Articles tagged with Vagus Nerve
A study published in Brain Medicine suggests autonomic dysfunction, particularly parasympathetic and sympathetic imbalances, contributes to depressive symptoms in patients unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Low-dose medications targeting these imbalances may offer a new approach to treatment.
A high-fat diet allows bacteria to move from the gut to the brain in mice, according to a new study. Researchers found that a small number of bacteria translocated to the brain, likely via the vagus nerve, and that these bacteria were also detected in mouse models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism.
A comprehensive review synthesizes the science behind vagus nerve modulation therapies, which use controlled signals to influence brain circuits and inflammation. The authors identify key mechanisms and propose next-generation treatments tailored to individual patients and conditions.
A study found that a small, implanted vagus nerve stimulation device produced substantial and sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and daily function in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The device showed lasting benefits even after two years, with nearly one-third of participants who didn't respo...
A recent study published in Cell Reports found that the vagus nerve's right branch is responsible for sensing nutritional information and reinforcing dietary behaviors. This research has implications for improving treatments of obesity, metabolic diseases, depression, and substance abuse.
The study demonstrates that modulating the vagus nerve can effectively halt the progression of cachexia, enhance chemotherapy outcomes, and improve survival in preclinical models. This intervention restores normal liver metabolism, reduces systemic inflammation, and alleviates cachectic symptoms.
A new multi-institutional study confirmed that the NSD2 protein can be targeted with a new drug, blocking it effectively reprogrammed DNA structure, reversed and prevented cancer growth in preclinical models of KRAS-mutant lung and pancreatic cancers. Targeting the brain-liver pathway with electronic wearables could prevent cancer-asso...
A new study by University College London found that stimulating the vagus nerve through small electric pulses can amplify the benefits of self-compassion meditation training. This technique shows promise in boosting self-kindness and mindfulness, particularly when combined with regular practice.
A £2.7 million trial will recruit 300 participants to investigate the long-term effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in people with drug-resistant epilepsy. The trial aims to provide evidence on VNS's clinical and cost-effectiveness, particularly for children and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A new clinical study at UT Dallas demonstrated significant improvements in arm and hand function for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. The closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV) approach produced meaningful benefits, regardless of age or severity of impairment.
A clinical study found that patients with PTSD showed significant symptom-free periods up to six months after receiving vagus nerve stimulation paired with traditional therapy. The results highlight the potential of this approach in treating treatment-resistant PTSD.
Researchers developed a live brainstem imaging method to study the nucleus tractus solitarii's role in emotion regulation and body-brain interactions. The D-PSCAN technique enabled high-resolution visualization of NTS neural activity in response to vagus nerve stimulation and gut hormone cholecystokinin, shedding light on potential the...
A study published in Food Quality and Preference found that individuals from higher socio-economic backgrounds exhibit a stronger link between their vagal tone and chocolate consumption. In contrast, those from lower socio-economic groups show less correlation between physiological signals and food intake.
Researchers found a clear causal relationship between gut microbiota and vagal nerve activity in mice. Introducing gut bacteria restored vagal activity, while antibiotics had no impact on germ-free mice. The study identified specific metabolites produced by the gut microbiome that activate the vagus nerve.
A study by TU Wien found that nerve stimulation is more effective when synchronized with the body's natural rhythms, particularly during systole and inspiration. This technology has potential for non-invasive treatment of chronic diseases.
Researchers found a link between chronic gut infection with cytomegalovirus and the development of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that the virus may contribute to immune system changes and brain inflammation. The study suggests that existing antiviral drugs could potentially treat or prevent this form of Alzheimer's.
People with severe depression who received vagus nerve stimulation showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and ability to complete everyday tasks after a year. Despite this, the therapy remains unaffordable for many patients due to high costs.
This randomized clinical trial suggests that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic insomnia. Future multicenter trials are needed to validate its effectiveness across different populations.
Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation can improve sound discrimination in mice, suggesting a potential new approach to treating hearing disorders. The technique may also speed up hearing improvements from cochlear implants, enabling implant recipients to communicate more effectively.
A groundbreaking clinical study demonstrates the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to improve symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. After 12 months, participants who received healthy donor stool transplants showed significant improvement in motor symptoms and reduced constipation.
Researchers at Flinders University uncovered a major breakthrough in understanding the gut-brain axis, revealing that serotonin released from gut cells must communicate via diffusion to activate sensory nerve endings. This discovery has profound implications for drug development and treatments of mental health and digestive problems.
A new study from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine suggests that ear clip stimulation of the vagus nerve significantly lessens the symptoms of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). The treatment decreased heart rates and adrenaline surges, improving quality of life for people with POTS.
A new study found that combining brain stimulation with intense physical rehabilitation helped stroke survivors recover movement in their arms and hands and maintain these improvements for one year. The pairing of rehabilitation therapy with vagus nerve stimulation likely helps the brain strengthen new neural pathways.
A new study reveals the vagus nerve increases activity during exercise to enhance coronary blood flow and improve heart function, challenging existing ideas about the nervous system's role in physical activity.
Researchers at MUSC developed a noninvasive method of vagus nerve stimulation that accelerates treatment outcomes and improves motor function after stroke. The method, known as MAAVNS, uses timed electrical impulses delivered to the ear during motor rehabilitation, producing similar results as FDA-approved devices in half the time.
A team led by Carmen Birchmeier has investigated the process of swallowing in more detail, revealing that sensory cells in the vagus nerve play a key role in detecting mechanical stimuli in the esophagus. This understanding could lead to better treatments for swallowing disorders, including malnutrition and weight loss.
Researchers at Newcastle University found underactivity in three key areas of the nervous system in people with post-Covid fatigue. A trial is underway to test a TENS machine to alleviate symptoms.
Researchers at MIT developed an ingestible capsule that delivers electrical stimulation to the stomach, boosting ghrelin production and potentially alleviating nausea and appetite loss. The device uses a grooved surface to create a drier environment for electrodes to contact stomach tissue.
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.
New research presents neurotechnology as a powerful tool for studying the brain and enabling targeted therapies for neurological disorders. Devices like nerve stimulators and brain implants can monitor or modulate neural activity, offering potential treatments for conditions such as paralysis and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The University of Minnesota is leading a comprehensive global clinical study to reveal the functional effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) across the human body. The $21M REVEAL project aims to assess autonomic, cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and gastrointestinal function in response to VNS parameters.
The researchers will conduct multimodal imaging of 100 human vagus nerves using high-resolution technologies, providing unprecedented data on the vagus nerve's organization. This work aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of existing vagus nerve therapies, offering potential for novel neuromodulation therapies.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have successfully stimulated the auricular vagus nerve to reduce inflammation in severe COVID-19 cases, using a novel closed-loop control system. The therapy, dubbed an 'electric pill', has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus have shown a direct connection between vagus nerve stimulation and learning centers in the brain. This discovery may lead to new treatments that can improve cognitive retention in both healthy and injured nervous systems.
A recent study published in Brain Stimulation reveals that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation increases reaction times to negative images and decreases reactions to positive images. The findings have implications for the development of treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes healing in acute inflammation by shifting the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding opens new avenues for treating inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers discovered a connection between atherosclerotic plaques and the central nervous system, involving immune cells, nerves, and cardiovascular tissues. This 'ABC' circuit can be modulated or disconnected, potentially leading to innovative therapies for treating atherosclerosis.
A pilot study suggests that long COVID symptoms could be linked to the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the vagus nerve. The study found significant alterations in the vagus nerve, including thickening and reduced function, in patients with long COVID symptoms.
Research led by Diego Bohórquez at Duke University has identified the cells responsible for sensing sugar in the gut. These neuropod cells produce neurotransmitters that transmit signals to the brain, allowing animals to distinguish between real sugar and artificial sweetener.
Researchers discovered two types of nerve cells in the vagus nerve control center that adapt feeding behavior and blood sugar levels differently. The first type detects stomach stretch, while the second type senses chemical signals from food, influencing appetite and glucose metabolism.
A novel treatment combining vagus nerve stimulation with rehabilitation has shown improvement in upper body motor impairment compared to sham stimulation. The study results provide new possibilities for stroke patients to reclaim more arm function.
A study published in The Lancet found that patients who incorporated vagus nerve simulation during physical or occupational therapy showed a significant improvement in arm and hand function, up to 2-3 times more than those with sham stimulation. This breakthrough could be one of the most impressive advances in decades for stroke patients.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have designed a centimeter-sized wireless device that stimulates the endings of the vagus nerve to induce feelings of fullness. The device is controlled externally via radio frequency and has the potential to be used in conjunction with other devices to manipulate nerve endings throughout the gastroi...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UCSF developed a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve to improve language learning. Participants showed significant improvements in distinguishing Mandarin tones, with some reaching peak performance twice as quickly as control participants.
Researchers at TU Wien and MedUni Vienna have developed a novel method for electric stimulation of the vagus nerve in the ear. A microanatomical study revealed the optimal placement of tiny electrodes to stimulate the nerve, resulting in effective pain relief. The triphasic signal pattern was found to be particularly effective.
A new study presents a promising treatment for indigestion using an earbud-like device that stimulates the vagus nerve. The research found that the device helped participants' stomachs expand to accommodate meals and empty more quickly, suggesting potential relief from symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
Researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra developed a non-invasive method of stimulating the vagus nerve in mice, leading to improved memory. The study used electrostimulation in the ear, which stimulated areas of the brain important for memory, resulting in better performance in object recognition memory.
A new clinical trial tests a cell-phone-sized device that stimulates the vagus nerve to prevent and treat migraine attacks. The device has shown promise in preventing and combating migraine attacks through its proprietary stimulation method, offering a non-invasive treatment option with minimal side effects.
A new study at the University of Leeds suggests that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) may help slow down an important effect associated with ageing. The therapy, which delivers a small electrical current to the ear, has been shown to improve physiological and wellbeing outcomes in over-55s.
Researchers at the Feinstein Institutes have discovered how the vagus nerve relays signals from the periphery to the brain to regulate glucose levels. This finding could lead to new ways of measuring blood glucose levels and may uncover a new approach to managing diabetes.
Researchers found that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve increases motivation to exert physical effort for food rewards, potentially providing a novel method to alter motivation. The study involved 81 hungry participants who underwent two sessions: one with vagus nerve stimulation and another with placebo stimulation.
A team of researchers identified a link between ghrelin and episodic memory, finding that blocking ghrelin signaling impaired rats' ability to remember specific events. The study also found that vagal ghrelin signaling influences feeding behavior, with animals eating more frequently but consuming smaller amounts at each meal.
Researchers developed a mouse model that recapitulates Parkinson's disease's progression, showing how misfolded protein α-synuclein spreads from the gut to the brain. The study supports Braak's hypothesis and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found evidence that Parkinson's disease originates in the gut and travels up the brain's neurons. The study used mice with misfolded alpha-synuclein protein, which causes nerve cell death, to demonstrate the connection.
A pilot study presented at EULAR 2019 suggests that electro stimulation of the vagus nerve can reduce signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The study showed a significant reduction in disease activity and improved response criteria, with two-thirds of patients meeting good or moderate response criteria.
A study found that brain activity related to auditory perception parallels heart rate, suggesting that stress-induced changes in heart rate may impair auditory perception. Researchers suggest that vagus nerve activation by electrical stimulation could improve auditory perception and treat attention and communication disorders.
Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation in the neck reduced brain activity and delayed pain response in people with PTSD. The treatment also altered autonomic responses to painful stimuli, dampening fight-or-flight-type responses.
A new, battery-free implantable device has been developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers to aid in weight loss. The device generates gentle electric pulses that stimulate the vagus nerve, helping the brain feel full after only a few bites of food.
Purdue University researchers used an MRI to study the effects of vagus nerve stimulation on stomach complications, showing it can correct symptoms and speed up gastric emptying. The technique has potential for more precise treatment than existing methods, and further research is planned.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a minimally invasive treatment using vagus nerve stimulation to reduce brain inflammation and cognitive decline after surgery. The study showed improved cognitive outcomes and reduced brain inflammation in mice with inflammation.