Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
A comprehensive review reveals tau protein plays essential roles in brain functions while driving neurodegeneration and psychopathology. Tau deficiency enhances insulin secretion, normalizing glucose levels in diabetic mouse models.
Researchers investigated a combination of stem cell therapy and BDNF enhancement to treat Parkinson's disease. The strategy aims to promote neuroregeneration and functional recovery by introducing progenitor cells genetically matched to the donors, while upregulating BDNF to mitigate neuronal loss and enhance motor function.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
Researchers have discovered that certain gut bacteria with similar structures to the protective layer of nerves can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism accelerates the progression of multiple sclerosis.
A study from Rangsit University shows that a simple bypass protocol guided by mean transit time can improve symptoms in 80% of patients with chronic cerebral occlusion or moyamoya disease. The protocol uses non-stress testing to evaluate cerebrovascular reserve and predict postoperative improvement.
Scientists have successfully replicated human neural circuits using assembloids, a type of miniature organoid derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The study shows that the thalamus plays a crucial role in shaping cell-type specific neural circuits in the human cerebral cortex, promoting cortical growth and maturation.
Researchers discovered that a missing piece of myelin in nerve cells slows signal transmission to the thalamus, disrupting communication loops and cognitive tasks. This finding sheds light on symptoms associated with grey matter lesions in MS.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
Researchers developed an AI tool to identify patients with undiagnosed Alzheimer's disease using electronic health records, addressing underdiagnosis and healthcare inequities. The model achieved sensitivity rates of 77-81% across diverse populations, promoting fairness while maintaining high accuracy.
Scientists at Michigan Medicine have developed machine learning models that can analyze blood samples for biomarkers to detect ALS earlier and predict disease severity. The models show promising results, with predictions accurate up to 91% in some cases, and could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment options.
Researchers found that increased activity of a specific protein in the brain can alter learning processes associated with rewards. This discovery may lead to better treatments for conditions like addiction and depression.
Researchers developed an innovative treatment platform combining a multichannel 3D-printed bioactive scaffold with siRNA delivery for enhanced axon regeneration and improved motor function in spinal cord injury rats. The therapy addressed multiple pathological barriers, including insufficient intrinsic axonal regeneration, lack of dire...
This study found that older mice blood worsens Alzheimer’s-related changes, while younger blood improves memory and cognitive function. The researchers identified key proteins involved in neurodegeneration and inflammation, suggesting new avenues for targeting blood-borne factors to slow or modify disease progression.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
The EBRAINS Summit 2025 will bring together experts to assess how neuroscience can drive medical progress, digital innovation, and responsible data use. Preliminary results from the EPINOV clinical trial, integrating virtual brain technology for epilepsy surgery planning, will be presented.
Researchers found that a decline in chaperone-mediated autophagy activity is linked to age-related muscle wasting and can be boosted by exercise and fasting. The study suggests that enhancing this process may be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing or treating sarcopenia in aging populations.
A recent study found that the protein TDP43 regulates genes responsible for fixing DNA mistakes, which can lead to cancer when overactive. The discovery could lead to new treatments by controlling overactive DNA repair, offering a therapeutic strategy for diseases such as ALS and dementia.
A large Korean cohort study reveals a link between restless legs syndrome and Parkinson's disease, highlighting opportunities for early detection. Dopamine-agonist therapy may reduce the risk of developing PD in RLS patients, according to the study's findings.
A new method developed by Penn State researchers improves the analysis of genetic data, identifying more genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. The technique, BASIC, integrates both bulk tissue samples and single-cell data to uncover shared genetic effects across different cell types.
University of Missouri researchers are combining in-home sensor technology with artificial intelligence to monitor daily changes in ALS patients' health. The system uses machine learning to estimate a patient's score on the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised, predicting potential problems before they occur.
A new review emphasizes the importance of smell health, highlighting its role in nutrition, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. Researchers call for a global campaign to promote smell health through education, awareness, and targeted public health policies.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
The UBC robotic platform helps scientists understand how the brain keeps us standing by mimicking delays in sensory feedback. By tweaking forces and adding short delays, the robot reveals that our sense of space and time work from the same playbook.
A new meta-analysis published in Aging-US found a significant association between hospitalization for infections and the risk of developing dementia. Adults hospitalized with infections were at an increased risk of all-cause dementia, especially after a single infection-related hospitalization, which can speed up cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered that brain enzyme OTULIN regulates tau protein accumulation and has implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study revealed OTULIN's role in controlling gene expression and RNA metabolism, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A new analysis reveals that over 180 million Americans have at least one neurological condition, with tension-type headache, migraine, and diabetic neuropathy being the most prevalent. The prevalence rate has remained stable since 1990, but total disability-adjusted life-years increased by 55% between 1990 and 2021.
Researchers successfully used the 'zap-and-freeze' technology to observe hard-to-see brain cell communications in living brain tissue from mice and humans. The findings could help scientists understand the root causes of nonheritable forms of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers found that oral arginine significantly reduces amyloid buildup and neuroinflammation, suggesting a safe and low-cost therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. Arginine also improves behavioral performance and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine genes.
A recent University of Michigan study sheds light on the critical protein Sarm1, which controls both nerve breakdown and regeneration. The research found that blocking Sarm1 boosts nerve regeneration but only if it preserves a delicate balance between protection and repair.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that enlarged perivascular spaces, or 'clogged drains', in the brain are a likely early-warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. The condition can be visually identified on routine MRI scans, complementing existing methods to detect Alzheimer's earlier.
Researchers have successfully engineered functional brain-like tissue without animal-derived materials, opening doors to more controlled and humane neurological drug testing. The new material functions as a scaffold for donor brain cells and can be used to model traumatic brain injuries or neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
A novel study aims to uncover the connections between Fanconi Anemia and nervous system development, as well as nervous system decline. Researchers use C. elegans worms with FA gene mutations to track neural cell damage and behavior changes.
A nationwide analysis found that roughly 25% of patients with Bell's palsy received CT or MRI scans within 30 days of diagnosis, not aligned with current guidelines. This study highlights the need for initiatives to align clinical practice with evidence-based guidelines, promoting early treatment and minimizing unnecessary imaging.
Headache disorders affect nearly one in every three people, causing significant disability and health loss. Migraine and medication overuse drive most of the global burden, emphasizing the need for improved prevention, management, and access to care.
The UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health is a $100 million facility that brings together clinical care, diagnostics and research under one roof. The center will redefine treatment of conditions including Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke and Parkinson's with multidisciplinary care teams.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that lecanemab treatment does not change short-term waste clearance function in Alzheimer's patients. The glymphatic system, which carries away metabolic waste like Aβ, is already damaged in AD patients, and treatment may not be enough to restore lost function.
A nonsurgical approach has been demonstrated to quiet a specific brain circuit in an animal model by delivering engineered gene therapy only to the targeted region. The method uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, allowing precise control over brain activity without impacting off-target areas.
Researchers identified 32 common differentially expressed genes involved in IA, including NGFR and SERPINE1, which may serve as biomarkers. The study suggests that understanding the involvement of aging-related genes can aid in developing therapeutic strategies to minimize surgical interventions.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine found that the breakdown of protective brain structures called perineuronal nets leads to social memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Preventing the degradation of these nets may lead to new treatments to prevent or delay the disease.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind prenatal brain model to study cerebral hemorrhages on stem cells in preterm birth. An antidote reduced brain damage, and the study identified how neural stem cells are damaged by elevated interleukin-1 levels.
A new contactless optical-tracking registration method has been developed to simplify robot-guided SEEG surgery, reducing positioning errors and procedure time. The study demonstrates the accuracy and ease of use of this technique, making it a promising innovation in neurosurgery.
A new study from Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that low-dose THC significantly reduced side effects and inflammation caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy. The treatment also increased serotonin levels, lowered cholesterol and toxic bile acids, and improved cardiovascular health.
A new study found that middle-aged people with higher levels of cardiac troponin I in their blood were more likely to develop dementia in later life. The study also found that damage to the brain seen in people with dementia accumulates slowly over decades before symptoms develop.
Researchers created a multidimensional molecular map of brain development after birth and its response to inflammation, finding that some developmental programmes can be reactivated during neuroinflammation. This study provides new clues for understanding how myelin is broken down in diseases like MS.
Researchers discover tiny antibody-like proteins from camels and llamas that can treat brain disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease with fewer side effects. The nanobodies are smaller than conventional antibodies, making them easier to produce and purify.
Researchers at OIST discover a common molecular cascade disrupting brain signaling in both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. They identify a shared mechanism affecting synaptic vesicle recycling, leading to impaired communication between brain cells.
The study identified dozens of genetic regions that influence the size and thickness of the corpus callosum and its subregions. The research team created an AI-powered tool that finds and measures the corpus callosum in brain MRI scans automatically, allowing for unprecedented analysis of brain structure at scale and precision.
A new study redefines refractory hydrocephalus, offering a systematic definition and classification. The study provides a framework for individualized care, matching treatment to each subtype of RH. This approach aims to reduce unnecessary interventions and improve patient outcomes.
A new study found that alpha-synuclein triggers early gene expression changes in a Parkinson's disease model, revealing brain region-specific and systemic transcriptomic alterations. These changes may contribute to disease development and serve as potential biomarkers.
The comprehensive dataset from Answer ALS is now harmonized with ALS TDI's ARC study data, forming the world's largest open ALS research resource. Researchers can analyze over 150 terabytes of harmonized data to accelerate discoveries and uncover new disease patterns.
A new Northwestern University study reveals how a key disease protein, TDP-43, drives overactive nerve cells in ALS and FTD. The findings highlight a promising new drug that can fix this error and restore balance to neurons.
Delirium in critically ill patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage shows disrupted connectivity between the brainstem's ascending reticular activating system nuclei and the left parahippocampal gyrus. This disruption is linked to delirium occurrence and may serve as a biomarker for prediction.
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
Researchers Prof Axel Cleeremans, Prof Anil Seth, and Prof Liad Mudrik warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness. They emphasize the need for theory-driven research and innovative methods to advance consciousness science.
This study analyzed global publications of EEG-fNIRS synchronization techniques for their diagnostic and therapeutic value in clinical applications. The research identified hotspots, development trends, and future directions in neurology, emphasizing the importance of multimodal technology for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers aim to restore healthy gene function in brain cells to treat severe neurodevelopmental disorders. The new technology could 'turn the volume back up' on genes silenced due to haploinsufficiency, uncovering potential therapeutic targets.
Hereditary spastic paraplegias are a diverse group of over 80 neurodegenerative disorders with limited therapeutic options. Boston Children's Hospital is expanding its research efforts to promote clinical trial readiness for these disorders, thanks to an $8.1M NIH grant.
The 15th annual Les Turner Symposium on ALS will bring together leading researchers to discuss the latest research and perspectives on the disease. Dr. Don Cleveland, a renowned expert, will deliver a keynote address on developing designer DNA drug therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) rare among individuals with isolated brain injuries. The study, published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, analyzed postmortem brain tissue from 47 donors and revealed that CTE is more common in those with extensive repetitive head impacts.