Articles tagged with Spinal Cord
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.
Scientists successfully reconstructed a patterned piece of spinal cord in 3-D culture using mouse embryonic stem cells. The study demonstrates the potential for in vitro growth of spinal cord structures and shows correct spatial organization of motor neurons, interneurons, and dorsal interneurons along the dorsal/ventral axis.
Researchers at UCLA have made a significant breakthrough in treating bladder function in people with spinal cord injuries. They found that training and epidural stimulation enabled paralyzed rats to empty their bladders more fully and efficiently.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the brain/spinal cord barrier, cell death, and functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). Mice deficient in MMP-3 showed improved functional recovery and smaller volumes of injured tissue.
EPFL scientists have developed a therapy to help people with spinal cord injury walk again by controlling the limbs of a completely paralyzed rat in real-time. The technology uses electrical signals to stimulate nerves and restore movement control. Clinical trials may start as early as next summer using the new Gait Platform.
A researcher will investigate multifunctional and specialized spinal cord nerve cells that control leg movements. The goal is to understand the organization of normal spinal cord circuits for different types of limb movements.
Researchers propose transplanting neural progenitor cells to build a neuronal relay across the injured spinal cord. The model focuses on forming two synaptic connections, one between host axons and graft-derived neurons, and the other between graft axons and target sites within the host, aiming to restore connectivity and function.
Spinal cord injury pain is a debilitating consequence of neurological disorders, interfering with rehabilitation and quality of life. Microenvironment modulation enhances stem cell therapy for SCI pain by preventing aberrant central sprouting of nociceptive fibers.
Researchers found that intranasal administration of nerve growth factor increases its content and receptor in spinal cord neurons, improving locomotor behaviors after spinal cord injury. This study provides evidence for the use of intranasal nerve growth factor as a treatment for spinal cord repair.
A rare case of a posterior spinal artery aneurysm caused by Ecstasy use has been reported, highlighting the risk of severe complications from recreational drug taking. The teenager's symptoms worsened after a week, leading to an emergency transfer and successful surgery.
MIT researchers successfully control muscle movement in awake and alert mice by applying blue light to their spinal cords via optogenetics. This technique reveals the function of inhibitory interneurons that form complex circuits with other neurons, allowing for precise control over specific subsets of neurons.
Researchers developed a rehabilitative approach that boosted nerve fiber growth and trained animals to grip again after a large stroke. The study found that timing and training are crucial factors for successful recovery, with early application of growth stimulators triggering increased sprouting and growth of nerve fibers.
Jessell's seminal research revealed how naïve neural cells develop into distinct motor neuron subtypes to form the spinal cord circuitry. His work has helped create a blueprint for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Developing neurons use the receptors DCC and neogenin to detect Netrin-1, guiding their growth towards anatomical boundaries. This understanding may lead to the development of drugs for spinal cord or brain injuries.
Researchers successfully delivered a replacement SMN1 gene to animal models of SMA, extending their survival. The study demonstrates that enough copies of the SMN1 gene can be delivered to motor neurons in the spinal cord.
Researchers identified key neurons in the spinal cord responsible for controlling rhythmic walking movements. V2b interneurons were found to be essential for flexor-extensor alternation, a fundamental component of locomotion.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found significant disagreement among experts about the severity of horse incoordination, also known as ataxia. The study aimed to establish clearer definitions for normal and abnormal gait patterns in horses, which could lead to greater agreement among specialists.