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...
CNS
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...
Raising eyebrows on neuroinflammation: Surprising role of ‘skin plumping’ hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the human body and a popular additive in cosmetics that boast plumper skin, may be a useful tool in treating neuroinflammation. ... 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...
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...
Manipulating Gene Expression in Neurons with CRISPR
By optimizing neurons with CRISPR gene editing technology, researchers will have new ways to study genetic influences on brain health and disease, a new study reports. ... Read More...
Newly Discovered Immune Cells Play Role in Inflammatory Brain Diseases
Studying animal models, researchers have identified previously unknown types of immune cells that are present in the brains of those with multiple sclerosis. ... Read More...
3D Printed Implant Promotes Neural Growth to Treat Spinal Cord Injury
Researchers have developed a novel 3D printed scaffolding that mimics natural anatomy and boost stem cell treatment for spinal cord repair. While the initial scaffolds have been designed for rat models of SCI, researchers report the approach is scalable to humans.... Read More...
Gut Immune Cells Cut Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis
A new study reveals the intestine as a source of immune cells that help reduce neuroinflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Increasing the number of these cells helps block inflammation entirely, researchers report. ... Read More...
Imaging Nerve Cell Interactions
vDISCO, a new imaging technique based on a method for making tissue and organs transparent, is helping researchers to gain unprecedented insights into neuron interactions in the central nervous system. ... Read More...