Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
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.
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.
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...
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.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found a connection between autism spectrum disorders and stem cell dysfunction. Gene mutations in certain genes were linked to abnormalities in neuronal network formation and function in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.
Acute flaccid myelitis is a rare but serious condition in children that can progress rapidly and result in persistent health deficits. The disease is usually caused by enteroviruses and requires urgent testing and medical attention.
Researchers develop a novel methodology for characterizing neurons and their gene expression patterns, uncovering species-specific and age-related differences that could hold major implications for studying human brain disorders.
Neuroscientists have identified a brain activity pattern that could predict the onset of schizophrenia. The study found abnormal connections in patients who later developed psychosis, which may help diagnose the disease earlier. Researchers are now exploring early interventions to combat symptoms and prevent psychiatric disorders.
Researchers identified a novel missense mutation in tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS) causing severe recessive disorder. The study found that affected individuals exhibited poor growth, developmental delay, and various organ dysfunctions, including liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and hearing loss.
New studies reveal extracellular vesicles transport molecular signals, signs of disease, and stress effects onto offspring. These particles may help diagnose neurological disorders with similar symptoms.
Research highlights long-lasting effects of early life stress on the genome, gut, and brain, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder. Novel strategies, such as inhibiting stress hormone production or resetting immune cells, may help combat these effects.
Researchers discovered that owl brains use fewer neurons to encode multiple locations, solving the problem of selection at all possible locations. This finding applies to humans and may help understand disorders like ADHD.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a new method to create customized mouse models for studying the brain. This technique involves using a natural toxin to kill off developing brain cells, allowing scientists to reconstitute the forebrain from genetically engineered stem cells. The resulting mice have tightly contr...
A NIH-funded study found that a diet high in fried and processed foods is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in black Americans. Lifestyle changes, particularly changes in diet, may help reduce this disparity.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a proof-of-concept study for treating recurrent metastatic neuroblastoma using dinutuximab and activated natural killer cells. The study showed significant improvement in survival rates, providing a promising lead for a clinical trial.
A study of brain lesions reveals consistent connections between regions linked to volition and agency, which are components of free will. The identified networks suggest possible underpinnings of free will and could aid studies of related neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Child Mind Institute and international researchers have released open-source non-human primate brain imaging data sets. These aggregated datasets will help accelerate the development of 'wiring diagrams' that may improve understanding of brain disorders. The goal is to advance research on mental health and learning disorders.
Recent advances in EEG technology could enable earlier diagnoses of common mental and neurological disorders like autism and dementia. Non-invasive portable devices make functional brain measurement possible during primary care check-ups.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist will join nationwide clinical trial networks, NeuroNEXT and NIH StrokeNet, to develop new treatments for neurological diseases and improve stroke prevention. The institution aims to enroll patients from historically underserved groups and make meaningful contributions to both networks.
UC San Diego researchers develop rapid and cost-effective method to create human cortical organoids directly from primary cells. The new protocol enables large-scale production of brain organoids, which can be used to better understand human brain function and develop treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers found that brain activity in the amygdala responds differently to facial expressions in individuals with bipolar disorder versus those with depression. The study demonstrated 80% accuracy in distinguishing between the two conditions. This finding holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.
Research using brain scans found that neurons in the amygdala respond differently in people with bipolar disorder versus those with depression. The study showed an 80% accuracy rate in distinguishing between the two conditions. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes for patients.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that patients with ADHD and emotional instability disorders exhibit similar brain changes, particularly in the frontal lobe. The findings suggest a broader treatment approach for both conditions, potentially benefiting individuals with ADHD who also experience emotional problems.
A study found that febuxostat significantly reduced the rate of primary endpoint events, including cerebral and cardiovascular disease. Lowering serum uric acid levels also decreased renal impairment and related complications.
Researchers discover a new type of human brain cell that has never been seen in mice and other laboratory animals. These 'rosehip neurons' may play a role in fine-level control between regions of the human brain, and their absence in rodents suggests difficulties in modeling human brain diseases.
A study found that long, noncoding stretches of DNA in a calcium transport gene may predispose individuals to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These 'hidden variants' could help identify patients at risk and tailor treatments.
A new study using machine learning has identified four brain-based dimensions of mental health disorders, including mood, psychosis, fear, and disruptive externalizing behavior. These findings suggest that psychiatric symptoms do not neatly fall into established categories, but instead emerge from diverse clinical domains to form dimen...
Regular sauna baths are associated with a reduced risk of vascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. Sauna bathing also alleviates conditions like skin diseases, arthritis, headache, and flu.
The Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials has been renewed for five more years, enabling the study of new treatments for brain disorders. Nine clinical trials are currently underway, demonstrating the potential of NeuroNEXT to expedite research and bring treatments to patients faster.
Researchers discovered a molecular code that determines synapse formation and function in the brain. Three adhesion molecules precisely define how connections between neurons are made, shedding light on autism and schizophrenia. This finding could lead to better understanding of brain disorders and potential new therapies.
Researchers have identified O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) as a key molecule responsible for the sex-specific patterns of gene expression. High levels of H3K27me3 in the female placenta produce resilience to stress, which may explain why females are less susceptible to neurodevelopmental disorders than males.
Researchers have mapped the feeling of cool touch to the brain's insula in a mouse model, providing an experimental model for studying conditions like pain and hypersensitivity. The study found that the region was activated in mice with functional TrpM8 receptors, suggesting a highly specific response to cold exposure.
A study at the University of Missouri-Columbia has identified a link between neurotransmitter imbalance and brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found that those with low functional connectivity tended to have impaired listening comprehension and reduced balance of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitter levels.
A recent NIH study discovered that bigger human brains prioritize thinking areas at a cost to emotional, sensory, and motor functions. The larger the brain, the more its additional area is accounted for by growth in thinking areas of the cortex, leading to higher energy consumption.
A MSU neuroscientist published research that reveals how the brain maintains attentional focus during eye movements, which could lead to new treatments or therapies for some brain disorders. The study's findings may also contribute to the development of screening technologies and targeted behavioral therapies for conditions like autism.
Researchers can track brain states using wrist-worn wearables, predicting mental-stress-related diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome. This technology improves diagnosis and treatment by providing real-time data on skin conductance and cortisol levels.
A recent study published in Nature found that the ventral midline thalamus (vMT) plays a crucial role in determining how animals respond to visual threats. The vMT sends information primarily to two brain areas, the basolateral amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex, which turn out to be critical in determining reactions.
Dr. Karun Singh is a leader in stem cell research, human genetics and brain development. His work has made significant impact on our knowledge of signaling mechanisms that regulate brain development and genetic risk factors underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers have found significantly elevated levels of 4-ethylphenylsulfate (4-EPS) in serum samples from children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. Elevated 4-EPS levels were also associated with worse social performance, indicating its possible role in ASD pathology.
The £18 million Brain Tumour Awards aim to advance understanding of brain tumours and develop new treatments. The awards focus on six major themes, including unlocking insights into brain tumour biology, developing more accurate diagnostic methods, and improving treatment approaches for patients.
Research reveals that young people with Conduct Disorder show lower amygdala responses to angry and sad faces, suggesting a possible link to emotion regulation difficulties. The study also found normal connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in those with psychopathic traits.
A new study shows that functional connectivity MRI can detect fundamental differences in how individual brains are wired, distinguishing healthy people from those with brain diseases or disorders. The technique was found to be powerful enough to distinguish people who were extraordinarily alike.
The American Association of Anatomists has awarded its Young Investigator Awards to Bhart-Anjan Bhullar, Elçin Ünal, Maksim Plikus, and Helen Bateup for their groundbreaking contributions to cell biology, neuroanatomy, and developmental biology. These young scientists have made significant advancements in understanding the structural f...
Researchers created a genetically engineered ferret with a mutation linked to abnormally small human brain size, revealing an evolutionary mechanism governing cerebral cortical size. The study suggests that genes responsible for centriole function played a crucial role in the expansion of human brains over time.
Researchers found that as working memory load increases, brain wave synchrony among three key regions breaks down, leading to a loss of communication and sustaining working memory. This study sheds light on the intrinsic limit of conscious thought and cognitive performance, potentially explaining psychiatric disorders.
A UCLA-led study has found significant overlap in gene expression patterns among autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, with distinct differences also observed. Researchers have identified a molecular pathological signature for these disorders, providing a large step forward in understanding their underlying causes.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have discovered a molecule called progranulin that plays a crucial role in strengthening and eliminating synapses in the brain. This process is essential for developing neural circuits, but genetic or environmental mutations can disrupt it, leading to disorders such as autism and dementia.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University demonstrate that each neuron functions as a collection of excitable elements, where inputs from different directions are processed differently. This new understanding could impact research into the origin of degenerative diseases and challenges traditional spike sorting techniques.
A new study by IDIBELL and ISGlobal found that mild obsessive-compulsive symptoms in healthy children are associated with specific cerebral anatomical changes. The study suggests that these symptoms may be an early manifestation of a more severe mental disorder, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies.
The journal Bioelectronics in Medicine explores the innovative field of bioelectronic neural prostheses, aiming to revolutionize healthcare. The first issue features articles on vagus nerve stimulation, neuromodulation, and peripheral nerves, among others.
Researchers conclude that 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for addressing neurological manifestations of NPC1. This finding suggests that direct CNS administration may be necessary to achieve therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers successfully used microstimulation to elicit movements in monkeys by associating specific areas of the premotor cortex with particular actions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of brain/computer interfaces that bypass damaged brain areas, benefiting individuals with stroke or neurological disorders.
The NIH has awarded the Center for BrainHealth $2.5 million to examine cannabis use disorders and understand brain mechanisms behind problems related to cannabis use. The study aims to identify individual and cultural effects on severity of cannabis use disorder and inform public health policies.
This special issue highlights innovations in MALDI mass spectrometry for characterizing proteomes, detecting analytes, and screening non-covalent binding of small molecules to target proteins. MALDI imaging is used to study diseases and therapeutics, including the distribution of glycosphingolipids in a Gaucher Disease model mouse brain.
Researchers used brain MRI to identify differences in brain regions among ADHD patients, distinguishing between subtypes with high accuracy. The study suggests that psychoradiology, a field combining imaging analysis and mental health expertise, could improve diagnosis and treatment planning.
Geneticists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered a mysterious DNA modification in animals, specifically adenine methylation, which increases four-fold under conditions of stress in the brain. This epigenetic modification may play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders.