Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
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.
Researchers developed mosaic mini-brains to study focal cortical dysplasia type II, a condition causing seizures in children. The findings support the two-hit model, suggesting that complete loss of DEPDC5 is necessary and sufficient to initiate the disease, with mosaicism determining lesion extent.
Researchers developed MitoCatch, a system that targets disease-affected cells with healthy mitochondria. The innovation enables efficient cell type-specific mitochondrial delivery, improving survival of damaged neurons in vitro and retinal ganglion cells in vivo.
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that higher sodium intake is associated with a faster decline in episodic memory in men. The study of over 1,200 participants suggests that diets high in salt may have broader cognitive impacts than previously understood.
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
A large sample of US Special Operations Forces personnel were found to have a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms with greater repeated blast exposure. The study suggests that repeated low-level blast exposure during years of service may leave a measurable vascular signature in the brain.
A new study by MIT researchers uses advanced human cell cultures to model Rett syndrome, revealing distinct abnormalities caused by two different mutations of the MECP2 gene. The findings suggest that correcting key differences made by each mutation requires different treatments, paving the way for personalized therapies.
Researchers discovered multiple molecular subtypes of kinesin-2 with distinct compositions and functions, including a KIF3B/B/KAP3 complex that preferentially associates with TRIM46 and facilitates its transport to the AIS. This study provides insights into how neurons regulate cargo delivery with specificity.
A new study shows that poststroke environmental enrichment reduces chronic inflammation and promotes sustained sensorimotor recovery in mice. The study found that enriched environment mice had better neurological scores and stronger recovery compared to standard environment mice.
The Barrow Neuro Analytics Center has nearly doubled its dedicated research space to 18,000 square feet, supporting growing neurological research programs. Researchers at the center are globally renowned for their work on Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and other neurological disorders using data-focused methods.
The Salk Institute will lead an ARPA-H-funded project to develop ultrasound-sensitive protein tools, wearable ultrasound delivery technology, and a translational path to the clinic for major unmet medical needs. The team aims to create a noninvasive therapy for conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.
Researchers used base editing to correct the SCN8A gene mutation responsible for severe inherited epilepsy. The approach successfully eliminated or reduced seizures and improved brain function in lab mice, offering new hope for treating genetic epilepsies.
A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.
The review highlights LRRK2's diverse cellular functions and pathogenic mechanisms in various diseases, including Parkinson's disease and inflammatory disorders. Therapeutic strategies targeting LRRK2, such as kinase inhibitors and emerging approaches like PROTACs and gene therapy, show promise for correcting cellular imbalances and re...
A new survey by Autism BrainNet reveals a significant disconnect between Americans' strong support for autism research and their limited understanding of postmortem brain donation. The survey found that 70% of respondents had never heard of brain donation, despite 92% agreeing its importance in advancing research.
A team of researchers discovered that inflammation in multiple sclerosis causes DNA damage to neurons essential for higher thinking and cognition. This finding provides a new direction for the field and highlights the importance of protecting grey matter neurons from damage.
A clinical trial by University of Auckland researchers found that high-intensity therapy for patients begun within two weeks of a stroke did not improve hand and arm recovery. Despite the extra therapy, neither group did better than a cohort who received standard care alone.
A nationwide Japanese trial found that catheter ablation did not reduce the risk of recurrent stroke or major cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation who had recently experienced a stroke. The study, which enrolled 251 patients and followed them for over three years, suggests that routine addition of catheter ablatio...
Researchers have identified TIE2 as a crucial link between two signaling pathways that drive the growth of blood vessel abnormalities in the brain. Inhibiting TIE2 with a small drug called rebastinib may provide an endothelial cell-centered approach to prevent CCMs, which can cause brain hemorrhages and seizures.
Researchers identify gut-derived cells as key initiators of autoimmune neuroinflammation in Multiple Sclerosis. The study reveals that intestinal epithelial cells upregulate antigen presentation pathways, leading to the expansion of pathogenic Th17 cells that migrate to the CNS.
A clinical trial found that high-intensity therapy for patients begun within two weeks of a stroke did not improve hand and arm recovery beyond standard care. Despite having access to extra therapy, neither group did better than a cohort who received standard care alone.
The Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study, led by USF researchers, aims to delay the onset of dementia through computerized brain training exercises. With over $50 million in federal grant funding, the trial has enrolled 7,600 older adults and is expected to conclude in January 2028.
Regulatory B cells produce anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, which dampens inflammatory responses and guides T cells toward regulatory phenotypes. This immune modulation can counteract damaging inflammation and promote neuroprotection.
A new book by Swansea University researchers argues that attention impairments, rather than memory dysfunction, are a key aspect of dementia. The authors suggest that recognizing these changes could lead to earlier identification, improved diagnosis, and better care for those affected.
A Finnish registry study found that severe infections, such as cystitis and bacterial disease, are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The study examined nationwide health registry data and identified 29 diseases linked to dementia risk, including mental disorders, Parkinson's disease, and alcohol-related mental disorders.
An international team led by Universitat Politècnica de València has developed HoliAtlas, a highly detailed structural atlas of the human brain. This comprehensive map will aid in studying neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and enable more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers define a new genetic disease marked by premature aging and brain function deficits, tracing the cause to a mutated IVNS1ABP gene. The study uses genome sequencing and cellular reprogramming to identify potential treatment targets.
A study using UK Biobank data identified five clear risk factors for PSP, including depression, delirium, gut problems, heavy drinking, and being overweight. Early detection may enable timely clinical trial enrollment for new treatments.
Researchers found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction improved heart health, but did not produce measurable cognitive benefits over two years in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights a critical gap between vascular risk reduction and brain health.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has seen a significant increase in prevalence, with standardised prevalence doubling from 107 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 232 per 100,000 in 2020. The study also found that survival rates improved due to advances in treatments and care, but inequalities persist, particularly in deprived areas.
CURE SYNGAP1 accelerates treatment development for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders through rigorous research and family-led leadership. The organization has funded over $8 million in grants and identified over 1,707 patients to date.
Huntington's disease is caused by a toxic protein that builds in brain cells and spreads to other cells through tunneling nanotubes. Disrupting this pathway reduces the spread of the disease-causing protein, suggesting a new target for therapy.
The gut microbiota influences the central nervous system (CNS) through neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic pathways. Dysregulation of this axis is linked to various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
Developed by CU Anschutz experts, the tool helps patients weigh treatment options and boosts confidence. The majority of patients reported it was helpful in their decision-making process, finding it useful and satisfied with the tool.
A new University of Arizona study found that exposure to certain pesticides before pregnancy is associated with lower Apgar scores, a measure of newborn health. The study suggests that pesticides can affect the next generation, highlighting the importance of regulating pesticide use to improve maternal and child health.
A new study identifies a previously unknown brainstem pathway controlling hand and arm movements, revealing a multi-stage pathway integrating signals from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal networks. This finding may lead to new therapies for stroke rehabilitation, providing additional targets for neuromodulation treatments.
Researchers tracked daily behaviors of African turquoise killifish for four years, identifying 100 distinct 'behavioral syllables' that predicted lifespan. Fish that lived longer tended to sleep at night, swim with greater vigor, and be more active during daylight hours.
The ISSCR has launched a new continuing education course on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease, addressing the need for clinicians to provide accurate information on emerging treatments. The course features expert faculty and patient perspectives, and is available through a free and paid pathway.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital appoints Carsten Bönnemann, MD, to lead the newly created Department of Genomic and Translational Neuroscience, focusing on catastrophic neurological disorders. The department aims to develop genetic precision therapies and advance research into complex pediatric neurological conditions.
A new review outlines the scientific explanations behind ketogenic diets' therapeutic benefits for epilepsy, including their ability to strengthen brain energy systems, reduce inflammation, and protect neurons. The review highlights the need for further research, particularly in adults, to develop new therapies that mirror the diet's e...
A prospective multicenter study found Woven EndoBridge therapy safe and effective for unruptured wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms in Chinese patients. The therapy promotes durable aneurysm occlusion with minimal risks.
Researchers created the most comprehensive single-cell atlas of epigenetic changes in the aging mouse brain, revealing how DNA methylation, genome structure, and gene activity change across brain regions and cell types. The atlas has already shown clear epigenetic differences between different age groups and allowed the development of ...
Researchers found elevated pTau levels in individuals with transthyretin amyloidosis and immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis, suggesting a new diagnostic approach for systemic amyloidosis. The findings may facilitate earlier detection and help confirm suspected cases.
Researchers developed a fast, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic tool using retinal images to differentiate between ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The tool, based on polarized light analysis, accurately predicted disease severity and type with high accuracy.
A large survey of stroke survivors under 50 found that they experience more difficulties concentrating and have poorer mental health days compared to older survivors. Younger survivors who were not working faced the greatest challenges in their recovery, highlighting the need for unique support services.
A mini-review synthesizes large-scale genomic findings to illuminate the polygenic architecture underlying common epilepsies. Rare genetic variants contribute to epilepsy risk, with shared biological pathways involving ion channel function and synaptic excitability
A new study found that functional impairment worsened over time in individuals with early Parkinson's disease, despite plateaued symptoms, with gait, balance, and posture being the most bothersome issues. The study's results underscore the importance of incorporating real-world measures of disease progression in clinical trial design.
Patients with neurological diseases face profound questions about identity, purpose, and meaning, but neurologists often lack training and tools to address these concerns. A new paper offers practical strategies for incorporating spiritual assessment into routine neurological care.
Researchers discovered that FOXJ3 gene mutations disrupt brain layer formation, leading to drug-resistant epilepsy. The study reveals a critical link between abnormal brain development and epilepsy, identifying FOXJ3 as a key genetic and molecular cause.
Researchers have identified two compounds that restore chloride balance in neurons, thereby allowing GABAergic signaling to regain its inhibitory function. PCPZ and CLP-257 significantly improved KCC2 efficiency, reducing seizures and other electrical markers of epileptic activity in human brain tissue and animal models.
A comprehensive review synthesizes the science behind vagus nerve modulation therapies, which use controlled signals to influence brain circuits and inflammation. The authors identify key mechanisms and propose next-generation treatments tailored to individual patients and conditions.
A new medication called zorevunersen has been found to reduce seizures in children with Dravet syndrome by up to 91%, improving their quality of life and behavior. The study, led by University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, also showed the potential to reduce the impact of the condition on mental processes.
A network of genes connected to the nervous and immune systems can predict liver cancer risk, fatigue, and depression from viral hepatitis infection. The neuroimmunoma biomarker may monitor disease progression and indicate possible psychiatric complications.
A new study from CU Anschutz links chronic back pain to heightened brain responses to everyday sounds and finds that Pain Reprocessing Therapy can improve sensory amplification. The research found specific brain changes associated with sound hypersensitivity, which can be treated with psychological therapy.
A UCF researcher is pursuing innovative approaches to treat diabetic neuropathy without relying on pain pills and anti-depressants. Dr. Jim Nichols is investigating overlooked mechanisms in the body that may show how insulin deficiency affects sensation in limbs.
A pilot clinical trial suggests that low-dose oral lithium may help slow the decline of verbal memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with evidence of amyloid beta. The study found that participants receiving lithium showed a slower rate of decline on a sensitive test of verbal memory.
A global study synthesizes evidence on dementia inequities in Indigenous communities, highlighting their cultural strengths as neuroprotective resources. The authors recommend centering culture and community in brain health research to promote lifelong equity and strengths-based models of dementia care.
MIT neuroscientists have found that two genetic mutations causing Rett syndrome compromise the structural integrity of developing blood vessels, leading to leaky vessels. Overexpression of miRNA-126-3p is responsible for the vascular defect, which can be rescued by reducing the miRNA's levels.