Articles tagged with Nervous System
Researchers found that lung cancer cells can form functional synapses with neurons, supporting their growth and survival. Disrupting glutamate signalling led to lower tumour burden and longer survival in experimental mice, highlighting promising therapeutic targets.
A new exosome-based therapeutic agent has been developed to treat traumatic CNS injuries, alleviating neuronal apoptosis and restoring glial homeostasis. The treatment, SeNExo, promotes neuronal repair and reduces oxidative damage, showing potent therapeutic benefits in mouse models.
Despite long-held assumptions, a new study reveals that the brain's somatosensory cortex holds a stable 'body map' even after limb loss. The findings have significant implications for treating phantom limb pain and restoring sensation in prosthetic limbs via brain-computer interfaces.
Researchers found that cancer cells break down nerve protective covers, triggering chronic inflammation and immune exhaustion, making treatment resistant. Targeting the nerve injury pathway can reverse this resistance and improve treatment response.
A new multi-institutional study confirmed that the NSD2 protein can be targeted with a new drug, blocking it effectively reprogrammed DNA structure, reversed and prevented cancer growth in preclinical models of KRAS-mutant lung and pancreatic cancers. Targeting the brain-liver pathway with electronic wearables could prevent cancer-asso...
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have discovered that excessive GABA produced by astrocytes impairs fear extinction in PTSD. A new brain-permeable drug called KDS2010 has reversed PTSD-like symptoms in mice, providing a promising therapeutic approach.
Laminin-411 protein and its derived peptide A4G47 exhibit pro-myelinating activity in oligodendrocytes, promoting myelin sheath formation. This discovery advances understanding of myelin sheath formation and potential applications for treating demyelinating diseases.
Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have identified a new system linking the microbiome to the brain, which influences behavior and appetite. The discovery was made by detecting flagellin in gut bacteria, triggering an appetite-suppressing signal to the brain.
A specific 'anti-reward' brain circuit becomes hyperactive during cocaine withdrawal, driving discomfort and pushing users back toward the drug. However, this circuit may also serve as a protective mechanism, potentially helping to develop new therapies targeting emotional pain of withdrawal.
A new analysis of a 500 million-year-old fossil suggests that arachnids, including spiders and scorpions, evolved in the ocean before adapting to land. The discovery was made by studying the brain and nervous system of an ancient marine arthropod called Mollisonia symmetrica.
Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered a key neuroendocrine pathway underlying the seasonal shift in insect reproduction. The brain peptide corazonin plays a suppressive role in reproduction under short-day conditions, allowing insects to prepare for winter.
Researchers found that inhibitory neurons born later in brain development mature faster than those produced earlier, ensuring a balanced neural network. This regulation is controlled by genetic mechanisms and may contribute to developmental disorders.
New research suggests that blurry, color-limited vision in early childhood can contribute to the development of key brain pathways. The study proposes that such limited vision allows the brain to specialize in certain processing units, which later develop into distinct pathways for color and fine spatial detail.
Dr. Danielle Beckman's research uses animal models to understand how viruses like COVID-19 trigger neurological damage and accelerate Alzheimer's disease. Her work has established critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes.
Researchers have discovered a new method to enhance brain waste clearance by precisely stimulating the lymphatics under skin on the neck and face. This non-invasive approach may offer a safer alternative to current treatments for age-related neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
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...
Research highlights potential link between microplastics in ultra-processed foods and brain health, with possible connections to depression and dementia. The studies propose a novel hypothesis connecting ultra-processed food consumption, microplastic exposure, and mental health outcomes.
A new technique using focused sound waves and microbubbles has shown great promise in treating debilitating brain lesions called cerebral cavernous malformations. The approach has halted the growth of lesions almost entirely, offering a potential paradigm shift in treatment.
Researchers have found that promoting glucose metabolism in glial cells can relieve inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration in Alzheimer's patients. This discovery presents an exciting new therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has committed $18.1 million to support research projects aligned with its Pathways to Cures roadmap, which aims to stop MS, restore function, and end the disease. The funding includes 16 research grants and 28 training fellowships in the US and internationally.
A study on novice passengers during and after zero-gravity parabolic flights reveals that their parasympathetic nervous system function plays a crucial role in shaping their space travel experience. The research highlights the need for assistance to be provided to space tourists to mitigate potential effects.
Scientists investigate whether living neurons can transport light through their axons, which would significantly change current models of the nervous system. If successful, it could have major implications for treating brain diseases and healing the brain.
A new study from the University of Sydney found that poor oral health is significantly associated with higher instances of migraines and abdominal/pain in women. The research identified specific oral microbes correlated with certain pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique sound stimulation technology that alleviates motion sickness, reducing symptoms by up to a minute of stimulation. The device stimulates the inner ear with a specific wavelength of sound, activating the vestibular system and improving balance.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a small molecule drug that targets a specific serotonin receptor, showing promise as a treatment for sarcopenia. The study suggests that this neurotherapeutic can improve muscle strength by activating motor neurons to fire more effectively.
Researchers created a fiber computer that can be integrated into clothing to track health conditions and physical activity. The technology achieved an average accuracy of 70% when individually operated, but increased to nearly 95% when connected collectively.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have discovered that histone deacetylase 8 (HDCA8) inhibits the conversion of Schwann cells into their repair phenotype, slowing down peripheral nervous system recovery. Removing HDAC8 accelerates regeneration and restores sensory function.
A new device has been designed to effectively treat cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) by navigating complex venous anatomy and removing large thrombi. The device features controllable axial and longitudinal maneuverability, improving clinical outcomes for patients with CVST.
Researchers examine how stroke patients develop post-stroke sensory reweighting (PSR) to improve walking and balance. PSR is a critical factor in determining patient outcomes, with those who develop it experiencing better balance and reduced risk of falls.
Researchers discover immune cells regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating glucagon production in the pancreas. This complex neuroimmune-hormonal circuit reveals a new way the body maintains stable glucose levels, especially during periods of low energy.
Researchers found that wearable devices can identify, differentiate, and predict flares in IBD by analyzing circadian patterns of heart rate variability, heart rate, oxygenation, and daily activity. The study showed that these metrics changed up to seven weeks before flares developed, enabling continuous disease monitoring.
A new study reveals evidence of electrical signaling and coordinated behavior in choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals. This finding offers key insights into the early evolution of animal multicellularity and nervous systems.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified Hsc70 as a vital chaperone protein that ensures SNAP-25's proper functioning in neurotransmission. The study sheds new light on the underlying mechanics of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The InteReg project aims to create interactive biomaterials that instruct cells to regenerate after brain or spinal cord injuries, potentially treating MS and other neurological disorders. The project, funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, brings together experts in biology, chemistry, medicine, and polymer research.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo discover that the patterns of spontaneous activity and stimulus-evoked response are similar in lower visual areas of the cerebral cortex but gradually become independent as one moves to higher visual areas. This orthogonal relationship helps explain how sensory perception remains stable despite co...
Bentham Science journals Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry and CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets accepted for PsycInfo database indexing, enhancing global visibility of research. PsycInfo provides extensive coverage of behavioral and social sciences, making this move a significant step forward.
Researchers found that female locust's digging valves wear down significantly despite being used only 3-4 times in a lifetime. The study demonstrates the 'good enough' principle in evolution, where extra resources are not invested in organs with specific purposes performed adequately.
Researchers have developed a practical calculator to predict the risk of developing epilepsy after cerebral venous thrombosis, a rare cause of stroke. The tool is based on factors already available in clinical routine and can help inform treatment decisions or support preventive medication for those at high risk.
Researchers at UVA Health System found that a hyperactive nervous system response can worsen C. difficile infections, leading to severe diarrhea, nausea, and colitis. Targeting the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor may provide a new therapeutic target for treating these deadly infections.
Researchers have discovered that comb jelly species can fuse after injury, rapidly synchronizing their muscle contractions and merging digestive tracts to share food. This process allows the fused individual to survive for at least three weeks.
A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.
Researchers have developed a novel platform for testing radiation therapy effects on brain cells, providing insights into how the brain reacts to cancer treatment. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding the impact of radiation on neural circuits, ultimately leading to personalized care for patients.
The underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) technique demonstrates promising outcomes in the treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, particularly in rectal tumors. UEMR achieves complete histological resection at a lower cost with minimal requirement for advanced endoscopic skills.
Researchers engineered miniature linear and split-belt treadmills to study insect locomotion, gaining insights into proprioception's role in natural activities like walking. The study showed that flies can modify their steps to continue walking straight despite rotational perturbations.
A new algorithm, inspired by the nervous system's matchmaker, pairs drivers with riders in a way that maximizes everyone's happiness. The algorithm creates near-optimal pairings while preserving privacy, making it suitable for everyday applications.
A new UBC Okanagan study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing neuropathic pain in high-performance athletes with spinal cord injuries. The research stresses the need for sports medicine clinicians and trainers to use standardized assessment tools, including symptom-based questionnaires, to better understand and communi...
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing a new technology using magnetic nanoparticles to deliver medications directly to the inner ear, where hearing loss occurs. The goal is to create an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for various types of hearing loss.
A new study found that potassium ion channels in the Shaker family were present in single-cell organisms before the origin of the nervous system. This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of how these ion channels evolved alongside the nervous system.
A Chinese Medical Journal study developed an AI-based system to automate embryo selection and eliminate subjectivity in IVF. The system improved human embryo assessment and selection, achieving higher accuracy in embryo aneuploidy screening than experienced embryologists.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
Viji Santhakumar, a UCR professor, has been awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to study brain circuit function and its impact on memory formation and cognitive deficits in diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.
Scientists at Kyushu University created QDyeFinder, an AI pipeline that untangles the dense neuronal networks in the brain. The system uses a super-multicolor labeling protocol to tag neurons and then automatically identifies their structure by matching similar color combinations.
Two studies by Prof. Lucía Chávez Gutiérrez's team reveal the role of gamma-secretase inhibition and amyloid plaque composition in AD. Aβ42 fragments impede gamma-secretase function, while multimodal mass spectrometry imaging reveals diverse plaque compositions.
Research finds that Huntington’s disease damages microscopic blood vessels in the brain, affecting coordination between neuronal activity and oxygenation. The study uses non-invasive measurement techniques to monitor disease progression and evaluate potential treatments.
Researchers at Rice University have identified genes critical for enteric nervous system development using zebrafish embryos. Opioid signaling pathways are required for the formation of nerves in the gut, contradicting previous assumptions about their role in pain perception and addiction.
Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed an instruction manual to understand the operating limits of phantom motion, allowing for cost-effective and lighter haptic devices. The study found that individuals can perceive phantom sensation when a vibrating point travels at least 20% of the separation between actuators.
A new study assesses cognitive impairment over time in adults with essential tremor, finding a cumulative prevalence of 26.6% for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 18.5% for dementia. Early detection is crucial to slow further cognitive decline and improve quality of life.
Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered how honeybees interpret dances that relay directions to food, even in complete darkness. By analyzing bee movements and antennae signals, scientists found a neural mechanism that combines sensory data from the two systems.