Researchers identify leiomodin-1 as a key protein in Nodding syndrome, an autoimmune disease linked to Onchocerca volvulus. The study suggests that the immune system mistakenly attacks brain cells containing this protein, leading to symptoms of the disorder.
Researchers have identified a potential epilepsy treatment, lorcaserin, that suppresses seizure activity in children with Dravet syndrome. The treatment was developed using a zebrafish model and showed promising results in a small clinical trial.
Researchers found a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders using a designer compound that prevents tau protein damage. The compound, called tau antisense oligonucleotides, was shown to reverse brain injury in mice and monkeys.
Scientists at the NIH used advanced brain imaging technology to study cerebral malaria, revealing how the disease kills thousands of people each year. The research suggests a potential treatment involving removing CD8+ T cells from blood vessel walls, increasing survival rates.
Researchers found that the cutting of tau by caspase-2 may play a critical role in the disordered brain circuit function of tauopathies. Blocking caspase-2 activity restored some learning and memory deficits in animal models, suggesting reversible cognitive loss.
The NIH has increased its investment in the BRAIN Initiative to over $150 million, supporting 170 researchers at 60 institutions. This funding will help develop new tools and technologies to understand neural circuit function and capture brain activity.
A recent NIH-funded study found that all adults, regardless of age, should be mindful of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study, led by George Howard, discovered that nearly half of participants developed high blood pressure during a 10-year follow-up, highlighting the importance of prevention efforts across the lifespan.
A new study found that a combination of stem cell grafts and a compound called 3K3A-APC significantly improves motor and sensory functions in mice with stroke-induced brain damage. The therapy increases the production of nerve cells, forming functional connections with the host's nervous system.
A study published in Neurology tracks neural changes in patients with Parkinson's disease and two similar conditions over time. Researchers found decreased activity in specific brain regions, which could provide a new tool for testing experimental medications.
Researchers found that surgical removal of the thymus reduced patients' muscle weakness and their need for immunosuppressive drugs. The study also showed that surgery reduced the occurrence of adverse events and allowed patients to receive lower doses of prednisone.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a novel genetic mutation that may lead to progressive loss of motor function in children. The study, published in Science Signaling, found that a gain-of-function mutation in the KCC3 protein causes extreme swelling of neurons, leading to nerve damage and muscle weakness.
A new imaging technique helps identify patients at risk of severe bleeding after stroke treatment by analyzing the extent of blood-brain barrier disruption. This association can inform treating physicians on the risk of bleeding and potentially guide clinical decisions.
A recent NIH-funded study found that standard and intensive blood pressure treatments were equally effective in the emergency treatment of acute intracerebral hemorrhage, a type of stroke caused by bleeding into the brain. After 90 days, the rate of death or severe disability was equal for both groups, at around 38 percent.
A NIH-funded study found that blacks between 45-54 die of strokes at a rate three times greater than whites due to higher incidence, not worse outcomes. Improved stroke prevention measures, such as controlling hypertension and diabetes, are crucial in reducing racial disparities.
Researchers discovered that differences in male and female brains develop from a ground state containing features of both sexes. Sex-specific wiring in the brain results in dimorphic behavior, with distinct patterns emerging in males and females.
A recent mouse study reveals that scar-forming cells called astrocytes are required for repair and regrowth following spinal cord injury. The research supports axon growth through astrocyte scars, challenging the long-held idea that scars hinder neuronal regrowth.
Researchers at NIH discovered that neurons in the eye use mathematical processing to distinguish moving objects, amplifying signals through multiplicative scaling. This process may help cells determine object speed and direction.
A global study suggests that pioglitazone, a diabetes drug, can prevent recurrent stroke and heart attacks in people with insulin resistance but without diabetes. The Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial found a 24% relative decrease in stroke or heart attack risk among patients taking pioglitazone.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that enhancing proteasome activity with drugs during early stages of Alzheimer's disease may prevent dementia and reduce brain damage. Researchers identified a potential therapeutic target, rolipram, which activates the proteasome system to clear out toxic proteins.
Researchers altered brain activity of rats by changing firing rates of neurons in the central thalamus, waking some and putting others into unconscious states. The study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan brain activity and may guide deep brain stimulation therapies for neurological disorders.
Research suggests that low levels of BRCA1 protein in the brain may contribute to dementia. The study found that adding amyloid beta to neurons lowers levels of BRCA1, increasing DNA damage and cognitive decline. Further research is needed to determine whether BRCA1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating dementia.
Researchers found that injecting viruses carrying gene codes into the brain's ventricles can slow down Batten disease progression. The treatment improved symptoms and reduced damage caused by the disease in dogs with a similar disorder.
Researchers found that growth and differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) is a crucial protein in the brain's repair mechanisms following stroke. Studies suggest that increasing GDF10 levels can lead to faster recovery after stroke.
Scientists mapped the thalamus circuitry that may be involved in neurological disorders such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia. The study found that inhibitory neurons in the thalamus play a critical role in filtering out distractions.
Three NIH-funded studies found that a genetic mutation linked to ALS and FTD impairs nuclear transport in neurons, leading to defects in gene expression. Researchers suggest therapies targeting nucleocytoplasmic transport may be effective in treating these diseases.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $38 million in grants to support the BRAIN Initiative, a large-scale effort to understand neural circuit function and capture dynamic views of the brain. The initiative aims to treat devastating brain disorders that affect over one billion people worldwide.
Scientists at the NIH discovered a link between human endogenous retroviral genes and ALS, suggesting that reactivated viral genes may destroy neurons. Activation of HERV-K genes may be controlled by TDP-43, a gene-regulating protein linked to ALS.
Researchers found that treating astrocyte nucleus with TGF-beta frees p75NTR protein, allowing critical molecules to enter the nucleus and enabling reactive state. This discovery highlights the importance of nuclear pore complex in brain health and raises possibilities for treating neurological disorders.
Scientists at the NIH discovered that PINK1 triggers an intricate process called mitophagy, which breaks down and removes damaged mitochondria from cells. This discovery suggests a new avenue for treating diseases like ALS and Parkinson's by boosting the disposal of damaged mitochondria.
Researchers at NIH's NINDS have discovered a critical transport defect in motor neurons with SOD1 mutations, which causes cells to accumulate damaged materials. Increasing snapin levels during early stages of the disease can correct the problem and improve motor neuron survival.
A large international study has identified genetic factors that modify the age of onset for Huntington's disease symptoms. The research, supported by the NIH, used precision medicine to analyze over 4,000 patients' DNA and found associations with genes involved in DNA repair and mitochondrial function.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography to visualize the structure of a neurotensin receptor, shedding light on its mechanism. Binding of neurotensin to the receptor triggers critical conformational changes that activate G protein-coupled signaling pathways.
Researchers create remote controlled, next-generation tissue implant that allows neuroscientists to inject drugs and shine lights on neurons deep inside the brains of mice. The device has potential for mapping brain circuit activity and understanding disorders like stress, depression, addiction, and pain.
Researchers have successfully created mice that mimic the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two devastating neurodegenerative disorders. The mice exhibit key hallmarks of the diseases, including toxic RNA clusters and TDP-43 protein inclusions.
A new approach using MRI scans has been developed to improve stroke care by diagnosing patients within 60 minutes of hospital arrival. The study found that this method reduced door-to-treatment times from 93 to 55 minutes, with a significant increase in the percentage of patients treated promptly.
A study published in Cell reveals the 3D structure of tubulin tyrosine ligase-7 (TTLL7) bound to microtubules, providing insights into how chemical markers influence cell functions. The findings also shed light on how disruptions in these patterns can lead to neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have found a possible treatment for diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), a lethal form of pediatric brain cancer. Panobinostat, an epigenetic drug, may slow DIPG growth and extend survival rates in patients.
Researchers discovered two drugs, miconazole and clobetasol, that stimulate stem cells to repair white matter and reverse paralysis in multiple sclerosis. The study found that these compounds activate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to increase myelination, potentially leading to new treatments for the disease.
Researchers have discovered a way to boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating glioblastoma by enhancing dendritic cell migration. This approach increased patient survival rates by over 36 months compared to traditional dendritic cell-based therapy alone.
A study led by Drs. Kelleher and Shen discovered that presenilin-1 mutations decrease gamma-secretase activity, leading to age-dependent death of neurons and neurodegeneration. The findings may transform the way scientists design drugs for inherited Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers used a rat model to map the brain's communication between nerve cells as they learned to make decisions based on specific sounds. The study found that training rats to associate low frequency tones with food strengthened synaptic connections in the striatum, leading to improved performance.
Researchers have developed implantable devices that can record muscle activity and provide more natural prosthesis control. The technologies aim to improve the reliability of prosthetic limbs and enable users to experience sensations in their residual limbs, enhancing overall prosthetic performance.
A new NIH study suggests that paramedics may be able to start therapy as soon as stroke is suspected, potentially reducing the impact of brain damage. The study demonstrated the feasibility of early therapy in the ambulance, with 74.3 percent of patients receiving a study intervention within 60 minutes of stroke onset.
Scientists used a modified form of superabsorbent chemical to expand brain structures, enabling the use of common microscopes for high-resolution imaging. This technique, called expansion microscopy, has potential to study diseases in human brain tissue and answer various scientific questions.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has launched the Centers Without Walls initiative to study Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which affects 1 out of 1000 people with epilepsy annually. The project aims to identify risk factors and potential therapeutic targets to prevent SUDEP.
A new drug called ISP was designed to mimic a critical part of an enzyme found in damaged axons, promoting recovery from spinal cord injuries. Injections of the drug partially restored axon growth and improved movements and bladder functions in paralyzed rats.
Researchers found that newly formed brain cells in the olfactory system maintain proper connections and are essential for recovery from disrupted states. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about neuronal development and suggests a constant supply of new neurons is necessary to stabilize the mature structure.
Researchers used brain-computer interfaces and machine learning to study neural patterns in monkey brains as they learned to move a computer cursor. The study found that learning was easier when nerve cells rearranged existing patterns of activity, rather than generating new ones.
A NIH-funded study found that regular monthly blood transfusions prevented recurrent brain blood vessel blockage in children with sickle cell anemia, reducing the risk of long-term cognitive problems and poor academic performance. The study suggests early screening for silent strokes can help manage the disease and prevent complications.
A study found that just a few nerve cells in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) may control the switch between internal thoughts and external distractions. The TRN's firing patterns were altered using laser light, revealing its role in regulating consciousness and mental states.