Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
Dr. Michael E. Charness has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of alcohol on the nervous system and has developed drugs that block alcohol toxicity. He is a leading expert in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and has cared for patients with neurological disorders throughout his career.
A study of 903 children with autism spectrum disorder found that they have more harmful mitochondrial DNA mutations than their unaffected siblings. These mutations can be inherited from the mother or result from spontaneous mutation during development, increasing the risk of neurological and developmental problems.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to correct the faulty NPC1 gene in mice with Niemann-Pick disease type C1, improving symptoms and lifespan. The treatment has the potential to halt disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.
A Duke University study found that three genetic causes of microcephaly in mice share a common mechanism, involving the regulation of p53 protein. The research may improve understanding of microcephaly, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
A single mutated gene, SNORD118, has been found to cause leukoencephalopathy with calcification and cysts (LCC), a progressive white matter degeneration in the brain. This discovery opens up possibilities for genetic testing and future treatments.
Researchers at National Institute for Physiological Sciences have discovered that microglia, immune cells in the brain, directly contact neurons to form new connections and strengthen brain connectivity. This finding could deepen understanding of developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have unraveled the mechanism by which DYT1 dystonia causes cellular defects, linking it to dysregulation of lipids. The findings may lead to new medical approaches to overcome this poorly understood condition.
Astrocyte calcium signaling properties studied in visual cortex to understand their role in brain function and potential involvement in multiple brain disorders. The study aims to shed light on fundamental properties of astrocytes, providing a baseline for comparing and testing their role in brain disorders.
A new study examines Zika virus' effect on neuronal cells and its link to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Researchers highlight the need for further research on mechanisms underlying neurological complications and diagnostic criteria for microcephaly.
A study found that individuals with anorexia nervosa who struggle with insight have abnormal brain connectivity in regions involved in error detection and conflict monitoring. This can lead to poor decision-making and a reduced ability to recognize the danger of their behavior, making recovery more challenging.
A new study reveals a significant relationship between chronic periodontitis and lacunar infarct, two common diseases affecting the elderly. The study suggests that periodontitis may lead to systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of developing cerebrovascular diseases.
Scientists at Saint Louis University are studying an investigational vaccine for yellow fever, a potentially deadly disease spread by the same mosquito that transmits Zika virus. The vaccine aims to provide protection to vulnerable groups who are at increased risk of complications if they receive the current vaccine.
Researchers have created a detailed molecular atlas of primate brain development, revealing key differences between humans and our close evolutionary relatives. The study provides insights into the genetic code underlying brain development and neuropsychiatric diseases.
Researchers at UMMS found that T-cells play a pivotal role in social development, with elevated IFN-γ signaling linked to social brain function. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders.
Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of rhesus monkey brain development, revealing how gene expression changes across time. The study highlights the importance of understanding primate brain development to identify neurodevelopmental processes involved in disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
A consensus statement from Project TENDR highlights a link between toxic chemical exposures and neurodevelopmental disorders. The alliance calls for immediate action to reduce exposure levels to chemicals like organophosphate pesticides, PBDEs, and lead.
A study found that at least 351 US businesses are marketing unapproved stem cell procedures, targeting various medical conditions. The businesses are mainly concentrated in California, Florida, and Texas.
Researchers have discovered that enhancing mitochondrial transport along neuronal axons improves the ability of mouse nerve cells to repair themselves after injury. The study suggests potential new strategies for stimulating human neurons to regrow after damage or disease.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a simple way to measure brain health over time using non-invasive electrodes, tracking the brain's electrical activity for key functions. This breakthrough technology makes it possible to translate complex brainwaves into objective and practical brain vital signs.
Researchers at Phoenix Nest and LA BioMed are working on developing therapies for treating different forms of Sanfilippo disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects children. The new grants will focus on recombinant enzyme therapy and stem cell treatment to combat devastating brain damage caused by MPS IIID and MPS IIIB.
Researchers have identified Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease as Christina Olson's condition, which led to her loss of mobility and hand use. The diagnosis was made by Marc Patterson after reviewing her medical history and Andrew Wyeth's artwork depicting her.
Researchers developed a rapid diagnostic method for Niemann-Pick disease type C using bile acid measurement in biological fluids. Early diagnosis is critical to limit neurological damage and treatment should be initiated promptly.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have derived a structural model of the Mfsd2a transporter, which could help treat neurological disorders like glioblastoma by bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The study identifies new binding features and provides insight into the transport mechanism of Mfsd2a.
A recent review of published studies on autism spectrum disorder found significant discrepancies in reported brain abnormalities. Experts emphasize the need for more extensive research to better understand these variations.
Researchers developed a new method to map and track brain circuits affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys using brain imaging. This approach provides a physical measure of progress with behavioral and/or drug treatments, a tool previously elusive in ASD treatment.
Researchers developed a computer algorithm that accurately identified autism spectrum disorders using fMRI brain scans. The classifier worked across diverse populations, including Japanese and American adults, with an average accuracy of 85% and 75%, respectively.
Researchers detected frequency-following responses coming from the auditory cortex, in addition to known sub-cortical generators, using magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology. This discovery will inform further research into neuroplasticity and its potential to improve auditory processing.
A new study reveals that immune cells called microglia play a crucial role in rewiring brain connections, a process essential for neuroplasticity and learning. By 'pruning' unwanted connections, microglia enable the formation of new pathways between neurons.
The Zika virus has been linked to neurological diseases, with estimated 1.5 million cases reported so far. Researchers are urging a rigorous approach to understanding the effects of the virus and developing treatment measures.
A 10-year clinical trial found that both surgery and stenting reduce the risk of stroke by about 7%, with low rates of restenosis over time. The procedures are safe and durable for preventing stroke in various patient groups.
The Charleston Alcohol Research Center has received a $7 million NIH grant to fund innovative treatments for alcohol addiction. The center aims to develop new therapies using transcranial magnetic stimulation and other technologies.
Researchers identified 27 hotspots of frequent DNA breaks in genes associated with brain tumors and neurodevelopmental/psychiatric diseases. These break hotspots may play a role in generating neural diversity during development.
A professor of psychiatry argues that schizophrenia should be replaced with 'psychosis spectrum syndrome' due to the complexity and heterogeneity of psychotic illness. The current classification system uses outdated language and may lead to misdiagnosis or overemphasis on this condition.
Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) have altered brain connectivity pathways compared to typically developing children, affecting auditory and tactile processing. The study found strong correlations between white matter integrity and sensory functioning, paving the way for personalized treatments.
Researchers from Loyola University Medical Center identified 60 genetic diseases that involve the skin, central nervous system, and/or peripheral nervous system. These conditions, including neurofibromatosis, can cause a range of symptoms such as tumors, learning disabilities, and bone deformities.
Researchers have identified a modifier gene for copper toxicosis in Labradors, which could lead to early detection and treatment of Wilson disease. Mutations in ATP7A protect against hepatic copper accumulation, suggesting antagonistic roles with ATP7B.
Researchers found hyperconnectivity between brain networks in adolescent boys with Internet gaming disorder, which may help them respond to new information but also increase distractibility and poor impulse control. The study provides insights into the neural basis of compulsive video game play.
Researchers found that PTSD patients exhibit heightened brain activity when viewing non-threatening images similar to their trauma, suggesting a generalized response. The study identifies key brain regions involved in this process, including the fusiform gyrus and locus coeruleus.
Researchers found female infants have larger gray matter volumes around the temporal-parietal junction, which integrates social information processing. By age two, myelination of long fiber tracks is more developed in males than females, a potential clue to autism risk disparities.
Researchers discovered a single genetic mutation responsible for 20% of severe congenital heart disease cases accompanied by neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used genomic sequencing to analyze 1,213 children with congenital heart disease and identified a subset of genes that act as conductors in organ formation.
A recent study found that delay discounting, the tendency to choose smaller rewards now rather than larger ones later, is strongly influenced by genetics. As individuals age, their ability to wait for larger delayed rewards improves. The study suggests that genes related to serotonin synthesis and binding may play a role in impulsivity.
Obese children show increased brain activity in areas linked to impulsivity and obsessive-compulsive disorder when exposed to food smells. In contrast, normal-weight children exhibit brain connections between taste processing and reward anticipation.
A new study maps specific schizophrenia symptoms to distinct brain circuits, revealing novel connections between cognitive, emotional, and intellectual symptoms. The findings have important implications for diagnosis and treatment, suggesting that brain scans could help identify individual patients and track progress during therapy.
A new supplement published by the NIH details a research strategy to tackle global brain disorders, which affect millions worldwide. The initiative aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions such as depression, dementia, and substance abuse in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers found that injecting viruses carrying gene codes into the brain's ventricles can slow down Batten disease progression. The treatment improved symptoms and reduced damage caused by the disease in dogs with a similar disorder.
Researchers found that treatment with Lovastatin can correct high levels of protein production in the brain linked to intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that different types of intellectual disabilities may share common disease mechanisms, which could benefit from common therapeutic approaches.
Scientists have characterized six major molecular subtypes of serotonergic neurons in mice, revealing distinct expression patterns of hundreds of genes. These subtypes modulate different behaviors and vary in developmental lineage, anatomical distribution, and electrical firing properties.
Studies examine effects of TBI, stroke, and repetitive stimulation on functional brain networks, revealing hyper-connectivity and reduced coherence in TBI patients. Researchers also describe remodeling of neuronal axons and myelin after stroke, as well as improvements in motor symptoms with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
A new study by HHMI scientists found that a single neuron in an adult human brain may have more than 1,000 genetic mutations not present in surrounding cells. These mutations mostly arise while genes are in active use after brain development is complete.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly three-quarters of patients with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia were women. The median duration from symptom onset to last follow-up was 25 months, with 51 patients experiencing physician-reported neurologic improvement with immunotherapy and cancer therapy.
A study of 118 adults with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia found that nonparaneoplastic disorders, detection of PMP antibodies, and GAD 65 antibodies predicted better immunotherapy response and neurological outcomes. Among the patients, 45.8% showed physician-reported neurologic improvement.
Researchers at TUM and Georgetown University have discovered a common gatekeeping system for tinnitus and chronic pain, which may play a central role in the development of both conditions. The study found significant loss of gray matter and compromised circuit function in regions important for emotional experiences.
A study published in Neuron found that the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC) plays a crucial role in internally monitoring and guiding our behavior through sequences of tasks. By disrupting this region, researchers observed an increase in errors, highlighting its importance for cognitive control.
A highly detailed model of mouse brain connections may provide new insights into mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. The study used diffusion MRI scans to create a 3D digital map of the brain's circuitry, exceeding previous resolution by 1,000 times.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals how the protein centrosomin controls the growth of microtubules within neurons, influencing dendritic branching. The researchers found that centrosomin acts as a 'glue' to fix microtubules, preventing excessive branching and promoting more complex arbors.
Researchers created miniature brains from patient skin cells to study autism, finding altered gene expression networks and an imbalance in neuron type. Suppressing a key gene corrected this bias, suggesting possible clinical interventions.
A large-scale study has identified structural brain abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia, including smaller hippocampus and amygdala volumes and larger ventricle volumes. The findings provide new insights into the condition's development and potential treatment responses.
A new UCLA study uses brain scans to identify patients with OCD who are more likely to relapse after cognitive-behavioral therapy. The research found that brain connectivity before treatment can predict worsening symptoms after treatment.
A genetic mutation in the TEAD1 gene has been identified as the first associated with Aicardi syndrome, a debilitating childhood neurological condition. The study found that children with this disorder experience severe symptoms, including seizures, retina damage, and brain abnormalities, and that boys may also be affected.
Researchers discover that genetic mutations disrupt a delicate balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain, contributing to schizophrenia. The study finds strong evidence for the role of copy number variants in disrupting this balance, with potential implications for developing new treatments.