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Largest-ever genetic study of fibromyalgia points to a neurological origin of the disorder and opens the door to new treatments

A landmark study identifies new genetic risk factors associated with fibromyalgia syndrome, pointing to a neurological origin of the disorder. The research found substantial overlap between fibromyalgia and other conditions, suggesting shared biological mechanisms that may benefit from targeted therapies.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2026

Researchers discover a new link between brain sugar levels and myelin development

Researchers at CUNY ASRC have uncovered a metabolic switch that influences the formation of myelinating cells, helping shape brain development. The study reveals that glucose levels act as a signal directing behavior during development and can be harnessed to protect myelin in the developing brain and promote repair in disease states.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

Researchers identify novel therapeutic target to improve recovery after nerve injury

A study published in PNAS reveals that peripheral neuropathy can reduce macrophage immune cells' ability to clear dead cells through efferocytosis, leading to chronic pain. Restoring this process may offer a new therapeutic strategy to prevent inflammatory signaling and improve nerve repair.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2026

‘Split-brain’ study: just a few fibres enable communication between the two hemispheres of the brain

A recent study found that preserving just one centimeter of corpus callosum fibers is enough to maintain information exchange between the two brain hemispheres, preventing neurological symptoms. The research challenged long-held assumptions about the relationships between brain structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Multiple proteins viewed as never before

The CombPlex technology developed at Weizmann Institute allows for the simultaneous imaging and quantification of nearly two dozen proteins within individual cells. This breakthrough enables researchers to measure lots of proteins at the same time, crucial for understanding tissue function and disease processes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 7, 2025

Cancer drugs linked to severe chronic peripheral nerve pain for 4 in every 10 patients

A pooled data analysis found that cancer chemotherapy is linked to persistent severe peripheral nerve pain for around 4 in every 10 patients, with platinum-based drugs and taxanes associated with the highest rates of painful neuropathy. The study analyzed data from 77 eligible studies involving 10,962 participants from 28 countries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRegional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 28, 2025

How do we use STOC-T to assess ocular microcirculation?

Researchers used STOC-T to visualize retinal microcirculation in real-time, providing insights into the mechanisms of retinal function. The study offers a groundbreaking opportunity for precise monitoring of hemodynamic changes in the retina, enabling early detection and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

New imaging technique to improve head and neck cancer surgery

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 7, 2024

Can we ‘recharge’ our cells?

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to recharge cellular mitochondria using nanotechnology, potentially extending healthy lifespans and improving outcomes for patients with age-related diseases. The molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles stimulate mitochondrial regeneration, helping cells generate more energy.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2024

New insights into neural circuit imaging: A comparison of one-photon and two-photon techniques

A recent study by Harvard University researchers compares the effectiveness of one-photon (1P) versus two-photon (2P) voltage imaging in neural circuits. The study found that 2P excitation requires approximately 10,000 times more illumination power per cell compared to 1P excitation, posing significant challenges for 2P voltage imaging.

Tissue bridges are reliable predictors of recovery from cervical spine injuries

A longitudinal study has found that tissue bridges in the spinal cord are associated with short- and long-term clinical improvements in patients with cervical spine injuries. The study's models, developed by a team of experts, incorporate tissue bridges for improved prognosis and can be transferred to other patient cohorts.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Korea University and Ewha Womans University researchers highlight advancements in biomedical research with enzyme-activated fluorescent probes

Researchers have summarized recent advances in enzyme-activated near-infrared fluorescent probes for non-invasive visualization of enzyme dynamics and disease status. These probes offer high specificity, sensitivity, and biocompatibility, making them valuable assets in biomedical research and healthcare.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalTrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 14, 2023

New “injectable tissue prosthesis coupled with closed-loop bioelectronic system” to aid in damaged muscle/nerve regeneration and robot-assisted rehabilitation

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science developed a novel approach to healing muscle injury using conductive hydrogels and robot-assisted rehabilitation. The injectable tissue prosthesis enhances gait in rodent models without nerve stimulation, while improving long-term muscle tissue regeneration.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Research in the Special Issue of Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis uncovers previously unexplored cellular mechanisms

Researchers have discovered new insights into microglia-astrocyte communication and its impact on intracerebral hemorrhage, as well as the testicular toxicity of triptolide. Additionally, a study on epicardial cells has identified key gene markers associated with cardiac regenerative therapy strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023