FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 26, 2020First results from human COVID-19 immunology study reveal universally effective antibodiesWhile the amount of antibodies generated varies widely in patients who have recovered from coronavirus, most people generate at least some antibodies which are intrinsically capable of neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 26, 2020Researchers flag similarities between COVID-19 deaths and severe rheumatic illnessesAfter natural killer immune cells kill virus-infected cells, T and B immune cells produce cytokines. This makes the immune reaction stronger and results in the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 infection. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 20, 2020COVID-19 cytokine storm: Possible mechanism for the deadly respiratory syndromeSARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, enters human cells by attaching to ACE2 and utilizing TMPRSS2. Drugs that block ACE2 or inhibit the enzyme could help treat the coronavirus, but only during early infection. As the infection progresses, SARS-CoV-2 becomes engulfed in human cells, reducing the number of ACE2 receptors on a cell and leading to an increase of angiotensin II in the blood. Angiotensin II triggers an inflammatory pathway, providing a positive feedback cycle, named IL-6 amplifier, resulting in excessive immune activation and the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·May 19, 2020Animal study shows human brain cells repair damage in multiple sclerosisHuman iPSCs transplanted into animal models of multiple sclerosis help repair cell damage and restore function. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceNeuroscience Videos·May 18, 2020Antibody neutralizes SARS and COVID-19 coronavirusesS309, a neutralizing antibody first identified in blood samples from a patient who recovered from SARS in 2003, shows promise for the treatment of COVID-19. Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceneurotech·May 17, 2020Designing vaccines from artificial proteinsUsing computational methods, researchers created artificial proteins that triggered immune responses and produced infection specific antibodies. The findings indicate it will be possible to design vaccines that contain artificial antibodies, expediting the process of vaccine development. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 16, 2020Detailed analysis of immune response to SARS-CoV-2 bodes well for COVID-19 vaccineStudy reveals the body's immune system can recognize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in many ways. The findings should help dispel fears the virus may elude ongoing efforts to create a successful vaccine. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 15, 2020Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomesStudy reveals a new gut-brain connection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The gut microbiome could influence the severity of the neurodegenerative disease. Altering the bacteria in the gut may prevent or improve symptoms of ALS. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 14, 2020Arthritis drug Anakinra may improve respiratory function in some patients with severe COVID-19Anakinra, a clinically approved anti-inflammatory used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, improves respiratory function in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·May 14, 2020Local inflammatory cells are characteristic for advanced multiple sclerosisIn late-stage multiple sclerosis, inflammatory cells no longer enter the brain via the bloodstream, but instead the cells arise in memory from local memory cells inside the brain. The findings suggest during the late phases of multiple sclerosis, the disease is occurring entirely inside the brain. Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·May 5, 2020Recently recovered COVID-19 patients produce varying virus-specific antibodiesRecovered coronavirus patients show a wide range of immune responses following the infection, with about half from a current study showing sustained antibodies two weeks later. Results indicate which parts of the virus are most effective at triggering the immune responses. Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·May 4, 2020New insight on maternal infections and neurodevelopmental disordersMaternal inflammation has been linked to a range of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in children, including autism and schizophrenia. A new mouse study reveals maternal responses and subsequent developmental disorders are based on the mother's immunoreactivity to infection. Read More
