Research on diseases of the nervous system. Covers mitochondrial protection, macrophage replacement, Parkinson's costs, and brain-injury recovery.
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.
Dr. David Rubinsztein shares his personal journey from childhood curiosity to discovering autophagy, a natural process that clears toxic proteins causing devastating neurodegenerative diseases. His research has established autophagy upregulation as a viable therapeutic strategy for conditions affecting millions worldwide.
A new study published in Pharmaceutical Research suggests that planaria, harmless flatworms, react to brain medicines similarly to rodents. This could lead to the development of treatments for schizophrenia and hallucinations, reducing the number of mice and rats used in early medical research.
The University of Houston is expanding its behavioral health offerings with new ABA training programs, addressing growing need for behavior analysts. Salaries range from $63,000-$77,000 annually, with autism diagnoses on the rise due to improved screenings and assessments.
A clinical trial shows that giving risdiplam to newborns as early as 16 days old is safe and effective in improving motor function and increasing survival rates. The treatment can delay or prevent disease progression and preserve strength, function, and quality of life from birth.
A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.
A NIH-funded study by Georgetown University researchers found that strokes can rob a person's ability to use word meanings to recognize words while reading. The study, published in the journal Brain, identified a key brain region and connections affected by this deficit.
Researchers from FAU and the Sensing Institute created a detailed computer model of the mouse brain's vasculature, simulating how brain blood vessels respond to hemodynamics and vasodynamics. The model shows that transitional vessels play a critical role in regulating flow and protecting the brain during increased activity.
A research team developed a new method to precisely edit DNA by combining genetic engineering with artificial intelligence. The technique enables accurate modeling of human diseases and lays the groundwork for next-generation gene therapies.
Researchers have discovered a new approach for treating proteinopathies by targeting dysregulated nuclear speckles, which can lead to neuron degeneration. Pyrvinium pamoate has been shown to improve proteostasis in various disease models, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and tauopathies.
Researchers have established a causal link between mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases. By stimulating mitochondrial activity, they observed an improvement in memory deficit symptoms in animal models. The study opens the door to considering mitochondria as a new therapeutic target.
Researchers identify key symptom categories and biomarkers for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare autoimmune brain condition. Clinical manifestations suggest the presence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis through NMDA antibody checks, uric acid levels, C-reactive protein, and thyroid-related hormones.
Researchers found that patients with Alzheimer's disease have reduced ability to absorb cholesterol from the cerebrospinal fluid, and this impairment is linked to the presence of the APOE4 variant. The study suggests that efficient delivery of cholesterol to neurons is essential for their function and maintenance.
A study examining over 1,000 women aged 18-49 found that more than half with an ischemic stroke had experienced pregnancy complications. High-risk factors include preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.
Researchers found that low-oxygen environments can protect the brain and restore movement in mice with Parkinson's-like disease by reducing excess oxygen molecules. The study suggests that hypoxia could be a new approach to treating Parkinson's, potentially targeting cellular dysfunction rather than protein clumps.
A study using stem cells from ALS patients identified a potential new target for treatment: the integrated stress response. The researchers found that blocking this stress response can reverse damage in lab-grown motor neurons, providing a promising proof-of-concept for future therapeutic strategies.
Researchers developed a novel framework using generative AI and musculoskeletal simulation to create synthetic gait data. This approach enables more robust and generalizable gait analysis across various patient populations and clinical environments.
The JAK2-STAT3 pathway contributes to inflammation and injury after ischemic stroke. Targeting this pathway shows promise for reducing brain swelling, neuronal death, and improving recovery. Several inhibitors have been found effective in preclinical models, including Tyrphostin AG490, Ruxolitinib, and natural compounds like genistein.
A study led by Dr. Jessica Bernard at Texas A&M University investigates the role of the cerebellum in cognitive functions such as memory and language, with the aim of developing a non-invasive therapeutic approach using Theta burst simulation (TBS) to improve outcomes for older adults.
A $5.5 million federal grant will support clinical trials to treat fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The project aims to develop accurate outcome measures for future trials, ensuring patients and caregivers have a say in what matters most.
Tetrandrine modulates autophagy by selectively removing damaged lysosomes through lysophagy while promoting new lysosome formation. This unique mechanism highlights tetrandrine's therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study by University of South Australia researchers uses genetic recall to explore links between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the Epstein-Barr virus. The study aims to identify early warning signs or biomarkers for MS, enabling early detection and intervention.
A recent study found that over 90% of ALS patients use smartphones and computers but remain unaware of accessibility tools. These features can greatly enhance their quality of life as the disease progresses.
A USC research team has made a groundbreaking discovery about the human spinal cord's role in bladder control. The study used functional ultrasound imaging to observe real-time changes in blood flow dynamics during bladder filling and emptying, revealing areas where activity is correlated with bladder pressure.
A new genetic study has identified genes involved in neuronal signalling and sensory pathways as key drivers of chronic cough. The findings advance our understanding of cough reflex hypersensitivity as a nervous system-mediated process, opening up opportunities for targeted treatments.
Researchers investigate how anxiety emerges and changes over the course of Parkinson's Disease, exploring its relationship to autonomic symptoms and brain regions like the amygdala. They aim to understand how functional changes in these areas may relate to behaviors.
A new study suggests that marbling of fat inside muscles is a strong indicator of poor health, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and neuromuscular disorders. The research found that intramuscular fat acts as a physical barrier obstructing muscle healing and regeneration.
A Tohoku University study reveals that ALS-causing mutations converge on the dysregulation of UNC13A gene expression, which could lead to effective treatment strategies. The researchers identified two molecular mechanisms underlying this reduction, including mRNA destabilization and REST overexpression.
Researchers developed an AI-based screening tool using pangrams to detect Parkinson’s disease with nearly 86 percent accuracy. The web-based test analyzes voice recordings for subtle patterns linked to the neurodegenerative disease, identifying potential warning signs.
Researchers at UC Davis Health developed a promising gene therapy that could treat Rett syndrome by reactivating healthy but silent genes responsible for this rare disorder. The therapy showed impressive results in female mouse models of Rett syndrome, with treated mice living longer and showing better movement and cognition.
Answer ALS has launched a groundbreaking collaborative initiative, LADDIA, to accelerate AI-powered drug discovery for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership aims to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets using AI-driven insights from the largest open-access ALS dataset.
The 2025 Critical Path Institute Global Impact Conference will bring together industry, regulatory agencies, academia, and patient advocacy groups to discuss pressing challenges in drug development. The event aims to foster cross-sector collaboration to advance medical innovation and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers discovered a two-step mechanism where inhibitory neurons release nitric oxide to rapidly dilate blood vessels, followed by slower, localized vasodilation via astrocyte activation. This breakthrough sheds light on how neural signals are translated into blood volume changes in brain imaging.
Researchers at NTU Singapore and Oxford University have discovered a mechanism by which cells identify and repair highly toxic DNA damage, known as DPCs, that cause cancer, neurodegeneration, and premature ageing. The study reveals how SPRTN, a key repair enzyme, selectively targets DPC lesions, increasing its activity 67-fold.
Researchers developed a chemical probe that binds to damaged mitochondrial DNA, blocking enzymatic processes that lead to its degradation. This approach lessens mtDNA loss, preserving energy production in vulnerable tissues. The new molecule successfully reduced inflammation and maintained functional DNA despite chemical tagging.
A £2.7 million trial will recruit 300 participants to investigate the long-term effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in people with drug-resistant epilepsy. The trial aims to provide evidence on VNS's clinical and cost-effectiveness, particularly for children and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Scientists have discovered that microglia play a crucial role in regulating blood flow to the brain, and targeting them may improve blood flow deficits. The study suggests that restoring microglia function could prevent or reverse memory-stealing diseases caused by lack of adequate blood flow.
A NUS-led global study reveals that 30-minute functional MRI scans deliver up to 22% in cost savings while retaining or improving prediction accuracy. This finding could reshape how researchers design neuroscience and mental health studies, especially for hard-to-recruit populations.
Scientists at University of South Australia developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers levodopa and carbidopa over a week, reducing the need for multiple daily tablets. The biodegradable formulation improves treatment outcomes and patient compliance, offering a potential game-changer for Parkinson's care.
A new treatment method using microglia replacement has shown promising results in halting the progression of genetic neurological disease ALSP in both mice and human individuals. The treatment, developed at Fudan University, successfully replaced mutated microglia with healthy ones, improving neurological function and extending life ex...
A recent biochemical discovery has led to a potential treatment for HPDL deficiency, a rare disease that causes paralysis. Researchers treated an 8-year-old boy with an experimental compound that partially reversed his rapid decline, allowing him to walk long distances again and even run.
A recent study using machine learning and computational modeling reveals that astrocytes play a more active role in brain function than previously thought. Astrocytes subtly modulate communication between neurons during synchronous brain activity, influencing network coordination and stability.
This special collection aims to bring together cutting-edge research on cognitive aging, exploring its cellular and molecular underpinnings, as well as psychosocial and environmental factors. The collection seeks to foster a holistic understanding of how cognitive function changes with age.
A new computational method combines 4D flow MRI, CFD, and data assimilation to estimate blood flow in brain aneurysms with greater accuracy and efficiency. The approach focuses on the aneurysm region, reducing computational cost while improving flow estimation.
Researchers identified four distinct pathways leading to Alzheimer's disease, revealing how conditions progress step-by-step toward the condition. The study validated findings in a nationally diverse population, suggesting that understanding these pathways could fundamentally change how clinicians approach early detection and prevention.
Scientists have discovered that repeat RNAs aggregate inside droplets but can be disassembled with an engineered piece of RNA. The study sheds new light on how these clusters form within biomolecular condensates and presents a potential therapeutic application.
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing seizure frequency, improving mood, and enhancing motor recovery in various conditions. Future research should prioritize standardized protocols, large-scale trials, and biomarker development to personalize treatment.
Researchers found that Parkinson's disease symptoms on one side of the body can predict cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders. The study analyzed 80 studies to demonstrate the critical importance of personalized care tailored to individual disease profiles.
A study published in Chinese Neurosurgical Journal found that the Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coiling procedure is safe and effective for treating intracranial aneurysms in arteries less than 2.5 mm in diameter, with favorable outcomes and low postoperative complication rates.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have identified vorinostat as a promising treatment for Rett Syndrome using an AI-driven drug discovery process and innovative disease modeling. The findings demonstrate disease-modifying abilities across multiple tissues, offering hope for a potentially curative treatment.
A team of researchers proposes a novel adaptive platform trial fund to accelerate ALS drug development. The study outlines a financing model that merges efficiencies with an innovative royalty-based investment structure, drawing on data from the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial. This new approach could transform how diseases like ALS are addr...
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a new non-invasive MRI approach that visualizes brain metabolism and detects metabolic alterations associated with brain diseases. The technique uses magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging to provide insights into brain function and disease processes.
A new study published in Epilepsy & Behavior found that a self-management program for people with epilepsy can reduce health complications, improve mood, and enhance quality of life. The program, called SMART, features remote training sessions and written resource materials to help participants manage their condition.
The drug QTX153 has shown significant promise in preclinical models of Rett syndrome, reversing symptoms such as motor control and neuronal function. The compound efficiently crosses the blood-brain barrier, demonstrating safety even at high doses.
A landmark national study in China identifies the most effective treatment strategies for unruptured brain aneurysms, analyzing over 874,000 clinical entries and 42,000 radiological scans. The trial aims to guide patient-specific treatment strategies and inform healthcare planning in China's aging population.
Researchers at UCLA Health have made a groundbreaking discovery about the mechanisms underlying vascular dementia. They found that targeting inflammation in brain blood vessels can promote brain repair and functional recovery in mice. This breakthrough highlights a potential new treatment approach for this understudied form of dementia.
Researchers found that low-intensity rTMS can increase synaptic plasticity of cortical axons in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in excitatory boutons. This suggests potential as a targeted treatment to improve quality of life for AD patients.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to determine how levodopa affects brain signals in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that some patients experience 'off-target' effects of the drug, affecting brain regions beyond the intended dopamine-replacement therapy area.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has issued a position statement on emerging therapies for neurological conditions. The statement emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, shared decision making between patients and neurologists, and FDA review before taking a definitive position. This guidance aims to facilitate conv...
A study by the University of California, Davis found that disposable e-cigarettes release higher amounts of toxic metals than older e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The devices contain hazardous levels of neurotoxic lead, carcinogenic nickel, and antimony, posing significant health risks to users.