Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Azrieli Centre for Autism Research will foster innovations in therapy and a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Researchers will use advanced brain imaging techniques to map differences in children and adults living with ASD, leading to earlier diagnosis and effective intervention.
Researchers develop mathematical model that uncovers link between OCD beliefs and actions. People with OCD develop accurate sense of how things work but disregard it when making decisions, leading to second-guessing themselves.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded four grants to establish a coordinated scientific research effort on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers will collaborate on projects, share data, and engage with the ME/CFS community to advance knowledge and potential treatments for this debilitating disease.
A new global study reveals that countries have saved more lives over the past decade, particularly among children under 5, but persistent health problems such as obesity, conflict, and mental illness continue to hinder progress. The 'triad of troubles' poses a stubborn barrier to active lifestyles.
Scientists identified network inefficiencies in six-month-old infants who later developed autism, with these abnormalities linked to severity of symptoms at 24 months. This study brings us closer to understanding the pathology of autism and developing effective interventions.
A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found decreased brain pH levels in mouse models of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. The research suggests that lower brain pH may be an underlying pathophysiology for these mental disorders.
Researchers have discovered a new biomarker associated with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of rare genetic disorders. Elevated CSF spermine levels were linked to CNS symptoms in patients, providing a potential diagnostic tool and target for novel therapeutics.
A new map of brain protein interactions could lead to more effective treatments for complex brain disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The map, created by USC researcher Marcelo P. Coba, highlights problematic pathways that current drugs are not targeting.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect approximately one in four people living with HIV, causing symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Researchers have found elevated levels of microRNAs affecting brain development, providing a potential biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
Researchers at McGill University have shown that practice can alter the way the brain uses sensory information, including visual perception. By temporarily deactivating a critical brain region, subjects who practiced with moving lines were able to perceive motion despite the region's inactivation.
A clinical study showed that patients wearing a smart walking assist immediately improved their locomotor abilities and could perform daily activities without support. The algorithm tailors assistance to each patient based on leg movement, stride length, and muscle activity to promote natural walking patterns.
Researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid from Ebola survivors and found no viral RNA, but the results may suggest potential for dormant virus transmission. The findings highlight the need for monitoring EVD survivors for neurologic symptoms suggesting relapse in the CNS.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a modified skin biopsy technique to hasten the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis, a rare and lethal nerve disease. The test, which detects protein clumps in skin samples, shows promise for more rapid clinical trials and improved treatment options.
Researchers developed FAST - a fast whole-brain imaging system that can visualize individual cells and subcellular structures in the entire brain. This technique allows for faster comparison of multiple brains to gain new insights into brain diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that measuring two proteins in the blood can accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder in approximately 75% of children. The diagnostic accuracy increases to 82% when both proteins are measured together.
Researchers used mathematics and MRI to better understand how neurological disorders affect brain connections. They discovered sub-networks called eigenmodes, which communicate information between brain regions.
A new brain network model suggests that understanding brain connections and structure can help predict how brain function changes after injury. The study identified key white matter pathways and lesions responsible for network disruptions, which could lead to more accurate treatment plans and therapeutic targets.
A new brain imaging study by CAMH researchers shows that brain inflammation is more than 30% higher in people with OCD compared to those without the condition. The study provides compelling evidence for a new potential direction for treating this anxiety disorder.
A new disease gene, MCM3AP, has been identified as causing early-onset axonal neuropathy and mild intellectual disability in multiple families worldwide. The gene was discovered using a global genetic matching platform, connecting patients and researchers from Finland to countries like Australia, Canada, Turkey, and Belgium.
The Child Mind Institute has released a comprehensive open dataset from the Healthy Brain Network study, featuring behavioral and cognitive assessments, brain imaging, genetics, and more. This dataset will enable researchers to identify biomarkers for childhood mental health disorders and develop new diagnostic tools.
A new robotic tool has been introduced for assessing muscle overactivity and movement dysfunction in stroke survivors. The robotic-assisted rehabilitation therapy is expected to improve the mobility of patients surviving a stroke.
Researchers found strong association between cognitive decline and small blood vessel disease in the brain, with 61% of older adults having at least one component of the condition. The study, part of the Atahualpa Project, suggests that vascular neurology may be an important factor in stroke and neurological disorders in Latin America.
A new study published in Nature Communications identifies specific neurons in the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex that encode perceived and memorized information. The researchers found that these neurons can signal whether a representation is real or imaginary, which may help treat disorders like schizophrenia.
Neurofibromatosis type I, an inherited disorder affecting brain development and function, will be studied by Assistant Professor Seth Tomchik. The disease predisposes individuals to behavioral symptoms such as ADHD, autism-like symptoms, learning disabilities, and chronic pain.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments engage the same brain system involved in everyday identification tasks. This finding may lead to new approaches to reduce medical errors by decreasing attentional focus during diagnosis.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that US military service members who experienced a mild concussion after blast injury may continue to experience mental health symptoms and decreased quality of life for at least five years. The study also highlights the need for more effective, long-term treatment strategies.
Researchers created 3D brain organoids that replicate human forebrain circuitry, revealing the role of cell migration in autism. They successfully corrected defective neuron migration using a drug, paving the way for personalized treatments.
A study led by Dr. Juan Pascual found that a modified Atkins diet can help reduce seizures and improve patients' long-term health. Clinical trials testing an edible oil derived from castor beans may also improve cognitive abilities in patients with Glut1 deficiency.
Researchers developed nondestructive nanowire technology to record electrical activity of neurons with high sensitivity and resolution. The technology enables simultaneous measurement of multiple neurons and can isolate individual signals, paving the way for accelerated drug development and better understanding of brain function.
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 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 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.