Researchers found that a combination therapy using Schwann cells and cyclic AMP (cAMP) promotes axonal growth and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. The treatment preserved and elevated cAMP levels in nerve cells and myelinated nerve fibers, leading to better locomotion and coordination in rats.
Scientists have developed fruit flies with fluorescent genes to study memory formation, discovering that a specific set of neurons, called projection neurons, show increased active connections after learning. The new synaptic activity disappeared within minutes but the flies continued to avoid the odor they associated with the shock.
A study found that early treatment with thrombolytics can significantly improve stroke recovery rates, with patients treated within 90 minutes of symptom onset showing the most improvement. The study also suggests that t-PA given up to 4 hours after symptoms may be beneficial, but the effect diminishes later.
A yeast model study has identified a key link between alpha-synuclein protein overexpression and Parkinson's disease, shedding light on the protein's role in neurodegeneration. The research found that doubling the expression of alpha-synuclein gene in yeast cells led to toxic inclusion bodies causing cell death and neurodegeneration.
The Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas (GENSAT) project has mapped gene activity in the mouse nervous system, providing insights into brain development and function. The data will facilitate investigations into neurological and psychiatric drugs, as well as advance our understanding of human development and disease.
Researchers have identified a molecular fingerprint unique to individuals with HIV-associated dementia (HAD), suggesting the potential development of a simple blood test for its diagnosis. The study used proteomics to analyze protein patterns in patients and found correlations between certain proteins and HAD.
The study shows that aspirin is likely a better choice than ticlopidine for recurrent stroke prevention in African Americans, who face higher stroke risks. Aspirin is readily available and inexpensive, while ticlopidine has serious side effects and is more difficult to use.
Researchers used 3D imaging to study ALS mutant proteins, finding they interact incorrectly and form toxic complexes that interfere with nerve cell function. The study supports two theories: oxidative damage from mutant SOD1 protein and aggregation of protein complexes.
Scientists have found that combining high temperature and ultra-high pressure can reduce prions to non-infective levels, improving the safety of meat products. This approach may also provide insights into understanding prion structure.
Most prematurely born children show significant improvements in cognitive abilities, such as verbal comprehension and intelligence tests, between ages 3 and 8. Environmental factors like increasing age, maternal education, and absence of brain injury are linked to higher scores.
Researchers found that age of onset, type of surgery, and history of febrile seizures are related to the amount of time before seizures become intractable. In patients whose seizures began before age 5, it took an average of 15 years for their seizures to become intractable.
Researchers have found that bone marrow cells can enter the human brain and form new neurons, a phenomenon previously observed in mice. The study, led by Dr. Mezey, examined brain tissue from patients who received bone marrow transplants to treat leukemia and other diseases.
A phase II study found that coenzyme Q10 can slow the rate of functional decline in Parkinson's disease by improving mitochondrial function and energy-producing reactions. The study showed that higher doses of coenzyme Q10, up to 1,200 mg/day, were safe and more effective than lower doses.
Scientists successfully delivered a tracer molecule to the primate brainstem using CED, tracking its movement with MRI and demonstrating uniform concentrations throughout the perfused area. This breakthrough has potential to improve treatment outcomes for children with brainstem gliomas and other neurological diseases
A new vaccine has been shown to prevent stroke in rats by reducing inflammation in blood vessels. The study found that the vaccine reduced ischemic strokes by 16 times and prevented hemorrhagic strokes altogether.
A new device called SARA has been developed to detect fetal brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and light stimulation. The study found that 4 of 10 fetuses had measurable brain responses to light pulses, with the response time decreasing with increasing gestational age.
Researchers found that abnormally short DNA sequences on chromosome 4 interfere with the function of a protein complex, leading to over-activity of nearby genes. This discovery provides insights into novel ways genes can influence disease and may lead to new treatments for FSHD.
Researchers have identified a mouse model to investigate triggers of episodic neurological disorders, including common migraine and periodic paralysis. Two drugs, nimodipine and MK801, have been found to prevent attacks in mice, providing a potential new approach to understanding and treating these conditions.
Researchers have successfully transplanted embryonic stem cell-derived neurons into a rat model for Parkinson's disease, reducing disease symptoms and establishing functional connections. This breakthrough finding suggests that embryonic stem cells may be useful for treating PD and other brain diseases.
Researchers discovered an autoimmune response to GAD65 enzyme leading to excess glutamate and brain damage in children with juvenile Batten disease. The study suggests immunotherapy may slow progression of the disease, which is fatal by late teens or twenties.
Researchers found significant loss of sympathetic nerve endings in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), even those without orthostatic hypotension. The study suggests that PD is caused by widespread sympathetic nerve damage, unrelated to treatment with levodopa.
Researchers have successfully reversed learning impairments in mice with a genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), using an experimental drug. The study provides hope for treating NF1-related learning problems in humans and suggests that a specific amount of Ras activity is crucial for learning.
Researchers have found that immunoglobulin therapy significantly reduces symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), including stiffness and spasm, and improves mobility. The study showed a statistically significant decrease in symptoms for patients treated with IVIg, with 11 out of 14 patients becoming less stiff and more mobile.
Researchers found that delaying spinal cord injury treatment until the initial changes have stabilized can improve regrowth of injured neurons and axons. This combination therapy with fetal tissue transplants and nerve growth factors shows promise for treating severe spinal cord trauma.
A 7-year clinical trial comparing aspirin and warfarin found that both drugs are safe and effective in preventing recurrent strokes in most patients. Aspirin slows clotting of blood platelets, while warfarin inhibits circulating clotting proteins.
A new randomized, controlled clinical trial found no significant difference in the incidence of stroke or death among postmenopausal women who received estrogen therapy. The study suggests that estrogen should not be prescribed for preventing a second stroke or death in these patients.
A new study shows that paramedics can effectively treat patients with acute and prolonged seizures using injections of benzodiazepines. Lorazepam was found to be more effective in stopping seizures than diazepam, with 59% of patients responding to the treatment.
A large-scale clinical trial tested two investigational drugs, remacemide and Coenzyme Q10, to slow the progression of Huntington's disease. While Coenzyme Q10 seemed to improve the condition after one year, the overall results are inconclusive as to its effectiveness in slowing down the disease.
A study found that genetically engineering adult neurons to produce more integrin protein dramatically increases nerve fiber growth. The approach has the potential to lead to new therapies for treating brain and spinal cord injuries. Researchers plan to further investigate this finding in animal models.
A new tool allows early prediction of patient's stroke outcome by combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and time from symptoms to scan. The study found that patients with small lesion volumes were five times more likely to recover than those with larger volumes.
Two new studies show that bone marrow cells transplanted into mice can migrate into the brain and develop into cells resembling neurons. These findings have significant implications for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injury, potentially using patients' own cells that would not be rejected by the imm...
Two MS clinical trials halted due to adverse effects confirm the targeted peptide plays a role in the disease. The studies suggest that lower doses are better than higher doses, and immunological tests can determine how targeted therapies work in patients.
Scientists have discovered a cellular mechanism in hibernating ground squirrels that allows them to survive extreme cold and hypothermia. The study found changes in the cell membrane, specifically slits on neurons and glia, which enable proteins to function within selected lipid domains.
A new study reveals Parkinson's disease is associated with a loss of norepinephrine-producing nerve endings in the heart, improving understanding of the disorder's development and potential prevention. This finding also sheds light on orthostatic hypotension, a common complication characterized by dizziness and fainting.
Researchers found a dramatic reduction in hypocretin neurons in people with narcolepsy, suggesting a potential link to neurodegenerative processes or autoimmune responses. The study suggests that replacing missing hypocretin cells may reverse symptoms of the disorder, paving the way for new treatment options.
Establishing stroke centers in hospitals can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients by dedicating resources to diagnose and treat stroke patients within the critical 3-hour time period. The Brain Attack Coalition recommends primary and comprehensive stroke centers to provide emergency care and extensive care, respectively.
Researchers have discovered a new target for treating chronic pain by disabling specific nerve cells that send pain signals to the brain. The study found that combining substance P with saporin can significantly reduce pain sensitivity, even when administered after neuropathic pain has developed.
A new study by the NIH/NINDS found that lower doses of aspirin (81-325mg) taken before and after carotid endarterectomy surgery are more effective in preventing strokes than higher doses. The results suggest that lower doses may be better tolerated and easier to take, making them a promising option for stroke prevention.
A newly developed blood test detects 97% of adrenal gland tumors, providing earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The test measures levels of hormones metanephrine and normetanephrine, which are consistently elevated in pheochromocytomas.
Researchers successfully transplanted neural stem cells into mice with severe tremors caused by demyelinating disorders. The transplanted cells matured into oligodendrocytes, producing myelin and covering nearby nerve fibers, resulting in reduced disease symptoms.
A study by NIH/NINDS scientists mapped a specific brain region responsible for human multitasking behavior, identifying the fronto-polar prefrontal cortex (FPPC) as the key area. This finding suggests that humans have a unique ability to switch between tasks while maintaining working memory and attentional focus.
A recent clinical trial found that fetal dopamine cell implants improved movement control in younger Parkinson's patients, but had no significant impact on older patients or daily activities. PET brain scans revealed increased dopamine activity in those who received the implants, but also showed more severe adverse experiences.
A recent study examining 19,842 white male twins found that genetic factors do not play a significant role in causing the most common form of Parkinson's disease. Instead, undetermined environmental factors are believed to trigger typical PD, particularly among those diagnosed after age 50.
Three university hospitals will receive funding to advance understanding of Parkinson's disease and develop new treatments. Investigators will study the cause of the disease, diagnose and treat it, and provide training for young scientists.
The study found that the risk of rupture for small aneurysms (less than 10 mm) is low, especially in patients without a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The investigators advise against surgery for most patients with small aneurysms and no history of brain hemorrhage, suggesting monitoring as an alternative.
A new study links cerebral palsy to elevated levels of cytokines and coagulation factors in full-term infants, suggesting potential causes and possible prevention methods.
Researchers have found that the ATM protein, mutated in A-T, acts as a key regulator of cell division after DNA damage, leading to increased cancer risk. The study provides new insights into how cells form tumors and may lead to new treatments for A-T and other neurological disorders.
Researchers have developed a method to multiply and mature neural stem cells in the lab, which can form dopamine-producing neurons and reduce symptoms in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. The study opens up new opportunities for studying brain development and may lead to the creation of easily controlled stem cell therapies.
The RADARS study found rectal diazepam gel to be effective in reducing seizure frequency and improving outcomes for patients with acute repetitive seizures (ARS). Administered by caregivers, the treatment demonstrated minimal potential for serious adverse events, making it a cost-effective option.
A unique gel formulation of diazepam has been found to reduce the severity of acute repetitive seizure episodes in both children and adults. The treatment, administered through a Quick-Dose delivery system, protects patients from seizure recurrence and enables caregivers to administer treatment privately.