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Genetic manipulation of urate alters neurodegeneration in mouse model of Parkinson's disease

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that mice with elevated urate levels showed significantly less neurodegeneration and improved movement abnormalities compared to those with low urate levels. The results support the possibility that increasing urate levels may slow progression of Parkinson's disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2012

Rice University opens new window on Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new way to monitor protein aggregation in living cells, which could lead to the development of drugs that break up fibrils. The metallic probe, made of ruthenium, binds with misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins and can be tracked using photoluminescence spectroscopy.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 17, 2012

Novel antibodies for combating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created novel antibodies that can prevent the formation of toxic protein particles linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These antibodies bind to 10 proteins per molecule, making them more potent inhibitors than conventional antibodies.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Promising drug slows down advance of Parkinson's disease and improves symptoms

Researchers found that GM1 ganglioside improved symptoms and slowed disease progression in patients with Parkinson's disease over a 2.5-year period. The study enrolled 77 subjects and followed them for 120 weeks, with significant benefits observed when participants stopped taking the drug.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·DateNov 29, 2012

Scientists image brain structures that deteriorate in Parkinson's

A new MRI technique has provided the first clinical evidence for the theory that Parkinson's neurodegeneration begins deep in the brain and advances upward. The study found significant loss of volume in the substantia nigra early on, followed by loss of basal forebrain volume later in the disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateNov 26, 2012

Exercise rate related to improvements in Parkinson’s disease

A study found that exercise programs on stationary bicycles improve Parkinson's disease symptoms, with faster pedaling leading to greater brain connectivity and motor ability improvements. The therapy is low-cost and effective, even for patients who don't need forced-rate exercise.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 26, 2012
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Parkinson's disease protein causes disease spread and neuron death in healthy animals

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that injecting synthetic, misfolded α-Syn protein into healthy mice recapitulates Parkinson's disease progression, leading to dopamine neuron death and Lewy body formation. The study establishes a mechanistic link between α-Syn transmission and neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2012

Head injury + pesticide exposure = Triple the risk of Parkinson's disease

A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology reveals a significant link between head injuries and pesticide exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's were found to be three times more likely to have had a head injury and exposure to paraquat, a common herbicide.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 12, 2012
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.

Parkinson's breakthrough could slow disease progression

Researchers have created a new family of compounds that could slow Parkinson's disease progression by shutting down the Cav1.3 channel, which allows calcium to flood into dopamine neurons. The compounds were developed by Northwestern University scientists and show promise in animal trials without obvious side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2012

Opposite behaviors? Arctic sea ice shrinks, Antarctic grows

The Antarctic Ocean has seen a steady increase in sea ice cover over the past three decades, growing by approximately 6,600 square miles annually. This growth is attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation and a depleted ozone layer over Antarctica, which leads to cooling of the stratosphere and strengthening of circumpolar winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Association between rare neuromuscular disorder and loss of smell, Penn Study finds

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found a significant association between myasthenia gravis and impaired sense of smell, comparable to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. The study suggests that myasthenia gravis may involve the brain, contrary to its traditional peripheral nervous system classification.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2012

Less-invasive method of brain stimulation helps patients with Parkinson's disease

Extradural brain stimulation has been shown to be safe and effective in improving movement disorder symptoms for patients with Parkinson's disease. The technique, called EMCS, provides a less-invasive alternative to electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS) and led to small but significant improvements in voluntary movement control.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalNeurosurgery·DateOct 16, 2012

Mechanism that leads to sporadic Parkinson's disease identified

Common sporadic Parkinson's disease arises from excess alpha-synuclein protein in dopamine neurons, which can be treated with drugs targeting elongated transcript forms. A blood test for alpha-synuclein may serve as a biomarker for the disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2012
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.

NFL players may be at higher risk of death from Alzheimer's and ALS

New research reveals professional football players are three times more likely to die from brain-damaging diseases compared to the general population. The study found a significant increase in deaths from Alzheimer's disease and ALS among speed position players, highlighting potential risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 5, 2012

Therapeutic avenues for Parkinson's investigated at UH

Scientists at UH Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling discovered LXRbeta, a nuclear receptor that promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurons, which are the main source of dopamine in the central nervous system. The presence of LXRbeta may offer protection against neurodegeneration of the midbrain.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2012

Sleep improves memory in people with Parkinson's disease

People with Parkinson's disease performed better on a working memory test after a night's sleep, with slow wave sleep linked to improved performance. Sleep disorders can interfere with this benefit, and dopamine-enhancing medications may play a role in memory improvement.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBrain·DateAug 21, 2012

A cup of joe may help some Parkinson's disease symptoms

A study found that caffeine supplements improved Parkinson's severity ratings and speed of movement by 3 points, but did not affect daytime sleepiness or quality of life. The results suggest that caffeine may be a useful treatment option for some patients with Parkinson's disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 1, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Caffeine may ease Parkinson's symptoms

A study at McGill University Health Centre found that caffeine improved motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease by increasing speed of movement and reducing stiffness. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore caffeine as a treatment option.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNeurology·DateAug 1, 2012

Powerful class of antioxidants may be potent Parkinson's treatment

Researchers have discovered a powerful class of antioxidants that can block the development of Parkinson's disease by bolstering the natural antioxidant Nrf2. The synthetic triterpenoids increased Nrf2 activity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain cells, which are characteristic of Parkinson's.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAntioxidants & Redox Signaling·DateJul 23, 2012

Severe flu increases risk of Parkinson's: UBC research

Researchers found that severe influenza infection doubles the odds of developing Parkinson's disease later in life, whereas a typical case of red measles as a child reduces the risk by 35%. The study also suggests an association between high-intensity vibrations and increased Parkinson's risk.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMovement Disorders·DateJul 20, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Patient-derived stem cells could improve drug research for Parkinson's

Researchers derived iPS cells from patients with genetic forms of Parkinson's and found common signs of distress in neurons, including abnormalities in mitochondria. The cells' responses to treatments depended on the type of Parkinson's each patient had.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 4, 2012

Generating dopamine via cell therapy for Parkinson's disease

Embryonic stem cells can be used to replace dopamine-producing cells in Parkinson's disease patients with high efficiency. Researchers have identified specific genes associated with each stage of neuronal differentiation, allowing for more precise cell purification strategies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

BUSM researchers identify role of FOXO1 gene in Parkinson's disease

Researchers at BUSM found increased expression of FOXO1 gene in Parkinson's disease brain tissue samples. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with age at onset were also discovered, providing new insights into the genetic mechanisms of Parkinson's.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 28, 2012

Finding brings scientists 1 step closer to Parkinson's drug

Researchers have identified a process by which misfolded proteins, such as alpha-synuclein, travel from sick to healthy cells in the brain, leading to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The study provides new insights into the disease's pathology and offers potential targets for disease-modifying treatments.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 27, 2012
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.

'Brain pacemaker' effective for years against Parkinson's disease

A study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment effectively improved motor function in Parkinson's disease patients for at least three years. However, improvements in health-related quality of life and cognitive abilities were gradually lost over time., The treatment was most effective for reducing tremors and muscle rigidity.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJun 20, 2012

Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy may be used to predict Parkinson's

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have discovered alpha-synuclein protein in the intestinal wall of patients with early Parkinson's disease, but not healthy subjects. This finding may lead to pre-motor diagnosis and accurate biomarkers for tracking its progress.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalMovement Disorders·DateMay 15, 2012
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Vitamin K2: New hope for Parkinson's patients?

Researchers found that vitamin K2 can restore energy production in defective mitochondria, similar to those found in Parkinson's patients. This discovery offers potential treatment options for patients with the disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2012

Freezing Parkinson's in its tracks

Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a peptide therapy that mimics DJ-1's normal function, protecting dopamine-producing neurons and reducing mobility dysfunctions. The treatment has shown promising results in pre-clinical trials on mice, indicating a viable option for Parkinson's patients.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Neural Transmission·DateMay 2, 2012
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.

Parkinson's protein causes disease spread in animal model

Researchers found that alpha-synuclein fibrils can induce normal a-syn to misfold, leading to neurodegeneration. The study suggests that the corrupted form of a-syn can be transmitted from diseased neurons to healthy ones via white-matter tracks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 17, 2012

How Parkinson's disease starts and spreads

A team studied mice with a mutated form of alpha-synuclein, finding that injected clumps accelerated disease onset and severity. The clumps seemed to hijack brain signals, spreading throughout the brain.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 16, 2012
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.

Meds ease depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening other symptoms

A new study published in Neurology found that antidepressant medications can effectively treat depression in Parkinson's patients without worsening their motor symptoms. The study, led by Irene Hegeman Richard, M.D., showed significant improvements in depression scores with paroxetine and venlafaxine, two commonly used antidepressants.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateApr 11, 2012

Eating flavonoids protects men against Parkinson's disease

A new study published in Neurology finds that consuming flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins found in berries, can significantly reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Male participants who ate the most flavonoids were 40% less likely to develop the disease than those who ate the least.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNeurology·DateApr 4, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Parkinson's disease stopped in animal model

Researchers at UCLA have discovered a novel compound called CLR01 that prevents α-synuclein protein aggregates from forming, stopping their toxicity and even breaking up existing aggregates in the brain. This breakthrough holds promise for slowing or stopping Parkinson's disease progression and may lead to human clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeurotherapeutics·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Study: Weight training improves Parkinson's symptoms

A two-year clinical trial showed that weight training significantly improved motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease compared to stretching and balance exercises. Weight training led to a 7.3 point improvement in UPRDS scores after two years, while fitness counts group returned to baseline scores.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateFeb 16, 2012
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Oregon Research Institute Tai Chi program helps Parkinson's disease patients

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a tailored Tai Chi training program significantly improved postural stability and walking ability in Parkinson's disease patients. The program resulted in reduced falls and demonstrated potential as an add-on to current physical therapies.

SourceOregon Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2012