Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
Researchers from the University of Oregon and University of California, Davis, have identified a locking mechanism that allows neurons to form synapses, essential for transmitting information. This discovery sheds light on autism development, a brain disorder affecting social and communication abilities.
A University of Haifa research team has been awarded a European Union grant to investigate the role of synaptic proteins in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The project aims to create disease models using deliberate damage to protein function, with potential implications for understanding autism and schizophrenia.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals how a single disrupted gene can cause Angelman syndrome, a form of severe mental retardation. The researchers found that brain cells in mice with the condition lacked ability to strengthen or weaken connections, but that sensory deprivation could recover plasticity.
Researchers have identified a new gene variant associated with autism, found to be highly active in fetal brain regions critical for language and social behavior. The study suggests that this gene variant may contribute to an increased prenatal risk of autism.
Researchers identified genetic factors affecting autism risk, including genes involved in forming and maintaining brain cell connections. These findings may lead to better diagnostic strategies for children with autism.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a universal influenza vaccine that evokes high antibody titers, similar to those found in small animals infected with the disease. The vaccine, known as BIPCV, is well-tolerated and safe, even at low doses.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by examining brain activity in soldiers with and without the condition. The study found that individuals with PTSD exhibit distinct brain patterns, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing and sense of self.
Spartin localizes to lipid droplets and binds to TIP47, regulating their turnover. Overexpressing or knocking down Spartin causes an increase in LD size and number.
Researchers discovered an abnormality in the brains of adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This region normally activates when a reward stops, but in boys with ADHD, it fails to do so, leading to continued activation and impulsive behavior.
In the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT), chronic diseases such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer are leading causes of death. The Palestinian National Authority's response has been limited due to military occupation and its consequences on the healthcare system.
A Brown University research team has discovered a novel Fragile X granule in the brain that could serve as a target for future autism treatments. The finding opens a new line of research into potential treatments for autism, a neurological disorder that affects social interaction and communication.
Researchers at Tufts University found that long CGG repeats stall replication, leading to chromosomal fragility and breaking, and disable cellular checkpoints that repair replication malfunctions.
A global study found a genetic mutation in the RANBP2 gene increases risk for ANE, a degenerative brain disease. The study identified 12 families with the mutation, which accounted for 75% of familial or recurrent cases.
Researchers have identified reduced white matter circuitry in brains of individuals with congenital prosopagnosia, a condition that affects face recognition. This discovery may lead to further understanding of other neurodevelopment disorders.
Studies found three clinical features that can help accurately diagnose transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), including the speed of onset and a patient's medical history. These features correctly classified 79% of cases, leading to improved diagnosis accuracy and reduced risk of misdiagnosis.
Despite its biblical origins, leprosy remains a significant public health concern in the US, with approximately 150 cases diagnosed annually. Early treatment with medicine is crucial for full recovery, but misdiagnosis and lack of awareness among physicians lead to delayed treatment and debilitating damage.
Researchers used SPECT to detect brain perfusion abnormalities in fibromyalgia patients, revealing correlations with pain intensity and emotional responses. The study confirms fibromyalgia as a real disorder, not just depression-related, and may improve treatment prediction.
Recent study findings suggest expanding thrombolysis window to up to 4.5 hours after acute ischemic stroke may lead to worsening outcomes due to irreversible tissue damage. The UCSD Stroke Center emphasizes the importance of timely treatment, highlighting the critical need for door-to-needle time during a stroke.
University of Missouri researchers are studying facial features and brain structures in children with autism to develop a formula for earlier detection. The study aims to reveal genetic clues that can direct additional research and lead to more precise diagnosis.
Ahi1 and Hap1 form a stable complex in mouse brain, but truncated Ahi1 fails to stabilize Hap1; this affects TrkB levels crucial for nerve and brain development. The study provides insight into Joubert syndrome mechanisms.
Researchers identify key role of endogenous opioids in alcoholism-related cognitive impairment. Innovative therapies may improve or prevent alcohol-induced memory problems in patients with alcohol dependence.
A study by University of Granada researchers distinguishes between endogenous (voluntary) and exogenous (involuntary) attention systems. The findings have significant implications for understanding attention disorders and training healthy children.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center researchers has identified rare spontaneous copy number mutations in the genomes of individuals with schizophrenia, accounting for at least 10% of non-familial cases. These genetic mutations were found to be present in affected individuals but not in their biological parents.
UT Southwestern researchers found gene mutations in mice that control electrical excitability in the brain involved in sleep create a human-like insomnia disorder. The mutant mice slept half as much as normal mice and did not readily get restful sleep even after sleep deprivation.
Women with a family member who has had a hernia or prolapse are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heavy lifting and maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
Dr. Richard Stein has been awarded the Barbara Turnbull Award for Spinal Cord Research, a $50,000 prize, for his work on direct, microelectrical spinal cord stimulation. His innovative device aims to record sensory feedback from muscles and nerves in legs and hips to help paralyzed individuals walk.
Pak H. Chan receives the Thomas Willis Award for major contributions to stroke understanding, while S. Claiborne Johnston and Pooja Khatri receive awards for clinical stroke research and young investigator recognition respectively.
Researchers at Saint Louis University find that immune cells with pro-survival proteins accumulate in the bodies of patients with lupus, contributing to disease progression. The team aims to develop a therapy that blocks these proteins to restore balance in the immune system.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect activated platelets in the brain of mice with cerebral malaria, allowing for earlier diagnosis. The use of a specific single-chain antibody and iron oxide microparticles enables detection by MRI, potentially leading to improved therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
A new blood test developed by NIH scientists can diagnose Menkes disease in infants as early as birth, allowing for timely treatment that extends their survival. The test detects abnormal levels of catecholamines, a copper-dependent enzyme, which are present in the condition.
Researchers found that increasing ER calcium levels partially restored mutant lysosomal enzyme homeostasis in cell lines. Diltiazem and verapamil, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, achieved this through a Ca2+ ion-mediated upregulation of chaperones, potentially treating neuropathic storage diseases.
Researchers identified genetic variants that affect the efficacy of antidepressants, such as citalopram and venlafaxine. These variants influence the access of drugs to the brain by impacting protective transporter proteins like P-gp.
A mutation in the dynein protein may cause inherited neuropathy by disrupting cargo transport in sensory nerve cells, leading to severe proprioception defects and early-onset locomotion problems. This study provides crucial clues for developing better treatments for peripheral neuropathy.
A team of Japanese researchers found that premenstrual syndrome is tied to decreased nerve activity, particularly in those with extreme symptoms. Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder had altered sympathovagal activity even in the follicular phase, suggesting a potential underlying biomechanism for PMS.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that protein PEPT2 shields the brain from a naturally occurring but toxic compound found in lead poisoning and liver diseases. The study found that mice lacking PEPT2 died sooner and had higher concentrations of the toxin in their cerebrospinal fluid.
Cambridge researchers identified distinct brain patterns in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and their close family members. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnosis and prediction of OCD risk, as well as a better understanding of the underlying causes of the condition.
Youth with ADHD exhibit delayed brain maturation in frontal cortex areas, which can affect higher-order executive control functions. However, the delay is most pronounced in regions at the front of the brain's outer mantle, supporting ability to control thinking, attention, and planning.
A single amino acid variation in equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) creates a different type of EHV-1 that causes neurological disorders in horses. The researchers found that altering this amino acid reduces virus levels and makes the virus more susceptible to antiviral drugs.
Primary central nervous system vasculitis is a rare and poorly understood disorder that can lead to stroke or death. A recent Mayo Clinic study provides clarification on the methods of diagnosis and treatment, suggesting a combined diagnostic approach using angiography, brain biopsy, and laboratory studies.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully delivered beneficial gene to entire mouse brain with one injection, correcting diseased areas. The technique has potential for treating rare genetic neurological disorders like Tay-Sachs disease and Sly syndrome.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine have identified neurexin as essential for synapse growth, maintenance, and function. The study in Drosophila fruit flies may lead to insights into autism spectrum disorders and human neurological disorders.
Dr. Andrej Romanovsky has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to study the mechanisms of fever and hypothermia in systemic inflammation. His research aims to gain insight into the therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Autistic individuals often struggle with interpreting subtle social cues like facial expressions and tone of voice. A UCLA study found that explicit instructions can train their brains to respond appropriately. Researchers trained ASD children to pay attention to these cues, resulting in increased activity in the brain's 'social' network.
Muhammad B. Yunus synthesizes extensive literature on fibromyalgia and central sensitivity syndromes, linking them to real neurochemical abnormalities. He advocates for a biopsychosocial perspective in treating chronic pain syndromes.
A study found that adults who were close to the 9/11 disaster had increased amygdala activity in response to emotional stimuli several years later. The results suggest long-term neurobiological correlates of trauma exposure and potential vulnerability to mental health disorders.
A study by Charite Campus Benjamin Franklin in Berlin, Germany shows CT angiography is effective for detecting peripheral vascular disease. The technique outperforms digital subtraction angiography in diagnostic image quality and patient management decisions.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a breakthrough in understanding why some individuals may be predisposed to drug addiction. They found that certain changes in brain chemistry pre-date drug use and are linked to impulsivity. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for addiction with fewer side effects.
Research suggests that giving choline to infants after birth can improve their learning and behavior if they were exposed to alcohol during development. The study found that choline significantly reduced the severity of alcohol-related over-activity and spatial learning deficits in rats.
A study of 345 patients found that chronic dizziness was often caused by underlying psychiatric or neurologic conditions, with anxiety disorders accounting for 60% of cases. The research suggests that careful inquiry about key symptoms during evaluations can lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatment recommendations.
A recent NIH study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing acute ischemic stroke, the most common form of stroke. This can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients, with potential benefits including reduced misdiagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers discover a known mutation in the TGIF gene that causes Holoprosencephaly, a devastating brain disorder with lifelong effects. The study provides hope for detecting, preventing, and treating this rare condition through better understanding of fetal brain development.
A new study finds that reduced frontal-lobe activity and impulsivity are linked to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that individuals with high impulsivity may be more vulnerable to excessive drinking and other disinhibitory disorders.
A Saint Louis University study found no link between cash settlements for work-related back injuries and future impairment. Disability ratings didn't strongly correlate with day-to-day function levels, raising questions about the validity and fairness of current disability determination programs.
A protein called NMNAT has been found to protect against nerve cell degeneration, with researchers discovering it plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal health. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that increasing NMNAT production could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases affecting the nervous system.
Researchers found lower levels of dopamine transporters in certain brain regions of ADHD patients compared to controls. ADHD patients experienced higher levels of inattention despite similar dopamine transporter levels, indicating a complex relationship between dopamine and attention.
Medicaid patients are less likely to receive recommended cardiac care, including short-term medications and invasive procedures. They also have higher in-hospital mortality rates and are less likely to receive recommended discharge care. The study suggests that system problems and biases may contribute to these disparities.
A version of a gene has been linked to autism in families where more than one child is affected. The variant, which impairs brain development, was found in people with autism spectrum disorders and their parents, but not in controls.
A University of New South Wales PhD student has discovered a way to measure brain waves to diagnose and monitor color perception diseases. The study found that brain activity patterns could be used to reveal the finest color discriminations individuals can make, potentially leading to a new visual health test.
Researchers found that prosopagnosia, or face blindness, can be inherited and affects the ability to recognize familiar faces. Those with the disorder use various strategies to cope, including recognizing people by voice or clothing, and often go unnoticed by physicians other than neurologists.
A recent genetic study discovered a link between beta-actin mutations and developmental brain disorders, including dystonia. The findings suggest that these mutations may play a wider role in a range of congenital diseases.