Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
A team of researchers has identified the cause of a rare genetic disorder known as dystonia, which affects 70,000 people in the UK. The study found that mutations in the hippocalcin gene lead to overactivation of specific calcium channels, causing abnormal neuronal signaling and movement disorders.
Researchers grew stem cells from children with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease to understand the genetic causes of common symptoms. The study identified defects in brain cell function linked to patient genetics, suggesting distinct subgroups requiring different clinical approaches.
A US study reveals that the annual cost of neurological diseases in the US is nearly $800 billion, with an estimated $600 billion to be spent on stroke and dementia treatment by 2030. The study emphasizes the need for increased funding to develop treatments and cures for these conditions.
Researchers found activation of maternal immune system during pregnancy alters expression of key genes and processes associated with autism, leading to potential neurological repercussions. MIA-induced effects involve single genes and pathways essential for early fetal neurodevelopment.
Researchers have discovered a critical finding about Alexander disease, a rare and fatal neurological disorder. Using mouse models, they found that the GFAP protein behind the symptoms is broken down more rapidly than previously thought.
A study found a link between defects in non-coding DNA and severe language impairment, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. Variants in the 3'UTRome region of the genome were associated with changes in protein expression, which may contribute to these conditions.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mice scratch in response to seeing other mice scratch due to the release of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a key transmitter of itch signals. This behavior is hardwired into the brain and not a form of empathy.
Researchers discovered that dendrites, a key component of neurons, generate nearly 10 times more electrical spikes than somas, challenging the long-held belief in neural computation. The finding may pave the way for treating neurological disorders and developing brain-like computers.
Researchers will measure circulating biomarkers in over 17,000 persons enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study to identify new biomarkers for cerebral small vessel disease. The goal is to develop a gold standard for early detection and intervention with treatment.
Researchers assessed 6,711 adults with periodontal disease for 15 years and found participants with mild, moderate or severe gum disease were 1.9-2.2 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than those without periodontal disease. The association was strongest in cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke subtypes.
A large imaging study of over 3200 people confirms that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with delayed development of five brain regions, supporting the notion that it is a brain disorder. The study found differences in brain volume across all age groups, but most pronounced in children.
Researchers identified a mutation in UNC13 protein associated with autism spectrum disorder, hyperactivity, and dyskinesia. The mutation disturbed fine-tuning of neuronal communication, leading to enhanced synaptic strength and increased neurotransmission.
Research suggests males are more likely to be diagnosed with dyslexia, possibly due to differences in reading performance and processing speed. Variability in processing speed may also contribute to co-occurring attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Researchers at TGen identified a novel mutation in brain protein CASK that causes physical abnormalities and developmental delays in children. The study found a nearly 40% diagnosis rate among 440 sequenced genomes, offering insights into rare medical disorders.
Dr. McCullough will investigate the effects of social isolation on stroke damage and recovery using miRNAs. The study aims to develop new therapies reducing disability in patients after a stroke.
Researchers developed novel brain-mapping techniques to identify subtle changes in skull and brain shapes, giving a greater insight into conditions. The study focused on Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed and identified characteristics that cause painful Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia disorder.
Researchers analyzed a large dataset of brain images from over 500 individuals to identify correlations between brain cortical anatomy and the Big Five personality traits. High levels of neuroticism were associated with increased thickness in certain regions, while openness was linked to reduced thickness and increased area and folding.
A study published in Addiction Biology found that long-term heavy drinking in adolescents alters brain electrical activity, particularly in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission system. This alteration may be detrimental to a developing brain, warranting tighter diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders.
Researchers developed a multiregional brain-on-a-chip to study how diseases impact different regions of the brain. The model characterized differences between neurons from distinct brain regions and mimicked system connectivity.
Scientists have developed a new technique to examine blood vessels in the brain using 3D Image Analysis, allowing for greater understanding of how diseases like dementia, brain cancer, and stroke affect veins and capillaries. This innovative method could help identify early warning signs of these illnesses, potentially saving lives.
Neuroscientists identify key brain areas responsible for delusional misidentification syndromes, a group of rare disorders where patients mistake people or places for imposters. The study's findings may help patients' families cope with the condition and improve treatment options.
Researchers challenged a popular autism hypothesis by studying brain responses to repeated visual and tactile stimuli. The findings showed that brain responses were as stable as those of healthy controls, contradicting the idea that unreliable brain activity causes autism symptoms.
Dr. Martin M. Katz has been recognized with the ACNP Paul Hoch Distinguished Service Award for his over 50 years of dedication to the organization and its mission. He made significant contributions to the theoretical understanding of antidepressant mechanisms, serving on key committees and editing notable publications.
Dr. David Glahn, a Yale University professor, has been awarded the Joel Elkes Research Award by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology for his groundbreaking research in neuropsychopharmacology. His work focuses on identifying potential biomarkers and understanding heritability, disease associations, and risk genes.
Dr. Tracy L. Bale is recognized for her work deciphering genes, circuits, and epigenetic mechanisms contributing to stress dysregulation in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases. Her research investigates the impact of early life events on brain development and disease susceptibility.
A new UCLA study confirms and extends earlier findings that the brains of people with autism have a distinctive pattern of unusual gene activity. This abnormality suggests possible targets for future autism drugs, and provides insights into brain development during the first decade of life.
Elyn Saks, a professor of law and psychology at USC, received the ACNP Media Award for her tireless efforts to educate the public about mental illness. Her work, including her memoir The Center Cannot Hold, has helped advance compassionate care and legal protections for people with mental illness.
A study found that musical training increases brain fiber connections in children, particularly in the minor forceps area of the frontal cortex, which is linked to cognitive abilities and disorders like autism and ADHD. This new understanding may lead to targeted strategies for intervention.
Research reveals that over 68% of individuals with different types of autism share a common set of epigenetic modifications in the brain. This finding suggests that a single global epigenetic pattern could underlie diverse manifestations of the psychiatric disease. Epigenetic drugs may hold potential as novel treatments for ASD.
Philip A. Wolf, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has been recognized for his excellence in research and clinical trials by the American Heart Association. He is renowned for his work on stroke epidemiology, dementia, and cognitive decline, with over 350 publications to his name.
A new study found that adolescents with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop substance use disorders if they have lower gray matter volume in the brain. The researchers discovered different patterns of gray matter reductions in females and males, highlighting the importance of sex differences in neuroscience research.
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.
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.
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.
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.