Articles tagged with Spinal Cord
Research finds that leaky blood vessels in mice with ALS mutations expose neurons to toxic substances, contributing to disease progression. The study opens a new front in understanding ALS, a debilitating disease that affects motor neurons.
Dr. Richard Stein has been awarded the Barbara Turnbull Award for Spinal Cord Research, a $50,000 prize, for his work on direct, microelectrical spinal cord stimulation. His innovative device aims to record sensory feedback from muscles and nerves in legs and hips to help paralyzed individuals walk.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a nano-engineered gel that inhibits scar tissue formation and enables spinal cord fiber regeneration. This breakthrough allows mice with spinal cord injuries to walk again after six weeks, paving the way for potential human trials.
Researchers from the Trainor Lab have characterized a crucial gene that regulates neural cell differentiation and proliferation during embryonic development. The study reveals how this gene, Cux2, integrates cell cycle progression with neural progenitor differentiation to shape the spinal cord.
A new study suggests that taking folic acid supplements for at least one year before pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of premature birth. The research found a 50-70% decrease in early preterm deliveries, with the greatest reduction seen in very early premature births.
Researchers discovered that the central nervous system can reorganize itself and follow new pathways to restore cellular communication required for movement. The study, published in Nature Medicine, shows that most mice regained mobility within eight weeks after spinal cord damage was induced.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a key signal guiding motor neuron navigation, Magellan, which helps them reach their target destinations. The mutation affects the structure of growing neurons, causing them to lose direction and form abnormal 'kinks' or coils.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a compromised blood-spinal cord barrier, leading to vascular leakage and potential mechanisms for motor neuron damage. Researchers hope this finding will lead to the development of new treatments targeting the barrier's repair.
Scientists at UCSD School of Medicine identified a potential new therapy for chronic spasticity and rigidity, a painful condition often resulting from spinal cord injuries. They found that the AMPA receptor antagonist NGX424 suppresses spasticity and rigidity in rats, providing a novel means of reducing muscle tone.
A team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that stem cells engineered to secrete a key growth factor can protect motor neurons characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but not restore muscle connections. The study demonstrates promise for cell-based therapies in diseases with few treatment options.
Researchers discovered the GRPR gene, which codes for a receptor involved in transmitting itch signals from the skin to the brain. Laboratory mice lacking this gene scratched less when exposed to itchy stimuli, suggesting a potential target for anti-itch medication.
Researchers found that combining radiation therapy and microsurgery can significantly increase the body's ability to repair damaged spinal cords, leading to permanent recovery. The treatment, which involves draining excess fluids and eliminating damaging cells, showed a nearly two-fold improvement in wound healing compared to untreated...
Researchers at UC San Diego report that grafting human spinal stem cells into paralyzed rats restored ambulatory function within six weeks. The study demonstrates the potential of stem cell therapy to reconstruct neural circuitry and treat debilitating muscle spasticity.
Xuejun Wen aims to repair spinal cord nerves using tissue engineering and implantable bridging devices. His research has the potential to improve lives and generate commercial interest.
Research reveals how interneurones process information from senses and brain to control movement, with persistent sodium current playing a critical role. Abnormal regulation of this current may impair motor command integration, affecting normal movement patterns.
A group of European researchers developed a spinal cord model and implemented it in an amphibious salamander-like robot. The robot changes its speed and gait in response to simple electrical signals, suggesting that the distributed neural system in the spinal cord holds the key to vertebrates' complex locomotor capabilities.
Researchers mapped neurons in zebrafish spinal cords to understand how they control movement speed, revealing a surprising pattern that regulates slow and fast movements. The study opens a door to basic understanding of spinal cord architecture and function.
A 'smart bladder pacemaker' developed by Duke University researchers selectively coordinates the contraction and release of muscles required for maintaining continence. The device taps into the urinary circuit in the spinal cord, effectively emptying the bladder and increasing bladder capacity.
Researchers have successfully transplanted human nerve stem cells into rats' damaged spinal cords, which survived, grew, and formed connections with native cells. The breakthrough establishes a new doctrine for regenerative neuroscience, suggesting the spinal cord can support transplanted cell development.
Researchers successfully differentiated human neural stem cell grafts into functional neurons in the spinal cord of adult rats, growing axons and forming synapses with motor neurons. However, further studies are needed to determine whether these cells can function correctly and provide benefits for patients.
Researchers investigated opioid analgesic abuse and found it is more prevalent in rural areas, with teenagers increasingly affected. Spinal cord stimulation also showed significant results in managing axial low back pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch discovered a potential method to prevent failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) by applying a local anesthetic, Lidocaine, to the exposed spinal cord before surgery. The technique successfully blocked the release of chemicals associated with FBSS and reduced sensitivity in rats.
Researchers have discovered that spinal cord neurons show irregular firing patterns during network activity, similar to the cerebral cortex. This finding enables exploration of how spinal cords generate movements, shedding light on the complex system controlling human motion.
Researchers at Barrow and Arizona State University will develop new hydrogels to stimulate spinal cord growth and treat brain tumors. The studies aim to improve treatment options for patients with malignant brain tumors and spinal cord injuries, building on the center's reputation as a top neuroscience hub.
Dr. Pierre Drapeau's research on zebrafish embryos has led to the discovery of signaling between nerve cells' importance in spinal cord development and growth. The $50,000 Barbara Turnbull Award supports his work towards understanding spinal cord repair and potentially treating diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.
Dr. Pierre Drapeau is being awarded the highest distinction in Canadian spinal cord research for his pioneering study of spinal cord development using the zebrafish embryo. This groundbreaking work has opened new avenues for understanding vertebrate development and genetics.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new method to identify DNA-binding transcription factors that help steer stem cells. The study, announced in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used mouse embryonic spinal cord as a model and identified the subset of genes involved in producing various cell types.
A key gene, Boc, has been identified as crucial for brain neural circuit formation and axon guidance in the nervous system. This discovery could lead to novel strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a method to bypass spinal cord injuries by regenerating severed nerve fibers and reconnecting them with the spinal cord. The treatment, using an enzyme called chondroitinase, resulted in improved mobility in rats with impaired motor functions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and the University of Michigan have developed a treatment that helps spinal cord nerves regrow after injury. Using an enzyme called sialidase, they increased the number of new nerve fibers in injured rats by more than twice, compared to untreated controls.
Researchers found that diazoxide prevented hind limb paralysis in rabbits, improving mobility despite impaired hopping. Mitochondrial damage was significantly reduced with diazoxide treatment, reducing reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage.
A study by Martyn Goulding and colleagues reveals that the Notch receptor protein determines whether a single progenitor cell produces excitatory or inhibitory neurons. The researchers found that activated Notch promotes excitatory neuron formation, while low levels of Notch lead to inhibitory neuron development.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which misfolded SOD1 proteins form aggregates that kill motor neurons in ALS. The normal form of SOD1 is recruited to participate in disease formation through intermolecular disulfide bonds, providing potential sites for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified V1 neurons as crucial for controlling rhythmic movements in the spinal cord, which enables walking. Disabling these neurons slows down the movement, highlighting their importance in locomotion.
Dr. Joseph Culotti's research into nerve cell growth and migration may lead to future spinal cord repair processes. He was awarded the $50,000 Barbara Turnbull Prize in recognition of his contributions to world-leading spinal cord research in Canada.
Treena Arinzeh, a NJIT engineer, has received two new grants to develop stem cell therapies for spinal cord and cartilage injuries. Her research aims to regenerate nerve tissue and promote bone growth using nano-scaffolds.
A study published in Neurology found that over 70% of people with Chiari Malformations experience sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness. Surgery to relieve compression on the brain stem improved symptoms, reducing central sleep apnea occurrences by 90% and micro-arousals by 30%.
Microglia have been found to play a crucial role in neuropathic pain by releasing Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). BDNF disrupts inhibition in the spinal cord, leading to abnormal pain signals. The discovery offers new hope for diagnostics and treatment of chronic pain.
A new study found that Fezl is necessary for proper development of neural connections to the spinal cord. In developing mice lacking the Fezl gene, normal connections failed to form, and brain cells made inappropriate connections instead.
A pilot study published in BMC Neurology identified 16 proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid of CFS patients that are not found in healthy individuals, potentially providing a biosignature for diagnosis. The study concludes that chronic fatigue syndrome may be a legitimate neurological disease.
Researchers mapped Hox protein expression patterns to understand motor neuron wiring and diversification. The code governs columnar, divisional, and pool identities, enabling precise connections between neurons and muscles.
Johns Hopkins researchers identify elevated levels of IL-6 in spinal fluid of patients with transverse myelitis, a condition that can lead to permanent paralysis. The study also found correlations between IL-6 levels and disease severity, shedding light on the mechanisms behind demyelinating disorders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found elevated IL-6 levels correlate with tissue injury and clinical disability in Transverse Myelitis (TM) patients. Elevated IL-6 levels are necessary and sufficient to mediate neural injury, dependent on nitric oxide.
The study identifies aquaporin-4 as the target molecule of the NMO antibody, a significant finding that deviates from previous research on multiple sclerosis. The discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for neuromyelitis optica and other autoimmune disorders.
A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has identified a gradient of biochemical signals, including Wnt proteins and Ryk receptor, that guide nerve growth down the spinal cord. This discovery offers new insights into how to repair or replace damaged nerves in adults.
Researchers found that a combination of precursor cells and gene therapy led to significant improvements in functional recovery from spinal cord injury. The treatment promoted myelination, resulting in improved mobility and electrical activity in the affected area.
Researchers find high levels of acrolein, a known carcinogen, persist in spinal tissue after injury, contributing to debilitating paralysis. Detoxifying drugs targeting acrolein could treat not only spinal cord damage but also other conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A new project provides a comprehensive map of the rat spinal cord, allowing for seamless navigation between rat and human cords to test hypotheses and relate data. The study will also create a 3D stereotaxic space for experimental and clinical observations.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully infused rat spinal cords with brain-derived human stem cells that secrete neuron-protecting protein GDNF. This approach has shown promise in protecting healthy neurons and prolonging life in ALS-ridden rats, paving the way for potential treatment of other diseases.
A study of 750 women in spontaneous labor found no significant difference in C-section rates between those receiving spinal and systemic opioids. Early epidural analgesia was also associated with shorter labors and lower pain scores.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that uric acid treatment can prevent inflammation and some damage in mice with spinal cord injuries. Uric acid protected spinal cord neurons from peroxynitrite-related damage, allowing mice to recover motor function faster and to a greater extent than those treated with saline.
A new blood test can accurately diagnose neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a debilitating inflammatory disease that destroys the protective myelin sheath around the optic nerve and spinal cord. Early diagnosis with this biomarker enables optimal therapies to be started sooner, potentially lessening the impact of the disease.
A team of researchers led by Johns Hopkins University is developing a neuroprosthetic implant that could restore locomotion in patients with spinal cord injuries. The device mimics the signals sent by the brain and stimulates dormant control centers to send movement instructions to muscles.
Researchers have found promising results using olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) to form myelin around nerve fibers, improving rats' functionality. Tiny beads releasing the enzyme chondroitinase ABC also enhance axonal growth and recovery of function.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have found that an enzyme called focal adhesion kinase plays a crucial role in guiding axons across the midline of the spinal cord during development. This discovery provides new insights into normal nervous system development and offers potential targets for treating spinal cord injuries.
Researchers have used human spinal cord cells to delay ALS symptoms in rats by 11 days. The study's findings suggest that neuronal stem cells may hold promise for treating conditions caused by separation within the nervous system.
Researchers at UCSD successfully treated muscle spasms in rats with ischemic spinal cord injury using brain cell transplants. Fifty percent of the animals experienced significant improvement in motor function.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Toronto has shown promise in guiding nerve cells to repair spinal damage. By using a series of fibrous rods with peptides, the team aims to stimulate cell adhesion and migration, bridging gaps between severed spine ends.
A new neurostimulation system uses continuous electric field adjustments to provide real-time, dynamic paresthesia steering for improved pain relief. This innovative technology enables up to 71 combinations of stimulation settings, leading to enhanced therapeutic possibilities.
Mitochondria are targeted by a mutant protein called SOD1, leading to the progressive degeneration of motor nerve cells in spinal cord. The study provides the first explanation for how this mutant protein causes ALS, a disease characterized by wasted muscles and premature death.