Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
Researchers found a strong association between gum disease and large artery strokes, as well as severe brain blood vessel blockages. Gum disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by hardening of blood vessels.
A preclinical trial found that retinoid X receptor (RXR) enhances the clearance of dead cells and debris in the brain after a stroke, limiting inflammation and improving recovery. RXR activation could lead to discovery of a promising new therapeutic target for improving neurological outcomes.
A team of scientists led by Prof. Dr. Christian Schachtrup found that fibrinogen inhibits the neuronal differentiation of NSPCs, leading to increased astrocyte formation and reduced scars. By reducing fibrinogen levels, they were able to block astrocyte formation from NSPCs.
A new study published in Nature found that widely used cerebral organoids are 'confused' and 'disorganized' compared to the developing human brain. The researchers measured gene expression in over 235,000 cells from 37 different organoids and compared it to normal brain tissue, revealing a lack of development into distinctive cell type...
A new UMass Amherst study found that military members with serious brain injuries are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. The research suggests that critically injured soldiers with severe TBI have particularly high rates of these conditions.
Brain region-specific organoids reveal transcriptional signatures of neuropsychiatric disorders and allow researchers to study chromatin accessibility and gene expression in specific cells over critical developmental stages. The development of the human forebrain is a complex process guided by epigenetic gene regulation.
A special issue of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience reports remarkable progress in treating conditions of partial blindness. Research explores various aspects of vision loss due to diseases like glaucoma or optic neuropathy, with a focus on stop-cell death and induce regeneration to restore vision.
Researchers develop new framework to understand changes in brain activity and connections, with implications for modeling brain disease mechanisms. The study identifies three categories of dynamic interaction between neurons involved in cognitive function.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a type of flame retardant, may increase the risk of reading problems in children. The study suggests that these chemicals can alter brain processes involved in reading, leading to a less efficient reading network.
A new case series provides insights into Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), a rare condition characterized by recurring, unwanted sexual arousal. Neurological evaluation and treatment have been found to be effective in managing symptoms.
A Pitt engineer has received a $1.6M NIH award to develop a wireless neural device for precise and long-term stimulation of specific neurons. The proposed technology uses photostimulation to activate neurons with great precision, minimizing tissue damage and improving spatial selectivity.
Research by Rutgers University found that families caring for children with autism spectrum disorder experience high levels of emotional burnout, social isolation, and financial strain. Families with more than one caregiver tend to fare better in terms of emotional well-being.
A study found that cluster headache attacks exhibit a dynamic circadian and seasonal pattern, with changes in the attack timing throughout the disease course. Patients with more lifetime bouts showed a less variable pattern compared to those without circadian rhythmicity.
Researchers at Santa Clara University identified a specific brain pathway that helps regulate drinking behavior, which may be disrupted in individuals with alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that this pathway's dysfunction could contribute to the development of compulsive drinking habits.
A new study estimates heritability and maps relationships among thousands of diseases using electronic health record data. Disease prevalence curves show early onset vs late onset patterns, revealing genetic links between diseases. The team identifies new patterns, including parasitic infections aligning with noninfectious diseases.
A large study of 799 people found that methamphetamine use was associated with more than twice the risk for dropping out of treatment for opioid-use disorder. Meth users often experience challenges in daily life, including homelessness and difficulty saying no to drug dealers.
A new study reveals that scarring in the brain's white matter can affect not only the surrounding areas but also distant parts of the brain. Research by Asta Håberg found that smoking and high blood pressure increase the risk of developing these scars, which can lead to a higher risk of dementia and stroke.
Researchers discovered disruptions in white matter fibers within specific pathways linked to patient-reported impairments in physical health and illness duration. The findings advance current understanding of FND mechanisms and may identify biomarkers for diagnosis and clinical outcomes.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have identified a critical role for the Cullin 3 gene in brain development, contributing to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying these complex conditions, potentially paving the way for new treatments.
A neural circuit in the brains of mice controls the development of compulsive drinking disorders, identified by a biomarker that could become a target for alcohol use disorder therapies. Effective treatments are needed, and this finding offers an extremely promising step forward.
A 15-year study found that peripheral arterial disease patients may not be prescribed life-saving statins at the same rate as other atherosclerotic conditions. Statin prescription rates have increased over time, leading to improved patient outcomes, but a significant treatment gap remains.
A large-scale study found that people with autism spectrum disorder have less brain asymmetry, particularly in cortical thickness. The findings suggest altered development of the brain's left-right axis is involved in autism, affecting widespread brain regions.
A study found that youth with psychosis spectrum disorders exhibit surface area reductions in key brain regions, including orbitofrontal, cingulate, precentral, and postcentral areas. These changes are not seen in typically developing youth or those with bipolar spectrum disorders.
Two new studies found that Gulf War Illness (GWI) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are distinct disorders with unique effects on the brain. GWI was associated with decreased activation in the cerebellum, while CFS had increased activation in this region after exercise.
A study of postmortem brain tissue found increased expression of IL-18 and IL-37 in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting these cytokines may inhibit microglia-driven inflammation and represent a potential therapeutic candidate for ASD.
Research reveals distinct growth trajectories for amygdala and hippocampus between males and females, shedding light on sex-based differences in mental health disorders. The study suggests that these differences may contribute to the varying risk profiles of males and females during adolescence.
The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a grant to Sydney-based company Kinoxis Therapeutics to develop a potential treatment for opioid withdrawal. KNX100, a small molecule therapeutic drug candidate, is being developed to treat opioid-use disorder and other substance use disorders.
A study of 69 individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) reveals that conflict-related brain activity in 36 regions predicts successful exposure-based psychotherapy. The findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying OCD and support a tailored treatment strategy.
Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a tool to measure protein behavior at slower speeds than previously possible, allowing researchers to ask deeper questions about protein function and behavior. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of how proteins regulate cellular processes and interact with other molecules.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that relatives of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have unique brain abnormalities, despite symptom overlap. The findings suggest that familial risk for these disorders influences brain development already early in life.
A new study suggests a significant link between exposure to environmental pollution and an increase in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found poor air quality associated with increased rates of bipolar disorder and major depression in both the US and Denmark.
A collaborative research project analyzing over 400,000 individuals identified several sets of genes marked across all five psychiatric disorders. These genes play a role in the same biological pathway or are active in the same tissue type, increasing risk for multiple disorders.
A researcher has received funding to develop new models that use brain imaging and genomic data to predict mental health disorders. The goal is to improve diagnosis accuracy by analyzing a patient's genetics and brain activity.
A large-scale study has categorized over 20 different brain cell types in mice based on their shape and electrical behavior, offering new insights into the brain's cellular diversity. The research paves the way for a better understanding of human brain disorders and diseases by providing a comprehensive dataset for future investigations.
Researchers have created a primate model of autism using genome-editing technology, revealing insights into the genetic basis and potential treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. The study's findings have significant implications for developing better treatment options for autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at Harvard University have created miniature, 3D tissue cultures that model a patient's own brain cells in a dish, offering great promise for studying disease in humans directly. The new method consistently grows the same types of cells, in the same order, as the developing human cerebral cortex.
A study published in Gastroenterology suggests that patients with IBS who have multiple intestinal and brain abnormalities experience more severe symptoms, making combination therapy a potential solution to improve treatment outcomes
Researchers have found distinctive differences in white matter pathways among young people with conduct disorder, linked to callous behavior and reduced empathy. The study may help clinicians diagnose the condition more accurately and guide effective interventions.
Scientists found that disrupted autophagy leads to protein accumulation, causing neuronal communication problems and behavioral changes resembling human autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. The study confirms a link between mTOR-autophagy and GABA signaling in the development of social behavior deficits.
A small-scale NIH-led clinical study found that pembrolizumab can slow or stop the progression of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal brain infection caused by the JC virus. The treatment resulted in improved symptoms and reduced viral levels in five patients with PML.
Researchers Sophie Piper and colleagues used a coin toss to confirm whether a drug protects the brain against stroke, questioning the need for repeated experiments in mice. The study reveals high rates of false positive results and highlights the 'replication crisis' in scientific research.
Researchers at University of Bath created a mouse model for Joubert Syndrome by deleting portions of the Talpid3 gene, reproducing physical abnormalities and progressive ataxia in mice. The study aims to accelerate research into the disease and develop new treatments.
Researchers found that Asian subgroups have varying risks of death from heart disease and stroke, with women losing more years due to stroke. The study identified unique risks for each subgroup, including cerebrovascular disease affecting Vietnamese and Filipino men and women, resulting in lost life expectancy.
A new study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that 38% of children diagnosed with ASD no longer meet diagnostic criteria, but many continue to struggle with language and learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral problems. Only 3% recovered from ASD with no other issues.
Researchers at UNH identified 204 proteins more highly regulated in females than males, with 31% associated with autism. The study suggests that female brains may have a protective mechanism preventing autism development.
A new study has created a 3D reconstruction of a marmoset brain and mapped neuronal connectivity across the entire brain with unparalleled detail. The resulting data set may offer insights into human neural connectivity and potentially lead to therapeutic advances for human diseases.
Researchers identify dysfunctional neuronal connections in OCD patients' brains, particularly affecting the orbitofrontal cortex and primary sensory cortices. This study's findings suggest a deficient inhibitory interneuron system, contributing to the disorder's symptoms.
Researchers discovered a precise pathway causing neurodevelopmental disorders, including rare condition Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome. Genetic sequencing revealed the buildup of protein BCKDK in the brain, leading to intellectual disability and speech loss.
Researchers found epigenetic changes in the brain's emotional center that last a lifetime, leading to increased risk of psychological problems and addiction. Early-onset drinkers showed reduced BDNF levels, which can impair normal brain development.
Researchers found reduced RNA editing in the brain's frontal cortex, temporal cortex and cerebellum of individuals with autism. The study identifies two proteins, FMRP and FXR1P, that regulate abnormal RNA editing in autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at UAB identified overconnectivity in unimodal-subcortical connections and underconnectivity in supramodal-subcortical connections in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This finding may help understand the expression of ASD and develop biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.
Researchers from UNIGE develop in vitro system to form microtubule doublets, revealing crucial role of tubulin in preventing uncontrolled ciliary structure formation. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting differences between human and pathogen cilia.
Scientists at Tufts University have discovered a new molecular mechanism that controls brain plasticity, which they can target to restore it in aged brains. By focusing on specific nerve cell connections, researchers may develop treatments with reduced side effects for conditions like autism and stroke.
Researchers discovered that anxiety-depressive disorder in mice is associated with impaired energy metabolism in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. This finding provides a fresh look at the depression development mechanism and other psycho-emotional diseases formation.
The study reveals that the two axonal fiber layers found in humans and monkeys also exist in ferrets, with different destinations in the brain. Additionally, a trace of axonal fiber bundles is found in mouse brains, suggesting evolution towards the second axonal fiber layer.
Recent PsychENCODE research provides a better understanding of brain development and neuropsychiatric risks, with critical expression differences in genes identified during early brain development and adolescence. The findings highlight the importance of studying specific cell types and time points in brain development to model disease...
A comprehensive genomic analysis of the human brain has revealed new insights into its development, variability, and links to neuropsychiatric illnesses. Researchers found that genetic risk variants can influence brain function early in life and manifest themselves later in distinct groupings.
A major study has linked genetic variants to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing new mechanisms of diseases. The findings provide a roadmap for development of new therapies for psychiatric conditions. Thousands of RNA molecules are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Researchers have created a sophisticated genomic model that links DNA variations and gene activity to the risk of brain disorders. The model identifies 321 genes associated with schizophrenia, revealing its primary role as a disorder of neurons rather than other brain cells.
Researchers found associations between infections and higher risk of treated mental disorders in children and adolescents. Infections requiring hospitalization or treatment with antibiotics were linked to increased risks of subsequent mental disorder hospitalizations and psychotropic medication use.