Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
Researchers at UCLA Health identified a candidate small molecule, DDL-357, that increases concentrations of secreted clusterin, reducing toxic protein phospho-tau and improving mitochondrial function. The drug also improved memory in treated mice in maze-based cognitive tests.
Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism explaining how neurons survive botulinum neurotoxin type A exposure. The research found that specific tRNA fragments interact with key proteins and RNA molecules involved in regulating ferroptosis, supporting neuronal survival by blocking cell death pathways.
The Consortium of MS Centers Annual Meeting will assemble top MS experts for a powerhouse lineup on May 28-31 in Phoenix. Key findings include the exploration of holistic care and its impact on patient-centered empowerment, as well as breakthroughs in MS treatment and research.
A new technique using focused sound waves and microbubbles has shown great promise in treating debilitating brain lesions called cerebral cavernous malformations. The approach has halted the growth of lesions almost entirely, offering a potential paradigm shift in treatment.
Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have developed a low-cost blood test that detects five biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid and tau proteins. The test uses xMAP technology and has the potential to catch the disease in its earliest stages, when treatment might be able to prevent or delay cognitive decline.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have pinpointed a 'sweet spot' for focused ultrasound treatment to provide significant relief from essential tremor. The study identified a specific subregion of the brain's thalamus that can result in optimal and long-lasting tremor improvements while reducing side effects. With this breakthrough, p...
Zhaoqi Yan, a scientist at Gladstone Institutes, has been awarded the 2025 Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholar fellowship to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind blood-brain barrier dysfunction. His research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that lecanemab treatment resulted in rare and manageable side effects, especially in patients with very mild or mild Alzheimer's symptoms. Only 1% of patients experienced severe side effects requiring hospitalization, highlighting the feasibility and safety of the drug in real-world settings.
Richard Finkel, MD, is named to TIME100 Health for his pioneering work in treating spinal muscular atrophy prenatally with the orally administered drug risdiplam. This breakthrough has shown promising results, with no identifiable features of SMA observed two years after treatment.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a cortical organoid model for the rare disorder UBA5-associated encephalopathy, revealing stunted GABAergic interneuron growth and imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition. The model suggests boosting the expression of the existing partially functioning copy of UBA5 may...
Researchers found that patients taking HIV drugs called NRTIs are substantially less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Jayakrishna Ambati, analyzed data from two large health insurance databases and determined a significant reduction in Alzheimer's risk among patients on NRTIs.
A study published in Neurology found that eating more ultra processed foods may speed up early signs of Parkinson's disease. Participants who consumed over 11 servings of ultra-processed food per day had a higher likelihood of developing three or more early symptoms of the disease.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a miniaturized iontronic micropipette to precisely modulate neuronal and astrocytic activity. The study revealed dynamic dynamics between cells, highlighting the importance of chemical signaling in brain function.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found no evidence supporting a diagnosis of the New Brunswick neurological syndrome of unknown cause, highlighting the need for independent clinical evaluations. The data revealed presence of several neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative conditions instead
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are rising rapidly in China due to population growth and high-risk factors like high blood sugar, smoking, and obesity. The study projects continued rise unless effective interventions are implemented.
The MED13L Foundation has launched a three-year natural history study at Boston Children's Hospital to better understand MED13L Syndrome and inform future clinical trials. The study will collect data from 30 individuals with the condition over three years, providing valuable insights into disease progression and development.
Researchers have found that promoting glucose metabolism in glial cells can relieve inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration in Alzheimer's patients. This discovery presents an exciting new therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's.
A new hairlike electrode made of 3D-printed hydrogel material has been developed to monitor brain activity for extended periods without the need for gels or skin preparation. The device's lightweight and flexible design allows for stable, high-quality recordings and minimizes discomfort, making it suitable for chronic monitoring.
Researchers from Université Laval discovered a non-invasive retinal exam can detect Parkinson's disease biomarkers, offering early diagnosis and potential intervention. The study found distinct retinal responses to light stimuli in people with Parkinson's compared to healthy individuals.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has committed $18.1 million to support research projects aligned with its Pathways to Cures roadmap, which aims to stop MS, restore function, and end the disease. The funding includes 16 research grants and 28 training fellowships in the US and internationally.
A protein link between brain diseases and leaky blood vessels reveals that endothelial cell dysfunction plays a crucial role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that reduced TDP-43 levels lead to gaps in blood vessel walls, allowing toxic molecules to enter the brain.
AIC100 demonstrated encouraging responses and an acceptable safety profile in patients with two types of advanced thyroid cancer, including anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and relapsed/refractory poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PTDC). The therapy showed significant tumor shrinkage and disease control in 56% of patients.
Researchers discovered that the brain suppresses the current action without using another mechanism to inhibit it, enabling seamless transitions between actions. This finding could lead to the development of biologically-inspired robotic systems and improve clinical treatments for Parkinson's patients.
A cross-sectional survey found that hospitalized patients with neurological diseases were at risk of malnutrition, with a significant portion requiring nutrition therapy. The study highlights the need for improved nutritional assessment and treatment to reduce complications and improve outcomes.
A team of researchers from Goethe University and Kiel University has discovered a way to prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates in cultured cells. The study found that linking TDP-43 with SUMO prevents its aggregation, suggesting a potential new approach for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study by the University of Zurich examined the connection between retinal nerve connections and schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia tend to have thinner retinas, which can be detected using non-invasive retinal measurements.
A new study provides a method to estimate sample size required for microbiome studies based on effect sizes and analysis methods. For strong associations, around 500 participants were needed to achieve 80% statistical power, while weaker associations may require thousands of samples.
Citrullination, driven by peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs), converts arginine to citrulline, altering protein structure and function. PAD2 and PAD4 play pivotal roles in epigenetic regulation, affecting transcriptional activity through histone modification and interaction with transcription factors.
Researchers highlight GOT2 as a compelling therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer, exploiting its role in regulating cellular redox balance and energy production pathways. Early candidates like amino oxyacetate show promise in disrupting GOT2 activity, leading to cellular senescence and loss of proliferative capacity.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of anaplastic thyroid cancer's molecular mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies. Key findings include the significance of targeted therapies, such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors, and the potential of immunotherapy and novel agents to enhance treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that adults under 50 with migraine headaches and certain heart defects are at increased risk of stroke. The study highlights the importance of assessing both traditional and nontraditional risk factors in younger people to prevent strokes.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have made breakthroughs in delivering gene-targeting compounds to the brain, using cholesterol-modified oligonucleotides that can penetrate the cerebral cortex beyond the blood vessels. This could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as brain cancers.
Researchers at U-M and Stanford aim to create implantable brain computer interfaces to detect and interpret brain signals, enabling stroke victims to communicate more effectively. The devices will use tiny carbon-based electrodes to record signals from the brain's temporal region and transmit them wirelessly.
Researchers have found that people with cannabis use disorder have elevated dopamine levels in a brain region associated with psychosis. This could explain why frequent cannabis use increases the risk of hallucinations and delusions. The study's findings may help doctors educate patients about the potential risks of frequent cannabis u...
Dr. Romina Mizrahi's PET-based neuroimaging sheds light on brain workings, integrating genetics, environment and imaging to understand psychiatric illness as a complex biological puzzle. She advocates for precision psychiatry paradigm with customized treatments based on molecular profiles, and calls for diversity in academic leadership.
Researchers have discovered that the thalamus can update its own connections independently of the cortex, a finding relevant to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This breakthrough suggests that modulating neurotransmitters in the thalamus could alter sensory processing and improve cognitive function.
A study of nearly 30,000 adults found that heart failure is associated with a significant decrease in cognition at diagnosis and rapid decline over time. Adults with heart failure reach the threshold for meaningful decline in global cognition nearly six years earlier than those without it.
Researchers at Temple University have discovered a new way to block the enzyme DLK, which plays a key role in neurodegenerative diseases. The breakthrough approach protects damaged neurons while preserving healthy neuron function.
A clinical study confirms that early treatment with fosdenopterin/rcPMP significantly reduces the risk of early death and promotes healthy brain development in infants with MoCD type A. The therapy restores the missing molybdenum cofactor, leading to improved developmental milestones.
A new study by McGill University researchers sheds light on the disruption of calcium transport in the brain's AMPA receptors, linking it to autism and intellectual disability. The findings could pave the way for treatments targeting these receptors, offering hope for patients with related neurological disorders.
A research group has uncovered a potential mechanism linking maternal inflammation to delayed neurodevelopment in infants. CD11c-positive microglia, crucial for myelination, play a key role in this process.
A recent study found that the protein tyrosine phosphatase delta (PTPRD) acts as a suppressor of the pro-inflammatory STAT3 pathway in liver cells, regulating lipid and glucose metabolism and protecting peroxisomal function. Reduced PTPRD expression was associated with signs of liver dysfunction and metabolic syndrome in humans.
Dr. Bing Ren, a renowned expert in genomics and epigenetics, joins the New York Genome Center as its new scientific director and CEO. His groundbreaking contributions will focus on translating genomic research into actionable insights for improving human health.
A new digital 'translator' for brain studies enables researchers to map the brain in a standardized way, facilitating discoveries and treatments for various disorders. The open-source software allows for the comparison of brain imaging data with widely used brain atlases, promoting commonalities across findings.
A study by Dr. LEE Seung-Hee reveals how the brain dynamically adjusts sensory input prioritization depending on movement, with vision taking priority for navigation. The posterior parietal cortex and secondary motor cortex play key roles in this process.
Scientists have long believed that cells respond to stress in a linear chain of events, but a new study reveals a more complex 'split-integrated stress response' that can be fine-tuned depending on the type and intensity of stress. This flexibility could lead to new targets for treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that college graduates experienced faster cognitive decline after a stroke compared to those with less education. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients at high risk for post-stroke cognitive decline to target future interventions.
Researchers from Syracuse University found potential benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on attention and fatigue in post-stroke patients, but results were mixed. Participants who received real tDCS showed decreased fatigue, while actual treatment did not improve attention tests.
A case study found Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei, and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 DNA in brain tissue samples from a young child with seizures. The presence of these pathogens suggests their potential role in complex neurological illnesses.
A team of researchers found bacteria linked to the gut in the brains of mouse models implanted with microelectrodes, breaching the blood-brain barrier. The discovery highlights the need for permanent strategies to prevent bacterial invasion from implanted devices, which can contribute to inflammation and reduced device performance.
A recent study published in The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that lecanemab, a new Alzheimer's-modifying drug, was less effective in female patients compared to males. The Phase 3 clinical trial showed a significant benefit in males, but little to no benefit in females, with the cause of the difference still unknown.
The Open Brain Institute launches a groundbreaking platform to simulate and study digital brains, empowering researchers to explore brain complexity and diseases. With its virtual neuroscience laboratories, the OBI enables global collaboration and access to cutting-edge virtual labs.
Researchers found that selfish genes use self-assembly properties to harm cells, with aggregate size and distribution being key factors in toxicity. The study also reveals an evolutionary arms race between sabotage and salvation, where rapid evolution of 'selfish' genes can lead to their own destruction.
A review article reveals CD2AP's crucial role in amyloid metabolism, tau pathology, synaptic function, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. CD2AP deficiency accelerates plaque formation, while its loss in neurons leads to reduced spine density and impaired synaptic plasticity.
A new study led by University College London researchers found that social disadvantages can accelerate ageing and increase disease risk. People with favourable socioeconomic conditions show fewer signs of biological ageing than peers of the same age.
Researchers at MIT have devised a simplified process to convert skin cells directly into neurons, bypassing the stem cell stage and achieving yields of over 10 neurons from a single skin cell. This approach could potentially be used to treat patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases that impair mobility.
A new model of brain computational analysis, called CHARM, reveals that the human brain can surpass machines in critical decision-making. The CHARM model applies quantum mechanics to analyze long-distance brain connections, enabling precise modeling of the brain's dynamics.
A new review article sheds light on the complex molecular mechanisms through which tumor-infiltrating immune cells regulate endometrial carcinoma progression. The study highlights key immune players, such as macrophages and regulatory T cells, that contribute to immune suppression, complicating treatment efforts.
This new article highlights the critical role of tRNA-derived small RNAs in digestive tract diseases, positioning these molecules as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapies. Recent findings emphasize the significance of tsRNAs in both tumor and non-tumor digestive diseases.
The review article highlights the transformative potential of EZH2 inhibition, paving the way for targeted therapies aimed at disrupting tumor growth. EZH2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant clinical benefits in epithelioid sarcoma and follicular lymphoma, marking an important milestone in epigenetic-based cancer treatments.