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Cell-to-cell diversity is key to protecting brain from neurological diseases: University of Ottawa research

A University of Ottawa study reveals that a diverse brain's ecosystem is key to maintaining normal function while responding to changes. This concept is inspired by Charles Darwin's idea that biodiversity is crucial for survival, suggesting cell-to-cell diversity helps prevent failures in brain circuits.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2023

New brain circuit for epilepsy uncovered

A new study by investigators from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that lesions associated with epilepsy are connected to a common brain network, suggesting the brain connections disrupted by the lesions are key. This discovery may have clinical implications for predicting epilepsy risk and targeting treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

Innovative gene therapy may help treat a severe and fatal developmental epilepsy syndrome that affects children

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative gene therapy that shows promise in treating Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epilepsy affecting children. The treatment was found to be effective in improving epilepsy, protecting against early death, and enhancing cognitive abilities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2023

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and UCLA developed a method of deep-brain stimulation during sleep to improve memory consolidation

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and UCLA developed a method to improve memory consolidation by inducing deep-brain stimulation during sleep. The study found that precise timing of electrical stimulation enhances synchronization between the hippocampus and frontal cortex, leading to improved accuracy in recalling memories.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2023

New research finds dramatic increase in illegal ketamine seized by authorities, sparking concern about potential dangers of rising recreational use

A significant increase in illicit ketamine seizures in the US has raised concerns about the risks of non-medical and recreational use, as well as the presence of fentanyl. The study found a 349% rise in seizures from 2017 to 2022, with the highest numbers reported in Tennessee, Florida, and California.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Study identifies genetic mutations that contribute to adult epilepsy

Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeCase study·DateMay 1, 2023

Status epilepticus: New inflammatory markers to improve patient care

A new study identifies several cytokine markers associated with poor prognosis in New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) patients. The researchers found that the concentration of these inflammatory proteins was higher in NORSE patients than controls, and their increase was correlated with short-term and long-term neurological ...

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2023

Epilepsy could become easier to pinpoint with blood test

Researchers have discovered higher levels of immune proteins in the blood before and after epileptic seizures. The study suggests a potential biomarker for epilepsy, which could be identified using a simple blood test. This finding may help distinguish epilepsy from other conditions, such as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

SourceLund University·JournalHeliyon·DateMar 13, 2023

Study: Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

A study published in NEJM Evidence found that seizures can be predicted at least 35 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for developing more effective therapies for this common seizure disorder, which affects over 50 million people globally.

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights epilepsy trends in China between 1990 and 2019

A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers review deep learning-based methods to detect time series data anomaly

A group of researchers from Chung-Ang University have summarized the applications based on anomaly detection in multivariate time series. They evaluated the current state-of-the-art anomaly detection techniques and addressed the challenges associated with them, providing a thorough overview of the applications for anomaly detection in ...

SourceChung Ang University·JournalInformation Fusion·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023

Donor hearts can be reprogrammed with medication for longer storage, improved transplant outcomes

A new study found that a medication previously used to treat seizures can reprogram donor hearts to boost the production of beneficial enzymes, increasing storage time and improving post-transplant function. This technology could lead to a paradigm shift in extending heart storage and reducing primary graft dysfunction.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Personalized brain modeling technique may lead to breakthroughs in clinical epilepsy trial

A personalized brain modeling approach is being tested in a large-scale clinical trial for drug-resistant epilepsy, aiming to improve surgery preparation and patient specificity. The technique uses virtual models of patients' brains to simulate abnormal activity during seizures, helping clinicians identify target areas more effectively.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 26, 2023

Decoding brain arteriovenous malformations in the Asian population: a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study

A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

New tools map seizures, improve epilepsy treatment

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed two new models that can identify where seizures originate in the brain, potentially leading to more effective surgeries and improved patient outcomes. The models use machine learning and calculus to analyze brain activity patterns, predicting seizure onset with 79% accuracy.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalBrain·DateNov 29, 2022

CityU neuroscientists discover a new drug candidate for treating epilepsy

A research team led by City University of Hong Kong neuroscientist Dr. Geoffrey Lau Chun-yue identified a new drug candidate, D4, that selectively blocks connexin hemichannels to suppress neuroinflammation and curbs TLE seizures in a mouse model. The findings suggest a promising new treatment strategy for epilepsy.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2022

Seizures happen like clockwork — but depend on the clock

A new study led by Rice University and UCSF researchers found that seizure cycles are linked to age and common triggers, such as illness and menstrual cycles. The study used data from over 1,000 patients aged 2 months to 80 years to develop a statistical model that captures the effect of these factors on seizure risk.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

Why does fasting reduce seizures?

A new study published in Cell Reports has identified the molecular pathways responsible for reduced seizures during fasting. The researchers found that amino acid sensing plays a critical role in the beneficial effects of fasting on seizures, suggesting targeted dietary strategies may be effective for patients without DEPDC5 mutations.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 8, 2022

Peptide delivered by nasal spray can reduce seizure activity, protect neurons in Alzheimer’s, epilepsy

Researchers developed a peptide that can be administered through nasal spray to reduce seizure activity and protect neurons in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The A1R-CT peptide inhibits neurabin, a protein that prevents the overactivation of neurons, allowing for increased action by adenosine receptors.

A subtle genetic change gives new clues about epilepsy

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mutation in a child with epilepsy that affects the functioning of ion channels, which are crucial for brain function. The mutation has been found to decrease the function of normal proteins as well, highlighting the importance of studying genetic mutations.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

One in 3 people who drowned in Canada had a chronic health condition

A recent study in CMAJ found that nearly half of Canadian drownings were caused by pre-existing medical conditions, with seizure disorders posing a significant risk. Young women aged 20-34 with seizure disorders were particularly vulnerable, facing a risk 23 times higher than the general population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2022

A “perfect storm” of genetic mutations is behind rare sporadic brain malformations that cause stroke, seizures

A new study by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine has identified a set of sporadic genetic mutations that make it more likely a person will develop cavernous angiomas, which can lead to stroke and seizures. Understanding these underlying causes is key to identifying patients at risk and finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateMar 30, 2022