Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
The University of Michigan has successfully implanted the first-in-human Paradromics wireless brain-computer interface, designed to restore communication for patients with difficulty speaking. The clinical trial will focus on the device's long-term safety and assess its ability to restore communication through synthesized text and speech.
A new study revealed that retinal photographs can accurately predict many common risk factors associated with developing Alzheimer's disease. The AI model identified regions of the retina linked to Alzheimer's risk factors, such as arteries and optical nerve, and predicted lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use.
Research finds different underlying factors driving growth in people living with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease. Improvements in treatment and care contribute to increased life expectancy for MS and MND patients.
A brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed at the University of California - Davis Health, allowing a person with severe paralysis caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate, work, and interact with the digital world without assistance. The BCI system has been tested in a 47-year-old man with ALS, who ...
A USC study found subtle but widespread differences in the brain's communication networks in people with bipolar disorder, relating these differences to illness severity and treatment. The research team analyzed brain scans from 449 individuals with bipolar disorder and 510 healthy controls, revealing less densely connected networks an...
A new EPI-SLEEP study will investigate the impact of personalized in-ear sleep technology on sleep disturbances and circadian health in adults with epilepsy. The study aims to generate robust evidence for a low-risk approach to improving sleep without adding medication burden.
A study analyzing French and Swedish national health databases reveals a rise in Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron diseases' prevalence worldwide. Improved life expectancy and therapies contribute to the increase in multiple sclerosis cases, while population aging is the primary driver of ALS rising incidence.
A new compound, compound 10, has shown promising effects in slowing the development of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting GRK2 aggregation. This leads to improved mitochondrial function and reduced amyloid beta deposition, potentially breaking a vicious circle that contributes to dementia progression.
A pioneering pilot clinical trial showed that spinal cord stimulation improved arm strength by 32% in stroke survivors, with significant reductions in muscle spasticity. The intervention required minimal training time and was safe with no serious adverse events.
University of Delaware researchers are developing an AI-powered approach to diagnose epilepsy earlier by identifying subtle EEG patterns. The method, tested on mice with genetic forms of epilepsy, shows promise for detecting biomarkers that flag underlying changes in brain activity before seizures occur.
The new vaccine adjuvant induces a strong mucosal immune response in the GI tract, which is crucial for eradicating polio. The researchers achieved a 20-fold increase in antibodies needed for mucosal immunity compared to the existing injectable polio vaccine.
Researchers have identified an experimental molecule called OLE that helps restore microglia's protective function against Alzheimer's disease. The compound reduces beta-amyloid plaque size and toxicity, improving cognitive performance in memory tests.
Researchers developed a new reference model for the human brain using diffusion MRI scans from over 54,000 people. The model provides growth charts for white matter neural pathways, helping identify subtle changes linked to aging, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia risk and other neurological conditions.
A groundbreaking study created a world's first pure cerebral microbleed model by targeting brain vascular collagen IV using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The research implicated dysfunctional collagen in tiny brain hemorrhages, which are strongly associated with dementia and cognitive decline.
A major clinical trial found ocrelizumab significantly slows disability progression and preserves hand and upper-limb function in people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The study included over 1,000 patients across 22 countries and showed a 30% lower risk of disability progression.
A new brain imaging test can detect Alzheimer's disease pathology in twice as many people before symptoms appear. The test uses a new tau PET tracer that identifies more tau-positive cases than the current standard, leading to better decisions about who is on an Alzheimer's trajectory.
A new approach combines MRI scans and AI tools to measure fluid flow in the brain, shedding light on the glymphatic system’s mechanics. The study reveals two main ways the system washes away particles, with one way moving faster than the other.
Guldner will investigate cellular communication mechanisms that regulate brain aging and disease, targeting those interactions to preserve brain health. His research aims to build the scientific foundation for future strategies to protect cognitive health by revealing early cellular shifts that precede disease.
Researchers identified a potential new way to relieve chronic pain linked to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Blocking MAPK signaling with a MEK inhibitor lowered GDNF levels in Schwann cells and reduced pain-like responses in mice.
Research analyzed over 35.8 million emergency department visits to compare fall-related injury risks among adults with and without intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or cerebral palsy. Adults with these conditions were more likely to visit the emergency department due to falls, especially at younger ages.
Migraine with aura is linked to a 73% increased risk of ischemic stroke in middle-aged and older adults. The study found no association between migraine without aura and an increased risk of stroke. Men under age 72 with migraine also face a significantly higher risk of stroke, contradicting previous research in younger individuals.
A study published in Neurology found that quitting smoking is associated with a lower risk of dementia, especially for those who maintain a stable weight. The research followed 32,802 middle-aged and older individuals without dementia at the start of the study, finding a sustained lower risk of dementia with time since quitting.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
Researchers mapped HuD-bound mRNAs across embryonic and adult mouse brains, finding shared biological pathways. The study suggests that adult neurons use an embryonic
A case-control study found that amateur-level soccer heading is associated with increased blood biomarkers of neural damage, including dose-response relationships. The findings suggest that even low-impact heading may acutely affect neural integrity.
The study found that visual occlusion triggers brain compensation characterized by enhanced functional connectivity between the right precentral and middle frontal gyri. Walking activates multiple sensorimotor pathways to support basic locomotion, and visual occlusion further strengthens this connection as a compensatory mechanism.
A long-term study of patients treated with flow diversion devices (FDDs) for intracranial aneurysms revealed excellent safety profiles, with no significant differences in outcomes between various FDD platforms. The study found that multiple FDDs were associated with a higher risk of insufficient closure and delayed complications.
Researchers analyzed brain tissue from MSA patients and found that the immune cells known as microglia appear to be exhausted or dysfunctional in later stages of the disease. The study suggests that an overactive immune system may contribute to the development of MSA, providing a potential target for future treatment.
Children and adolescents in Gaza who suffered penetrating traumatic brain injury during armed conflict experienced substantial morbidity and mortality. Survivors often endured neurological impairments and long-term psychosocial challenges.
A study published in Chinese Neurosurgical Journal shows that heat-based therapy, such as RF-TC, alters brain network connectivity in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. This may help predict treatment response and guide personalized interventions.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that neuronal hyperactivity triggered by rogue antibodies is a key driver of the severe autoimmune brain disorder IgLON5 encephalitis. The research also highlights similarities between this condition and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
A new AI model, ECG2Stroke, can predict the risk of a stroke up to 10 years into the future using only electrocardiogram (ECG) data and a patient's age and sex. The model was trained on over 200,000 patients and showed accuracy in predicting cardioembolic strokes, which are preventable with blood thinners.
A recent Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed data from 1990 to 2021, revealing a significant increase in neurological disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. The study identified a turning point coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for coordinated national strategies to address t...
A three-year research project aims to identify the molecular pathways linking exposure to pesticides and air pollution to Parkinson's disease development and progression. The study will analyze human stem cells, animal models, and genetic analyses to understand how environmental toxins trigger disease onset.
A research team at the University of Zurich has developed a new gene editing approach that correctly treats the genetic mutation causing hereditary epilepsy in mice. The therapy improves communication between nerve cells, reduces febrile seizures, and increases survival rates.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have developed a method to predict attention lapses in children using real-time brain signals. A brief targeted intervention can restore focus when delivered exactly at the moment of predicted lapse.
A preclinical study using precision gene editing targets and corrects the root cause of Dravet syndrome, a rare form of childhood epilepsy. The approach demonstrates significant success in treating the disease, including improved survival rates and reduced seizures.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine reveals that traumatic experiences during critical periods of life, particularly childhood to early adulthood, have lasting impacts on brain development and behavior. The research found that the timing of trauma, not its type, plays a key role in determining distinct behavioral outcomes.
The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases will investigate how environmental exposures cause neurodegeneration and develop methods to prevent or mitigate these exposures. The project aims to improve diagnostics and future therapies for Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by heterogeneity across individuals.
Researchers develop tailored revascularization approach for moyamoya disease, improving circulation while minimizing complications. The technique, called STAPC, uses vessel diameter, blood-flow dynamics, and recipient brain arteries to guide surgical decisions.
A new study has found that individuals with insulin-requiring type 1 and type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without diabetes. The study, which examined over 1.3 million adults in South Korea, suggests that dementia risk is not the same for all types of diabetes.
Researchers developed multiplexed MRI technology, enabling simultaneous imaging of signals from multiple molecules in the brain. The technology provides a comprehensive view of the brain's structure, physiology, and molecular processes, allowing for more precise diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.
A large population-based study found that children with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of also having autism spectrum disorder. The study highlighted key differences between children with co-occurring conditions, including intellectual disability and age of diagnosis.
A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.
A doctoral thesis reveals two drug molecules that can initiate the regrowth of a protective layer surrounding neurons, enhancing remyelination and accelerating brain tissue repair. The study also identifies scar tissue as a physical barrier to neural regeneration and demonstrates effective treatment with a second drug molecule.
The American Stroke Association honors seven Stroke Heroes for their efforts in supporting survivors and caregivers through connection, education, and shared experiences. The winners showcase how personal experience can become a source of strength for others, reducing isolation and helping fellow survivors find a path forward.
Knowing stroke signs can help protect the brain, reduce long-term disability, and save a life, according to the American Stroke Association. Approximately 2 million brain cells die every minute when stroke goes untreated, making early recognition critical.
A protein called Teneurin 4 directs neuronal migration through mutually exclusive pathways, regulating adhesion to fibres and enabling faster movement. The discovery improves understanding of brain development and offers insights into neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers at CUNY ASRC have uncovered a metabolic switch that influences the formation of myelinating cells, helping shape brain development. The study reveals that glucose levels act as a signal directing behavior during development and can be harnessed to protect myelin in the developing brain and promote repair in disease states.
Researchers discovered that interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) occur in a predictable pattern, unfolding sequentially in individual neurons. Nearly 80% of IED-involving neurons are also involved in language and perception, suggesting the brain blips can derail cognition.
A new review proposes a prevention-focused framework for understanding Parkinson's disease risk, highlighting the role of early-life vulnerability, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. The study suggests that susceptibility to PD may begin earlier in life through interactions between biology and environment.
Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.
A study using mice and simulations found that abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and brain, enabling gentle brain movement that facilitates cerebrospinal fluid flow and potentially removes neural waste. This mechanism may explain why exercise is thought to benefit brain health.
Researchers from the Salk Institute found that astrocytes play a crucial role in fragile X syndrome symptoms. Correcting dysregulations in star-shaped brain cells improved some symptoms, including reduced seizures and restored molecular balances in a mouse model of FXS. The study validates the importance of studying astrocytes in FXS r...
A recent study has found that epigenetic clocks are associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, but only specific epigenetic markers related to smoking exposure are linked to neurodegenerative changes. The study suggests that measures of epigenetic age acceleration capture different aspects of biological aging.
A national study found that people with severe strokes have a five times higher odds of developing dementia. Stroke severity also affects thinking and memory after stroke, highlighting the need for close monitoring and treatment of dementia risk factors.
tACS modulates brain oscillations, induces synaptic plasticity, and regulates neurotransmitter release to alleviate symptoms of various neuropsychiatric conditions. Personalized approaches are essential for treatment efficacy.
A USC-led team is working on a medical device that uses tears to monitor health, starting with dry eye disease. The device aims to provide continuous monitoring and automated medication delivery, improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
Researchers at DZNE discovered complex, situation-dependent interactions between glioblastoma cells and microglia in the brain. The study found that microglial activity changes as tumors spread, influencing containment and spread of the disease.
A study from Rice University reveals that caregivers' relationships play a crucial role in their mental and physical health. Caregivers who are more self-reliant or emotionally distant experience worse health outcomes, but those with higher relationship satisfaction have stronger buffering effects.