A Cleveland Clinic researcher has been awarded a grant to identify biomarkers for predicting dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The five-year project aims to develop a predictive model using imaging, blood, and genetics data to identify individuals at risk of developing dementia as their disease progresses.
A new study has found that people with Parkinson's disease have a 30% higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to those without the condition. The analysis, conducted by researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care, also found that patients with PD were generally older and more likely to be male than those without PD.
SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalMovement Disorders·DateOct 1, 2020
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation decreased pain and reduced motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients by an average of 59% and 12%, respectively. The therapy also showed promise in improving functional mobility and balance.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBioelectronic Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a stem cell treatment that repairs Parkinson's-damaged brain circuits in mice. The treatment involves coaxing human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into dopamine-producing neurons, which then integrate into the correct regions of the brain and restore motor functions.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 25, 2020
Researchers have identified two variants of Parkinson's disease, with one starting in the intestines and spreading to the brain, and another starting in the brain and affecting the intestines and heart. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and new treatment options for patients.
A team of researchers developed an innovative approach to identify and evaluate candidate molecules that can image and track the progression of Parkinson's disease. They screened millions of compounds using a high-throughput computational method, identifying two promising candidates with extremely high binding affinity to alpha-synuclein.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 21, 2020
The team will investigate the molecular linkages between aging and Parkinson's, exploring whether decreasing senescence can slow or stop the disease. Genetic predisposition and age are critical factors in defining a person's risk for Parkinson's.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·DateSep 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The study found that patients in low-income countries faced significant difficulties accessing their Parkinson's disease medication, leading to worsening symptom control and increased disability. Global health inequities worsened by COVID-19, with resource-poor countries disproportionately affected.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMovement Disorders·DateSep 21, 2020
The $7.2 million grant will fund research across three UC San Diego laboratories and two others based in Germany to understand the basic mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease. Researchers aim to unravel the biology of LRRK2, a protein linked to genetically inherited Parkinson's disease.
A new slow-release pill developed by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, aims to alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms and improve patient compliance. The pill delivers L-dopa over a 24-hour period, reducing the need for multiple daily doses.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSmall·DateSep 16, 2020
A study found that people with Parkinson's are twice as likely to experience orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness and falls. Monitoring blood pressure may help control these drops and prevent falls.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 16, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers analyzed Parkinson's patient skin cells to discover reduced protein synthesis due to active LRRK2 enzyme. Adding LRRK2 inhibitor drugs restored normal protein production levels. The study suggests a critical role for LRRK2 in controlling protein synthesis and may lead to biomarker development and improved treatment options.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 15, 2020
A team led by Michigan State University is developing diamond devices to monitor brain biochemistry for early warning signs of Parkinson's disease. The devices aim to detect low levels of dopamine, a chemical neurons use to communicate, and could potentially treat the disease earlier.
Researchers at University of Luxembourg have identified a genetic form of Parkinson's disease caused by a splicing error, offering new potential pharmacological treatments. The discovery was made using patient-based cell cultures reprogrammed into nerve cells in vitro.
SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 2020
The journal features original research articles on Parkinson's Disease and drug-induced interstitial lung disease, as well as a case report and opinion piece on breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open access publishing and author support are also highlighted.
SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateSep 9, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A study using iPSC technology reveals astrocytes' role in PD pathology, including altered alpha-synuclein production and disrupted calcium homeostasis. The findings suggest LRRK2 and GBA mutant astrocytes contribute to PD progression.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 7, 2020
A study reveals that amyloid protein alpha-synuclein found in Parkinson's brains is also present in skin cells producing melanin, modulating protein fibril formation and suggesting a molecular link between the two diseases. The discovery may explain the observed association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020
Researchers have discovered a series of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein structures that are thought to be highly relevant to the onset of Parkinson's disease. These unique structures were found in the presence of phospholipids, which play an essential role in living cells, and take on a striking variety of shapes.
A new study suggests that following an alternate Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet pattern may be linked to fewer non-motor symptoms such as constipation, daytime sleepiness and depression. The researchers found a strong relationship between healthy diet adherence and reduced risk of these preceding symptoms.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 19, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Scientists at University of California San Diego have produced the first visualizations of LRRK2 inside its natural cellular environment and the first high-resolution blueprint of the protein. They discovered how LRRK2 binds to microtubules, acting as a roadblock for motors that move along these tracks.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020
A study found that reducing TET2 activity protects neurons from inflammatory insults and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The research suggests calming TET2 activity could be a powerful preventative measure to delay or prevent symptom onset.
SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 17, 2020
Research finds concussion associated with increased risk of developing ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Concussions upsets brain function and blood flow, potentially leading to long-term consequences.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJul 27, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
SpeechVive, a Purdue University-affiliated medical device company, has secured a convertible note to scale its business and expand access to its wearable device for treating Parkinson's disease. The funding will allow the company to pursue reimbursement from Medicare and commercial insurance companies.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease does not significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that factors such as age, hallucinations, and cerebral hemorrhage during surgery were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 1, 2020
A five-year outcomes study of 30 patients found that early-stage deep brain stimulation (DBS) decreased the risk of disease progression and polypharmacy compared to optimal medical therapy alone. The study showed significant improvements in motor symptoms, with DBS patients requiring less medication for symptom management.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateJun 29, 2020
Researchers successfully tested an automated device for Parkinson's disease stage discrimination in individuals who cannot walk without support. The study concludes that automation can be achieved, offering improved accuracy and increased accessibility for patients with gait disorders.
SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateJun 26, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A single treatment inhibiting PTB converts astrocytes into dopamine-producing neurons, restoring dopamine levels and eliminating Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice. The study provides a proof of concept for a new therapeutic approach.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2020
The Parkinson's Foundation has awarded nearly $30,000 in grants to three nurses who specialize in Parkinson's care. The grant recipients will launch individual projects to improve life for people with Parkinson's disease in their local community.
A study by Haydeh Payami and colleagues identifies a significant overabundance of opportunistic pathogens in the guts of persons with PD, compared to control subjects. The findings suggest that these microbes may play a role in triggering the disease, but more research is needed to confirm this association.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers developed a novel dietary silicon-based antioxidant agent that suppressed the development and progression of kidney failure and Parkinson's disease in rodents. The agent enabled the continuous production of an OH-eliminating molecule, significantly lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020
The Phase 1 trial demonstrated that repeated immunisation with PD01A is safe and well-tolerated, with a substantial reduction in alpha-synuclein oligomers and stable motor scores. The results suggest that PD01A may offer a promising strategy for long-term management of Parkinson's disease.
SourceMC Services AG·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 18, 2020
A new study by UCSF researchers found that weaker or irregular circadian rhythms in daily rest and activity cycles are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease later on. Disruptions in the brain's internal clock may be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative disease processes.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 15, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A study of 3,000 independently living older men found that weak or irregular circadian rhythms are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease years later. The researchers suggest that these disruptions may reflect neurodegenerative processes already affecting the brain's internal clock.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 15, 2020
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed new MRI techniques to more precisely target brain structures linked to Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These methods, including diffusion tractography, aim to reduce adverse effects associated with previous treatments.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateJun 14, 2020
Researchers at McLean Hospital identified two molecules naturally produced by the body that stimulate dopamine production, which may help reverse Parkinson's disease progression. Prostaglandin A1 and E1 protect dopamine-producing neurons from dying and increase dopamine levels without side effects.
SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 4, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A team of researchers has identified potential new therapeutic targets to treat Parkinson's disease by understanding the structure and dynamics of the protein alpha-synuclein. They found that a specific region of the protein becomes more exposed when it aggregates, which can lead to diseases like Parkinson's.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020
A study by NTU Singapore-Harvard University has identified a promising molecular pair, Prostaglandin E1 and Prostaglandin A1, that can boost dopamine levels and slow Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that these hormone-like substances can activate Nurr1, leading to increased dopamine production and neuroprotection.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 27, 2020
A new UCLA study found that chemicals in diesel exhaust can trigger the toxic buildup of alpha-synuclein proteins in brain cells, a common occurrence in people with Parkinson's. The research used zebrafish and human cells to confirm the link between air pollution and brain damage.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMay 20, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A team of investigators from McLean Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital have successfully reprogrammed a patient's skin cells to replace lost brain cells in Parkinson's disease. The patient has shown significant improvements in daily activities and quality of life after receiving the treatment, which involves transplanting repl...
SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2020
Neuroscientists at York University developed five predictive models using non-motor clinical and biological variables to detect early-stage Parkinson's disease. The models achieved over 80% accuracy in distinguishing early-stage Parkinson's from healthy controls, offering a potential alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.
SourceYork University·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateMay 11, 2020
A new multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial platform is proposed to evaluate potential therapies for Parkinson's disease, potentially accelerating the search for a cure. This approach has already been successful in other diseases, such as prostate and renal cancer, and could speed up trials by eliminating unsuccessful treatments early.
Analysis of participants in the Harvard Biomarkers Study reveals an inverse association between low caffeine consumption and higher urate levels with reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that both caffeine and urate possess neuroprotective properties, raising potential for disease-slowing effects.
Researchers have developed a method of lymphocytic vaccination to counter autoimmune diseases, proving clinically effective in treating multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The technology involves creating an immunology cell bank to enhance immunological protection against infection.
SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalExpert Review of Vaccines·DateMay 3, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers have identified RasGRP1 as a key cause of Parkinson's dyskinesia, a debilitating side effect of dopamine replacement therapy. Inhibiting RasGRP1 production in the brain can diminish involuntary movements without negating the useful effects of dopamine therapy.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2020
Researchers identified two distinct protein shapes associated with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. The discovery may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of these age-related conditions.
SourceKU Leuven·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateApr 29, 2020
Researchers at Duke University have successfully treated motor dysfunction in an animal model of Parkinson's disease using light-based deep brain stimulation. The technique, which targets specific neurons, shows promise for tailoring therapies to individual patients and improving treatment outcomes.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers have mapped out cell types behind various brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease, indicating that the disease may start in the gut. Oligodendrocytes were found to be affected early on, suggesting they play a key role in the early stages of the disease.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 2020
Researchers found signs of autoimmunity in Parkinson's patients years before diagnosis, providing potential for early detection and treatment. The study also showed that immune responses change over time, with more aggressive cells initially causing damage.
SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2020
Researchers used network pharmacology to analyze Zhichan powder's effects on Parkinson's disease, identifying 18 major active components. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of action of Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCombinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening·DateApr 15, 2020
Researchers found epigenetic differences between brain hemispheres linked to variations in gene activity, making one side more vulnerable to neurological diseases. These findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating Parkinson's and other neurological disorders.
SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalGenome Biology·DateApr 14, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers have identified ATP10B as a novel risk gene for Parkinson's disease, revealing its role in transporting glucosylceramide, a lipid critical to the disease's pathogenesis. Mutations in this gene can lead to neuronal loss and increased sensitivity to environmental risk factors.
SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateApr 10, 2020
A Rutgers University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy can help alleviate depression and improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease. The treatment was individually tailored to target negative thoughts and behaviors, resulting in improved mental health status for 40% of participants.
SourceRutgers University·JournalNeurology·DateApr 1, 2020
A study published in Neurology found that phone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly improves depression, anxiety, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease. After three months of weekly sessions, participants showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms and maintained improvements six months later.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 1, 2020
Researchers found no significant difference in Parkinson's disease progression between those taking isradipine and placebo. Despite its neuroprotective properties in animal models, the study didn't support the hypothesis that isradipine slows early-stage Parkinson's progression.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers developed a novel technique to study how deformed microtubules affect their function, shedding light on traumatic brain injuries and Parkinson's disease. Microtubules, like train tracks, transport molecular cargo, but become deformed in certain diseases.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateMar 27, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers found that natural killer cells can regulate and restrain inflammation of brain tissue, reducing protein clumping and viral resistance. The study suggests NK cells play a critical role in protecting against Parkinson's disease progression.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2020
Researchers discovered a link between Parkinson's and reduced activity of a gene targeted by blue-green algae neurotoxin. This finding highlights the potential role of environmental toxins in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2020
A study published in Neurology found that 82% of people with Parkinson's reported one or more eye problems, compared to 48% without the disease. Eye problems often interfered with daily life for 68% of those with Parkinson's, affecting activities like driving and reading.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 11, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers discovered a new master control region in alpha-synuclein protein that controls amyloid formation, leading to neurodegeneration and movement difficulties. This finding opens up new opportunities to develop therapies to slow down or prevent Parkinson's disease.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 9, 2020
Researchers investigated the association between stress-related disorders and neurodegenerative diseases in Sweden's national health registers. Stress-related disorders were found to be associated with an increased risk of these diseases.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 9, 2020