Articles tagged with Spinal Cord
Researchers at UCSF have identified a molecular pathway that controls the formation of scar tissue in spinal cord injuries. By activating this pathway, they were able to reduce scarring and promote healing in mice with spinal cord injuries.
A study at Karolinska Institutet reveals that morphine activates a 'morphine ensemble' of neurons in the brain, leading to pain relief. This understanding may help develop new strategies to treat pain without triggering addiction and overdose.
Researchers have identified a metal deficiency in SOD1 protein associated with motor neurone disease using native ambient mass spectrometry imaging. This breakthrough could lead to new insights and treatments for the disease, which affects around 5,000 people in the UK.
Researchers study T cells and monocytes interaction in the meninges before they attack the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to new disease progression targets. The findings could provide a pathway to treating other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Chong Xie and his team at Rice University have won a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop an implantable neural electrode system for high-resolution, long-term neural recording and stimulation. The project aims to improve the resolution of existing devices by increasing the density of neurons sampled.
Researchers created tiny force sensors directly in chicken embryos to study spinal cord malformations. The study aims to prevent congenital malformations by identifying new preventative and therapeutic strategies. Quantifying mechanical forces during embryonic development promises a step change in understanding development.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a nanosized sensor that records the electrical activity of spinal neurons in action. The sensor, called spinalNET, can track individual neurons over multiple days, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms controlling movement and sensation in the spinal cord.
The updated clinical guideline recommends multiple dose-fractionation schemes to relieve pain and symptoms of bone and spine lesions. Advanced radiation techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are now routine clinical care for many patients.
Researchers developed a modified sugar that increases the effectiveness and safety of antisense oligonucleotides, a treatment strategy for central nervous system disease. The modification, called BNAP-AEO, decreases toxic side effects while improving gene silencing in brain cancer cells and mice.
A team of visionaries at the Carney Institute developed 3D-printed brain and spinal cord implants, revolutionizing surgical implantations and optical access. Bioluminescence imaging overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent microscopy, providing unprecedented observation of neural and vascular activity.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed flexible electronic devices that wrap around the spinal cord, recording nerve signals and stimulating limb movement. The devices could lead to treatments for spinal injuries without brain surgery, improving safety for patients.
Researchers developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them. The robotic nerve cuffs are sensitive enough to grasp delicate nerves and only require tiny voltages to change shape.
Researchers develop gene therapy to delay progression of metachromatic leukodystrophy by correcting enzyme deficiency and reducing neuroinflammation. Successful treatment has been demonstrated in mice, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science discovered neural circuitry in the spinal cord that enables brain-independent motor learning and recall. The study found two critical groups of neurons: one necessary for new adaptive learning and another for recalling adaptations once learned.
Researchers at Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders discovered two neuronal populations in the spinal cord that enable learning and remembering movements. The dorsal neurons facilitate learning, while the ventral neurons ensure recall and performance.
Researchers discovered that neonatal spinal cord ECM significantly enhanced NPC proliferation, migration, and differentiation compared to adult ECM. This study highlights the critical role of early developmental spinal cord ECM in orchestrating spinal cord regeneration processes.
Kessler Foundation and collaborators win $1 million prize for proof-of-concept study on tablet-type controller StimXS, designed to help individuals with spinal cord injuries manage autonomic functions. The team advances to Phase 3 of the NIH Common Fund's Neuromod Prize competition.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University have mapped the cellular architecture of MS lesions using advanced methodology. This reveals how immune cells and glial cells interact in the disease.
Researchers have developed a new dural repair solution using a multi-functional biomaterial that addresses key limitations of current methods. The 'Dural Tough Adhesive' (DTA) performed better than currently used surgical sealants in tests using animal models and human-derived tissues.
Scientists have developed fUSI technology that enables clinicians to see and map the spinal cord's response to treatments in real-time. This innovation offers improved monitoring of blood flow changes, potentially increasing treatment success rates and optimizing pain relief for patients.
Researchers found that 86 patients experienced severe residual paresthesia after spinal surgery, leading to lower satisfaction rates. Patients with pre-surgical pain were more likely to have persistent paresthesia, highlighting the need for treatment strategies for this condition.
Scientists have pinpointed the group of neurons in the nerve cord that produce and pattern the fly's two major courtship songs. By analyzing neuronal activity and connectivity, researchers found a small number of critical neurons form a highly connected circuit generating the two main types of songs.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner Center of HOPE have developed a novel approach to treating depression using spinal cord stimulation. The study found that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord decreased depressive symptoms and showed therapeutic potential.
Researchers found that the severity of muscle wasting depends on the location of the spinal cord injury. They also discovered that hypercortisolism, a hormonal imbalance, worsens muscle loss and can be targeted to rescue muscle tissue.
Researchers have developed a spinal cord stimulation technology that restores sensation, improves function, and reduces phantom limb pain after trans-tibial amputation. The study showed significant improvements in balance control and gait stability, with an average 70% reduction in phantom limb pain.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are testing a novel diagnosis and treatment combination for painful diabetic neuropathy using spinal cord stimulation and small fiber nerve activity measurement. The approach has the potential to provide effective pain relief and potentially reverse neuropathy reversal.
Researchers have identified a conserved brain region in vertebrates essential for initiating forward movement. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) stimulates reticulospinal neurons to control finer details of movement. Mapping this circuit could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at CityU and HKUMed developed genetically modified human neural stem cells that promote neural circuit reconstruction, reduce glial scar accumulation, and enhance axon outgrowth. The therapy demonstrates potential for treating severe spinal cord injuries with functional recovery.
The USC NRV Center performs complex revascularization procedures and conducts innovative research to treat debilitating conditions. The center will use the funding to enhance clinical care and education with a focus on technological innovation.
Rice University scientists have developed a tiny, flexible spinal probe system that can record high-quality data from spinal cord neurons and provide localized stimulation. The new tool aims to improve our understanding of spinal cord function and potentially bring new hope to patients with injuries or conditions.
Researchers used mouse genetics to determine if brain or spinal cord causes dystonia, finding that spinal cord is responsible. Spinal cord dysfunction leads to signs of dystonia similar to those seen in humans, providing a new target for treatment.
A team of researchers found that a small population of nerve cells exists in everyone that could be coaxed to regrow, potentially restoring sight and movement. The discovery provides new insights into how axons grow and could lead to effective therapies for blindness, paralysis, and other disorders caused by nerve damage.
A new study published in Science Advances has found that certain antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus can mistakenly target the brain and spinal cord, causing damage in multiple sclerosis patients. The research reveals a potential link between EBV infection and MS, with implications for personalized therapies.
A mobile app called SCI Step Together encourages people with partial spinal cord injuries to get active by setting goals, tracking activities, and connecting with others. The study found that participants who used the app had greater fulfillment of basic psychological needs, including independence, competence, and belonging.
The gene LRRC4 regulates synapse formation, stability and excitatory transmission, playing a crucial role in learning, memory formation and storage. It also has key implications in neuronal disorders and aggressive brain and spinal cord cancer.
Researchers uncover a pathophysiological mechanism that initiates and sustains neuropathic pain in mice, identifying Tiam1 as a potential therapeutic target. Targeting spinal Tiam1 with antisense oligonucleotides alleviates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity, offering promise for treating chronic pain.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation reduced pain response in rats with human lung cancer tissue without compromising paclitaxel effectiveness. The study also showed SCS improved antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel, providing evidence for its potential as a companion treatment.
Scientists have created a detailed map of human spinal cord cell formation, shedding light on how injuries and diseases arise. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies for spinal cord injuries and diseases like ALS.
Cedars-Sinai investigators have discovered a novel way to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and retinitis pigmentosa using human induced pluripotent stem cells. The new approach uses cells derived from iPSCs that are renewable, scalable, and can delay disease progression in rodents.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover that mechanical and chemical itch sensations are encoded by different brain pathways, which act together to drive chronic itch. The study reveals key molecules regulating these pathways and opens avenues for new therapies.
WVU engineers developed a new electrode cuff called MouseFlex to test electric current treatments, overcoming previous challenges with stability and durability. The device can withstand high electrical stimulation and may benefit patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and drug-resistant epilepsy.
Researchers aim to assess the effectiveness of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation and a cognitive training program in improving processing speed abilities and upper extremity function after spinal cord injury. The studies will test innovative approaches to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that localized IDH wild-type histologically diffuse astrocytomas have a poor prognosis similar to the most malignant types of brain and spinal cord tumors. This highlights the importance of proper clinical diagnosis and treatment for patients with gliomas.
Researchers have created wearable microscopes to produce high-definition, real-time images of mouse spinal cord activity across previously inaccessible regions. This technology enables unprecedented insight into the neural basis of sensations and movement in healthy and disease contexts.
Researchers have found a possible new target for therapies aimed at treating age-related neurological diseases by linking increased presence of immune cells to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, can adopt a dysfunctional state that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases.
A new review found that spinal cord stimulation is no better than a placebo for treating low back pain, with probably little to no benefit for people with the condition. The review also highlighted gaps in clinical data and called for future trials to be longer and more comprehensive.
A study found that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation significantly reduced average pain levels by 76%, while improving motor function and sensation. The therapy's long-term safety and potential disease-modifying effects are promising, but further studies are needed to confirm the results.
Recreational nitrous oxide use can lead to subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, causing serious disability in young people. The new guidelines provide practical solutions for early recognition and effective treatment to alleviate pressure on hospitals.
A research team at Chinese Academy of Sciences creates a spinal cord-like implant with covalent conjugation between biomaterials and cells, promoting cell retention and neural regeneration in rats after spinal cord injury. The study's findings have potential implications for human spinal cord tissue engineering therapy.
Researchers have found that nasal drops of chemical compounds called polysulfides may prevent serious side effects of aortic surgery, such as paralysis of the lower body. In a mouse model of paraplegia after aortic surgery, intranasal administration of polysulfides inhibited damage to spinal cord motor neurons and prevented paraplegia.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation improved insomnia severity index and Epworth sleepiness scale scores by at least 30% in 39.1% and 28.1% of participants, respectively. The study also established minimally clinical important difference values to gauge treatment success.
A research team led by Dr. Eddie Ma Chi-him identified a therapeutic small molecule M1 that increases mitochondrial dynamics and sustains long-distance axon regeneration, restoring visual functions in mice. Regenerated axons elicited neural activities and survived for four weeks after optic nerve injury.
A new study has identified distinct patterns of circular RNA expression in human ALS muscle tissue, which display disease-specific gradients and could inform about neuromuscular molecular programs in ALS. The research reveals that specific circRNAs are elevated in ALS muscle biopsies but reduced in spinal cord samples from ALS patients.
Researchers found that dendritic cells in meninges produce mediators causing pain hypersensitivity after nerve injury. The kynurenine pathway, primarily driven by IDO1, is involved in pain production.
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology investigate how cats maintain balance while studying human spinal cord injury treatment.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine have developed a handheld ultrasound device to treat neuropathic pain. The device uses low-intensity focused ultrasound to target specific areas of the nervous system, offering a non-invasive and non-opioid-based treatment option.
A Northwestern University study found that as people age, their cerebrospinal fluid immune system becomes dysregulated, leading to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. The discovery provides a new clue to the process of neurodegeneration and may potentially be used to treat inflammation of the brain.
Two studies by Harvard Medical School scientists show that the spinal cord and brainstem process touch information as it travels to higher-order brain regions. These findings highlight the importance of these areas in integrating and processing tactile stimuli.
A collaborative study reveals how genes controlling blood vessel cells influence motor neuron development, allowing them to navigate the body's systems. The discovery sheds light on diseases such as ALS and SMA, where motor neuron connections are destroyed.
Dr. Ted Price is leading a $11.3 million NIH multicenter project to elucidate the origins of pain, focusing on human nociceptor and spinal cord molecular signatures. Researchers will study DRG tissue from organ donors to understand how neurons communicate signals along the human pain pathway.