researchers found microvascular blood vessel damage and inflammation in brains of patients who died from COVID-19, suggesting a non-infectious response. The study suggests that the body's inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 may cause brain damage.
Researchers used machine learning to redesign a bacterial protein into a highly sensitive sensor that can monitor brain serotonin levels in real time. The new sensor detected subtle changes in serotonin signaling during sleep, fear, and social interactions, as well as testing the effectiveness of new psychoactive drugs.
Researchers used a special backpack to monitor brain waves while participants walked around an empty room, finding hidden spots. The study found that brain waves flowed in a distinct pattern suggesting the brain mapped out physical space and boundaries.
Researchers at the NIH have isolated promising nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 that may prevent infections and detect virus particles. The nanobodies were produced by a llama named Cormac and showed high affinity for blocking the spike protein's interaction with human cells.
Researchers discovered how our brains use high frequency brain waves to compare past and present experiences, setting expectations for the future. The study used epilepsy patients and found that the brain replays neural activity patterns when recognizing changes.
Researchers have discovered a genetic connection between frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with the same huntingtin mutation associated with Huntington's disease. The study opens up possibilities for gene therapy targeting this mutation, which could lead to personalized medicine.
Researchers found that methacycline, a widely used tetracycline-based antibiotic, is effective at preventing brain infections and reducing neurological problems associated with Zika virus infections. The study also identified other potential candidates, including anti-inflammatory medicines and failed anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.
Researchers have discovered that gut-educated antibody-producing cells inhabit and defend regions surrounding the central nervous system, including the dura mater. The study shows that these immune cells play a crucial role in protecting the brain against meningitis and other infections.
Researchers discovered a gene called PIEZO2 that helps the body sense when the bladder is full, leading to an urge to urinate. The study, published in Nature, found that PIEZO2 is highly active in certain neurons and cells that line the bladder, suggesting its role in controlling the urinary process.
Researchers found that a series of chemical reactions control a feedback loop that senses energy need and replenishes it by recruiting cellular powerplants to synapses. This mechanism sustains synaptic efficacy in neurons controlling thoughts, feelings, and movements.
A recent NIH-funded study confirms that about 14% of cerebral palsy cases may be linked to rare genetic mutations, which control brain circuit development during early childhood. The results led to recommended changes in treatment for at least three patients and provide new insights into the disorder.
Researchers analyzed focus groups with individuals who experienced post-exertional malaise (PEM), a key feature of ME/CFS. PEM symptoms included exhaustion, cognitive difficulties, and neuromuscular complaints, affecting daily life and requiring complete rest to reduce symptoms.
Researchers discovered a single gene family controlling neuron type and function, with each type containing a unique set of homeobox proteins. This finding could provide insights into the evolution of nervous systems in animals, including humans.
Researchers developed experimental drugs to lower alpha-ketoglutarate levels, which slowed cancer cell growth and extended mouse lifespans. Higher alpha-ketoglutarate levels were linked to epigenetic changes that kept genes vital for cancer cells active.
A new NIH study suggests that deactivating certain genes in the human genome may play a role in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. The research found that these genes, which were once thought to be inactive 'junk DNA', may help regulate the maturation process of stem cells, leading to improved understanding of ...
Researchers found that brains use common words like 'pig' and 'tank' more often when recalling memories, suggesting a neural network connection. The study used memory tests, brain wave recordings, and surveys to support the idea that brains search for memories like search engines track information online.
A new study found that specific gut bacteria in worms can modify their behavior, directing them to choose certain food sources. The bacteria influence neural circuit activity by producing chemicals like tyramine, which increase tolerance for certain smells.
Researchers identified microglia as key immune cells protecting the brain from airborne viral infections, limiting damage to neurons. CD8 T cells engaged microglia to present virus particles, triggering an antiviral response without killing neurons.
Researchers found a link between gram-negative bacteria and cerebral cavernous malformations, which can cause hemorrhagic strokes, seizures, or headaches. The study showed that gut bacteria from CA patients produced more lipopolysaccharide molecules, driving CA formation in mice.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative's SCAPE microscopy technique allows researchers to observe large volumes of tissue in 3D, revealing more complex interactions between nerve cells responding to mixed odors. This breakthrough has implications for understanding how the brain perceives smells and may lead to new treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers at NIH found that a single amino acid change in the NLGN4 gene can drive the difference in male and female cases of autism. The study suggests that this mutation may result in autism-related symptoms, including intellectual deficits, due to the inability of the Y-chromosome version of the protein to compensate.
Researchers analyzed brain cell firing patterns while patients learned word pairs, discovering unique sequences associated with learning and a similar replay pattern before successful recall. The study suggests that brains use distinct neural firing patterns to store memories and then replay them when recalling past experiences.
A new study suggests that increasing energy supply within injured spinal cord nerves could promote axon regrowth and restore motor functions. Researchers found that enhancing mitochondrial transport helped remove damaged mitochondria from injured axons, replenishing undamaged ones to rescue the energy crisis.
Researchers found that drugs targeting T cells may be effective in treating cerebral malaria, a deadly disease mainly affecting young children. The study suggests that CTLs damage brain blood vessels, leading to brain swelling and death.
Researchers discovered that specific immune T cells from people with ME/CFS exhibit disruptions in energy production, suggesting changes in the immune system. The study found decreased levels of glycolysis and mitochondrial function in affected cells, potentially providing clues to understanding the mechanisms underlying ME/CFS.
A new study has found that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus. The three drugs were tested on over 380 children and adults, showing similar benefits in stopping seizures and improving responsiveness.
A high-salt diet can cause cognitive impairment by activating a pathway in the brain that leads to tau protein clumping, according to a new study. The researchers found that this effect is not due to a loss in blood flow to the brain, but rather to the accumulation of tau protein aggregates that interfere with brain cell function.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative collaboration highlights potential issues and offers recommendations for clinical research with neural devices, emphasizing the need for informed consent and post-trial responsibilities. The paper discusses three main areas of ethical challenges related to these devices.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative has awarded over 180 new projects to accelerate neuroscience discoveries, including developing neural circuit tools, studying non-neuronal cells, and analyzing complex data. These advancements aim to improve treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke.
Researchers discovered traumatic microbleeds are a form of blood vessel injury following brain trauma, and predict poor outcomes. The study found that patients with severe head injuries were more likely to have microbleeds and greater disability.
Researchers found that a 'sticky' gene called Shisa7 plays a critical role in regulating inhibitory neural circuits and sedative effects of benzodiazepines. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments for neurological disorders caused by problems with these circuits.
Researchers found that neurons use annexin A11 to ship internal housekeeping instructions via a 'hitchhiking' system, which may lead to new treatments for ALS. Disease-causing mutations tie up deliveries at the cell's loading docks, preventing RNA delivery to neurons.
A study suggests that REM sleep may prevent information overload by actively forgetting new, possibly unimportant information. Researchers found that MCH neurons in the brain play a role in controlling memory consolidation and preventing dream content from being stored.
Researchers found that intensively controlling blood pressure was more effective at slowing the accumulation of white matter lesions than standard treatment. This is encouraging for advancing the science of understanding and addressing aging brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and related dementias.
A recent NIH study found that chronic active lesions in the brain, marked by dark rimmed spots, are a hallmark of more aggressive and disabling forms of multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that these lesions may play a role in progressive MS and offers hope for developing new treatments.
A new NIH-funded study suggests that standard treatment of blood sugar levels after acute ischemic stroke is more effective than aggressive methods in improving patient outcomes. The study found that intensive glucose management increased the risk of hypoglycemia and required higher levels of care.
A small study suggests that treating pelvic floor muscle spasm with botulinum toxin may relieve pain and improve quality of life in women with endometriosis. The treatment showed long-lasting benefits, with many patients reporting pain relief lasting at least six months.
A study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that humans are more sensitive to pitch than macaque monkeys. The human brain's auditory cortex is more responsive when comparing tonal sounds to equivalent noisy sounds, suggesting that speech and music may have shaped the basic organization of the human brain.
Researchers used brain signals from epilepsy patients to program a computer to mimic natural speech, potentially improving quality of life for paralyzed individuals. The study successfully recreated vocal sounds with varying accuracy and demonstrated generalizability across patients.
A recent NIH study suggests that taking short breaks can strengthen memories of new skills by solidifying them in the brain. Researchers found that volunteers' performance improved primarily during rest periods and not during practice, with gains correlating to changes in brain wave patterns.
A small-scale NIH-led clinical study found that pembrolizumab can slow or stop the progression of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal brain infection caused by the JC virus. The treatment resulted in improved symptoms and reduced viral levels in five patients with PML.
A new NIH study found that meningitis can alter the composition of immune cells in the brain's lining, replacing them with cells from outside the meninges and affecting their ability to respond to future infections. The research suggests that infections in the brain can have long-lasting effects on the immune system.
Researchers found that simultaneous ripple activity occurred in key parts of the brains of epilepsy patients before they recalled memories. The team also discovered that coordinated ripple synchronization triggered electrical activity patterns seen during learning and was associated with correct memory recall.
A preclinical study has identified a potential treatment strategy for low-grade gliomas, a common and lethal form of brain tumor. The researchers found that certain mutations in genes IDH1, TP53, and ATRX make glioma cells less aggressive and resistant to radiation therapy.
A large clinical study found that intensive glucose management after stroke did not improve functional outcomes and increased the risk of low blood sugar. The results provide a clear answer to the long-held debate on blood sugar control after stroke.
A new NIH-funded study identifies the common occurrence of mental health symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in civilians. Lower education levels, African-American status, and history of mental illness are associated with increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder.
A NIH study suggests that hyperactive immune systems may contribute to the development of age-related brain disorders. Altering a key gene involved in early brain development led to increased autophagy failure and subsequent immune system attack on dopamine-releasing neurons, causing neurodegenerative damage.
The NIH has increased investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $400 million, supporting more than 200 new awards for cutting-edge brain research. These projects aim to develop new tools and knowledge to discover answers for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
A recent study published in Nature suggests that gut bacteria play a crucial role in regulating movement in fruit flies. The researchers found that specific bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus brevis, can slow down the speed of germ-free flies by fine-tuning levels of carbohydrates.
Researchers identified PIEZO2 as a gene controlling tactile allodynia, a form of pain caused by gentle touch after injury. The study found that PIEZO2 plays an essential role in the nervous system's reaction to injury and inflammation, making it a target for developing precise treatments for relieving painful skin injuries.