Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
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 the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC developed a new treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The approach uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeted to each patient's unique brain wiring, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures, with some patients becoming seizure-free for months.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University have identified a protein called Tfii-i that inhibits myelin production, and found that reducing its activity increases myelin output. This discovery may lead to innovative treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and autism spectrum disorders.
Scientists found a promising candidate, pleiotrophin, which is essential for brain development and function; restoring it may improve brain circuits in individuals with Down syndrome and other neurological diseases. The study's findings suggest using modified viruses to deliver the protein directly into cells could lead to new treatments.
A new clinical trial is investigating the use of advanced brain monitoring to improve epilepsy diagnosis and management. The trial involves multiple sites across Europe, including Ireland, where patients will undergo long-term outpatient monitoring using a subcutaneous EEG system.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive blood test that can detect Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) earlier and with higher accuracy by measuring cell-free DNA. The test distinguishes between ALS patients and healthy individuals, as well as those with other neurological conditions.
Researchers at UCLA Health have identified a sex-chromosome linked gene that drives inflammation in the female brain, making women more susceptible to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Deactivating this gene and using diabetes medication metformin showed promising results in reducing symptoms in female mice.
Researchers at WashU have gained unprecedented views of a protein linked to ALS and FTD, revealing unique shapes that may contribute to disease progression. The discovery opens doors to new approaches for treatment and prevention, with the team planning further experiments to understand the protein's role in health and disease.
A new study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers reveals shared patterns between ribosomal RNAs and genes linked to brain disorders. The study found that these patterns are unique to each organism and shared primarily with genes of the nervous system, including genes for autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Boston Children's Hospital has received a $35 million donation from Hansjoerg Wyss to further its translational neuroscience research, focusing on rare brain disorders and intellectual disability. The gift will support clinical trials, fellowships, and pilot studies, aiming to develop new therapies for vulnerable children.
A new system developed by researchers at Nagoya University can detect genetic mutations in brain tumors with high accuracy and speed. The system successfully identified key markers for diagnosis of diffuse glioma, a common type of brain tumor.
Poor blood sugar control in adolescence increases the risk of painful future complications for people with type 1 diabetes. Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age have trouble controlling their blood sugar as teens and are more likely to develop neuropathy in adulthood.
A new study shows that direct-to-consumer pharmacy pricing can offer lower total costs (431% lower) compared to commercial pharmacies for insured patients. Out-of-pocket neurologic drug costs are 75% higher, but most medications cost less than $635 per year.
A researcher is exploring the hidden functions of vascular-neuronal interfaces to uncover how blood vessels influence brain development and connectivity. The study aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for diseases caused by disrupted communication between blood vessels and neurons.
The partnership aims to accelerate the development of treatments for neurological diseases by providing a cutting-edge biorepository for pediatric CNS tissue and biofluids. The repository will house high-quality, well-characterized human tissues and bio fluids, supporting drug discovery efforts and biomarker identification.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), but a therapy to prevent its development remains elusive. Studies identify key barriers, including collaboration, funding, and standardization, and propose eight recommendations to advance PTE research. Potential therapies include disease modifica...
Scientists have developed an imaging technique to visualize and quantify alpha-synuclein oligomers in human brain tissue, a major advance in Parkinson's research. The study found that oligomers exist in both healthy and Parkinson's brains, but are larger, brighter, and more numerous in disease samples.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that ALS is likely caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by inflammatory CD4+ T cells targeting specific proteins in the nervous system. Anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cells may slow disease progression and prolong survival times.
A study of 676 patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest found that neurological outcomes were similar regardless of socioeconomic background. However, lower-income areas had lower bystander CPR rates, suggesting disparities in pre-hospital care.
Researchers identified 33 plasma proteins that differ significantly in patients with ALS, suggesting the disease could be detected up to 10 years before symptoms appear. Machine learning models showed strong performance in separating ALS cases from non-ALS cases, with an accuracy of over 98.3%.
Researchers evaluated over 3,000 ischemic stroke patients and found that telestroke patients were 1.6 times more likely to receive clot-busting drugs, but took nearly seven minutes longer to receive treatment after arriving at the hospital. The study highlights clear gaps in timely treatment for these patients.
A new research network aims to detect early signs of dementia through open-source digital tools. Penn State will lead a $39 million grant to advance Alzheimer's detection and reduce the financial, interpersonal, and health impacts of Alzheimer's disease.
Salk scientists pinpoint gracile nucleus as brain area responsible for differentiating between painful and non-painful touch, with dysfunction leading to chronic pain. Altered neuronal activity in the dorsal column nuclei drives mechanical allodynia, causing the brain to misinterpret innocuous light touch as painful.
Researchers at Northern Arizona University are developing a breakthrough tool to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The new technology uses microvesicles in the blood to identify biomarkers indicating improved neuroplasticity, which can help track the disease's progression.
A study of over 96,000 people reveals that early warning signs of multiple sclerosis appear consistently across ethnic and social groups, years before diagnosis. This finding could aid in early detection and treatment, slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
A new study by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche researchers reveals that brain slow waves are guided by neuronal excitability, not anatomy. The discovery uses advanced computational models to analyze local and global brain activity, shedding light on states like deep sleep and anesthesia.
Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a minimally invasive method for recording brain activity through blood vessels, offering high-fidelity recordings without the risks associated with traditional invasive approaches. This breakthrough could transform the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions like epilepsy.
A team of researchers at the University of Cologne has made a groundbreaking discovery about the molecular basis of inhibitory synapse formation. They found that gephyrin filaments play a crucial role in forming post-synapses, which are essential for billions of synapses in the brain. This study has significant implications for underst...
Researchers discovered that FGF21, a muscle hormone released during exercise, is elevated in people with ALS and may play a protective role. Higher levels of FGF21 were associated with slower disease progression and longer survival in patients.
A Chinese Medical Journal study reviews the association between lipid metabolism and Parkinson’s disease. The research highlights how lipid disruptions contribute to α-Syn aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, suggesting lipids as a promising therapeutic target for PD.
Scientists at UCSF successfully used CRISPRa to increase SCN2A levels in mice with the genetic disorder, resulting in reduced seizures and improved brain function. The therapy offers hope for treating neurodevelopmental issues related to SCN2A haploinsufficiency.
A NIH-funded study reveals that repeated head impacts from contact sports can cause early neuron loss and inflammation in the brains of young- to middle-aged athletes. The findings suggest that these changes may occur years before CTE develops its hallmark disease features.
A University of Houston researcher found that recording brain activity while listening to a story can help diagnose primary progressive aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative syndrome. The method was up to 75% effective in classifying the disorder's subtypes using machine-learning algorithms and electroencephalography data.
The American College of Chest Physicians has achieved a critical milestone in its advocacy efforts, leading to changes in federal coverage guidelines for noninvasive ventilation devices used in the home. These revised guidelines reflect major recommendations submitted by CHEST and aim to enhance patient care.
A randomized trial shows that implanting a brain shunt in older patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus significantly improves symptoms, including gait speed, cognition, and bladder control. The study resolves controversy surrounding the condition's existence and treatment effectiveness.
Researchers from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a common process that powers the creation of protein formations that assemble like a 3D puzzle, triggering inflammation and cell death. This 'Catch-22' mechanism may be one of the fundamental reasons why we age.
Researchers developed new methods to accurately target the centromedian nucleus for deep brain stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Advanced imaging techniques, such as high-resolution MRI and DTI tractography, improve targeting accuracy by identifying specific brain pathways and neural firing patterns.
A groundbreaking trial published in New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates the benefits of surgical treatment with a shunt for idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) in older adults. Eighty percent of participants showed significant clinical improvement, including improved walking speed and balance.
A systematic review of over 9 million pregnancies found that gestational diabetes is associated with cognitive decline in mothers and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a 36% higher risk of ADHD and a 56% higher risk of autism spectrum disorders compare...
Children with variable levels of walking impairment experience significant physical activity, social engagement, and family life improvements. Parents also report increased confidence, self-belief, and reduced anxiety in their children.
Researchers discovered elevated TSPO levels in the brain of genetically engineered mouse models and human patients with familial Alzheimer's disease, indicating a potential biomarker for early detection. The study aims to explore how blocking or enhancing TSPO could halt disease progression.
A new study from MIT neuroscientists reveals how rare variants of the ABCA7 gene contribute to Alzheimer's risk by disrupting lipid metabolism and cell membrane function. Treating neurons with choline can reverse some cellular effects of ABCA7 loss.
Virginia Tech researchers create method combining MRI, fluid dynamics, and algorithm to identify hidden glioblastoma cells. The technique uses fluid flow patterns to predict tumor re-growth, allowing for more aggressive surgical approaches. This technology has potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes
Researchers found that mutations in the CFAP410 gene change its interaction with another protein, making motor neuron cells more vulnerable to DNA damage and cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Motor Neurone Disease and highlights potential targets for new therapies.
Researchers found distinct effects of single disease-causing gene variants across different brain regions, pointing to hippocampal disruptions as a key factor in cognitive problems beyond seizures. This study provides an early step toward understanding why current treatments often fall short and may help identify new therapies.
Researchers found a hormone combination of growth hormone and testosterone to be safe and effective in improving muscle mass, strength and mobility in men with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The treatment resulted in gains of up to 4.5 lbs of lean muscle and improved walking ability by 37 meters.
A study published in Neurology found that people who consumed the highest amounts of low- and no-calorie sweeteners experienced faster declines in thinking and memory skills compared to those who consumed the lowest amounts. The decline was equivalent to about 1.6 years of aging.
A study published in Science Advances found that individuals with 'subjective cognitive decline' (SCD), a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, performed worse on navigation tasks compared to those without SCD. The researchers hope this could lead to more sensitive testing methods for early diagnosis and drug studies.
A new brainwave test developed at the University of Bath has been shown to detect signs of memory impairment linked to Alzheimer's disease years before clinical diagnosis. The Fastball EEG technology, a three-minute passive test, can reliably identify memory problems in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
A new study reveals that Alzheimer's progression is characterized by a breakdown of epigenomic stability, leading to compromised compartmentalization and the loss of gene regulation. The research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms driving disease progression and resilience, shedding light on potential new treatments.
Researchers at POSTECH and Korea Brain Research Institute unveil NeuO's mechanism of selective neuron staining through PAK6 kinase phosphorylation. This breakthrough opens path for precise tracking and study of living neurons in brain.
A new study found that Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people had the highest rate of stroke among all racial and ethnic groups, with a rate of 591 cases per 100,000 people. The study also showed significant disparities in stroke risk among different racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers found that mice lacking STING developed signs of more damaging inflammation than normal aging brains. Microglia, a key immune cell, lost efficacy in clearing debris and supporting other brain cells.
Researchers found that carotid endarterectomy reverses impaired blood-brain barrier properties only in the operative side, improving cerebral hemodynamic parameters. The study suggests potential implications for preventing stroke incidence and improving cognitive decline in patients with bilateral carotid artery stenosis.
A new study reveals that most epilepsy patients with focal epilepsy will still experience seizures for at least a year after starting treatment. The study suggests that neurologists should rethink their initial approach to antiseizure therapy, as many patients may not respond well to the first medication or regimen prescribed.
A team of scientists at Case Western Reserve University has discovered a built-in 'brake' that controls when key brain cells mature, which appears to stay on too long in multiple sclerosis. This brake is essential for healthy brain development but gets stuck in MS, leaving the cells unable to repair damage.
A UMass Amherst kinesiologist has received a $2 million NIH grant to study how myosin molecules work together to drive different processes within cells. His research aims to develop drugs for heart failure, neurological conditions and genetic forms of deafness.
Researchers have reimagined hemoglobin as an antioxidant protein in the brain, where it breaks down harmful reactive oxygen species. A new compound, KDS12025, selectively enhances this natural defense mechanism to protect against ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers at Beijing Tiantan Hospital developed a one-stage hybrid operation to treat hypervascular CNS tumors, achieving high rates of gross-total removal and improved neurological function. The technique combines embolization and resection in a single procedure, reducing intraoperative bleeding risk and operative time.
A wearable robot has been upgraded to provide personalized assistance to ALS and stroke patients. The device uses machine learning and a physics-based model to adapt to an individual user's movements, offering more nuanced help with daily tasks.