A new study led by Cleveland Clinic researchers suggests that sildenafil may help protect brain cells from Alzheimer's disease. The study found that sildenafil can lower levels of neurotoxic tau proteins and improve brain function in patients with Alzheimer's.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method to analyze brain data, separating intrinsic neural patterns from sensory inputs. The method revealed surprisingly consistent hidden patterns in three subjects' neural activity despite different tasks.
Researchers at McGill University propose a new biological classification system for Parkinson's disease, considering alpha-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and genetics. This shift in thinking aims to diagnose the disease earlier, targeting specific patient groups with more common biology, improving treatment development success.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that therapy targeting spider fear can also reduce fear of heights. Exposure therapy increased self-efficacy, potentially leading to a common denominator between the two fears.
A Kessler Foundation study found that spatial neglect affects a substantial percentage of people with traumatic brain injury, with an incidence rate of 38% post-TBI. The study also revealed that right brain damage is more likely to result in spatial neglect, highlighting the need for timely treatment and screening guidelines.
A study found that prenatal discrimination and acculturation stress can alter the strength of infant brain circuits, potentially leading to increased risk for mental health disorders. The research suggests a critical role in treating individuals with kindness during pregnancy.
A recent study found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter have a 56% greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley and parts of Texas, Kansas, and eastern Michigan were identified as regions with higher rates of the disease.
A team of engineers at the University of Pittsburgh has created a new robot that can navigate complex environments using bio-inspired neural networks. The robots will be able to avoid obstacles and learn from their experiences, enabling autonomous navigation for various applications such as commercial transport and disaster response.
A study by researchers at the University of California - Riverside found that certain aspects of video game play can stimulate dopamine release and potentially aid in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests a promising new approach for managing the condition.
TDP-43 accumulation in neurons initiates disease progression, spreading to other motor-related neurons. The protein causes mild degeneration in cortical neurons but severe atrophy and cell death in spinal motor neurons.
A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals that a signal produced by neurons is essential for the proper formation of the blood-brain barrier during embryonic development and helps maintain its integrity throughout adulthood. The findings could lead to more effective ways of delivering cancer or psychiatric medicines into the ...
Researchers at TUM developed a new approach to measure human brain activity using microelectrodes and awake brain surgery. They found individual neurons specialize in handling specific numbers, providing insights into cognitive functions and developing solutions for brain function disorders.
Researchers from Cima University of Navarra have found that inhaling menthol improves cognitive ability in animal models of Alzheimer's disease by modulating the immune system and reducing interleukin-1-beta levels. This study opens doors to developing therapies based on stimulating and training the olfactory system.
A University of Gothenburg study shows that increased physical activity, with four hours of weekly exercise, doubles the chances of recovering well by six months after a stroke. Men and people with normal cognition tend to maintain an active lifestyle more often, leading to better recovery outcomes.
A team of international experts has established new criteria for diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), a condition causing inflammation and potential damage to the brain and spinal cord. The proposed guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide an important framework for distingui...
Researchers found that platelet depletion increased amyloid plaque size and neuronal damage in APP-PS1 mice. However, platelets may have a beneficial role in limiting plaque growth and attenuating neuritic dystrophy at advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identified a rare neurological disease in three children associated with mutations in the ATG4D gene, which plays a crucial role in cellular recycling. The study suggests that this genetic variation may lead to insufficient cellular recycling, causing speech and motor impairment.
A new study finds that obesity-related neurodegeneration mimics Alzheimer's disease, with grey matter atrophy patterns similar in both groups. The researchers suggest that controlling excess weight could lead to improved health outcomes and slowed cognitive decline.
MIT scientists use single-cell profiling to analyze the cellular function of brain cells affected by Alzheimer's disease, identifying five main areas of disruption. The study reveals specific molecular programs and gene regulation changes that could lead to valuable biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.
Researchers created an AI platform called DystoniaBoTXNet that uses brain MRIs to identify patients who will respond to botulinum toxin treatment. The platform achieved a 96.3% accuracy rate in predicting treatment efficacy, offering clinicians a new tool for refining clinical decisions.
Researchers discovered that eye movements can reveal valuable information about how humans make decisions. The study found that the speed and vigor of eye movements increased as participants considered their options before making a choice.
A new Hikikomori Questionnaire has been developed to identify individuals with pathological social withdrawal at an earlier stage. The questionnaire evaluates socialization, isolation, and emotional support on a scale of 0-4, providing a tool for early detection and treatment of hikikomori.
Researchers found that neonicotinoid chemicals can impair the development of biological motion preference in chicks, similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans. The study suggests that transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is critical for this process.
A large registry-based study found lisdexamfetamine to be associated with the lowest risk of hospitalisation and death in people with amphetamine addiction. The medication showed a significant reduction in hospitalisation due to substance use disorder and any cause or death, while benzodiazepine and antidepressant use were linked to po...
A University of Gothenburg study finds that light physical activity can lead to milder symptoms and improved survival rates for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The research shows a clear link between physical activity and reduced severe symptoms, as well as higher survival rates compared to those who are less active.
A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.
Researchers found that the brain's defense system is activated during selfless helping behavior, contrary to the long-held idea that empathy drives such actions. The study used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in 49 healthy volunteers who were asked to decide whether to help another person avoid discomfort.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has found that supporting emotional connections between mothers and their premature infants can significantly improve brain development in these babies. The researchers measured the brain network functions of premature infants at term age after receiving either standard care or...
Scientists have identified two areas of the auditory cortex specialized to recognize human voice sounds without linguistic meaning. These regions help react to sound cues allowing people to identify characteristics of the person speaking, such as gender, age, and height. This discovery sheds light on neurological disorders affecting vo...
Researchers found that children with autism process brain waves differently when focused on body movements versus colors, highlighting a key challenge in communication.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab had a five-fold lower risk of relapse compared to those receiving standard dimethyl fumarate treatment. Rituximab also showed fewer new MS plaques on magnetic resonance imaging.
A recent study published in Movement Disorders found that a buildup of TDP-43 protein may be responsible for PD-related cell death. This discovery suggests a new cause of the disease and could lead to the development of new treatments.
A team of researchers has successfully connected a partially paralyzed man's brain to a pair of robotic arms, allowing him to feed himself using subtle motor signals. The 'shared control strategy' enables the user to customize robot behavior with limited human input, creating a 'best of both worlds' environment.
A study by Kyushu University has identified biomarkers in blood samples that distinguish healthy individuals from Hikikomori patients and predict the severity of the condition. Key findings include elevated ornithine levels, lower bilirubin levels, and higher long-chain acylcarnitine levels in patients.
A new circuit model provides an explanation for how deep brain stimulation (DBS) relieves Parkinson's disease motor symptoms by interrupting a vicious cycle between the subthalamic nucleus and the striatum. The model suggests that DBS restores a balance with other rhythm frequencies, enabling better movement control.
A Swedish study of over 9,000 children found that playing video games increased their intelligence by 2.5 IQ points compared to TV-watching or social media. The study controlled for genetic differences and socioeconomic background, suggesting a positive effect of video games on cognitive abilities.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Severe COVID-19 causes cognitive impairment similar to 50-70 year age range, equivalent to losing 10 IQ points. Cognitive symptoms persist six months after acute illness and show gradual recovery.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.
A study published in Current Biology found that people share similar odour preferences regardless of cultural background. The researchers discovered that the structure of the odour molecule determines whether a smell is considered pleasant or not.
Researchers discovered that an inorganic polyphosphate released by nerve cells contributes to the death of motor neurons in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that lowering levels of this toxin may be an innovative therapeutic strategy for diverse types of ALS/FTD.
A study published in Cell Metabolism shows that nicotinamide riboside supplementation significantly increases NAD levels in the human brain and improves Parkinson's disease symptoms, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.
A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.
Researchers found improvements in verbal learning and memory and preservation of hippocampal volume in participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis after 12 weeks of supervised treadmill walking exercise. A targeted pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of this intervention for managing cognitive ...
Researchers found that candesartan reduces accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and normalizes blood flow in mice with hereditary cerebral small vessel disease. The study suggests a potential new treatment avenue for age-related cerebral arteriopathy.
A major Finnish–Norwegian study found that obesity does not lower the risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage, as smoking habits are a significant factor in the condition. The study analyzed over 200,000 individuals and comprehensively considered confounding factors.
Researchers found that Amino LP7 supplements can slow down brain degeneration and reduce the development of dementia in mouse models. The study also showed that Amino LP7 reduces brain inflammation and improves neuronal connectivity, improving brain function.
A new study found that a next-generation brain implant for treating refractory epilepsy does not induce changes to patients' personalities or self-perceptions. The study follows 12 patients and their family caregivers over two years, providing reassurance for patients implanted with this device.
A telephone-delivered nursing care strategy combining heart failure care management with depression treatment improved patients' clinical outcomes. Patients receiving 'blended' collaborative care showed better mental health-related quality of life, including improved mood and reduced limitations in social activities.
Researchers at TU Dresden discovered that pictures and gestures improve children's memory of English vocabulary, even six months after learning. This finding challenges the assumption that sensorimotor enrichment is more beneficial for kids than sensory-only enrichment.
A University of Georgia psychologist's study confirms that treating avolition, a motivation-related symptom, improves other negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The results suggest targeting this domain could improve overall negative symptoms and reduce functional disability.
A study by Oxford University researchers found that pedaling at high speeds, like professional cyclists, is less efficient for recreational cyclists. The team developed a new equation using cadence to estimate energy consumption on stationary cycle ergometers, providing more accurate results.
Researchers found that people perceive a threat to their control when observing an increase in partner hard emotion, while perceiving neglect when partner flat emotion decreases. This perception influences one's own emotions, with perceived neglect having stronger effects than perceived threat.
The Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF) is a dynamic inventory of web-based neurosciences data, resources, and tools. The NIF enables discovery and access to public research data and tools worldwide through an open source, networked environment.
The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has received a $10 million NIH contract to lead the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF), a dynamic inventory of web-based neurosciences data and tools. The NIF enables discovery and access to public research data and tools worldwide, advancing neuroscience research through...
This September/October 1998 issue of Public Health Reports explores the intersection of neuroscience and early childhood policy, as well as indoor air quality. Scientific contributions include studies on community-based nutrition campaigns, surveillance of injuries, and mortality due to unintentional injuries in the Netherlands.