Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
A new study found that extended space flight increases perivascular spaces in the brains of first-time astronauts, but not those who previously served in space. No neurological deficits were detected despite the changes.
Researchers found a correlation between Parkinson's gene alpha-synuclein and vocal production in zebra finches. The study suggests that this link could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatments for Parkinson's patients.
Severe COVID-19 causes cognitive impairment similar to 50-70 year age range, equivalent to losing 10 IQ points. Cognitive symptoms persist six months after acute illness and show gradual recovery.
A new study from Mayo Clinic suggests that AI-enabled electrocardiograms (ECGs) can predict atrial fibrillation, a cardiac rhythm abnormality linked to one-third of ischemic strokes. The algorithm also detects other cardiac disease markers and correlates with small vessel cerebrovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Researchers used gene therapy to recover the TCF4 gene's function in human brain tissue, rescuing neural structure and function in brain organoids. The study offers promising insights into treating neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.
A study led by Kobe University researchers found that idiopathic autism is caused by epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells, leading to immune dysregulation and brain-gut axis disorders. The study used BTBR mice as a model and identified histone deacetylase HDAC1 as a common mechanism underlying these pathologies.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a smartphone app that uses near-infrared camera technology to track pupil size changes, which can indicate cognitive conditions. The app is designed to be user-friendly for older adults and has shown comparable results to traditional pupillometry devices.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed an AI training strategy to capture images of mouse brain cells in action, allowing scientists to understand how the brain functions and is affected by disease. The technology combines ultra-small microscopes with AI to enhance image resolution up to 52 frames per second.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $5M NIH grant to build an imaging and behavioral neuroscience facility focused on addressing Hispanic health disparities. The new facility will enable researchers to study the mechanisms contributing to cancer and neurological disorders in Hispanic populations.
A new AI-based method distinguishes between stable and progressive cognitive impairment, enabling accurate diagnosis with an accuracy rate of 85%. This technique overcomes the complexity of subtle structural changes in mild cognitive impairment, contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.
A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
A preclinical study suggests that astrocyte abnormalities may contribute to repetitive behaviors and memory deficits in autism spectrum disorders. Researchers grew human astrocytes from patients with ASD and transplanted them into healthy mice, which developed repetitive behaviors but not social deficits.
A study of 447 former college football players found an association between playing football and increased rates of cognitive and neurological disorders, as well as higher mortality rates. The findings suggest that football players may face unique health challenges beyond their playing careers.
Scientists have created a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a key brain region involved in reward-directed behavior and substance use disorders. The study identified 16 cell populations, including classic dopaminergic neurons, glutamatergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons.
Research in mice suggests that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can cause further damage to the brain after a stroke by trapping other cells and reducing blood flow. Blocking NETs with a compound called nNIF may protect the brain from this harm, leading to better outcomes for patients.
A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study found that COVID-19-induced loss of smell is linked to inflammation-caused nerve damage, weakening odor signals to the brain. The researchers discovered more severe vascular injury and fewer axons in the olfactory bulb of patients with diminished or complete loss of smell.
Researchers have discovered that rhesus monkeys can sense their heartbeats, which may help understand interoception and its link to mental health conditions. This finding provides an important model for future psychiatric research.
A new study shows that the telestroke program prevents unnecessary hospital transfers for stroke patients, decreasing rural healthcare disparities. The program increases care efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while optimizing care for patients.
Australian researchers have discovered a new neurodevelopmental disorder linked to the tumor suppressor gene FBXW7. The condition causes mild to severe developmental delay, intellectual disability, and other symptoms, with genetic variations in this gene found in 28 individuals from 32 families worldwide.
A retrospective study confirms coffee's potential as a first-line treatment for ADCY5-related dyskinesia, improving symptoms in 87% of patients. Coffee's efficacy is attributed to its ability to bind to adenosine receptors and modify the function of the dysfonctional protein ADCY5.
Researchers developed new method to visualize CNS fibroblasts and their intercellular interactions in the CNS. The technique provides a detailed picture of CNS fibroblasts, including their location, size, morphology, and gene/protein expression patterns.
Scientists at ISTA used brain organoids to study the effects of CHD8 mutations on brain development. The study found that mutant organoids produced larger amounts of neurons, leading to brain overgrowth and macrocephaly similar to patient symptoms.
Researchers at Shinshu University have elucidated a new molecular mechanism controlling the survival of cerebral nerve cells. Neurexin regulates cerebellar granule cell survival independently of synapses, playing a crucial role in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study found that vitamin K2 supplementation improved spatial memory, learning ability, and reduced evidence of cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety in rats. The researchers suggest that vitamin K may help preserve cognitive functions by affecting biological pathways involving inflammation and antioxidant activity.
A new study found that some symptoms commonly used to diagnose concussions, such as fatigue and neck pain, can be caused by intense exercise rather than a brain injury. The research highlights the need to consider these factors when assessing concussion in athletes on the field.
Researchers analyzed prenatal MRI scans of children later diagnosed with autism and found significant differences in brain structures at 25 weeks' gestation. These differences may be a strong biomarker for predicting ASD emergence, with the insular lobe showing increased volume.
Researchers found severe brain inflammation and injury in COVID-19 patients, with neuron damage and death also present. The study suggests that nonhuman primates can serve as a proxy for understanding human neurological consequences of COVID-19.
Dystonia is characterized by involuntary movements and postures, limiting daily activities. A new study maps specific brain networks for treatment success in patients with cervical and generalized dystonia. The findings reveal distinct stimulation sites depending on the type of dystonia, offering a more targeted approach to improving t...
A recent report by the International Society of Microbiota confirms a bidirectional interplay between gut microbiota and various organs, highlighting the crucial role of microbiota in disease pathogenesis. The report also explores therapeutic strategies for manipulating gut microbiota to prevent and treat disorders.
Rice University engineers have developed a tiny, wireless device that can stimulate nerves and treat neurological diseases. The implant, powered by a magnetic transmitter, uses blood vessels as guides to reach targeted nerves.
Researchers detect Sars-CoV-2 mRNA in human retina organoids, indicating infection of retinal cells. The virus also replicates in these cell types, with implications for 'Long Covid' pathologies.
This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...
A new study funded by the NIH found that amygdala overgrowth in autism spectrum disorder begins between 6-12 months of age, suggesting early intervention may be effective in reducing symptoms. The study also identified distinct brain growth patterns in infants with Fragile X syndrome.
Researchers discovered a group of neurons in the striatum that encodes information about potential decision-making outcomes, including rewards and penalties. These 'error signals' help the brain adapt to changing circumstances and make impulsive decisions or become paralyzed with indecision.
A multidisciplinary clinical pathway for functional neurological disorder (FND) patients has been successfully implemented at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. The approach optimizes patient care through collaboration among healthcare professionals. This study aims to provide a roadmap for other institutions and encourage broader deve...
The Human Brain Project (HBP) has brought together neuroscientists from different disciplines to work collaboratively on common goals. The HBP researchers outline their scientific approach and illustrate the potential of EBRAINS infrastructure for neuroscience research.
The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) robot has been shown to improve gait ability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), allowing them to walk longer distances with reduced assistance. The therapy sessions, lasting only 20-40 minutes per day for four weeks, also demonstrated preservation of other vital functions.
Researchers found that biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease pathology, such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins, were associated with increased anxiety and apathy in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Higher levels of apathy were also linked to a more rapid cognitive decline.
A study published in eLife found that measuring changes in immune cell populations may help predict the prognosis of patients with ALS. Certain immune cells were associated with better or worse survival rates, providing new insights into the disease's progression.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that a higher dose of the antibiotic rifampin may be more effective in treating TB meningitis, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The research suggests that high doses of rifampin can kill bacteria faster while minimizing brain inflammation.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed patient-derived cells that can be used to study leptomeningeal disease, a rare complication of cancer. The cells provide a new opportunity for scientists to understand the disease and identify potential therapeutics.
A study found that intact astrocyte networks are essential for neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and spatial cognitive abilities in adult mice. Disrupting these networks impairs spatial learning and memory due to altered neuronal excitability and compromised synaptic transmission.
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that a reduction in gamma wave activation is correlated with the emergence of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents at genetic risk. This study makes it possible to envisage an early diagnosis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating schizophrenia.
Researchers investigated whether COVID-19 led to a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, but found no significant difference in severity. Despite this, the pandemic can exacerbate anxiety and stress, potentially affecting individuals with tinnitus.
Researchers found an association between certain cancers and Guillain-Barré syndrome, with people diagnosed with lymphomas, blood cancers, lung, prostate, or breast cancer having a higher risk. The study suggests that unidentified factors in several types of cancer may contribute to this increased risk.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for managing symptoms and improving access to multidisciplinary care for children with CMT. The guidelines promote optimal, standardized care globally and are critical for clinical trial readiness.
A CAMH-led study found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduced self-reported cannabis use by up to 60% among people with schizophrenia and CUD. The treatment was associated with reduced cravings and improved quality of life.
A new report in NeuroRehabilitation found significant variability in prior Functional Movement Disorder studies, particularly in the use of inclusion criteria. The authors propose potential fixes to develop evidence-based diagnostic criteria.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered 110 genes, circular RNAs, lipids and metabolites that differ between medulloblastoma patients' cerebrospinal fluid and healthy controls. These findings provide proof of principle for novel biomarkers to detect and track the disease.
The Bárány Society has developed a comprehensive curriculum to promote high-quality vestibular training for healthcare professionals. The curriculum sets out a framework of suggested topics and skills, covering anatomy, physiology, and physics, as well as history taking, bedside examination, ancillary testing, disorders, treatment, and...
The SynGAP Research Fund has developed a pre-screening tool to identify potential SYNGAP1 patients through a free online survey. The partnership with Probably Genetic aims to screen undiagnosed patients and provide them with genetic testing resources, ultimately advancing treatment development for SYNGAP1.
Researchers discover a genetic mechanism linking ALS and dementia to UNC13A protein corruption, providing hope for new treatments by blocking corrupted instructions. The study found that genetic variants increase the risk of UNC13A mRNA corruption in patients with ALS and FTD.
Researchers have clarified the mechanism behind activating genes in drosophila fly sex cells, which may hold clues to understanding diseases. The study's findings suggest that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with abnormal packaging potentially leading to misregulation and disease.
Researchers found that blocking an overactive signaling pathway during the first five weeks of life prevents autism symptoms from developing in mice. The study suggests that targeting this critical period could lead to a potential cure for autism.
Researchers found that higher levels of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, are associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that a high-fiber diet may play a preventative role in reducing the incidence of dementia.
A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
A UTSA-led study found that post-9/11 military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at higher risk of chronic disease, mortality, and mental health issues compared to the general population. The study estimates excess deaths among a large cohort of veterans and highlights the need for better methods of intervening.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases by stopping nerve cell degeneration. A peptide has been identified that inhibits mitochondrial fission and lets nerve cells grow normally.
Research reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, within a year after recovery from the virus. The study found that COVID-19 survivors were 60% more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were not infe...