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Unlocking secrets of human development: How early nerve cell choices shape the peripheral nervous system

Researchers have discovered that within the first few weeks of development, some embryo cells are already selected to take on particular roles in the peripheral nervous system. This finding overturns longstanding assumptions in biology and opens up new avenues for research into developmental diseases and potential therapies.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·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

Researchers identify perineural pathway that fuels HIV persistence despite treatment

A groundbreaking study in The American Journal of Pathology reveals a perineural pathway that enables HIV-infected immune cells to redistribute throughout the body, sustaining inflammation. The findings highlight the importance of the connection between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system in immunity.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2025

Researchers achieve high-definition panoramic imaging of entire mouse body and map peripheral nerves at subcellular resolution

The researchers developed a new imaging technology that enables the creation of high-resolution 3D images of an entire mouse body, including its peripheral nervous system. The technology allows for the mapping of nerve routes at the subcellular level, providing insights into neural regulation and disease mechanisms.

"Listening directly to the nerves" — personalized stimulation control mechanism for urinary disorder treatment (tibial nerve stimulation)

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...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2025

Researchers develop conductive gel to improve study of spinal cord injuries

Binghamton University researchers have created a hydrogel electrode that includes conductive carbon nanotubes to monitor nerve activity in spinal cord neurons and leg muscles in mice. The technology solves the problem of rigid materials causing damage during movement, allowing for long-term functionality and single-cell signal detection.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2025

Why maggots love the texture of decaying fruit

A study on fruit fly larvae revealed the presence of neurons with mechanoreceptors in their peripheral taste organs, allowing them to sense food texture. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of tasting texture and highlights the importance of multisensory contributions in food perception.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2025

Clarifying the cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Researchers uncover pivotal aspect of GBS pathophysiology, revealing autoreactive T lymphocytes invade nerve tissue and target myelin. The findings provide novel insights into understanding GBS, opening avenues for targeted therapies for specific subtypes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

Getting to the root of visceral gut pain

Researchers at Michigan State University found that glial cells in the gut can sensitize nearby neurons, causing them to send pain signals more easily during inflammation. This discovery could help develop new therapies to alleviate visceral pain by counteracting the glia's sensitizing efforts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 21, 2023

Epilepsy drug stops nervous system tumor growth in mice

Researchers discovered that neurons carrying a mutation in the Nf1 gene are hyperexcitable and suppressing this hyperactivity with lamotrigine stops tumor growth in mice. The study provides an explanation for why some people with NF1 lack optic gliomas or neurofibromas, highlighting the critical role of neurons in tumor biology.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Improving control for users of robotic prosthetics

Researchers have developed a new interface technology that can provide natural sensory feedback from robotic prosthetics to amputees, reducing abnormal sensations and cognitive burden. The innovation uses ultra-small recording sites and molecular guidance cues to stimulate sensory axons selectively, improving control of robotic limbs.

Synthetic carbohydrates against autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Basel have created a treatment approach using customized synthetic glycopolymers that act as molecular sponges to neutralize disease-causing antibodies. This innovative method has potential applications for treating other antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Repairing a 'bad' reputation?

A team of scientists found that the p75 receptor molecule has a neuroprotective effect on the sympathetic nervous system in mice with Alzheimer's disease, challenging the prevailing view of its harmful role. The study suggests that p75 could be a target for new protocols to manage dementia and memory loss.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2009