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New research identifies ways to protect neurons from the negative effect of high-fat diet on multiple sclerosis progression

Researchers found that specific enzymes in neurons mediate the toxicity of diets rich in palm oil, leading to mitochondrial damage and neurodegeneration. Inactivating these enzymes provides neuroprotection, suggesting a potential pathway for slowing diet-induced symptom severity in MS patients.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalGlia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Nigerians are experiencing neuro-long COVID

A study found that 4.6% of Nigerian participants with COVID-19 experienced neurologic symptoms, with some still experiencing symptoms two years after their initial episode. Researchers plan to treat these patients using similar techniques used in the US, aiming to alleviate their suffering.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of NeuroVirology·DateOct 24, 2024

An individual’s reward-seeking strategy reflects responses to nicotine

A study in mice reveals that individualistic reward-seeking strategies predict responses to nicotine, with profiles influenced by personality traits and dopamine activity. The findings suggest environmental adaptations shape behavioral traits and sensitivity to nicotine, potentially contributing to addiction susceptibility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Nixing narcolepsy nightmares

A new therapeutic approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lucid dreaming has shown promise in reducing nightmare severity and frequency in patients with narcolepsy. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found overall reductions in nightmare symptoms in all six participants tested.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 23, 2024

Putting out a brain on fire

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the rare autoimmune disease anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can cause psychosis, hallucinations, and blackouts. The study found that different antibodies bind to NMDA receptors in unique ways, suggesting personalized medicine may be key to treating the condition.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 17, 2024

New research confirms that young adults can also have large vessel occlusion strokes thought to happen in older adults, given the rise of stroke risk factors in younger adults

New research confirms that young adults are at risk for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes, which were previously thought to occur mainly in older adults. The study found that nearly 20% of a cohort of 1,200 young adult patients had these strokes, highlighting the need for regular check-ups and prompt treatment.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2024

For multiple sclerosis, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce fatigue

A University of Michigan-led study found that treatment with either modafinil or cognitive behavioral therapy alone was associated with significant reductions in fatigue over 12 weeks. A combination of both treatments worked as well as each individual treatment but did not result in better fatigue scores.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 16, 2024

Toxic protein may contribute to ALS development

A new study found that toxic SOD1 protein trimers interact with various proteins in different tissues, contributing to cellular dysfunction and degeneration in ALS. Septin-7 is identified as a potential therapeutic target, potentially slowing or disrupting ALS progression.

SourcePenn State·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2024

Ultra-powered MRI scans show damage to brain’s ‘control center’ is behind long-lasting Covid-19 symptoms

Damage to the brainstem, the brain's control centre, is behind long-lasting physical and psychiatric effects of severe Covid-19 infection. Researchers used ultra-high-resolution scanners to observe the damaging effects of Covid-19 on the brain, finding inflammation in key regions associated with breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateOct 7, 2024

Looking deeper into the mirror

Researchers have made a promising breakthrough in understanding the origins of mirror movements disorder by identifying the cellular mechanism behind the condition. A defect in axon guidance is revealed to be the underlying cause of the disorder, which can lead to difficulties in performing tasks requiring left-right coordination.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 1, 2024

Presence of subclinical atherosclerosis is marker of mortality and its progression increases risk of death

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that subclinical atherosclerosis is independently associated with the risk of dying from any cause. The study also showed that monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis can improve the prediction and prevention of death from any cause.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2024

Progression of subclinical atherosclerosis predicts all-cause mortality risk

A study published in JACC demonstrates that subclinical atherosclerosis burden and progression independently predict death from any cause. Asymptomatic individuals with high carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification are at increased risk of mortality.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2024

New mutation linked to early-onset Parkinsonism

A team of scientists has identified a new genetic mutation in the SGIP1 gene that may cause early-onset Parkinsonism. The mutation affects brain cell communication, leading to synaptic dysfunction and recessive Parkinsonism. This discovery provides new insights into the disease's development and potential treatment strategies.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Clinical trial successfully repurposes cancer drug for hereditary bleeding disorder

A clinical trial found that an oral cancer drug reduced nosebleed severity and improved quality of life in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The PATH-HHT study showed significant improvements in disease manifestations, including severe nosebleeds and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

Penny for your thoughts? Master copper regulator discovery may offer Alzheimer’s clues

A recent study by FAU researchers links copper regulation to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. The team discovered that a specific gene, swip-10, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of copper in cells, which can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Gene therapy effective in hereditary blindness

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully used gene therapy to improve vision in 11 out of 12 patients with Bothnia dystrophy, a form of hereditary blindness. The treatment involved injecting a specially designed virus under the retina, which produced normal protein and restored visual function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2024

Learning like a teenager

Researchers led by Daniela Vallentin successfully rewired zebra finches' brains using optogenetics, expanding their vocal repertoire. The findings have implications for human aging and potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and learning impairments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2024

Pesco-vegetarian diets best for reducing risk of death in elderly

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pesco-vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of mortality and certain neurological conditions in elderly individuals. The study analyzed data from over 88,000 subjects and found that pesco-vegetarians had an 18% lower risk of death compared to non...

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2024

Mental health and chronic diabetes complications strongly linked both ways, study finds

Researchers found that people with chronic diabetes complications are up to three times more likely to have a mental health condition, while those with mental health disorders are up to two and a half times more likely to experience sustained diabetes complications. The study highlights the importance of screening for both risk factors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Autism spectrum disorders linked to neurotransmitter switching in the brain

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Positive effects of rhythm and music in brain disorder

A scoping review from the University of Gothenburg found that music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, can improve rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with brain disorders. The method has been shown to be challenging, motivating, and enjoyable for participants, leading to improved recovery and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 21, 2024

New study reveals unique histone tag in adult oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, opening doors for advanced myelin repair therapies

Researchers at CUNY ASRC identify distinct histone tag in adult oligodendrocyte progenitor cells that regulates their proliferation and may lead to innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery holds promise for advancing myelin repair and improving patient outcomes.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

Higher glucose levels worsen prognosis in ischemic stroke patients

A study published in Cardiovascular Diabetology found that higher blood glucose levels at admission significantly increase the risk of a poor functional prognosis or death within three months of an ischemic stroke. The study revealed that even a 10% increase in glucose levels raises the risk by 7%, and mortality risk by 88%.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·DateAug 7, 2024