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immune system

·August 22, 2019·2 min read

Cell suicide could hold key for brain health and food security

A new study into human and plant cell apoptosis could provide new avenues for the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, and help develop disease-resistant plants.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 21, 2019·4 min read

X chromosome gene may explain why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases

Kdm6a, a gene on the X chromosome appears to be associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. The gene is expressed more in the immune cells of females than males. When Kdm6a was deleted in mouse models of MS, the animals had improved symptoms and reduced inflammation. The findings shed light on why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases than males.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 21, 2019·3 min read

Link between brain immune cells and Alzheimer’s disease development identified

The brain's immune cells may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Turning off microglia in specific areas of the brain prevented the formation of amyloid plaques. The findings could help pave the way for new treatments for Alzheimer's.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·August 18, 2019·3 min read

Immune system and mental health are connected

Researchers explore the link between the immune system and mental health disorders. Cytokines appear to play a critical role in the development and progression of mental illness. They question if administering prednisolone, a steroid that curbs inflammation, can have a beneficial effect on treating and preventing mental health problems.

This shows a person holding a vitamin D supplement in sunlight

Featured Neuroscience

·August 14, 2019·3 min read

Optimal vitamin D levels may vary for different ethnic and racial groups

Optimal levels of Vitamin D are different, depending on a person's ethnic background. People with less than 20 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood are deficient. However, taking higher doses of vitamin D through supplements may not be beneficial, as previous studies have shown high dose supplements can increase bone fracture risks.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 12, 2019·4 min read

Smoldering spots in the brain may signal severe MS

Dark rimmed spots on the brain that represent ongoing inflammation, known as chronic active lesions, may be a hallmark of a more aggressive and debilitating form of multiple sclerosis. The findings provide a new biomarker for diagnosing the neurological disorder.

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Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 8, 2019·5 min read

Adding MS drug to targeted cancer therapy may improve glioblastoma outcomes

Teriflunomide, a drug commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis, shows promise for the treatment of glioblastoma when coupled with targeted cancer therapies.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 7, 2019·4 min read

Blood clotting proteins in urine discovered as biomarkers of lupus nephritis

Clotting proteins are elevated in the urine of patients with lupus nephritis. The findings provide a new biomarker for the autoimmune disease.

This shows a mom breastfeeding her newborn at night

Featured Neuroscience

·August 6, 2019·5 min read

Human breast milk may help babies tell time via circadian signals from mom

Breast milk may help train the circadian clock in young babies. The hormonal composition of breast milk changes throughout the day, with cortisol levels being higher in the morning and melatonin levels being higher at night.

This shows a person holding a model of a brain

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·August 6, 2019·6 min read

Looking to the body to better understand the brain

From researching the microbiome and immune system to nociception, scientists are looking beyond the nervous system to gain a better understanding of neurological and mental health disorders.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 31, 2019·4 min read

Vaccinations not a risk factor for multiple sclerosis

A study of over 200,000 people found no evidence that vaccinations increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, or the onset of an initial MS episode.