Stem Cells Linked to Cognitive Gain After Brain Injury in Preclinical Study MAPC therapy reduces inflammation after TBI and also promotes lasting cognitive improvement, a new study reports.
Bladder Function Restored in Animals with Severe Spinal Cord Injury Researchers restore significant bladder function, through nerve regeneration, in rats with severe spinal cord injuries.
Stem Cell Injections Improve Spinal Injuries in Rats A new study reports a single injection of human neural stem cells produce neuronal regeneration and improved the function and mobility of rats impaired by acute spinal cord injuries.
Scientists Develop Drug that Slows Alzheimer’s in Mice A drug developed by scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, known as J147, reverses memory deficits and slows Alzheimer's disease in aged mice following short-term treatment.
Sensational Success in Patients with Major Depression Using Deep Brain Stimulation Researchers implanted pacemaker electrodes into the medial forebrain bundle of patients suffering from major depression and performed deep brain stimulation. In a matter of days, in six out of seven patients, symptoms such as anxiety, despondence, listlessness and joylessness had improved considerably.
Making Axons Branch and Grow to Help Nerve Regeneration After Injury New research points to molecules which help axons to branch and grow. The study could assist in finding new treatments for nerve regeneration after injury.
Low Cost Cooling Cure Would Avert Brain Damage in Oxygen Starved Babies Researchers have developed a cost effective cooling device which helps lower a newborn's temperature. The treatment could help prevent brain damage if administered shortly after oxygen deprivation, which can occur during birth.
Scientists Find Genes Linked to Human Neurological Disorders in Sea Lamprey Genome Scientists have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injury, in the sea lamprey. The lamprey has large, identified neurons in its brain and spinal cord, making it an excellent model to study regeneration at the single cell-level.
Stem Cell Based Bioartificial Tissues and Organs Known for successfully transplanting a bioengineered stem cell-based trachea, surgeon Paolo Macchiarini plans to use his technique to recreate more complex tissue. He has recently made attempts to regenerate brain tissue in rats and mice.
In Some Dystonia Cases, Deep Brain Therapy Benefits may Linger After Device is Turned Off According to a new report, two patients with Dystonia were freed from the severe debilitating effects of the disease through deep brain stimulation therapy, continued to have symptom relief for months after their devices accidentally were fully or partly turned off.
Novel Protein May Help Detect Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Dementia Researchers discover an abnormal protein that accumulates in the brains of patients affected with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The findings have uncovered a potentially new therapeutic target and biomarker that would allow clinicians to confirm diagnosis of the diseases.
Simulations Show how Blood Vessels Regroup after Stroke By simulating patterns of microvasculature cell growth and compare the results with real networks grown in lab, researchers hope to direct how they grow into the tiny blood vessels that feed the brain and help people regain functions lost to stroke and disease.
Experimental Gene Therapy Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy offers Hope for Youngster A nationwide clinical trial for a new type treatment that could offer help to those suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a devastating neuromuscular disease.
Excess Protein Linked to Development of Parkinson’s Disease Researchers suggest the overexpression of a protein called alpha-synuclein appears to disrupt vital recycling processes in neurons. The study may have major implications for more fully understanding the causes and mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease.
Study Points to Possible Cause and Treatment for Non-familial Parkinson’s Researchers identify a protein trafficking defect within brain cells that may underlie common non-familial forms of Parkinson’s disease. The study implicates two genetic variants that disrupt protein sorting in neurons.
