Articles tagged with Neurology
A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular exercise enhances the connections between neurons in older adults, maintaining healthy cognition. The research, led by Kaitlin Casaletto and William Honer, suggests that physical activity may help boost synaptic functioning and safeguard against dementia.
Cleveland Clinic researchers have identified the gut microbial gene cluster responsible for converting carnitine into TMAO, which promotes heart disease and stroke. The study found that dietary modifications may help reduce diet- and TMAO-associated cardiovascular disease risk by targeting the gbu gene cluster.
A UMass Chan clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of an antisense oligonucleotide in suppressing mutant C9ORF72, a common cause of familial ALS. The treatment led to reduced levels of neurotoxins and stable or improved ALS functional scores.
Research found the female genital field's location varies among women and is thicker with more frequent sex. The somatosensory cortex devotes space to detecting touch, and the region's structure alters in relation to use.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.
The worldwide incidence and mortality rates for stroke decreased slightly over the three decades, but the overall numbers are still high. Ischemic stroke is highly preventable, and more resources should be devoted to prevention, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have identified the biological mechanism causing nerve destruction in ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. They found that TDP-43 protein accumulation in neuromuscular junctions inhibits local protein synthesis and mitochondrial activity, leading to degeneration and death of motor neurons.
Scientists have created a new imaging method that can detect microscopic soft tissue damage in animal spines, which may lead to improved treatments for lower back pain. The technique uses fluorescent molecules to target denatured collagen and produce precise 3D maps of spinal damage.
A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.
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.
The human brain contains trillions of contact points, requiring massive computational resources. Researchers outline the need for exascale computing power to tackle brain complexity.
A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.
The insular cortex processes both positive and negative emotions and receives information from the body, including heart rate and breathing. In mice, the brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear, keeping it within a healthy range.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have successfully developed a personalized T cell immunotherapy that targets and kills unique proteins in individual tumor cells. This approach, combining genetic sequencing and protein identification, offers a promising treatment option for children with hard-to-treat brain tumors.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a narrower blood pressure range during surgery that significantly improves neuromotor recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries. Patients whose mean arterial blood pressure was between 76 mmHg and 104-117 mmHg had maximal recovery, indicating a potential new treatment guideline.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid have discovered alterations caused by ALS in the retina, which can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The study found changes in microglial cells and ganglion cell loss, with modifications evolving over the course of the disease.
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 peer-reviewed study published in Life journal proves Reflex identifies biomarkers for concussions, enabling accurate clinical diagnosis and decision-making. The study, conducted by Purdue University, uses pupillary light reflex to measure concussion patients' recovery and prevent compounding injuries.
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 at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified the anterior insula's role in predicting and emotionally processing pain in HIV-DSP patients. The study suggests that reduced anterior insula activity or increased cingulate activity may improve pain outcomes for these patients.
Researchers found that future goals are represented by a pattern of neural activity resembling previous visits, and this activity can re-emerge upon decision to target a location. The orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in representing future goals during navigation.
A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.
Researchers have made significant progress in generating neurons in the lab, a potential therapeutic option for replacing lost neurons in neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. A $9 million grant will support further research and development of this novel treatment approach.
A first-in-human study at Cleveland Clinic found that targeting the dentate nucleus with deep brain stimulation was safe and feasible for promoting post-stroke rehabilitation, enabling significant functional improvement in upper extremity hemiparesis. The study's adaptive design allowed for extended treatment duration if patients conti...
A new study found that translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) correlates with worse survival outcomes in male glioblastoma patients compared to females. The variation in the protein's structure is associated with shorter overall and progression-free survival times, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
Researchers identify key neurons and signaling pathway regulating female activity before ovulation. Discoveries could lead to new treatments for menopause that sidestep estrogen and reactivates the circuit with CRISPRa technology.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women are underrepresented in stroke clinical trials, with a participation-to-prevalence ratio of 0.84. This disparity may limit the applicability of trial results to the general population and affect access to new therapies.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that long-term exposure to space can cause brain damage in cosmonauts. The research analyzed five Russian male cosmonauts who spent an average of 169 days in space, showing significant increases in biomarkers for brain cell damage upon their return to Earth.
Researchers found that clot-busting drugs rarely cause aneurysms to rupture after a stroke. For people with larger saccular aneurysms, additional consideration should be taken regarding treatment to minimize risk of aneurysm rupture.
A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.
An international team led by McGill University is developing biomarkers to identify people with REM sleep behavior disorder at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia. The team will study over 430 participants, including those with the disorder and healthy controls, to develop targeted therapies.
Research finds that age-related DNA methylation of TDP-43 contributes to ALS, with increased gene expression levels in the motor cortex. This discovery may provide a new therapeutic approach for the disease.
A new study led by UCSF indicates that depression in early adulthood can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The research found that moderate or high depressive symptoms were associated with a 73% higher odds of cognitive impairment among older participants.
Research by James Krause and his team has shown that people with spinal cord injuries who develop resilience tend to have better health outcomes and live longer. This resilience allows them to adapt and thrive in the face of difficult circumstances, including neuropathic pain and feelings of isolation.
A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found that adults with neurologic conditions are more likely to have had adverse childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect. The study suggests that early recognition of these high adverse childhood experiences may improve health outcomes for individuals with neurologic conditions.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discover that vicarious social defeat can cause psychological stress in mice, leading to depression and decreased neurogenesis. The study sheds light on the pathophysiology of depression and may lead to the development of novel antidepressants.
Scientists discovered that recurrent neural networks (RNNs) play a crucial role in the frontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, expressive language, and voluntary movement. The research also found that RNNs are more complex than previously thought, with a unidirectional structure.
Researchers used mice to demonstrate that acquired knowledge is stored in early visual areas of the brain, highlighting the widespread storage of semantic memories. The study showed that part of category knowledge is already present in the visual cortex.
Brain activity during wakefulness presents large integrated and dynamic network modules, which tend to vanish or fragment during sleep or under general anesthesia. The researchers built artificial time-evolving networks to test and benchmark algorithms for detecting these structures.
A phase II clinical trial found that intensive rehabilitation of arm and hand use after a stroke is most effective 60 to 90 days after the event. The study showed significant improvement in hand and arm function, with benefits also seen when rehabilitation started at less than 30 days post-stroke.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that children born with congenital Zika Virus-related microcephaly have varying levels of neurodevelopmental impairment. The researchers used a routine neurological assessment to track the children's development, revealing differences in cognitive and motor skills. The findings suggest that HINE ...
Researchers have identified a molecule called fractalkine that can boost the production of brain cells producing myelin, a key factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that fractalkine could be used to treat certain neurodegenerative disorders by restoring lost myelin.
A randomized clinical trial of 125 young adults with concussions found that restricting screen time for 48 hours significantly reduced symptom duration. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, suggests that limiting screen time may be a useful strategy to accelerate concussion recovery.
A recent Austrian study found that approximately 7.8% of Austrians between the ages of 18 and 67 suffer from chronic insomnia, with symptoms affecting around 50% of respondents. The low rate of help-seeking behavior highlights a need for better public health initiatives and patient education to address this widespread issue.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that weaker internal connections between the brain and organs are linked to negative body image. Adults with less efficient brains at detecting internal messages are more likely to experience body shame and weight preoccupation.
A new study led by UC researcher Daniel Woo found high blood pressure to be a significant risk factor for strokes in Black and Hispanic patients. The study also identified sleep apnea as a novel risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes, which are often deadly and cause high disability.
A preclinical trial has found that boosting a naturally occurring protein family may reduce damage from ischemic strokes. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, discovered that administering supplemental IAIP after an ischemic stroke reduced the size of the damaged area and improved functional recovery.
A new study uses AI to predict the risk of stroke recurrence in individuals, identifying high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation as key risk factors. This personalized approach aims to improve patient treatment adherence and reduce the likelihood of another stroke.
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.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shed light on why it's difficult to learn a second language as an adult. Researchers found that clusters of neurons in the speech cortex fine-tune themselves as listeners gain familiarity with foreign sounds, indicating a crucial step in language learning.
A recent study by Mount Sinai researchers discovered that certain neurons in the brain's decision-making centers monitor body-state dynamics and hijack the decision-making process during intense states of arousal. This suggests that changes in heart rate and other bodily responses can impact the brain's ability to make rational decisions.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital found that the hormone irisin drives cognitive benefits of exercise, potentially treating Alzheimer's disease. Elevated irisin levels improved cognitive function and neuroinflammation in mouse models for Alzheimer's disease.
New research from Georgetown University Medical Center found that certain brain functions associated with attention and executive control can improve in older individuals. These improvements may be due to lifelong practice and skill-building.
Researchers used MEG to measure brain activity while participants listened to simultaneous math equations and sentences, finding separate networks for each. The parietal lobe processed math and the temporal lobe processed language, with activity tracking every word and symbol.
A machine learning analysis has identified 50 genes strongly associated with neurological aging in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans. The study suggests that fruit flies could be used as a model organism to further investigate aging-related processes.
A new regional policy in Chicago has led to an increase in patients receiving endovascular therapy, a critical treatment for large vessel occlusions. The study suggests that this policy change can improve stroke outcomes and has the potential to have a major public health impact.
A team of scientists discovered molecules called 'toxin sponges' in poison frogs and birds that can act as mops to clean up the poisons, potentially leading to a treatment for paralytic shellfish poisoning. The study found that captive-raised poison frogs were resistant to deadly toxins due to these toxin-sponging proteins.
Researchers have developed a dual-drug therapy for alcohol use disorder by targeting the mTORC1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme can halt cravings in mice engineered to have AUD, offering a promising alternative to current treatment options.
Researchers recreated damage seen in a widely studied form of frontotemporal dementia by growing special types of cerebral organoids. The study found that the mutated tau protein triggers the death of specific class of neurons, which can be prevented with an experimental drug.
A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.