Articles tagged with Nervous System
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a tiny sensor that responds to touch in a similar way to our sensory cells. The sensor, made from a soft, silicone-like material, can convert touch into an electric potential and potentially stimulate nerves directly, allowing for prosthetic limbs with a sense of touch.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that bullfrogs can generate ketone bodies in their brains, allowing them to continue critical neural functions even when glucose levels are low. This finding could have implications for understanding human brain health and potentially treating neurological disorders.
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) form tight anatomical associations with sensory, autonomic, and enteric nerve fibers, receiving neural regulation through activating and inhibitory pathways. ILC2s also secrete cytokines that can act back on neurons, forming positive feedback loops that modulate allergic and anti-infective immunity.
Researchers developed a gene-delivery system that converts reactive astrocytes into functional neurons, improving motor recovery in mice and rats. The system, TRANsCre-DIONE, selectively targets scar-forming cells and reprograms them into neurons, which generate nerve impulses and receive signals from other neurons.
A team of researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science has discovered a genetic atlas of neuronal development, which could provide a potential step forward for understanding how to repair broken neural connections. The study found that neurons use a genetic switch in the cell body to control axon growth, allowin...
A new brain atlas reveals that neurons build their identity in the first hours of life, rather than inheriting it from their parent cells. The atlas, which mapped nearly 250,000 fly brain cells, shows that neuronal identity is established through a flexible, modular system involving different DNA switches and regulatory proteins.
Researchers discovered that psilocybin prevents nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models, protecting sensory nerve endings and preserving touch sensation. Psilocybin may offer a new intervention for preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improving patients' quality of life.
A new drug patch is being developed to promote the repair of damaged myelin sheaths in multiple sclerosis patients. The patch, which delivers a low dose of theophylline, is being tested in a Phase I clinical trial for its safety and tolerability.
Researchers at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that BRAF plays a key role in developing and maintaining chronic nerve pain caused by nerve damage. Using BRAF inhibitors reduced pain sensitivity in preclinical models, suggesting therapeutic potential for treating chronic nerve pain.
Researchers found that tumors can damage peripheral nerves before chemotherapy begins, leading to potential nerve damage and chronic pain. The study challenges the conventional thought that peripheral neuropathy is mostly due to chemotherapy treatment.
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 ...
Researchers will examine whether online support strengthens brain development linked to emotional and mental health in prematurely born infants. The scalable intervention could transform how families receive support after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit, bringing evidence-based support into the home.
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.
Researchers identify a specialized lymphatic network in the brain that enables cerebrospinal fluid drainage, which declines with age but can be restored through intranasal VEGF-C delivery. This discovery provides new insights into brain waste clearance and its link to neurodegenerative disorders.
A new review article synthesizes information on neural traveling waves, concluding they are a computational engine in the visual cortex. These waves allow the brain to build internal representations of the external world, enabling prediction and perception.
Research on ocean acidification's impact on cephalopod brains reveals a 49% reduction in brain volume compared to controls. The greatest reductions were found in visual information-interpretation regions, correlating with significant feeding behavior changes.
A Korean University research team has created a new brain implant that enables precise control of neural activity using temperature, opening possibilities for advanced brain–computer interfaces and treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers discovered astrocytes actively preserve long-term memories by regulating Ank2 and BDNF signaling. This finding expands the understanding of how memories are stored in the brain.
A new review reveals that spinal cord injury can trigger a cascade of systemic complications throughout the entire body, affecting organs far from the original injury site. The authors propose a neuro-immune-metabolic network framework for understanding these complications and suggest a shift towards proactive, system-wide recovery.
Researchers have published the first complete connectome of a fruit fly brain and 'spinal cord', allowing for the study of how neural circuits control complex behaviors. The open-source resource is poised to propel neuroscience research by providing insights into basic principles of nervous system interactions.
A pioneering pilot clinical trial showed that spinal cord stimulation improved arm strength by 32% in stroke survivors, with significant reductions in muscle spasticity. The intervention required minimal training time and was safe with no serious adverse events.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism controlling brain plasticity and maturation in early life, with cortisol playing a central role in closing critical learning periods. The study found that cortisol triggers a cascade of brain changes that contribute to critical period closure in mice, mirroring the human brain.
A new study from Stockholm University found that young guppies raised with visual contact to live fish developed larger brains and relatively larger olfactory bulbs compared to those with only screen-based exposure. This suggests that interactive social experiences during development may be important for normal brain growth.
Researchers developed piezoelectric patch sensors that track finger movements to play rock-paper-scissors, promoting self-motivated healthcare and entertainment. The sensors provide quantifiable data and objective feedback, improving patient outcomes through accessibility, independence, and motivation.
A new approach combines MRI scans and AI tools to measure fluid flow in the brain, shedding light on the glymphatic system’s mechanics. The study reveals two main ways the system washes away particles, with one way moving faster than the other.
A new study suggests that ultrasound stimulation can bring about functionally meaningful changes in pain perception and brain connectivity. The research found a delayed analgesic effect, with participants reporting reduced pain intensity after 28-55 minutes following TUS application.
Recent advances in noninvasive neural decoding, deep learning, and shared autonomy are bringing BCI-controlled robots closer to real-world use. These systems can decode complex brain signals related to movement intention, allowing for more flexible and higher-dimensional robotic behaviors.
Researchers develop tailored revascularization approach for moyamoya disease, improving circulation while minimizing complications. The technique, called STAPC, uses vessel diameter, blood-flow dynamics, and recipient brain arteries to guide surgical decisions.
University of Missouri researchers develop organic transistors that process information like biological neural networks, boosting brain-like computing and potentially leading to more energy-efficient artificial intelligence. The approach could lead to significant improvements in tasks such as pattern recognition and decision-making.
J. Craig Venter's pioneering work in expressed sequence tags revolutionized brain-expressed genes identification, while his synthetic cells paved the way for synthetic biology as a working discipline. His legacy has reshaped our understanding of genomes and their functions.
A USC team has created a neuroprosthetic device that can restore coordinated bladder control in small animal models, proof of concept for a future treatment that could transform lives after spinal cord injuries. The device targets the dorsolateral funiculus region of the spinal cord to mimic the natural signals that trigger the need to...
Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.
tACS modulates brain oscillations, induces synaptic plasticity, and regulates neurotransmitter release to alleviate symptoms of various neuropsychiatric conditions. Personalized approaches are essential for treatment efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Houston found that distraction disrupts memory consolidation primarily due to demands on central executive processing. To improve short-term memory, focus attention on a task for a few seconds before switching, and avoid multitasking.
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
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.
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.
A research team led by LEE Doyun and KIM Yee-Joon found that the primary visual cortex encodes motion summaries and variability before higher brain regions transform them into category signals. This process, known as ensemble perception, allows the brain to capture the overall structure of a scene at a glance.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 studies found that nature exposure is associated with reductions in negative emotions and increases in positive emotions. Experts recommend integrating nature into urban design to promote brain health and treat mental illnesses.
Researchers discovered that three anesthesia drugs, propofol, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine, have the same destabilizing effect on the brain, causing a loss of consciousness. This common mechanism could lead to the development of a universal anesthesia-delivery system to monitor patients more effectively.
Using a computational model, neuroscientists at MIT showed how the brain selectively focuses attention on one voice among others in a noisy environment. The model found that amplifying the activity of neural processing units that respond to features of a target voice allows that voice to be boosted to the forefront of attention.
Researchers at Tufts University and Wyss Institute created neurobots by adding nerve cells to tiny living forms called xenobots, which exhibit complex movements with simple neural networks. The resulting neurobots display unique behaviors and demonstrate the formation of primitive nervous systems.
A new study from Emory University finds that live bacteria from an imbalanced gut microbiome can enter the brain via the vagus nerve, potentially initiating neurological conditions. The study used mouse models and found that high-fat diets increased intestinal barrier permeability, allowing bacteria to reach the brain.
A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.
Researchers identified new neurons that respond to different spatial frequencies, allowing for more precise object recognition, and used digital twins to confirm the findings in mouse brains.
A new study reveals that astrocytes regulate inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum during development, enabling the emergence of flexible and precise motor coordination. In contrast, younger animals rely on neuron-derived tonic inhibition, which is replaced by astrocyte-derived tonic inhibition in late adolescence.
A team of researchers has developed a method to decode fluctuations in spontaneous pain intensity in individuals with chronic pain using extensively sampled functional MRI data. The study found that neural patterns underlying pain differ markedly between individuals, highlighting the importance of individualized brain-based biomarkers.
Researchers used machine learning techniques to compress a large model of the visual cortex, creating smaller versions that predict neural responses with high accuracy. The compact models revealed specific computational patterns in how neurons detect important features, offering insights into how visual information is processed.
A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.
A Dartmouth study challenges the conventional view of the amygdala as a primitive 'fear center' by revealing its role in mediating between competing learning strategies. The research suggests that the amygdala favors action-based learning, promoting exploration and flexibility to overcome fear.
Researchers have developed a new device that can record and stimulate activity across the entire surface of miniature, lab-grown human brain-like tissues, enabling whole-network mapping and manipulation. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of brain development, function, and disease.
Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans to model chemotherapy-induced neurological dysfunction and tested two compounds for improved recovery. Both sildenafil citrate and Resveramorph-3 significantly reduced seizure-like behaviors and duration, suggesting their potential as therapeutic candidates.
Researchers have developed a long, needle-thin brain electrode with channels that enables neural signal recording and precisely targeted medication delivery across different brain regions. The technology has primarily been developed for basic research but may be important for future treatments in epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
Researchers developed a novel nanoparticle system to cross the BBB, target infection sites, and release antibacterial agents locally. This strategy effectively disrupts biofilms, eliminates drug-resistant bacteria, and reduces neuroinflammation.
Researchers found that hormone treatment reduces abnormal nerve invasion and improves chronic back pain by limiting nerve growth inside damaged spinal tissue. The study suggests that parathyroid hormone can reverse the process by activating natural signals.
A blind patient partially recovered natural vision through electrical stimulation of the visual cortex, independent of the implant. The recovery was sustained over time and remained even after the device was removed, suggesting individual factors may have contributed to this outcome.
Researchers have uncovered a new understanding of how cardiac events are interconnected with the brain and nervous/immune systems. They found that sensory neurons in the vagus nerve detect injury and transfer signals to dedicated brain structures, leading to activation of the immune system.
Dr. Maria Margarita Behrens' work deciphers the molecular signatures defining every human brain cell type, shedding light on neural development and psychiatric disorders. Her single-cell epigenomic atlases will enable researchers to target specific cell types with unprecedented precision.
A study published in Neurology found that people with weaker and more fragmented circadian rhythms, as well as those who experience a later peak of activity, have an elevated risk of dementia. The study involved over 2,000 participants and followed them for three years to track the development of dementia.
Researchers discovered that calcium alpha-ketoglutarate restores key memory-related brain functions disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. The molecule enhances synaptic plasticity, protects neurons from degenerative changes, and supports healthier cognitive ageing.