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Scientists discover novel mechanism that causes rare brain disease

A mutation in the TMEM163 zinc transporter gene has been definitively linked to hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, a rare and often fatal neurological disorder. The study's findings provide new insights into the role of zinc in normal brain development, injury, and disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalBrain·DateSep 15, 2022

Brain cell insight could lead to new treatments for neurological-based diseases

Researchers identified key differences in metabolic processes between brain and spinal cord oligodendrocytes, which could lead to new therapeutic treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study also found that targeting a specific cell protein may enhance cholesterol and myelin production.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2022
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Milk may exacerbate MS symptoms

A new study by University of Bonn researchers found that cow's milk protein casein triggers an autoimmune response in mice, damaging neurons and myelin sheath. This cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system mistakes similar molecules for each other.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2022

Myelination determines the nerve cell power of inhibition

Researchers found that myelination, even patchy on interneurons, is required for full inhibitory potential. Myelin loss can cause abnormal brain activity and lead to cognitive impairments.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Autism-linked gene, if deleted, results in less myelin

Research by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio scientists found that mice missing one copy of the Tbx1 gene exhibit slower cognitive processing. The gene's deletion led to diminished myelin insulation around nerves, impacting signal conduction between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Strategies for the regeneration of myelin

In chronic damage, new cholesterol production determines the efficiency of repair, with nerve cells contributing to replenishing myelin-forming cells. Treatment with a cholesterol-enriched diet enhances oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 4, 2021

Overcoming obstacles to promote repair in multiple sclerosis

A new study suggests that existing drugs for multiple sclerosis may not be effective due to toxic blood leaks in the brain. Researchers have identified a promising alternative treatment option that could improve myelin repair, even in the presence of these harmful elements.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalBrain·DateAug 24, 2021
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Researchers link neurodegenerative disease protein to defective cholesterol metabolism

A recent study discovered that brain cells cannot maintain the myelin sheath in the absence of the TDP-43 protein. Restoring cholesterol levels has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases associated with TDP-43. The research found that oligodendrocytes, responsible for producing myelin, have def...

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021

Mini 3D brain models could speed up search for MS treatments

Researchers developed miniature brain models using stem cells from human skin samples to study myelin, an insulating substance that helps nerve cells communicate. The models are a promising platform for studying neurological diseases and testing drugs for conditions linked to myelin loss, including multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 3, 2021

Specialized technique captures unique protein structures in neuropathy disorders

Researchers have developed a specialized technique to capture unique protein structures associated with neuropathy disorders, such as Charcot Marie Tooth and Dejerine-Sottas syndrome. The technique, ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS), reveals that an unstable mutant version of the PMP22 protein forms a stable complex called a dimer.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2021
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T cells linked to myelin implicated in MS-like disease in monkeys

Researchers at OHSU have discovered that a type of herpes virus may be causing a central nervous system disease in monkeys similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. The study found T cells linked to myelin loss, a critical component of MS, paving the way for potential antiviral therapies.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJan 15, 2021

Study suggests compound protects myelin, nerve fibers

A compound developed at Oregon Health & Science University appears to protect nerve fibers and the fatty sheath of myelin that covers nerve cells. The discovery suggests the compound may also prevent damage from occurring, reducing inflammation and degeneration in multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Neuroimmunology·DateJan 13, 2021

Researchers generate a brain cell type crucial to support neural activity

Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed a method to generate human oligodendrocytes from pluripotent stem cells, crucial for supporting neural activity. This breakthrough enables the creation of OLs in just three weeks, opening up new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and ALS.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 12, 2020
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Finding a cure for multiple sclerosis

A US researcher has received a National Multiple Sclerosis Society grant to identify compound analogues that can repair damaged axons in multiple sclerosis. The project aims to find a new treatment avenue that speeds up nerve impulses and promotes myelin repair.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 30, 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.

Cashew shell compound appears to mend damaged nerves

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered a cashew shell compound that promotes myelin repair in laboratory experiments. The compound, anacardic acid, inhibits an enzyme involved in gene expression, leading to increased production of IL-33 and rapid induction of myelin genes and proteins.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

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CU researchers identify key role of immune cells in brain development

Researchers at CU School of Medicine identified microglia's essential role in regulating myelination, a process forming connections between neurons and glial cells. This finding may lead to improved understanding of potential causes for neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 2020

Gene yields insights into the causes of neurodegeneration

Researchers have identified a gene, TMEM106B, as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that a mutation in this gene disrupts the formation of myelin sheaths around nerve fibers, leading to neurological defects.

SourceCornell University·JournalBrain·DateJul 9, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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Not all multiple sclerosis-like diseases are alike

Scientists discovered that patients with certain inflammatory demyelinating diseases have auto-immune antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), which is thought to be important in maintaining the myelin sheath's structural integrity. This finding suggests that therapeutic strategies need to be individualized for pat...

SourceTohoku University·JournalBrain·DateMay 18, 2020

New therapeutic options for multiple sclerosis in sight

Researchers have identified a promising new target for multiple sclerosis therapy by focusing on monocytes rather than T and B cells. By targeting the Cxcl10+ monocyte subset, disease symptoms in mice were significantly improved, suggesting potential preventive measures against MS side effects.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 20, 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.

Mouse study shows 'chaperone protein' protects against autoimmune diseases

Researchers discovered a key role for H2-O chaperone protein in protecting the immune system from autoimmunity, which causes diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that the absence of H2-O disrupted normal helper T cell function, leading to autoimmune reactions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 15, 2020

Repair of central nervous system myelin

Researchers found that ursolic acid promotes myelin repair in the central nervous system, even in chronic autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a potential dual effect of ursolic acid in treating MS through both immunomodulation and direct remyelination.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 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.

Long-term learning requires new nerve insulation

A study in mice reveals that new nerve insulation, myelin, plays a critical role in laying down long-lasting emotional memories. Increased myelin formation is necessary for the consolidation and maintenance of fear memories, which could lead to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 10, 2020

The highways of our brain

A new technique reveals that myelin produces multiple waves of electrical potentials traveling at high speeds, contradicting earlier assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCell·DateJan 24, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Flashing lights may provide vital first test of MS drug success

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that changes in VEP latency can accurately reflect remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients, providing a potential outcome measure for evaluating new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Scientists identify underlying molecular mechanisms of Alexander disease

Researchers used human induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to model chemical changes in GFAP protein associated with Alexander disease. The study reveals differences in GFAP modifications depending on symptom onset time, allowing for new drug development opportunities.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateNov 21, 2019

Illumination of abnormal neuronal activities caused by myelin impairment

A study published in GLIA found that myelin impairment causes uncoordinated electrical impulse transmission between neurons, affecting motor learning in mice. The research also showed that compensating for impaired motor learning by pairing actions with brain photo-simulation can promote synchronization of neuronal activities.

SourceKobe University·JournalGlia·DateOct 11, 2019

New compound promotes healing of myelin in nervous system disorders

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a compound that successfully promotes rebuilding of damaged nerve cell protective sheath, reversing MS symptoms. The discovery may lead to clinical trials in humans with MS or other neurodegenerative conditions.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalGlia·DateSep 6, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

'Key player' identified in genetic link to psychiatric conditions

Researchers at Cardiff University have identified the CYFIP1 gene as a potential cause of abnormalities in brain structure seen in psychiatric conditions. The study found that the deletion of this gene leads to thinning of the insulation around nerve cells, disrupting communication between brain regions.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2019

First step to induce self-repair in the central nervous system

Injured axons trigger Schwann cells to build specialized actin spheres, breaking down and removing damaged fragments to start regeneration. Oligodendrocytes can also generate actin structures with induced VEGFR1 expression, promoting central nervous system healing.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 11, 2019

Discovery reveals prolific ability of Schwann cells to generate myelin

Researchers have discovered that Schwann cells can spread myelin across multiple axons, overturning the traditional understanding of these cells' function. This finding could lead to new gene-therapy techniques to repair damaged myelin in peripheral nervous system disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study shows promise in repairing damaged myelin

A scientific breakthrough provides new hope for people with multiple sclerosis, as researchers have developed a compound that stimulates repair of the protective sheath that covers nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The study, published in JCI Insight, shows promising results in repairing damaged myelin without severe side effects.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 18, 2019

URI study shows benefits of delayed cord clamping in healthy babies

A new University of Rhode Island nursing study found that delayed cord clamping in healthy infants increases iron stores and brain myelin, leading to improved early-life functional development. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, challenges the practice of immediate cord clamping.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 9, 2019

Study sheds light on brain cell changes in people with MS

A study published in Nature found that people with multiple sclerosis have different types of oligodendrocytes than healthy individuals, which may explain why their myelin repair process does not work as well. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for progressive MS.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019
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.

Old cells repair damage in the brains of MS patients

Researchers found that older cells in MS patients can reform myelin, but new oligodendrocyte generation is severely limited. This suggests treating MS aggressively at an early stage is crucial to prevent further damage.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

Multiple sclerosis -- Helping cells to help themselves

A team from Charité has identified the Chi3l3 protein as a key player in the body's innate ability to repair damaged myelin sheaths in multiple sclerosis. By understanding this molecular signal, researchers aim to develop new drugs that can restore electrical insulation around nerve cells.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2019

FSU research sheds light on spinal cord injuries

Researchers at Florida State University have discovered that a natural immune system response can cause further harm after a spinal cord injury. The study found that the process of clearing myelin debris from the injury site can lead to inflammation and the formation of abnormal blood vessels, inhibiting recovery.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 21, 2019
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.

Protecting oligodendrocytes may reduce the impact of multiple sclerosis

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have found a promising treatment for multiple sclerosis, a disabling immune-mediated disease that damages nerve fibers. Sephin1, a small molecule, may delay harm to nerve cells by protecting oligodendrocytes and reducing inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateJan 16, 2019

What prevents remyelination? New stem cell research reveals a critical culprit

A University at Buffalo team discovered that activation of PRRX1 induces pathological quiescence, rendering adult stem cells incapable of producing myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. This finding presents a novel approach to developing treatments for multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases by blocking pathological quiescence.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 18, 2018
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.