Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified structural changes that enable the LRRK2 protein to become overactive, a key step in Parkinson's disease progression. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing targeted therapies to slow or halt the disease.
The first complete marmoset genome is now available, providing a high-quality reference for studying complex diseases like Alzheimer's. The new genome reveals variation in genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, as well as immune system genes and previously un-catalogued ribosomal DNA genes.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that aging brings a large influx of immune cells into the brain, upending previous assumptions about the brain's immune system. The study suggests that these immune cells may interact with the brain and contribute to its resilience against Alzheimer's disease.
The Barrow Neurological Institute is conducting a Phase 1/2 clinical trial investigating ibogaine as a therapeutic agent for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers aim to enroll 40 participants and determine how effectively ibogaine addresses TBI symptoms and quality of life.
A new immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease has shown promising results in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The treatment aims to reverse immune aging and reduce biomarkers of neuronal damage, supporting further clinical development of this innovative strategy.
The autism spectrum has become increasingly broad, leading to concerns about misdiagnosis and the loss of its meaning. Dame Uta Frith argues that a rethink is needed to examine whether the autism spectrum has become too broad, risking misunderstanding people's needs and misdirecting care.
University of Rhode Island researcher William Van Nostrand will study cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) using a $1.5 million grant, aiming to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify early-stage biomarkers for this prevalent disease in the elderly population and Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a microRNA-based gene therapy that suppresses mutant SOD1 production, delaying disease onset by 60 days and extending lifespan by 100 days in mice models of ALS. The therapy, delivered via adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, preserves motor neurons and maintains neuromuscular con...
A new study published in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease found that high-dose niacin therapy can improve survival outcomes in children with NAXD deficiency, a rare genetic disorder. The treatment has been shown to halt significant deterioration and reduce life-threatening complications.
Researchers have identified a panel of key proteins in blood that can predict the emergence of ALS symptoms months to years before they arise. This discovery could enable early intervention with preventative therapies.
A study found that brain immune cells undergo substantial remodeling in midlife, leading to chronic neuroinflammation and potential dementia risk. The research used advanced single-cell analysis techniques to analyze postmortem hippocampal tissue from 40 healthy adults.
Researchers identify a specialized lymphatic network in the brain that enables cerebrospinal fluid drainage, which declines with age but can be restored through intranasal VEGF-C delivery. This discovery provides new insights into brain waste clearance and its link to neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have uncovered the first high-resolution structure of NBCn2, a brain protein linked to epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurological conditions. The team developed compounds capable of inhibiting its activity, which may help advance therapeutic research for these disorders.
Researchers found that bee venom can improve motor function and cognitive decline in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease when used alongside conventional therapy. The study suggests promising benefits for developing adjunct therapies to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers developed a new methodology using artificial intelligence to analyze brain electrical activity during sleep, identifying early neural alterations and classifying patients into distinct biological subgroups. This non-invasive approach may facilitate earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a new assessment tool to standardize reporting of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies. The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Reporting Assessment Tool (TMS-RAT) helps compare results, build on each other's findings, and support progress in brain stimulation research. This tool addresses the need f...
New evidence explains why certain parts of the brain are more vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that directing therapies to specific protein forms can lead to improved treatment outcomes. Researchers found that subtle differences in protein abundance and complexes assemble determine regional vulnerability.
A Chinese neurosurgical journal's study found that severe stenosis of major intracranial arteries increases the risk of cerebral infarction after revascularization surgery in moyamoya disease. Severe blockage was associated with postoperative infarctions, highlighting the importance of monitoring and mitigating this risk factor.
Researchers found that tau buildup in PSP affects brain networks involved in thinking, including the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. The study suggests that symptoms arise from both local tau-related damage and remote disruption of a broader cognitive network.
Researchers at Gunma University have identified a compact genetic switch that could revolutionize the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The discovery, published in Molecular Therapy, offers new avenues for addressing this debilitating condition.
Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital have uncovered a novel biological pathway that can lead to seizures when disrupted. This finding provides a new approach for improving genetic diagnosis and treatment for epilepsy cases with unknown origins. The study also reveals that specific combinations of defective genes can cause seizures,...
Researchers found subtle patterns in brain activity while children listened to speech linked to verbal communication abilities in autistic youths. Altered brain signals suggested the brain may process speech less efficiently, with noisier signals associated with lower scores on everyday verbal communication.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from almost 100,000 people across eleven world regions, identifying regional differences in gene variants GBA1 and LRRK2. This study is crucial for globally equitable diagnostics and therapies as it highlights the need to consider ancestry when diagnosing Parkinson's disease.
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.
Researchers discovered that reducing microglial activity worsened abnormal electrical activity and increased seizure-like events in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Microglia are not just drivers of inflammation but also perform important housekeeping functions to maintain healthy brain activity.
Scientists have unveiled a new structure of the kinesin-1 protein, showing how cells control its on-off switch. The discovery could shed light on incurable neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2.
A scoping review suggests astrocytic dysfunction may precede neuronal degeneration in CTE. Astrocytes' dysregulation contributes to the development of CTE's characteristic features through mechanisms including astrogliosis, disrupted waste clearance pathways, and chronic neuroinflammation.
Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 births in Scotland to examine the effects of epidural analgesia on newborn health. The study found no association between epidural use and serious neurological conditions, sepsis, or cerebral palsy in childhood.
Researchers have developed a new drug candidate, SB-0110, that boosts L-dopa's benefits while reducing dyskinetic side effects in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. The compound preserves the gene-activity patterns tied to L-dopa’s benefits while counteracting biological changes associated with dyskinesia.
A team of surgeons used robot-assisted stereotactic surgery to treat a patient with multiple deep brain abscesses, achieving complete resolution and rapid neurological recovery. The minimally invasive strategy reduced surgical trauma and accelerated healing.
A review of hundreds of studies suggests that polyphenol-rich foods like berries, tea, and olive oil may support healthy brain aging by reducing inflammation and promoting nerve cell function. While no single food can prevent Alzheimer's disease, a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods may help preserve cognitive function over time.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease estimates that dementia-related costs across 30 high-income European countries total €221 billion annually. Family caregivers carry a significant portion of this burden, providing an estimated €128 billion in unpaid care.
A new study published in Ophthalmology Science has confirmed that The CVI Range Assessment is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating functional vision in children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). This finding provides evidence that the widely used assessment meets rigorous clinical and psychometric standards, offering a s...
Researchers discovered that damaged myelin generates abnormal rhythms in the sleeping brain, linked to disruptions in brain circuit stability. This finding may help design non-invasive approaches to repair myelin during sleep, improving sleep quality in patients with MS and Alzheimer's disease.
A novel gene promoter called cmGAD67 shows promise for treating drug-resistant epilepsy by selectively stimulating inhibitory neurons. The study found that the promoter drove strong and highly selective gene expression in specific brain regions, reducing abnormal electrical activity and seizures.
A new $250,000 grant will support the development of a novel therapeutic approach for sepsis-associated neurocognitive dysfunction. The treatment aims to protect the brain from inflammation-related damage during and after sepsis, potentially preventing or slowing neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
Researchers present new insights into an iPSC-derived neural progenitor cell therapy for chronic ischemic stroke, demonstrating safety and biological activity over extended follow-up. The findings have the potential to expand treatment options for patients living with chronic stroke disability.
A recent Phase II open-label study evaluated vamorolone in 20 steroid-naive boys aged 2-4 years with DMD, showing dose-dependent improvements in motor function. The traditional corticosteroids often cause growth stunting and other complications in long-term use.
Research suggests alcohol interacts with Alzheimer's-related brain circuits in distinct ways, depending on the type of pathological change. Alcohol reduced communication in amyloid-beta models but increased it in tau models, highlighting an important principle in biology.
Two ECNP-affiliated journals, European Neuropsychopharmacology and Neuroscience Applied, have seen significant increases in citation rates. The rise reflects growing interest in the biological underpinnings of mental health, as reflected in the journal's focus on precision psychiatry.
Researchers at King's College London discovered a molecule linked to chronic inflammation disrupts brain neuron formation, highlighting a pathway with therapeutic potential for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression. High cytokine levels trigger an 'immune alert' state, reducing new nerve cell production.
A University at Buffalo-led team has developed a method to reliably measure cortical lesions in MS using artificial intelligence. By analyzing existing MRI scans, they found over 11,000 cortical lesions, revealing new insights into the disease's progression and cognitive impairment.
A new study reveals IL-6 plays a crucial role in regulating neuroinflammation and protecting the nigrostriatal pathway in Parkinson's disease. The research found that restoring IL-6 levels can reverse aggravated pathology and partially ameliorate motor dysfunction in mice.
The study reveals how genetic mutations disrupt muscle signaling in CMS, a family of genetic disorders that weaken communication between nerves and muscles. Researchers identified promising new therapeutic opportunities, including a potential use for an existing antidepressant.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that the time it takes for a therapist and patient to reach peak heart-rate synchrony during a music therapy session is around 25 minutes. This suggests that therapy sessions may need to allow sufficient time for this synchronization to develop.
Researchers identified disrupted neural circuits behind Huntington's disease and used optogenetics to selectively activate key neurons, restoring function and improving motor skills. The study provides hope for future therapies targeting specific brain circuit imbalances.
A new study finds that multiple sclerosis has a substantial impact on social life and work, with 51% of people reporting an effect. The study highlights the need for comprehensive care addressing not only physical health but also daily functioning, employment, and overall wellbeing.
Research presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2026 found that women with Parkinson's disease had significantly greater amyloid plaque burden and neuritic plaque density compared to men. The study suggests that women may be more susceptible to Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain.
A simple bedside eye test may predict recovery of consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries, according to new research. The late light-off response (LOR) phase of the pupil response predicted improvements in consciousness seven days later.
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
Salk Institute researchers discovered chronoferroptosis, a chronic stress pathway in cells that causes neurons to become less resilient over time and more susceptible to neurodegeneration. Iron accumulation was found to lower the cells' defenses, making them more vulnerable to stressors.
A new commission, launched at the Texas Brain Economy Summit, aims to define, measure, and operationalize brain capital, a concept encompassing both brain health and critical cognitive skills. The initiative seeks to address the gap in economic planning and promote brain health as a driver of economic resilience.
Researchers study blind Mexican cavefish to understand how evolution rewires the brain and shapes behavior. They found that cavefish become more active in light, a response believed to help them avoid predators.
Researchers developed zebrafish model that reproduces key features of CADASIL, a hereditary disease causing brain damage and recurrent strokes. The study found progressive decline in cerebral blood flow and impaired learning ability, similar to human patients.
The American Heart Association and International Federation for Emergency Medicine collaborate to strengthen training, research, and systems of care for emergency cardiovascular and resuscitative care. The three-year agreement aims to improve access to training, education, and emergency care resources in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers discovered blood RNA biomarkers that could support earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing the need for invasive tests. They identified brain-specific markers in circulating blood nanoparticles, which may offer a minimally invasive approach for diagnosing the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
A new research project will study the effect of immune cell aging on Parkinson's disease risk and progression. The team aims to identify individuals at greater risk for Parkinson's disease and develop targeted treatments.
Researchers at University of Michigan Health have implanted the first wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) to restore communication in a patient with motor neuron disease. The study, called Connect-One Early Feasibility Study, aims to assess the device's long-term safety and effectiveness in synthesizing text and speech.
Researchers have identified an experimental molecule called OLE that can restore part of the brain's protective function against Alzheimer's disease. The compound helps microglia enclose and contain beta-amyloid plaques, reducing their size and toxicity.
A novel rehabilitation system connects therapists and patients through robotic exoskeletons, enabling real-time adaptation and personalized care. Stroke survivors who used the system demonstrated improved joint range of motion, longer and higher steps, and high levels of motivation.