Articles tagged with Spinal Cord
Researchers developed nanometric photodiodes that can bind to nerve cell surfaces and activate them with infrared light, allowing for selective stimulation of individual neurons. This technology has the potential to study the nervous system in-depth and develop targeted therapies for neurological diseases.
A new gene therapy approach using the neuroprotective protein SynCav1 has shown promising results in slowing down ALS disease progression and increasing life span in rodent models. The treatment preserved spinal cord motor neurons and extended longevity in mice, with similar effects observed in a rat model of ALS.
Researchers have developed a new test that can detect even slightly elevated levels of tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid, potentially identifying Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest stages. The method uses optical sensors and 'lab-on-fiber' technology to achieve high sensitivity.
Researchers have discovered neural plastic changes that can improve functional recovery after a cervical spinal cord injury. Using an optogenetic neuromodulation strategy, they found that the intact corticospinal system in the opposite side of the brain and spinal cord can be modulated to take over control of the damaged forelimb, resu...
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems created a robot dog named Morti that can walk smoothly within an hour. The robot uses a Bayesian optimization algorithm to learn from sensor data and adapts its virtual spinal cord, allowing it to optimize its walking pattern and minimize stumbling.
Silvana Costa's research aims to identify cognitive dysfunction in acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) patients with co-occurring traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study uses eye movements as a biomarker to diagnose dual diagnosis, which affects 25-60% of the tSCI population.
A study published in PAIN Reports found that individuals with opioid use disorder (OUd) experience greater central sensitization, leading to worse quality of life. Central sensitization refers to abnormal pain processing in the brain and spinal cord, causing people to suffer more from pain.
Researchers developed a technology that uses surviving neurons to restore connection between brain and arm via specific stimulation pulses to the spinal cord. This allowed macaque monkeys with partial arm paralysis to improve precision, force, and range of movement in their arms.
A team of researchers identified a group of interneurons in the spinal cord required for heat sensation and found a signaling pathway that contributes to heat hypersensitivity. Their study may lead to more effective treatment for chronic, pathological pain.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have comprehensively mapped molecular activity in the brain and spinal cord that regulates body's response to central nervous system (CNS) disorders. They discovered a critical role of astrocytes, specialized support cells, in regulating outcomes for CNS disorders.
Research on experimental drug NU-9 invents by Northwestern University scientists reveals it is more effective than existing FDA-approved drugs for ALS treatment. NU-9 also repairs the axons of diseased upper motor neurons in ALS mouse model, offering a potential new approach to treating the devastating disease.
A study from Edith Cowan University reveals that electrical stimulation on specific nerves and relaxation techniques can reduce neural amplification in the spinal cord, which may help alleviate involuntary muscle spasms. These methods could provide a non-pharmacological alternative to current treatment options.
A gene therapy approach has effectively reduced neuropathic pain in mice with spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries without detectable side effects. The treatment, which targets impaired neurons, resulted in long-lasting benefits persisting for at least 2.5 months.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that a strong saline solution can quadruple morphine concentration in the spinal cord, intensifying pain relief. The glymphatic system enables faster drug delivery when administered with hypertonic solutions.
A new study published in Bioelectronic Medicine found that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) was more effective at improving perceived pain reduction than low-frequency SCS (LF-SCS). HF-SCS also showed less subsequent use of opioids to mitigate pain.
Dr. Aaron Phillips received the 2021 Turnbull-Tator Award for his innovative research on neuroprosthetic baroreflex controls after spinal cord injury. He aims to develop a widely available therapy to improve blood pressure stability and quality of life for those affected.
A research team at HKUST has developed a long-term in vivo imaging technique to study spinal cord injury, allowing for repeated and stable imaging without triggering inflammation. The breakthrough enables researchers to track microglia and understand their interaction with degenerating and regenerating axons.
A groundbreaking system implanted directly on the spinal cord has restored blood pressure regulation in a patient with multiple system atrophy-parkinsonian type (MSA-P), enabling them to walk again after being bedridden for over a year. This innovative therapy paves the way for new clinical breakthroughs in treating degenerative diseases.
A new study published in BRAIN shows that a neuronal growth factor called BDNF plays a major role in amplifying spinal cord pain signalling in male humans and male rats, but not in female humans or female rats. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new treatments for chronic pain.
A new study led by Kelly Monaghan at West Virginia University suggests that interrupting the immune response may improve multiple sclerosis outcomes. The researchers found that targeting a specific protein called CCL17 can prevent the disease from attacking the central nervous system, leading to milder symptoms and delayed paralysis.
Researchers identified key differences in metabolic processes between brain and spinal cord oligodendrocytes, which could lead to new therapeutic treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study also found that targeting a specific cell protein may enhance cholesterol and myelin production.
A new study found that a ketogenic diet significantly improves MS symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and cognitive function. Patients on the keto diet experienced reductions in neurologic disability and enhanced overall quality of life.
A team of Heidelberg University researchers identified epigenetic factor HDAC4 and organic anion transporter OAT1 as key players in chronic pain development. Their findings revealed that altering gene expression regulates pain processing and sensitivity.
Researchers at Rutgers University have successfully stabilized an enzyme that degrades scar tissue resulting from spinal cord injuries, promoting tissue regeneration. The study used AI-driven liquid handling robotics to synthesize and test copolymers that stabilize the enzyme, offering new hope for patients with spinal cord injuries.
A study in mice reveals how the Kdm6b gene influences motor neuron development into subtypes with distinct synaptic targets. The research, led by biologists at the University at Buffalo, founds that Kdm6b works cooperatively with proteins Isl1-Lhx3 to diversify motor neurons.
Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in lab models with long-term chronic paralysis, resulting in an 80% success rate in restoring walking abilities. The team aims to conduct clinical trials in human patients within a few years to make the treatment commercially available.
Researchers will use transcriptomics and chemogenetics to identify molecular targets for pain management. The project aims to advance knowledge on pain mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
In a study published in Cell, researchers report that ventral spinocerebellar tract neurons (VSCTs) are both necessary and sufficient for regulating locomotor behavior in mice. Activation of VSCTs induces locomotion, while suppression halts it, demonstrating their crucial role in controlling this essential behavior.
Researchers identified a single type of neuron responsible for coordinating leg movement in the spinal cord, which was found to be necessary and sufficient for locomotor behavior. The findings have important implications for developing new treatments for people with spinal cord injuries or motor disorders.
A new study suggests that combining two drugs can reduce postoperative opioid use and side effects in adolescents with scoliosis. The combination of intrathecal morphine and oral gabapentin provides more effective pain control, resulting in fewer side effects and lower narcotic consumption.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a new 3D scaffold design using 2-photon lithography that guides regenerating neurons in the right direction. The scaffolds promote directional growth of neurons, bridging gaps and repairing connections after spinal injuries.
Researchers at UCSF discovered a narrower blood pressure range during surgery that significantly improves neuromotor recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries. Patients whose mean arterial blood pressure was between 76 mmHg and 104-117 mmHg had maximal recovery, indicating a potential new treatment guideline.
A computer model developed by the University of Surrey researchers supports Bernard Williams' 40-year-old hypothesis that pressure changes cause fluid in the cavity to 'slosh', generating stress in the spinal cord tissue. The study shows that this process can lead to small cavities gradually expanding down the spinal cord.
The Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System has been funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research since 1990. The grant enables researchers to investigate new approaches to improving employment outcomes after spinal cord injury.
Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a drug that helps sensory neurons regrow after spinal cord injury. The drug, fenofibrate, activated support cells and improved recovery by about twice as much as a placebo. This finding offers potential for repurposing an FDA-approved compound to restore sensory function.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
Researchers have developed a revolutionary wireless photoelectric implant that can control the activity of spinal neurons, enabling the study of neural function and the development of new treatments for neurological disorders. The breakthrough technology uses pulses of light to stimulate or inhibit specific spinal-cord neurons, potenti...
Research by James Krause and his team has shown that people with spinal cord injuries who develop resilience tend to have better health outcomes and live longer. This resilience allows them to adapt and thrive in the face of difficult circumstances, including neuropathic pain and feelings of isolation.
A new study by Spinal Cord Injury Model System investigators found that remote wheelchair-skills training increases clinician confidence in teaching peers. The training program improved trainees' ability to navigate real-world spaces, empowering them to engage with their communities. This innovative approach has the potential to expand...
Catherina Becker, a neurobiologist, has been awarded the prestigious Humboldt Professorship to strengthen CRTD's research on spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. Her team has made significant discoveries on the mechanisms behind successful spinal cord regeneration.
Researchers have created an ultra-thin, inflatable device that can be used to treat severe forms of pain, covering a large section of the spinal cord with electrical currents. The device could be an effective treatment for leg and back pain, as well as paralysis or Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a three-dimensional human spinal cord organoid that mimics the earliest developmental steps of the nervous system in embryos. The organoid demonstrates how human spinal cord cells become oriented in an embryo, shedding light on potential impact of environmental exposures and toxins.
Researchers are developing a method to convert astrocytes into neurons using the NeuroD1 gene, aiming to restore connections in the brain and spinal cord after an injury. The goal is to promote functional recovery for patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new implant technology that allows for coordinated stimulation therapy for spinal cord and heart conditions. The system uses wireless magnetic fields to power and program multiple implants from a single transmitter outside the body. This breakthrough enables more efficient treatment optio...
A recent NIH study has identified a diverse range of motor neurons along the spinal cord that govern movement, including subtypes susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. The research provides an atlas of 21 neuron types, offering new understanding of how these neurons control movement and contribute to organ systems.
A rare neurological condition called acute transverse myelitis (ATM) has been linked to COVID-19 cases in 43 patients across 21 countries. Symptoms include paralysis and sphincter/bowel dysfunction.
Salk researchers have traced the development of spinal cord neurons using genetic signatures, revealing new ways of classifying and tagging subsets of cells. The findings offer a precise way to study the function of spinal cord neurons and their role in regulating body movements.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation confirmed that spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation results in immediate and long-lasting gains in strength, sensibility, and voluntary motor function. The study showed significant improvements in upper extremity and hand function, including a 283.4% increase in bilateral handgrip force.
Researchers found that a synthetic cannabinoid activates astrocytes, which release adenosine to reduce nerve activity and tremors. This new approach may offer targeted treatment with fewer side effects for patients suffering from essential tremor.
Researchers developed injectable porous scaffolds that facilitate faster and better spinal cord healing by mimicking natural tissue. The highly regular pore structure improved cell infiltration, gene delivery, and tissue repair after spinal cord injury.
Scientists discovered a way to reprogram scar-forming cells in mouse spinal cords to produce new nerve cells, improving recovery after spinal cord injury. The breakthrough could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for the hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who suffer from spinal cord injuries.
A new study published in Nature Communications shows that genetic mutations during embryonic development can cause spina bifida, a severe birth defect. Researchers found that even when these mutations occur randomly in only 16% of spinal cord cells, it's enough to lead to spina bifida.
A new radioactive bone cement has been developed as an alternative to conventional radiation therapy for treating spinal tumors. The cement can be injected into the spine to directly irradiate tumors without harming the spinal cord, promising to eliminate side effects and limit treatment options.
Researchers at UCalgary and Swiss institutions discovered a new method to regulate blood pressure in people with spinal cord injuries using targeted epidural electrical stimulation. The study's findings show that this technique can stabilize hemodynamics, allowing vital organs to maintain an appropriate supply of blood without medication.
A mouse study found that gabapentin can prevent harmful structural changes in the injured spinal cords of mice, block cardiovascular changes and immune suppression. This could lead to improved quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum has developed a novel approach to treat spinal cord injuries by stimulating nerve cell regeneration with a designer cytokine. In a groundbreaking study, they successfully restored walking ability in paralyzed mice, paving the way for future human trials.
A research team led by Prof. Gong Chen has developed a novel gene therapy approach to regenerate functional new neurons using local glial cells in the injured spinal cord. This method uses internal glial cells and directly converts them into neurons, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for patients with spinal cord injury.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have mapped the physical organization of cells in the spinal cord that help mediate critical sensorimotor reflexes. The study found that different neurons in the same space had the same function, while more similar neurons located in different areas were responsible for different reflexes.
Researchers at FEFU Medical Center propose a new treatment protocol for severe spasticity after spinal cord injury, exploring the use of spinal cord stimulation and Intrathecal Baclofen infusion pumps. The study showed improved motor functions in patients with implanted Baclofen pumps, suggesting a promising approach for rehabilitation.