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.
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 healthier superficial white matter is associated with stronger language skills, and that gray matter atrophy measures remain the strongest predictors of cognition. However, the relationship between gray matter and cognitive performance depends on superficial white matter health.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a regenerative treatment using stem cell-derived spinal interneurons to repair damaged neural networks in rats. The new cells not only survived and formed connections with the animals' own neural circuits but also improved breathing-related motor function after transplantation.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a way to intervene early in traumatic brain injuries using a natural, gut-derived chemical that prevents post-traumatic epilepsy from taking root. The treatment reduced brain inflammation, improved memory and mood, protected brain cells, made seizures both rarer and harder to trigger.
Researchers at University of Arizona have found a promising new approach to slow fatal nerve disease ALS by blocking a small part of a key protein. The experimental drug XL20 protects nerve cells and reduces muscle weakness in mice and human nerve cells, representing a potential breakthrough.
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 at ETH Zurich developed biohybrid microrobots that combine living neural progenitor cells with magnetoelectric nanoparticles to guide stem cells to injury sites and stimulate repair. The microrobots demonstrate promising results in animal experiments, including improved nerve cell regeneration and recovery of motor function.
Researchers found that HIV-associated protein gp120 increases nerve receptor activity, leading to increased pain sensitivity. Targeting this mechanism with drugs or genetic approaches may alleviate chronic pain associated with HIV, and could also treat other conditions.
Scientists have created a miniature circuit that mimics the brain and spinal cord connection, showing that previously thought irreversible nerve damage can be reversed. The researchers found that blocking specific genes in mature neurons restored axon regrowth ability.
A rare case of esophageal adenocarcinoma is reported, where the tumor grew outside the esophagus and invaded the thoracic spine, causing spinal cord compression. The patient initially had normal endoscopic findings, highlighting the challenge in detecting rare extraluminal growth patterns.
A new study reveals that ALS unfolds through a domino-like sequence of events starting with an early breakdown in motor neurons, followed by a damaging inflammatory response. The findings suggest that targeting these immune signatures could slow down disease progression.
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...
The new robotic system combines artificial intelligence, data-driven alignment planning, patient-specific implants, navigation, and robotic screw delivery to enhance precision and coordination. This technology streamlines operating room workflows, reducing procedure time and supporting recovery for patients undergoing spine fusions.
A new study identifies a previously unknown brainstem pathway controlling hand and arm movements, revealing a multi-stage pathway integrating signals from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal networks. This finding may lead to new therapies for stroke rehabilitation, providing additional targets for neuromodulation treatments.
Researchers developed an advanced organoid model for human spinal cord injury and tested a promising regenerative therapy. The treatment triggered neurite growth and reduced scarring in injured organoids, offering validation for its potential to work in humans.
Researchers found that certain types of CD8+ killer T cells are more abundant in people with MS and target the EBV virus, indicating the virus may trigger an immune response leading to progressive neurological damage. The study suggests that interfering with EBV could have a significant impact on other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have developed a breakthrough light-responsive Janus dural patch using photocurable hyaluronic acid, providing strong wet adhesion and preventing unwanted tissue adhesion. The patch seals wounds within five seconds with minimal swelling and high biocompatibility.
The SPINECRAFT project aims to create a cutting-edge, 4D human spinal cord construct that mirrors the architecture and functionality of the real spinal cord. This platform will enable detailed studies of spinal cord biology and integrate patient-derived cells to recreate disease-specific environments.
Estrogen activates previously unknown pathways in the colon, triggering pain and increasing sensitivity to certain foods. This explains why women are more likely to suffer from IBS and provides potential new ways to treat the condition.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have identified a mechanism that could help treat patients with spinal cord injuries, stroke, and neurological conditions. Astrocytes, a type of cell in the central nervous system, play a critical role in responding to damage and disease, sending signals to immune cells to clean up debris resu...
Scientists analyzed thousands of proteins in blood samples to understand when multiple sclerosis attacks the myelin sheath and nerve fibers. Researchers identified a protein called IL-3, which plays a key role in this early phase of damage.
A study led by Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD, found a possible connection between chronic pain and eosinophilia, a white blood cell condition, in patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation or implanted pain medicine pumps. The study suggests that eosinophilia may be an immune biomarker for chronic pain.
The study found that a specific spinal circuit is involved in both ejaculation and arousal, and integrates sensory inputs to adjust its output based on the animal's internal state. The researchers also discovered that Gal⁺ neurons receive sensory input from the penis and can trigger ejaculation, but their effects are suppressed by brai...
Researchers used ultraflexible probes to track neurons in the visual cortex of mice for 15 consecutive days, revealing that millisecond rhythms explain how the brain maintains a stable picture of the world. The findings provide new insights for brain-computer interfaces, sensory prostheses and therapies for neurological disease.
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.
A USC research team has made a groundbreaking discovery about the human spinal cord's role in bladder control. The study used functional ultrasound imaging to observe real-time changes in blood flow dynamics during bladder filling and emptying, revealing areas where activity is correlated with bladder pressure.
Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have developed a 3-D printed implant that delivers electrical stimulation to injured areas of the spinal cord, enhancing nerve cell growth. The study has shown promising results in lab experiments and may enable new medical devices for traumatic spinal cord injuries.
Researchers assess ligament maturation and movement impact on scoliotic conditions, providing new insights into the structural hallmarks of embryonic spinal ligaments. The study aims to identify potential connections between embryonic movement and spinal deformities in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Researchers at Uppsala University have created a model of human nerve tissue using 3D printing, enabling the testing of new drug treatments in a lab environment. This innovation allows for more precise medicine and could potentially lead to improved treatment options for ALS patients.
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.
The Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery is expanding its facilities to increase treatment capacity by 50%, allowing up to 24 children per day to receive life-changing therapies. The new 12,500-square-foot space will also enhance research collaboration and improve patient care.
Researchers introduced a recombinant protein to pericytes, which change shape and create cellular bridges that support axon regeneration. In mouse experiments, the treatment promoted robust axon regenerative growth and restored leg function.
University of Cincinnati researchers, in collaboration with end users, develop a user-centered, easy-to-use assistive device to help restore hand grasping motions. The team aims to combine an exoskeleton device with functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology to create a hybrid system.
An 11-year-old Asian small-clawed otter developed left-sided paralysis after a fall, but improved with treatment for a suspected fibrocartilaginous embolus. Follow-up MRI showed a diminished lesion one year later.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that harnesses immune cells to produce opioids, potentially alleviating chronic pain. Estrogen and progesterone drive this process, which could lead to more effective treatments for women experiencing pain after menopause.
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.
A team developed a system integrating implanted spinal cord neuroprosthesis with rehabilitation robotics, delivering well-timed electrical pulses to stimulate muscles. The technology enhances immediate mobility and fosters long-term recovery, presenting a more effective rehabilitation approach than robotics alone.
A new PET tracer has been developed to visualize intact nerve connections in the spinal cord, which may indicate a better chance of recovery. This breakthrough has the potential to help diagnose injuries more precisely, monitor recovery, and evaluate the effectiveness of new therapies.
Researchers are testing noninvasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to treat major depressive disorder. The trial, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, aims to confirm whether this method reduces signaling in specific pathways related to depression.
The Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center at Kessler Foundation has successfully implanted a spinal cord epidural stimulator in an individual with paralysis. The treatment uses electrical impulses directly into the spinal cord, potentially allowing individuals to regain critical bodily functions such as bladder function and motor control.
A new drug-free intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in SMA by gradually reawakening functionally silent motor neurons. Early results show improved leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA, regardless of symptom severity.
Scientists at Indian Institute of Science have found how diverse neurons across different brain regions work together to control chronic pain in mice. The lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) plays a key role in driving chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, allowing mice to cope with or suppress pain.
Researchers discovered ependymal cells have limited proliferative capacity after spinal cord injury, whereas astrocytes can transdifferentiate into oligodendrocytes to promote remyelination. Material transplantation enhances astrocyte-mediated repair, offering a promising approach for future SCI therapies.
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.
A 10-minute brain scan can predict the effectiveness of a risky spinal surgery to alleviate intractable pain. The study found that patients who responded better to spinal cord stimulation therapy had weaker connections between certain brain networks.
The University of Arizona researchers aim to gain a better understanding of factors contributing to the health and quality of life of people living with spina bifida. The project will collect data on patients of all ages, providing insights into gaps in care and unmet needs for individuals with spina bifida across the lifespan.
Researchers at ISTA used miniature 2D organs and rubbery silicone molds to study morphogen signaling dynamics during spinal cord development. The study found that BMP morphogen signaling gradients emerge quickly, then fade away, only to reappear again, shedding light on the complex process of tissue development.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found spinal cord stimulation therapies to be more effective in reducing chronic back and leg pain. These findings suggest spinal cord stimulation as a valuable option for chronic pain management.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that protein netrin1 limits BMP signaling to specific regions of the spinal cord, crucial for sensory neuron development. This finding reshapes our understanding of complex spinal circuits and could inform future therapeutic strategies for spinal cord repair.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases, two rare lysosomal storage disorders that cause progressive damage to nerve cells. The FDA-approved drug 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) showed significant improvements in motor function, lifespan, and healthy motor neurons.
Researchers at Rice University developed a minimally invasive neural interface technique called endocisternal interfaces (ECI), allowing for simultaneous access to the brain and spinal cord without skull surgery. The innovative method uses cerebral spinal fluid as a pathway to deliver targeted devices, enabling new possibilities for th...
A new study demonstrates that Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSS) and movement training can improve walking ability in children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Three children showed significant improvements in walking distance, posture, speed, and overall function.
A four-year study funded by a $2.5 million grant will investigate the impact of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation combined with gait training on motor recovery in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The research aims to improve clinical treatment strategies and decision-making for improved gait and functional recovery.
Research reveals that lumbosacral vertebrae region stimulation significantly elevates low blood pressure, unlike cervical or upper thoracic stimulation. This approach offers a non-invasive therapeutic intervention to regulate cardiovascular function in SCI patients.
A comprehensive evidence review on tethered spinal cord found that while surgery can benefit symptomatic patients, data for asymptomatic patients is lacking. The study also highlights the need for more research into conservative management and potential risks of surgical complications.
Researchers have developed a lab-grown spine model that can test the effects of valproic acid on fetal development. The study found that co-treatment with Rapamycin can prevent the negative effects of valproic acid, enabling women to take life-saving medication while having healthy children.
A new study proposes a theoretically new mechanism to modulate spinal reflexes at the same spinal cord level as stretch reflexes during voluntary movements. The research, led by Biomedical engineering doctoral student Grace Niyo, suggests that a simple spinal circuit can correct self-perturbations from stretch reflexes to produce smoot...