New research findings on dizziness of unknown cause
People with functional dizziness do not appear to process sensory-motor impression correctly. Instead, they rely on a stored memory model which no longer matches immediate reality.... Read More...
central nervous system
Persistent HIV in central nervous system linked to cognitive impairment
HIV can persist in the nervous system, even when the virus is suppressed. Even when the virus is suppressed, neurocognitive problems associated with the infection can persist.... Read More...
Gut microbes protect against neurologic damage from viral infections
A healthy and diverse microbiome is essential for quickly clearing viral infections in the nervous system to prevent risks associated with multiple sclerosis. Mice with lower gut bacteria had weaker immune responses and were unable to eliminate viruses, leading to worsening paralysis. Those treated with antibiotics before infection had fewer microglia. ... Read More...
First step to induce self-repair in the central nervous system
Severed axonal segments signal to Schwann cells to begin actin sphere formation and axon disintegration. If the process is disrupted, axon disintegration is slowed and axon fragments impair nerve regeneration.... Read More...
Discovery reveals prolific ability of Schwann cells to generate myelin
Schwann cells are much more prolific in generating myelin than previously believed. Knocking out the fbxw7 gene in mouse models, researchers discovered individual Schwann cells began to spread myelin across many axons.... Read More...
Multiple sclerosis patients at a greater risk of cancer
People with multiple sclerosis may have a greater overall risk of developing cancer than those without the autoimmune disease. The highest risks are associated with respiratory, urinary and central nervous system cancers. ... Read More...
New research shows Parkinson’s disease origins in the gut
A new study adds to the growing body of evidence that Parkinson's disease may start in the gut. Researchers found gut-to-brain propagation of alpha-synuclein spread via the vagus nerve. The study provides a more accurate model of Parkinson's progression and could lead to new treatments to halt or prevent this neurodegenerative disease.... Read More...
Algal blooms in Lake Erie’s central basin could produce neurotoxins
A cyanobacterium caused by blue-green algae blooms has been identified in the waters of Lake Erie. The cyanobacterium is capable of producing a neurotoxin that can attack the central nervous system in humans. ... Read More...
Cannabidiol could help deliver medications to the brain
Cannabidiol may be able to bypass the blood-brain barrier to effectively deliver medications directly to the brain.... Read More...
Microglia, cells thought restricted to central nervous system, are redefined in new study
In response to injury, microglia cross the spinal boundary from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system. While in the PNS, microglia provide the function of clearing cellular debris at the point of injury, then return to the CNS in an altered state. Researchers propose this could account for some damage associated with neurodegenerative diseases.... Read More...
How light at night may harm outcomes in cardiac patients
Night time white lighting in hospital rooms has been linked to higher rates of inflammation, apoptosis and mortality risk for those who have recently experienced a cardiac event.... Read More...
Smoking and Alcohol: Double Trouble for the Brain
A new study reports those with alcohol addiction who also smoke may be at an increased risk of neural damage. The study revealed higher levels of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, and a a decrease in neurotrophic factor in the striatum and frontal cortex in rats exposed to both alcohol and tobacco.... Read More...