Articles tagged with Nerve Injuries
Researchers found specialized astrocytes in mouse brains that can repopulate damaged areas and rebuild cells. These 'regenerative' astrocytes send newly formed cell nuclei to the site of injury, knitting the network back together.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a way to intervene early in traumatic brain injuries using a natural, gut-derived chemical that prevents post-traumatic epilepsy from taking root. The treatment reduced brain inflammation, improved memory and mood, protected brain cells, made seizures both rarer and harder to trigger.
A specific subgroup of neutrophils signals the immune system to dial down its response, allowing regeneration. The study shows that the fine regulation of inflammation is crucial for healing and that unleashing the right signals can reactivate nerve regeneration.
Researchers developed a multimodal rehabilitation platform combining virtual reality with targeted sensory nerve stimulation to improve arm and hand function in stroke patients. The platform showed greater improvements in motor impairment, sense of touch, and perception of the affected arm compared to conventional rehabilitation.
The University of Louisville has opened an expanded Pediatric NeuroRecovery Center, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and increasing treatment capacity by 33%. The center provides life-changing therapies to children with spinal cord injuries, accelerating recovery and expanding access for those in need.
A new study found that reinforcing natural daily rhythms improves sleep and brain waste clearance after a stroke, leading to better outcomes. The researchers tested various interventions targeting the body's internal clock and found promising results in mouse models of stroke.
A new study found that polyopioid use, depression, and persistent pain are strong predictors of suicidal ideation in SCI patients. Researchers urge healthcare providers to screen for suicidal ideation when prescribing multiple opioids or showing signs of misuse.
Scientists have created a miniature circuit that mimics the brain and spinal cord connection, showing that previously thought irreversible nerve damage can be reversed. The researchers found that blocking specific genes in mature neurons restored axon regrowth ability.
A single dose of psilocybin reduces nerve pain for several weeks and makes gabapentin work more effectively. The study found that psilocybin resets the brain's pain networks, making existing treatments significantly more effective.
A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.
A new treatment approach has been developed to treat spinal cord injuries by activating signaling pathways in both injured and uninjured nerve cells. Using the protein hyper-interleukin-6 (hIL-6), the researchers showed consistent improvements in walking ability and coordinated gait patterns in mice with contusion injuries.
A new study reveals that blocking the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) helps neurons regrow damaged axons and recover motor and sensory function. AHR acts as a key regulator that determines how neurons respond after injury, slowing down axon growth.
Researchers at RCSI have developed an RNA-activated implant that delivers growth-promoting particles to injured nerve cells, encouraging them to regrow after spinal cord injury. The implant helps overcome molecular barriers by silencing a gene called PTEN.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of immunotherapy before and after surgery in improving lung cancer patient outcomes. Additionally, a new study shows promise in using CAR T cell therapy to treat large B-cell lymphoma, reducing relapse rates.
A study published in PNAS reveals that peripheral neuropathy can reduce macrophage immune cells' ability to clear dead cells through efferocytosis, leading to chronic pain. Restoring this process may offer a new therapeutic strategy to prevent inflammatory signaling and improve nerve repair.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that specific DNA sequences, known as enhancers, are activated after spinal cord injury and instruct cells to respond. This knowledge could lead to more precise treatments targeting the affected cells, revolutionizing the treatment of spinal cord injuries.
A study by McGill University found that nerve injuries can lead to widespread inflammation in the body, differing between male and female mice. The research suggests that long-term immune system changes may increase the risk of chronic diseases such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
A next-generation coil interface has been developed for efficient and safe non-contact peripheral nerve stimulation, enhancing the treatment of chronic pain and nerve dysfunctions. The breakthrough technology uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerves without direct contact, minimizing scar tissue formation and skin irritation.
Researchers have developed an implantable system to stabilize blood pressure in people with spinal cord injuries. The therapy, which involves delivering finely tuned electrical stimulation, has been shown to restore blood pressure stability and prevent life-threatening spikes.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has relocated its inpatient services to a newly renovated space at Mount Sinai Morningside, featuring lifts, larger rooms, and state-of-the-art equipment. The new facility aims to enhance care for patients with various rehabilitative needs, including brain and spinal cord injuries.
Researchers found that an astrocytic 'brake' mechanism, fueled by the neurotransmitter GABA, blocks spinal cord repair after injury. Inhibiting this pathway with the MAOB inhibitor KDS2010 enables recovery of spinal cord function in animal models.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a wearable noninvasive brain-computer interface system that utilizes AI to interpret user intent, allowing participants to complete tasks significantly faster with assistance. The system demonstrates promising results for technology to assist individuals with limited physical capabilities.
The system uses magnetoelectric power-transfer technology to deliver precise electrical stimulation to organs like the heart and spinal cord. The more devices in the network, the more efficient it is, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional implantable medical devices. This technology has potential for treating conditions s...
Researchers found that cancer cells break down nerve protective covers, triggering chronic inflammation and immune exhaustion, making treatment resistant. Targeting the nerve injury pathway can reverse this resistance and improve treatment response.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to new treatments for patients with spinal cord injuries who struggle to breathe on their own. The study identified a subset of interneurons in the brain and spinal cord that can boost breathing when faced with physiological challenges.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide are at increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and other optic nerve disorders. The overall risk is low, but highlights the need for close monitoring of these conditions.
The new book Spinal Surgery Biomechanics: Principles for Residents offers a comprehensive exploration of core biomechanical concepts essential for mastering spinal surgical procedures. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing a biomechanical framework that supports surgical planning and patient safety.
A USC research team has made a groundbreaking discovery about the human spinal cord's role in bladder control. The study used functional ultrasound imaging to observe real-time changes in blood flow dynamics during bladder filling and emptying, revealing areas where activity is correlated with bladder pressure.
Research reveals a direct connection between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and skeletal health, linking nerve damage to reduced cell signaling. The study shows that diabetic mice with nerve damage had weakened bones due to impaired nerve-bone communication.
Researchers at UTA and UT Southwestern Medical School developed an adaptive spine board overlay that redistributes pressure more effectively than traditional evacuation surfaces. The device features sensor-driven pressure modulation and autonomously adjusts air-cell pressure to maintain optimal distribution for each patient.
Researchers found that female rodents experience heightened pain sensitivity due to activation of Panx1 channels releasing leptin, a hormone associated with increased pain sensitivity. This study aims to personalize treatment for patients and may explain the over-representation of women experiencing chronic pain compared to men.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have discovered that histone deacetylase 8 (HDCA8) inhibits the conversion of Schwann cells into their repair phenotype, slowing down peripheral nervous system recovery. Removing HDAC8 accelerates regeneration and restores sensory function.
Researchers have discovered a gene called NANOG that can improve nerve regrowth and re-establish innervation in damaged muscles after traumatic nerve injuries. This discovery has significant potential to help mitigate long-term disability for people with debilitating nerve injuries.
A mouse model study led by Ohio State University researchers reveals the importance of DNA loops and protein complex cohesin in nerve cell regeneration. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for nerve injuries by understanding how chromatin organization affects gene expression.
Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.
Research highlights occupational nerve injuries as a predictable mechanism, often caused by compression, stretch, vibration, and repetitive muscle movements. The study aims to equip clinicians with understanding of biomechanical factors that interact with anatomy to damage nerves.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses can rebalance synaptic connections between nerve cells, selectively up- or down-regulating those connections. This finding suggests potential avenues for more effective treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injuries.
A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.
Researchers found TDP-43 drives nerve damage after injury and blocking cell surface protein KCNJ2 can correct faulty TDP-43, curbing nerve death. The study provides insights into traumatic brain injury and potential prevention methods.
The study reveals that neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, with 3.4 billion people affected in 2021. The analysis shows a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by these conditions over the past three decades.
Researchers at George Washington University discover protein Snail plays key role in coordinating brain cell responses after injury, with potential to minimize damage and enhance recovery. Additional studies are needed to show increased Snail production could curtail injury or promote healing of the brain.
Researchers at Salk Institute uncover a mechanism for repairing damaged nerves during peripheral neuropathy, with protein Mitf playing a key role. The findings have the potential to inspire novel therapeutics that bolster repair function and heal peripheral neuropathy.
Nerve damage can lead to severe and long-lasting effects, including depression. Researchers have developed new technology to repair and reconstruct damaged nerves using simple electrical circuitry in implants. This innovation has the potential to benefit people with injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that patients with elevated NfL levels had a 91% higher risk of worsening disability with relapse within a year, and a 49% higher risk without relapse nearly two years later. The study suggests that interventions may prevent worsening symptoms by targeting nerve cell death.
Researchers developed a noninvasive technique to visualize and differentiate nerve tissue using multispectral photoacoustic imaging. The study revealed the optimal wavelengths for identifying nerve tissue, which could improve nerve detection and segmentation techniques.
Researchers developed a blood test to detect nerve injury in MS and found it works for children, even when symptom-free. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels, which reflect nerve cell injury.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
A team of researchers found that a small population of nerve cells exists in everyone that could be coaxed to regrow, potentially restoring sight and movement. The discovery provides new insights into how axons grow and could lead to effective therapies for blindness, paralysis, and other disorders caused by nerve damage.
A new chemical compound named '1938' has been identified that can stimulate nerve regeneration after injury and protect cardiac tissue from damage. The compound activates the PI3K signalling pathway and has shown increased neuron growth in nerve cells and improved recovery in animal models.
A new study from UC San Diego shows that noninvasive brain imaging can distinguish among hand gestures with more than 85% accuracy. The research uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect magnetic fields produced by neuronal electric currents, offering a safe and accurate option for developing brain-computer interfaces.
Researchers uncover a pathophysiological mechanism that initiates and sustains neuropathic pain in mice, identifying Tiam1 as a potential therapeutic target. Targeting spinal Tiam1 with antisense oligonucleotides alleviates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity, offering promise for treating chronic pain.
Researchers used silk from silkworms and spiders to create nerve conduits that successfully repaired severed nerves in animal models. The study found that the porous walls of silkworm silk tubes allowed for nutrient exchange, while spider silk threads served as a guiding structure for regenerating tissue.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation that can block chronic pain and provide protection against other stimuli, including heart and brain cells. The TRPV1 receptor mutation, found in avian species, was successfully transplanted into mice, showing reduced pain sensitivity and improved protective effects.
Researchers have identified serine as a key contributor to peripheral neuropathy in diabetes, a condition that affects approximately half of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Supplementing diabetic mice with serine alleviated neuropathy symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment option.
A research team led by Dr. Eddie Ma Chi-him identified a therapeutic small molecule M1 that increases mitochondrial dynamics and sustains long-distance axon regeneration, restoring visual functions in mice. Regenerated axons elicited neural activities and survived for four weeks after optic nerve injury.
A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...
A research team at MedUni Vienna's Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery has discovered a previously unknown ability of the autonomic nervous system to spontaneously restore muscle function following a nerve injury. This finding may form the basis for improving interventions to treat nerve lesions.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine developed a minimally invasive nanochip device that can reprogram tissue function by delivering specific genes. The technology has shown promise as a treatment for traumatic muscle loss, with improved muscle function observed in rats following volumetric muscle loss.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.