Articles tagged with Spinal Cord
Researchers at San Diego State University have developed glassy carbon electrodes that transmit more robust signals to restore motion in people with damaged spinal cords. This innovation improves durability and signal quality, enabling better motor function restoration.
Patients with spinal cord injuries are at risk for various systemic complications, including pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. Eighty percent of patients suffer from chronic pain, which affects their daily activities and emotional well-being.
A study found that genetic differences in the spinal cord of embryos contribute to handedness, with the left side maturing faster than the right. This early difference may trigger later brain asymmetries, including language dominance in most adults.
In two studies, researchers compared the cryopreserved human umbilical cord patch to acellular dermal matrix and conventional suturing methods for in-utero spina bifida repair. The results showed improved spinal cord function with decreased meningeal scar formation and better preservation of spinal cord tracts.
Researchers evaluated the effects of laser tissue welding on simulated spina bifida repair in rabbits, finding that it did not cause damage to spinal cord or skin tissue. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in fetal surgical repair procedures, offering a possible solution for reducing complications and improving outcomes.
The UCLA team implanted a spinal stimulator in a California man who broke his neck in a dirt-biking accident, showing early promise in returning hand strength and movement. The device bypasses the injury by training the spinal cord to find alternate pathways, allowing patients to regain mobility in their hands.
Researchers identified a potential target for restoring ejaculation in men with spinal cord injuries or ejaculatory disorders by targeting the L3-L5 spinal segments. The study suggests that this approach could be a promising therapy for patients unable to ejaculate due to spinal cord injury or other ejaculatory disorders.
Researchers use zebrafish to investigate spinal cord repair after injury, exploring mechanisms to trigger in other animals and human cells. They hope to identify new therapies for neurodegenerative conditions like motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis.
Research reveals long projecting neurons coordinate fore- and hindlimb movements, maintaining stability and rhythm. Elimination of these neurons impairs running speed and coordination.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic identified a new biomarker for brain and spinal cord inflammation, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment of patients with autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis. The biomarker, an antibody targeting glial fibrillary acidic protein, helps diagnose the disease earlier and promotes more effective therapy.
Researchers at Kazan University and INSERM discovered that spontaneous limb movements of newborn rats synchronize spinal neurons, hinting at similar movement patterns aiding human neuron development. The four-year study found activation of motor and sensor zones through sensory feedback during movements.
A primate regained control of its paralyzed leg using a neuroprosthetic system that decodes brain activity associated with walking movements and relays this information to the spinal cord. The system was tested in collaboration with an international network of collaborators, including Medtronic and the University of Bordeaux.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a crucial protein, CTGF, essential for spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. By introducing the human version of CTGF, they were able to boost regeneration and improve swimming abilities in fish.
Researchers found that spinal cord injuries cause profound changes in gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis. However, feeding mice probiotics after a spinal cord injury improves functional recovery and elicits a protective immune response.
Researchers successfully boosted regeneration of mature nerve cells in the spinal cords of adult mammals, increasing the number of newly matured neurons by tenfold. The approach involves silencing the p53-p21 protein pathway and adding growth factors to boost neuron production.
Scientists discovered a molecular brake that prevents nerve fibers from regenerating, and found a drug that can trigger neuronal growth. Pregabalin treatment caused new connections to form between damaged neurons in mice with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers developed a brain-machine interface to help paraplegic patients regain motor function and sensation in their paralyzed limbs. After a year of training, patients showed significant improvements in bladder and bowel control, cardiovascular function, and even reduced hypertension.
A research team led by Moisés Mallo discovered the Oct4 gene as a key regulator of vertebrate trunk length diversity. The study found that snakes have an exceptionally long trunk due to changes in their genome during reptile evolution, which keeps the Oct4 gene active for longer periods.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a novel rehabilitation method that uses paired associative stimulation to restore movement in patients with spinal cord injuries. After six months of treatment, two patients showed significant improvements, including bending and grasping abilities.
Recent studies support the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as a safe and effective treatment for chronic back and limb pain. SCS uses low-voltage electrical stimulation to block pain signals via a small device implanted in the body.
A deadly bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can travel to the brain and spinal cord within 24 hours, according to a new Griffith University study. The findings could lead to discoveries on how other common bacteria enter the spinal cord.
Researchers found that transplanting human stem cells into the spinal cord was done safely, but did not slow down the progression of the disease. The treatment resulted in temporary side effects, including pain and swelling, but no conclusive evidence of effectiveness was found.
A new model predicts complication risks in spinal cord compression surgery, identifying diabetes and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) as significant risk factors. The study analyzed data from 479 patients and found a rate of 16.25% for surgery-related complications.
Researchers found long-term damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier after ischemic stroke, leading to a 'toxic environment' in the spinal cord. This damage can cause further disability and exacerbate disease pathology, including motor neuron deterioration and motor dysfunction.
A new CU-Boulder study found that morphine treatment can cause chronic pain by exacerbating the release of pain signals from specific immune cells in the spinal cord. This could have far-reaching implications for humans, as opioids are already linked to thousands of fatal overdoses annually.
Researchers at Umeå University have discovered that aggregated SOD1 protein in motor neurons causes rapid spread of ALS in mice. The study suggests a domino effect that spreads the disease up the spinal cord, mirroring human cases with hereditary traits for ALS.
A new miniaturized microscope reveals that astrocytes, traditionally thought to be passive support cells, respond to intense stimuli by generating their own chemical signals. This discovery offers unprecedented insight into nervous system function and could lead to novel pain treatments.
Biologists at UC San Diego found that manipulating the Ryk signaling protein enhances the return of function after traumatic injury, allowing for partial restoration of neural circuits with rehabilitative training. This discovery opens up new opportunities to apply nervous system development principles to treat paralysis in adulthood.
A new study by ETH Zurich researchers sheds light on the body representation in paraplegics, finding altered communication between the brain and foot. The study used a task to analyze participants' responses to pictures of foreign body parts, revealing longer response times for those with complete spinal cord damage.
Scientists have identified neuregulin-1 as a molecular signal that drives and enables spontaneous remyelination in the spinal cord after injury. This natural process aims to restore function and mobility, but current treatments are largely ineffective.
A young patient infected with Zika virus presented with motor deficiency, intense pain, and urinary retention. Researchers detected high concentrations of the virus in cerebrospinal fluid and treated the patient with methylprednisolone, leading to improved neurological conditions.
Researchers have identified a crucial protein complex, ASC-1, that guides the development of motor neurons and their target muscles. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into general disease mechanisms and potentially regenerative therapies for conditions like paraplegia.
A small peptide called TAxI has been shown to effectively deliver functional proteins into the spinal cord after a muscle injection. This breakthrough delivery method holds promise for carrying biologic drugs into the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to new treatments for motor neuron disorders.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are conducting a proof of concept experiment using intraspinal microstimulation technology to restore complex body movements in paralyzed patients. The study aims to identify the optimal sweet spot for stimulation along the spinal cord, which has shown promise in animal studies.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new type of pain relief using high-frequency electrical stimulation. The study aims to understand why this method is more effective than traditional stimulation, with potential applications in the fight against opioid addiction.
Researchers compared therapies for Neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Plasma exchange therapy proved more effective than steroids in treating the condition's relapsing symptoms.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a stem cell treatment that mediates an immune response to spinal cord injury, reducing tissue damage and preserving function. The treatment, involving multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), was effective in preventing the cascade of immune responses that often lead to l...
Researchers have identified a new protein, NELL2, that acts as a 'Do Not Enter' sign to guide axons across the midline of the spinal cord. This finding contributes to solving the mystery of axon guidance and may advance therapeutic approaches for neuronal repair.
Researchers at UT Dallas have made a breakthrough in developing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for spinal cord injuries outside the forebrain. The study found that VNS paired with rehabilitation can restore 75% more forelimb strength after a cervical spinal cord injury, opening up new possibilities for treatment.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have created flexible, implantable devices that can activate and potentially block pain signals in the body before they reach the brain. The devices contain microLED lights that can stimulate specific nerve cells to alleviate pain.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have found evidence of a dedicated neural pathway that transmits the itchy feeling triggered by light touch. The study sheds light on potential mechanisms of chronic itch and may help explain why some people are unresponsive to antihistamine drugs.
Researchers at Griffith University have developed a new technique for growing cells in three dimensions, allowing them to freely associate and form natural structures. This method, using floating liquid marbles, has the potential to increase cell growth and function, particularly useful for spinal cord transplantation repair.
Kazan researchers compared direct gene and blood cell-mediated therapy for spinal cord injuries, revealing similar recovery outcomes in rats. The study found that both therapies preserved myelinated fibers, with cell-based therapy extending therapeutic influence over longer distances.
A neuroimaging study will use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI), enabling medical professionals to predict motor recovery and provide more accurate prognoses. The study aims to improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with incomplete SCI.
Researchers found that the vestibular organ can adapt its sensitivity to movement signals, allowing for smooth balance and posture control. This is achieved through a process where the spinal cord sends efferent signals to the hair cells in the inner ear, reducing their sensitivity.
Researchers have created a method to observe motor neuron activity in real-time, revealing how spinal cord cells connect with motor neurons. The findings suggest that the genetic identity of each subtype of cells is also important in forging connections.
Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered that glial cells release phospholipid LysoPtdGlc, which repels pain-sensing axons and directs position-sensitive neurons to specific regions in the spinal cord. This lipid-based signaling system has potential as a therapeutic target for spinal cord injury.
Researchers found that primates, like humans, recover partial motor control within the first six months after a spinal cord injury, whereas rats show limited recovery. The primate-specific mechanism of recovery involves detour circuits around lesions, restoring communication between brain and spinal cords.
Researchers developed a non-invasive strategy to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord, enabling paralyzed individuals to move their legs voluntarily. The study shows significant progress towards developing a therapy for wide range of individuals with spinal cord injury.
Researchers at SISSA developed a new spinal cord stimulation strategy to activate motor neurons, producing efficient motor patterns. The 'multi-site' approach and low-frequency stimulation combined to improve stimulation effectiveness.
Researchers at UofSC have identified a molecular pathway that promotes nerve regeneration in the central nervous system, bridging the recovery gap between peripheral and central nerves. The discovery could lead to new treatments for spinal cord and brain injuries.
An innovative imaging study shows that the spinal cord learns complex motor tasks on its own, independent of the brain. This discovery may offer new opportunities for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.
Researchers at Uppsala University have made significant progress in using stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries. Human stem cells transplanted into injured mice restored damaged sensory nerve connections, enabling long-term recovery of sensory functions.
A breakthrough study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals the critical role of a gene associated with a rare disease in pain processing. Lmx1b mutations cause reduced pain responses in patients, but removing this gene only in the spinal cord allows mice to survive, yet results in reduced sensitivity to stimuli.
Researchers are developing a groundbreaking therapy for spinal cord injury, enabling patients to regain autonomic control. The treatment involves epidural electrical stimulation, which stimulates nerves thought to be lost in spinal cord injuries.
A cluster of neurons in the spinal cord, known as RORα neurons, integrates sensory information from light touch sensors to control muscle movements. This 'mini-brain' helps regulate balance and prevents falls by making subtle adjustments to foot position.
Researchers create e-Dura implant to reduce inflammation and rejection, allowing long-term application on spinal cord. The flexible device closely mimics living tissue, enabling simultaneous electrical stimulation and pharmacological delivery.
Muscle spindle sensory feedback promotes repair of damaged neuronal networks after spinal cord injury. Basic locomotor functionality can be restored spontaneously, but fine motor task performance remains permanently lost. Activation of muscle spindles is essential for recovery, suggesting a key role in designing novel treatment strateg...
Researchers at Salk Institute and Harvard Medical School have identified a neural mechanism in the spinal cord that sends erroneous pain signals to the brain. The discovery provides a key to understanding how chronic pain disorders arise from dysfunctional neural processing, opening doors to potential new treatments.
Case Western Reserve researchers develop a procedure that restores breathing function in paralyzed muscles even after a year of injury. The treatment approach combines enzyme injection and intermittent hypoxia therapy to boost serotonin levels, reactivating the diaphragm and restoring normal breathing.