Stem Cell Researchers Move Toward Treatment for Rare Genetic Nerve Disease
Researchers use induced pluripotent stem cells to advance disease-in-a-dish modeling of ataxia telangiectasia, a rare genetic disorder associated with progressive loss of function in the cerebellum. Their discovery shows the positive effects of drugs that may lead to effective new treatments for the neurodegenerative disease.
Brain Anatomy of Dyslexia Is Not the Same in Men and Women, Boys and Girls
Researchers discover significant sex-based brain anatomy differences between males and females with dyslexia.
Restless Legs Syndrome, Insomnia And Brain Chemistry: A Tangled Mystery Solved?
Using neuroimaging, researchers discovered glutamate levels are abnormally high in people with restless leg syndrome. The higher the level of glutamate in patients with RLS, the less sleep they were able to get.
Nerve Stimulation for Severe Depression Changes Brain Function
Preliminary brain scan studies reveal how vagus nerve stimulation brings about changes in brain metabolism weeks prior to patients with depression entering into recovery.
Study Finds Increase in Fall-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries Among Elderly Men and Women
Researchers note a considerable rise in the number of fall-induced traumatic brain injuries in elderly patients since the 1970′s. Future studies are required to better understand the reasons for the increased numbers and provide effective interventions to prevent injury.
Multiple Sclerosis May Not Be As Rare As Thought in African-Americans
A population based study which looked at patients newly diagnosed with MS discovered African-Americans had a 47% increased risk of developing the disease compared with Caucasians. However, Hispanic and Asian people had a 58 and 80% lower risk.
Scientists Identify Critical Link In Mammalian Odor Detection
Researchers have identified the Ggamma13 protein is critical for the ability for mammals to detect odors. “Knockout” mice which lacked this protein were functionally anosmic, unable to smell. The study could provide insight into possible underlying causes of certain smell disorders in humans.
ALS Trial Shows Novel Therapy is Safe
A new treatment for ALS, which uses a technique that turns off the mutated SOD1 gene, has passed an early phase clinical trial for safety.
Research Sheds New Light on Traumatic Brain Injuries
A new study supports p38α MAPK as a possible clinical target for treating central nervous system disorders associated with uncontrolled brain inflammation, including TBI.
New Findings on the Brain’s Immune Cells During Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, microglial cells lose two important biological functions affecting their ability to remove cell fragments and motility towards acute lesions.
