Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.