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Magnetic microcoils unlock targeted single-neuron therapies for neurodegenerative disorders

Researchers have developed a magnetic coil array called MagPatch that can stimulate individual neurons with precision. The device uses soft magnetic materials to boost the magnetic field, reducing the need for high current levels.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateApr 23, 2024

Cleveland clinic researchers use AI to improve Alzheimer’s treatment through the ‘gut-brain axis’

Researchers used machine learning to analyze over 1.09 million potential metabolite-receptor pairs and predict the likelihood that each interaction contributed to Alzheimer's disease. The study found a protective metabolite called agmatine interacting with a receptor called CA3R in brain cells, reducing CA3R levels and lowering phospho...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 22, 2024

Most patients treated by public psychiatric outpatient clinics are women aged 45 on average

A study analyzing 8,384 clinical appointments found that women aged 45 are the majority of patients treated at public psychiatric outpatient clinics in Brazil. The patients had sadness, anxiety, and irritability as primary symptoms, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being commonly prescribed medications.

Can probiotics plus vitamin D supplements benefit people with schizophrenia?

A randomized controlled trial found that co-administration of probiotic and vitamin D supplements improved MoCA scores and increased the percentage of patients with normal cognition in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests that probiotics may be a novel way to treat mental disorders by regulating gut microbiota.

SourceWiley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology Reports·DateApr 10, 2024

Treating gum disease after heart rhythm ablation reduced risk of AFib recurrence

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 10, 2024

Novel biological mechanism discovered that could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders, cancers

Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have identified a novel biological mechanism that regulates mitochondrial function through RNA methylation. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for neurological diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and autism, as well as various cancers.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateApr 4, 2024

Older brain cells linger unexpectedly before their death

Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

From autism to Alzheimer’s: A large-scale animal study links brain pH changes to wide-ranging cognitive issues

A large-scale animal study reveals that brain pH and lactate levels are a common feature across various neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Changes in brain energy metabolism are linked to cognitive impairment, particularly working memory.

SourceFujita Health University·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2024

Movement disorder ALS and cognitive disorder FTLD show strong molecular overlaps, new study shows

A recent study published in Cell reveals significant similarities between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), two distinct neurological disorders. The research found shared gene expression patterns across various brain regions, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for both conditions.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2024

Researchers led by NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discover how our body's immune response to bacterial infections could be ‘hurting’ us

Researchers from NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discovered a link between ionophores, cellular ion balance, and inflammation. The study found that cells trigger an immune response when potassium ions fall below a certain level, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Scientists use an innovative approach to provide relevant insights into a rare neurologic disorder

Researchers have discovered new genetic mechanisms related to spinocerebellar ataxia type 37, a rare neurological disorder that affects balance and movement. The study employed advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and machine learning to uncover the disease's underlying causes.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalHuman Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Recreational activities such as golfing, gardening may be associated with increased ALS risk among men

A study by Michigan Medicine found that recreational activities such as golfing, gardening, and woodworking may increase the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in men. The study surveyed over 700 individuals with and without ALS to assess their hobbies and non-work related activities.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women

A study analyzing ELSA data found that osteoporosis, heart disease, and poor hearing increased frailty risk in men, while high fibrinogen levels, diabetes, and stroke were linked to higher risks in women. This highlights the importance of gender-specific action plans and intervention for older people.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·DateFeb 28, 2024

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles provide novel insights into previously unknown disease mechanisms

Researchers decode underlying mechanisms of DCM, hippocampal neurotoxicity, and dysbiosis mediated AD progression using mass spectrometry imaging. The studies found metabolic changes in DCM rat hearts and regulation of CYPs in the hippocampus, providing new perspectives on treatment strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Revolutionary brain stimulation technique shows promise for treating brain disorders

A new brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) has been developed by researchers at the Institute for Basic Science. This non-invasive method uses ultrasound to induce long-lasting changes in brain function and has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

One step forward, no steps back: new study advances understanding of dopamine’s role in movement

Researchers discover dopamine signals affect movement sequence length, shedding light on Parkinson's Disease symptoms and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest a complex role of dopamine neurons in movement, with distinct effects on movement-related and reward-related dopamine neurons.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment

Scientists have mapped out the proteins involved in motor neurone disease (MND) across its trajectory, identifying potential therapeutic pathways for further investigation. The study found that a protein-folding factor called DNAJB5 is elevated early on in MND, sparking curiosity about its role in disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Overconsumption of fructose by parents increases risk of cardiometabolic disease in offspring, study shows

Rats fed high-fructose diets exhibit disturbances in autonomic nervous and cardiovascular systems, increasing risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Fructose consumption by parents is also associated with impaired physiological regulation of their offspring's cardiovascular system.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 15, 2024

Better diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis

The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis, a fatal fungal infection that affects mainly the lungs and brain. It provides practical guidance for medical staff to recognize and manage invasive fungal infections, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024