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Brain’s wiring and signal speed shape alpha waves and background activity across the lifespan

A new model, Xi–αNET, explains how brain structure and signal conduction speed shape alpha waves and background activity. The study found that faster conduction speeds in younger individuals correspond to higher alpha frequencies, while slower conduction speeds in older adults lead to declining alpha frequencies.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2026

Sophisticated neuroimaging reveals PTSD in WTC responders is linked to measurable physical changes in brain structure

A study among WTC responders with chronic PTSD found measurable physical changes in their brain structure, including cortical changes and imbalance of myelinated to unmyelinated neurons. These changes were most strongly associated with re-experiencing symptoms in individuals with PTSD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 17, 2025

New nerve insights could someday help heal certain types of blindness and paralysis

A team of researchers found that a small population of nerve cells exists in everyone that could be coaxed to regrow, potentially restoring sight and movement. The discovery provides new insights into how axons grow and could lead to effective therapies for blindness, paralysis, and other disorders caused by nerve damage.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

A special omega-3 fatty acid lipid will change how we look at the developing and ageing brain, Duke-NUS researchers find

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a special transporter protein that regulates the formation of myelin sheaths in the brain, which protect nerves from damage. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acid lipids play a crucial role in directing oligodendrocyte development, a process critical for brain myelination.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2023

Researchers discover how some brain cells transfer material to neurons in mice

Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 17, 2023

Helpful B cells lend a hand to developing neurons

B cells play a key role in helping neurons develop by stimulating axon myelination, suggesting a potential link between B cell dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that specific B cell antibodies promote oligodendrocyte proliferation and neuron myelination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 13, 2018

Firing of neurons changes the cells that insulate them

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that different firing patterns of neurons alter proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors, which provide insulation to neuronal axons. The findings suggest a complex interplay between neurons and non-neuronal cells supporting them.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 22, 2017

Cell therapy promotes axon remyelination in a mouse model

A new cell therapy product called DUOC-01 promotes faster axon remyelination in mice treated with a demyelinating chemical agent. The treatment also enhances the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, suggesting potential for neuronal repair and remyelination in patients with demyelinating diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 18, 2016

Novel combination of ingredients may offer greater support for infant brain development

Researchers found that a novel combination of prebiotics, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and lactoferrin added to a DHA- and ARA-containing formula advanced overall brain development in piglets. The study suggests that myelination occurred at a faster rate in piglets fed the supplemented diet.

NRG1 isoforms could be an effective therapeutic candidate to promote peripheral nerve regeneration

Researchers at the University of Western Australia discovered that soluble NRG1 plays a role in early peripheral nerve regeneration phases, promoting axon degeneration and regrowth. Soluble NRG1, already used in human trials for heart failure treatment, may be an effective therapeutic candidate to promote nerve regeneration.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 24, 2014