Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
A new study reveals that the primary cilium plays a crucial role in guiding interneurons to their correct locations during brain development. This navigation system is disrupted in individuals with Joubert syndrome, a rare neurological disorder linked to autism spectrum disorders and brain structure malformations.
Researchers found that neurotics with high levels of conscientiousness had lower inflammation levels, fewer chronic health conditions, and healthier body mass indices. This suggests that 'healthy neuroticism' may provide a protective effect against long-term health problems.
The 25th ECNP Congress showcased innovative research on brain disorders, highlighting the importance of neuroscience in prevention and treatment. Key findings included new insights into neural plasticity and its potential for novel treatments.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have received a $9.3 million grant from the NIH to develop a three-dimensional map of gene activities in individual cells in the human cortex. Understanding variations between individual cells may be critical to understanding the origins of diseases such as brain disorders.
UT Southwestern has been selected as one of 25 sites for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's (NINDS) NeuroNEXT clinical trials network. The network aims to streamline clinical trials for brain diseases by creating a shared infrastructure and institutional review board.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that women with moyamoya disease are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, including stroke, after surgical treatment. Despite this, both men and women experience significant improvements in health and functioning after surgery.
Balint's syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that badly impairs a patient's ability to make sense of what they see. Patients experience difficulties with eye movements, arm pointing, and visual field constriction.
A new UCLA study identifies uniquely human patterns of gene activity in the brain that could deepen our understanding of human evolution and brain diseases. The research suggests that complex signaling pathways and enhanced cellular function in the frontal lobe created a bridge to human evolution, enabling higher rates of learning.
A NIH-funded study reveals that hoarding disorder is associated with abnormal brain activity in areas processing error monitoring and weighing the value of possessions. Patients with hoarding disorder tend to over-activate these areas when deciding about their own possessions, but under-activate them when dealing with others' stuff.
Patients with hoarding disorder showed abnormal brain activity when deciding about possessions, with reduced activity for items not belonging to them and increased activity for items that did. The study found that these patients had difficulty discarding possessions, with fewer items discarded compared to healthy individuals.
Researchers at UCLA have combined gene expression and peripheral blood analysis to identify potential precursors of autism. The study found strong links between genetic variations in specific regions of the genome and altered expression patterns in genes related to nervous-system function.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong association between psychological distress and an increased risk of death from stroke. The research, which analyzed data from over 68,000 participants, suggests that questionnaires could be useful screening tools for common mental illnesses to help redu...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel approach to probing the susceptible brain using electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allows for ongoing monitoring tailored to each individual, enabling early or preventive intervention.
Researchers sequenced exomes of 118 patients with specific neurodevelopmental diseases, identifying numerous disease-causing genes. In approximately 10% of cases, exome sequencing led to the identification of a known disease-causing gene, prompting changes in diagnosis and care for some patients.
A Kaiser Permanente study found a strong association between childhood obesity and the development of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, particularly in non-Hispanic white teenage girls. The condition can result in blindness if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Saks Fifth Avenue's month-long charity drive raised $1.1 million for 196 organizations, including $17,000 for TGen biomedical research. The program linked customer accounts with chosen charities, allowing for significant charitable contributions.
A recent study by Yale University researchers identified a pattern of gene activity in the human brain associated with autism and learning disabilities. The findings suggest that the same evolutionary mechanisms that enabled human cognitive abilities may also contribute to psychiatric disorders like autism.
The Science Media Centre, London, has been awarded the 2012 ECNP Media Award for its outstanding contributions to destigmatising brain disorders. The centre's work highlights the connection between scientific research and public awareness, making complex issues more accessible to a wide audience.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking observation of cellular architecture using high-powered microscopes, revealing the structure of microtubules during gamete formation. The findings could impact the treatment of diseases caused by misregulation of microtubule structures, including Down syndrome and cancer.
Researchers found glycolipids play a crucial role in controlling cell growth, with defects linked to neurofibromatosis and certain cancers. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and potential drug development.
Researchers have found that individuals with specific gene variants are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms after exposure to trauma. The study suggests a genetic link to PTSD, which could lead to new screening methods and targeted treatments.
A study led by Eric Courchesne identified genetic mechanisms involved in abnormal early brain development and overgrowth in young autism patients. The findings suggest novel genetic and molecular targets for prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered significant brain differences in infants as young as six months old who later develop autism. Infants with autism showed changes in white matter pathways, which may be used to diagnose the disorder earlier.
Hip fracture patients with undiagnosed neurological disorders, such as cervical myelopathy, are at increased risk of falls and additional fractures. Screening for cervical myelopathy should be standard care for all hip fracture patients to reduce this risk.
A group of international health experts is calling for a special UN session to focus global attention on mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. The authors outline three broad areas of action needed, including enhancing access to evidence-based care and expanding knowledge about MNS disorders.
Research suggests internet addiction disorder is characterized by impaired white matter fibers in the brain, affecting emotional regulation and cognitive control. This study provides a new approach to understanding IAD, potentially leading to novel treatments.
Researchers found that a new vaccine was partially effective at preventing genital herpes disease caused by HSV-1, with significant protection offered to some women. However, the vaccine did not protect women from genital disease caused by HSV-2.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders. After four weeks of single-blind stimulation, 58% of patients achieved remission and showed significant improvement in function.
Researchers identify neurobiological characteristics linked to complex neuropsychiatric disorders as potential biomarkers. Cognitive deficits are recognized as core features of schizophrenia, reflecting a broader, more multidimensional illness than traditional diagnosis.
A special issue of NeuroRehabilitation highlights the latest clinical advances in vestibular rehabilitation, a proven treatment for balance disorders associated with neurological disease or trauma. The integration of multiple disciplines and specialized training has improved patient outcomes.
Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. The goal is to define biomarkers for PTSD and TBI, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
Recent studies shed light on how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in individuals with autism and fragile X syndrome. The research findings offer new tools for understanding these conditions, paving the way for effective education, early intervention, and potential treatments.
Studies show how brain structure, genes, and chemicals interact to affect behavior in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. New findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for conditions like fragile X syndrome and bipolar disorder.
Researchers at Uppsala University have examined the mechanism of gene transcription and found that genes active in the brain are transcribed with a special mechanism. During fetal development, there is a larger proportion of RNA molecules containing introns compared to fully developed brains.
Researchers created databases showing how genes turn on and off in multiple brain regions through development, revealing a 'consistent molecular architecture' across individuals. Key findings include individual genetic variations linked to expression patterns, with most genes reversing their direction of expression after birth.
Research from the University of California - San Diego School of Medicine found that people with prehypertension have a 55% higher risk of experiencing a future stroke than those without. The study analyzed 12 prospective cohort studies involving over 518,000 participants and found that even high-but-normal blood pressure elevates stro...
Researchers have found that brain wiring continues to develop well into our 20s, with structural changes in the white matter being detected in healthy adults using magnetic resonance imaging. This challenges the long-held belief that brain development stops at adolescence.
Researchers have discovered that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by a 'disinhibited' brain, with increased excitability in both the affected and unaffected hands. The study found altered sensory perception in CRPS patients, indicating a complex role of changes in the central nervous system.
Research shows people with PTSD struggle to identify specific emotions, such as fear and sadness, from facial cues. The study found that war veterans with PTSD were less able to recognize these emotions compared to healthy subjects.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a biological sign of autism in very young toddlers by scanning their brain activity while sleeping. The study found that autistic brains exhibited weaker synchronization between brain areas tied to language and communication compared to non-autistic children.
A team of scientists has uncovered a novel mechanism regulating gene expression and transcription linked to Spinocerebellar ataxia 7, an inherited neurological disorder. Non-coding RNA plays key role in neurological development and function.
New imaging tools and techniques are advancing our understanding of brain structure and function, particularly in relation to neurological disorders. These breakthroughs are contributing to insights into healthy brain development and adult life, as well as the complex networks that link brain activity.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that residents of the Stroke Belt, a southern region of the US, have a higher incidence of cognitive decline than other regions. The research team believes shared risk factors are to blame and suggests investigating regional patterns contributing to modifiable risk factors.
Scientists uncover a highly conserved dual mechanism that regulates both brain development and function across diverse species. The discovery could lead to biomarkers for neurological diseases and potentially cure them with microRNA therapeutics.
An international team identified a genetic mutation responsible for a hereditary neurological disorder affecting members of a Palestinian family. The researchers used a combination of genome sequencing technology and disease-network analysis to pinpoint the causative mutation, which is found in approximately 1 in 200 Palestinians.
Researchers found that autistic brains concentrate more activity in temporal and occipital regions, which are involved in pattern recognition and object perception. This enables them to perform well in visual tasks that require reasoning and decision-making.
Mouse brains compensate for disrupted neural functioning by enabling existing neurons to be more active and increasing their lifespan. The findings provide new insight into the brain's plasticity and its ability to reroute neural functioning.
University of South Florida researchers have found that the blood-brain barrier is structurally and functionally damaged in mice with Sanfilippo syndrome type B. This damage may lead to destruction of the central nervous system equilibrium and accelerate neuropathological changes in the disease.
A gene mutation linked to schizophrenia has been identified and shows potential for treating the brain disorder with existing compounds. The mutation impacts a neuropeptide receptor VIPR2, which plays a crucial role in brain development and behavior.
Researchers at Stanford have developed a new method that allows them to examine the deep brain's neurons for months, enabling studies on diseases like dementia and cancer. The technique uses tiny glass tubes with microendoscopes to monitor individual cells over prolonged periods.
Harvard and University of Utah researchers have developed a biologically based test for autism, detecting high-functioning autism with 94 percent accuracy. The test uses MRI to measure deviations in brain circuitry, revealing insights into the biological basis of autism and potential improvements in management and treatments.
Researchers found that magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can help diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disorder caused by repetitive head trauma. The study revealed altered levels of neurochemicals in the brains of former athletes with suspected CTE, suggesting a potential non-invasive early detection method.
Researchers found a 30-50% difference in glial cells between female and male rats, which affected social behavior. Exposure to cannabis-like compounds normalized the difference in play behavior in female rats.
A National Stroke Association survey reveals that 53% of stroke survivors suffer from pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition causing involuntary laughter or crying. PBA symptoms interfere with daily activities and relationships, but few are aware of the condition.
Researchers identified duplicated or missing DNA segments in children with ADHD, suggesting a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study also found overlap between ADHD and autism, suggesting a shared biological basis.
A new study by Saint Louis University researcher Lisa Cannada found that women who give birth after suffering pelvic fractures receive C-sections at more than double normal rates. Women also experience lingering symptoms such as urinary complications and post-traumatic stress disorder after a pelvic fracture injury.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a new method to track brain development in children using functional MRI scans, which may shed light on psychological and developmental disorders. The approach uses mathematical analysis to identify abnormal brain function, enabling early detection and potential treatment.
A team of scientists has created a brain atlas that maps the connections between different parts of the human brain. This atlas will help researchers better understand disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, which are believed to be caused by abnormal connections among different regions within the brain.
Researchers used whole exome sequencing to discover a single gene at the root of several types of childhood brain disorders, including malformations of cortical development. The study found six unique mutations in the WDR62 gene among 30 families, highlighting its crucial role in human cortical brain development.
Research shows that IBS is associated with both decreases and increases in grey matter density in key brain areas involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain inhibition. These findings suggest a 'brain-gut disorder' component and move beyond the traditional view of IBS as a functional syndrome.