Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
Scientists at FAU will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying motor exit point glia function to understand how myelin-producing cells interact at the CNS-PNS boundary. The study aims to uncover whether healthy myelin-producing cells can repair damaged myelin and inform future strategies for nerve repair.
A new review published in Science highlights the critical role of X and Y chromosomes in shaping human health and disease, influencing immunity, metabolism, brain aging, and disease progression. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to sex-aware medicine and tailored treatment strategies.
Common viral infections like influenza and COVID-19 may accelerate the onset and progression of ALS by triggering an inflammatory response in the nervous system. Researchers at McMaster University found that even non-infectious respiratory viruses can leave lasting changes to the nervous system, leading to accelerated disease progression.
A new wearable device can track changes in arm movement impairment caused by strokes, enabling clinicians to make real-time adjustments to therapy programs. The device uses a machine-learning algorithm to interpret movement data, providing a more accurate reflection of a patient's true condition.
Adults in their 60s with lower cognitive test scores were more likely to experience a future stroke, according to a new study in Sweden. The study, which examined nearly 5,000 older adults, found that those with lower cognitive function scores were at increased risk of stroke.
Researchers at Upstate Medical University identified a crucial mechanism for determining myelin length, which varies throughout the nervous system and influences nerve signal speed. The findings, published in PLOS Biology, provide new insight into how the brain and spinal cord organize nervous system wiring.
The Michigan ADRC will support studies on basic science, clinical trials, caregiver interventions, and longitudinal research to advance Alzheimer's disease prevention, treatment, and care. The center aims to fast-track clinical trials and improve the health and well-being of caregivers.
Mount Sinai researchers identified how APOE4 damages brain blood vessels, promoting abnormal protein buildup and neurodegeneration. They found that blocking TGF-β signaling restored pericyte coverage, reducing fibrosis and vascular amyloid accumulation.
Mizzou researchers have developed an AI tool called MeLSI that can identify specific microbes driving key biological changes in the gut microbiome, which may indicate early warning signs of disease. The tool has shown promising results in detecting meaningful patterns in microbiome data that conventional methods miss.
A comprehensive review of the evidence links ultraprocessed foods to poorer cognitive outcomes and increased risk of dementia. The study highlights the need for further research to determine the causal relationship between these foods and brain health.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified five brain profiles for depression, revealing distinct patterns of brain activity and connectivity. The study suggests that depression is not a biologically similar disease for everyone, and individualized treatment may be key to more effective care.
A new drug, Kamuvudine K-9, has been shown to preserve nerve fibers and halt neurological damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The drug, derived from HIV drugs, has been found to be more effective than existing treatments in restoring function and reducing inflammation.
A novel software and hardware solution analyzes synaptic dysfunctions related to Autism Spectrum Disorders and similar complex neurological conditions. The technology, comprising a neural network model and hardware architecture, provides real-time, biologically relevant synaptic analysis.
Researchers identify elevated levels of meprin-β in brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer's disease, particularly in advanced stages. This finding suggests a possible relationship between meprin-β and beta-amyloid accumulation, a hallmark of the disease.
Researchers identified two opposing patterns of brain gene activity in mice carrying autism-risk mutations, which vary by sex and respond differently to experimental drugs. The patterns, which are shared across multiple analyses, suggest that many different genetic mutations converge into a limited number of molecular brain states.
Researchers successfully transplanted human brain cells into mice, allowing for the study of brain disorders such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. The new model provides a unique opportunity to study the causes and mechanisms of these conditions, potentially leading to the development of new treatments.
JMIR Neurotechnology invites submissions on digital health technologies in Parkinson disease, focusing on measurement and intervention. The call for papers aims to address challenges in validation, reproducibility, and clinical integration of these measurements.
A study published in Neurology found that military veterans exposed to high-level blasts were more likely to develop conditions such as seizures, neuropathy, and stroke years later. Researchers also found an association between low-level blast exposure and a reduced risk of certain conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
The Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center will receive funding to accelerate research for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The center aims to understand why dementia progresses at different rates among individuals and across its various forms.
SUNY Optometry has established the nation's first SUNY Eye Biobank, a shared research resource to advance the study of age-related neurological and visual disorders. The biobank will support research into the relationship between the eye, brain, and age-related disease.
A new brain-computer interface (BCI) allows people with vocal tract and bodily paralysis to convey both speech and upper-body gestures simultaneously. The BCI successfully translated the thoughts of patients into commands that dictated the expressions of a full-body virtual avatar.
Scientists at Salk Institute create first microprotein atlas of human frontal cortex with and without Alzheimer's disease, identifying 1,067 new microproteins and a potential link to immune cell dysfunction in Alzheimer's. The atlas provides a system for investigating microproteins in aging and neurodegeneration, bringing scientists cl...
Researchers found that exosomes from people with shingles pain caused nerve cells to remain inflamed and transmit pain signals even after the virus clears the body. This discovery opens the door to new approaches for predicting, preventing, and treating post-herpetic neuralgia.
Researchers found that m6A, a small chemical modification on RNA, acts as a molecular delivery tag to transport specific RNAs to distant regions of neurons. The study provides a basis for investigating RNA delivery errors in brain disorders and may inform the development of new therapeutic strategies.
A new study found that a rare mutation in the fibronectin gene limits the accumulation of fibronectin in the blood-brain barrier, protecting against Alzheimer's disease. High levels of fibronectin were associated with vascular damage, inflammation, and disrupted communication between astrocytes and blood vessel cells.
Researchers have discovered a rare population of neurons in the cortex that can synchronize activity across large areas of the brain and promote sleep. These Sst-Chodl neurons were found to be active during the transition to sleep and could even help drive the process, suggesting that the cortex is not simply passive during sleep.
Researchers found three herbal extracts protect mitochondrial function in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a potential treatment. The extracts, including Uncaria rhynchophylla, Gardenia jasminoides, and Scutellaria baicalensis, improved cell viability and mitochondrial function in cells with reduced VPS13C expression.
A new study estimates that Parkinson's disease could cause a cumulative macroeconomic loss of CNY 473 billion between 2020 and 2040. The disease affects China's economy by reducing labor force participation, productivity, and investment in education and infrastructure.
Researchers from Fudan University developed a strategy to achieve efficient engraftment of macrophages in peripheral organs using Mr BMT, a technique that replaces microglia in the CNS. The study shows that Mr BMT preserves tissue homeostasis and innate immune response, with durable macrophage replacement lasting at least 9 months.
New research from Texas A&M University suggests that younger brains may be more vulnerable to post-traumatic epilepsy after traumatic brain injury, despite their flexibility to adapt. Older brains showed fewer signs of epilepsy but were vulnerable to neuroinflammation, circuit remodeling, and memory loss.
Researchers identified biomarkers of bone formation that declined with corticosteroid treatment, but recovered after transitioning to vamorolone. The study provides insights into the effects of corticosteroids on childhood growth and bone health.
Researchers discovered that psilocybin prevents nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models, protecting sensory nerve endings and preserving touch sensation. Psilocybin may offer a new intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improving patients' quality of life.
Two UCLA studies published in Cell and Science uncover the role of metabolism and physical signals in guiding radial glia to produce specific cell types in the developing human cortex. Metabolic research found that the pentose phosphate pathway influences cell fate, while thalamic projections make direct physical contact with radial gl...
Researchers have discovered a critical signalling pathway that controls the timing of brain development, shedding new light on how neurodevelopmental disorders may develop. The study reveals the genetic processes that shape brain development and what happens when they become disrupted.
Adrian Bird and Huda Zoghbi's groundbreaking work on epigenetics in neurological diseases has reshaped scientists' understanding of brain disease. Their discoveries have inspired international efforts to develop genetic therapies for devastating conditions like Rett syndrome.
A. Campbell Sullivan, a neuropsychologist, discovered a gap between treatment and science of ALS and dementia in her own family. She notes that advances in genetics and biomarker discovery are transforming research and care in ALS and FTD.
A Boston University study analyzed 33 NFL players with confirmed CTE, revealing cognitive impairments in memory, executive function, language, and attention. The findings provide an important roadmap for recognizing CTE in living patients and highlight limitations of the NFL Concussion Settlement's testing program.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute discovered a link between wildfire smoke and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Wildfire smoke particles activate astrocytes, leading to inflammation and damage to nearby brain cells.
A Rutgers-led international team identified 36 genes linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders, providing a detailed biological understanding of how these conditions develop. The findings suggest that many of the genes are shared between the conditions and can be targeted using whole-network approaches.
A new study from the University of California San Diego reveals that the brain tracks subtle variations in breathing to decode neural activity patterns. Researchers found a precise connection between breathing patterns and brain activity, offering new avenues for understanding disorders like SUDEP and SIDS.
Researchers identified a compound, PF-04457845, that slows ALS progression in mice, with potential as a therapeutic option. The compound targets N-acyl taurines, which correlate with ALS progression, and has been proven safe in humans.
A new guideline from the American Stroke Association emphasizes the importance of early, individualized rehabilitation to help survivors of stroke regain independence and quality of life. The comprehensive approach addresses physical, cognitive, communication, and emotional challenges throughout recovery.
University Hospitals has received American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines - Stroke awards for its commitment to ensuring timely, appropriate treatment for stroke patients. The hospital has achieved high levels of quality care, including door-to-needle times of 45 minutes or less for 75% of patients.
Research identifies aberrant ERBB4 expression in excitatory neurons as an early driver of Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal hyperactivity, synapse loss, and cognitive decline. Manipulating ERBB4 expression in mouse models reveals its role in driving disease features, including reactive gliosis and amyloid buildup.
A study finds that dementia with Lewy bodies preferentially affects certain brain regions, including those with genes linked to mitochondrial function and synapses. These regions show distinctive patterns of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA receptors, suggesting a potential target for new treatments.
A new study published in The BMJ found that nearly a quarter of former NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had confirmed CTE, with stage IV CTE linked to symptoms typical of dementia. The study provides one of the most informative estimates to date of CTE burden among former NFL players.
A new T32 training program connects bioengineers and neurosurgeons to work on research projects improving neurosurgical practice. The program brings together postdoctoral associates and residents to collaborate on team-based research projects, closing the gap between neurosurgery and bioengineering.
A new research tool, PGS-TRI, analyzes family data to understand how genetics and environment contribute to autism risk. The tool provides a more precise look at how 'nature' and 'nurture' interact within families, allowing researchers to better understand the complex factors that shape a child's health.
A new University of Pittsburgh study found that low-frequency deep brain stimulation improves control of facial and tongue muscles involved in speaking and swallowing after traumatic brain injury. The treatment showed small but significant improvements in word intelligibility for one participant with TBI.
Salk Institute researchers found microglia's novel way to contribute to ALS progression and death, using TAM receptors to find and kill motor neurons in spinal cords of mice with ALS. The study suggests a new target for therapy innovation, but notes the complexity of variables involved.
Dr. Danesh, a professor at FAU's College of Education, has made exemplary contributions to audiology through research, education, and mentorship. His work has advanced the profession and demonstrated a sustained commitment to advancing audiology.
A study confirms the 20-item prosopagnosia index questionnaire is an effective screening tool for detecting developmental prosopagnosia, a condition where individuals struggle to recognize familiar faces. The researchers also identified opportunities for refinement to improve the questionnaire's accuracy.
Researchers discovered how anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care stress alter gene activity in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and delirium. A new drug, vorinostat, reversed these changes, restoring memory formation and regulating the internal biological clock.
Researchers from Hebei Medical University review current evidence on prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC) management. They propose a brain communication network model to explain how brain injury leads to long-term unconsciousness, identifying key brain electrical signaling activity measures for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers identified distinct patches of disorganized brain development in ASD brain organoids, suggesting a new model for autism pathogenesis. This study provides a new perspective on autism, highlighting the importance of understanding how brain cells assemble into tissues.
Researchers analyzed EBRAINS-hosted brain data to determine that whole-brain activity patterns predict stimulation outcomes better than local recordings. Targeting specific sensorimotor and visual networks reduces response variability by up to 24%. This study highlights the value of open datasets for enabling large-scale analyses.
A major European study published in PLOS One found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to die from congenital anomalies, with the risk increasing after infancy. The research highlights the influence of social and economic factors on health outcomes, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.
The study found that epilepsy-associated disability-adjusted life years were concentrated in low- and lower-middle-income countries, with significant regional inequality. Progress has been made in China, including declining mortality rates, but challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where treatment gaps reach 60%–90%.
Researchers at UH College of Pharmacy are developing breakthroughs to combat sepsis, a leading cause of hospital deaths, and diseases such as Alzheimer's and sickle cell disease. A dual-action nanomedicine has shown a 100% survival rate in preclinical trials for sepsis treatment.
A new theory proposes that critical illness arises from loss of physiological coordination, not just organ failure. The Entropic Critical Illness Theory views living organisms as open systems with a continuous need to regulate entropy.