Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Exit through the lymphatic system

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified that cerebrospinal fluid exits the cranial cavity through lymph vessels in mice, rewriting anatomy textbooks. The study found that this pathway is responsible for flushing out unwanted substances and may offer a starting point for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017

Changes in proteins may predict ALS progression

Measuring changes in proteins in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may better predict disease progression, according to scientists at Penn State College of Medicine. Biomarkers from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid identified as useful in predicting disease duration.

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 17, 2013

Gene variation linked to earlier onset of Alzheimer's symptoms

Researchers identified a genetic variation associated with an earlier age of onset in Alzheimer's disease, which affects the brain's tau protein levels. The study suggests that these variations lead to higher tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid and earlier cognitive problems once amyloid plaques form.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2008

Amateur boxing linked to brain cell injury

A study of 14 Swedish amateur boxers found higher levels of certain chemicals in their cerebrospinal fluid indicating injuries to neurons and astroglia after a bout. The findings suggest that amateur boxing is associated with acute neuronal and astroglial injury, warranting further investigation for medical counseling of athletes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateSep 11, 2006

Ultrasensitive method for the diagnosis of prion diseases (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and BSE)

Researchers have developed a novel diagnostic technique to directly detect prions in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is easily accessible for diagnostic purposes. This breakthrough method uses dual-color scanning for intensely fluorescent targets to identify single prion particles with high sensitivity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2000