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Engineers create digital twin of gut-brain axis to advance neurostimulation therapies

Lehigh University researchers develop comprehensive mathematical model of the neural circuitry linking the gut and brain to regulate stomach function, opening new pathways for treating chronic digestive disorders through targeted vagus nerve stimulation. The digital twin could help accelerate therapy development and improve quality of ...

SourceLehigh University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateAug 3, 2026

UMass Chan researchers shed light on how inflammation in GI tract rewires enteric nervous system

Research reveals inflammation in the GI tract changes how nerves are arranged, affecting intestinal muscle contractions. A protective stress response pathway helps neurons survive, preserving their structure and potentially offering a way to curtail persistent symptoms associated with IBD.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2026

When the nervous system starves the brain: Autonomic dysfunction unmasked as a hidden driver of treatment-resistant depression

A study published in Brain Medicine suggests autonomic dysfunction, particularly parasympathetic and sympathetic imbalances, contributes to depressive symptoms in patients unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Low-dose medications targeting these imbalances may offer a new approach to treatment.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2026

"Listening directly to the nerves" — personalized stimulation control mechanism for urinary disorder treatment (tibial nerve stimulation)

A joint research team from POSTECH and Hanyang University developed a personalized stimulation control mechanism using evoked compound action potential feedback mechanisms to treat urinary disorders. This technology enables precise adjustment of tibial nerve stimulation in real-time, based on individual nerve responses, improving patie...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2025

Thoracic autonomic nervous system surgery current application—a survey among members of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons

A survey conducted among ESTS members revealed that sympathetic surgery is commonly used for hyperhidrosis and facial flushing, with a preference for nerve cutting over clipping. However, there was significant heterogeneity in practice, highlighting the need for standardization and further research.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2025

Closed eye imaging can track wakefulness, awareness, and pain in unresponsive conditions such as sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care

A breakthrough technology allows for touchless infrared imaging to monitor changes in pupil size and gaze direction behind closed eyes. This innovation can help identify wakefulness, awareness, and pain in sleep, anesthesia, and intensive care, enabling more accurate clinical decision-making.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateSep 8, 2024

Aerobic exercise performed in the evening benefits elderly hypertensives more than morning exercise

A study of 23 elderly patients with hypertension found that evening aerobic exercise improved baroreflex sensitivity, a mechanism that regulates blood pressure. This improvement led to better blood pressure regulation and reduced muscle sympathetic nerve activity, making evening exercise more effective than morning exercise.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 17, 2024

How to really reach students with online teaching

A recent study at Ruhr-University Bochum found that interactive online teaching can increase students' physiological state of arousal compared to passive online or face-to-face teaching. Students in interactive online classes reported feeling more involved and attentive but also experienced increased anxiety.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateFeb 9, 2023

Non-invasive neurotechnology reduces symptoms of insomnia and improves autonomic nervous system function

A new study using closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology shows significant improvements in sleep quality and autonomic nervous system function in adults with insomnia. The intervention, called CR-SOP, was found to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2023

Helping patients manage long covid

A new home-based test, aAP, allows patients to monitor their autonomic responses and make lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. This test reduces NHS resource demand and provides clinicians with valuable insights into patient triggers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation·DateAug 23, 2022

An effective new treatment for chronic back pain targets the nervous system

A new treatment has shown clinically meaningful effects on pain intensity and disability, with participants reporting improved quality of life and long-term benefits. The sensorimotor retraining approach alters how people think about their body in pain and normalizes communication between the back and brain.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 2, 2022

Physical exercise boosts beneficial cardiovascular effects of losartan in men with high blood pressure

Researchers found that aerobic exercise improves autonomic regulation of the heart and contributes to proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Walking for 45 minutes three times a week increased heart rate variability, a scientifically validated parameter to assess the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical and Experimental Hypertension·DateJun 22, 2022

Transcranial stimulation lowers blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, study shows

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. After a single session or ten sessions, the treatment reduced peripheral and central blood pressure in some patients by up to 15 mmHg.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJun 7, 2022

Even mild or moderate COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system in young adults, study shows

Researchers found that post-COVID patients displayed altered autonomic nervous system functioning, with increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Obesity and physical inactivity were key factors contributing to these changes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 15, 2022

'Tickle' therapy could help slow aging

A new study at the University of Leeds suggests that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) may help slow down an important effect associated with ageing. The therapy, which delivers a small electrical current to the ear, has been shown to improve physiological and wellbeing outcomes in over-55s.

How our nerves regulate insulin secretion

Studies have shown that the autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating insulin secretion from beta cells in the pancreas. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully grafted beta cells into mice eyes to study their function, revealing how the autonomic nervous system influences blood glucose levels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2012

A new way of looking at Prader-Willi Syndrome

A new study reveals that individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome may have an impaired autonomic nervous system, leading to abnormal heart rate variability after meals. The findings suggest potential alternative treatments for the condition, which is characterized by insatiable appetite and high cardiovascular risk.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalClinical Endocrinology·DateNov 15, 2012

Researchers find sudden cardiac death is associated with a thin placenta at birth

A study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a strong association between sudden cardiac death and a thin placenta at birth, suggesting impaired fetal development of the autonomic nervous system as a contributing factor. The study also found an independent association with poor educational attainment.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 19, 2012