FeaturedNeurology·October 3, 2012·3 min readDrug Reverses Abnormal Brain Function in Rett Syndrome Micein a mouse model of Rett syndrome, researchers were able to reverse abnormalities in brain activity and improve neurological function by treating animals with an FDA-approved anesthesia drug, ketamine.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·October 2, 2012·2 min readNew Research Model to Aid Search for Degenerative Disease CuresEfforts to treat disorders like Lou Gehrig’s disease, Paget’s disease, inclusion body myopathy and dementia will receive a considerable boost from a new research model created by UC Irvine scientists.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·October 2, 2012·4 min readLow Vitamin D Levels Linked to More Severe Multiple Sclerosis SymptomsLow blood levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased number of brain lesions and signs of a more active disease state in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study finds, suggesting a potential link between intake of the vitamin and the risk of longer-term disability from the autoimmune disorder.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·October 1, 2012·3 min readResearchers Halt Autoimmune Disease Myasthenia Gravis in MiceWorking with mice, Johns Hopkins researchers say they have developed a gene-based therapy to stop the rodent equivalent of the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis by specifically targeting the destructive immune response the disorder triggers in the body.Read More
Genetics·September 18, 2012·1 min readNew Findings on Protein MisfoldingResearchers identified 21 proteins that specifically bind to a protein called ataxin-1. Twelve of these proteins enhance the misfolding of ataxin-1 and thus promote the formation of harmful protein aggregate structures, whereas nine of them prevent the misfolding.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·September 17, 2012·3 min readToxic Protein Build-up in Blood Shines Light on Fatal Brain DiseaseA new light-based technique for measuring levels of the toxic protein that causes Huntington's disease (HD) has been used to demonstrate that the protein builds up gradually in blood cells.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeurology·September 14, 2012·2 min readDisorder of Neural Circuits in Autism Mouse Model is ReversibleScientists have now identified a specific dysfunction in neuronal circuits that is caused by autism. The scientists also report about their success in reversing these neuronal changes in mouse models.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·September 11, 2012·3 min readResearch Finds Ginkgo Biloba Doesn’t Improve Cognitive Function in MSA new research study conducted has found that the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS.)Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeuroscience·September 10, 2012·3 min readResearchers Create Short-Term Memories In-VitroResearchers have discovered how to store diverse forms of artificial short-term memories in isolated brain tissue. Using isolated pieces of rodent brain tissue, the researchers demonstrated that they could form a memory of which one of four input pathways was activated.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 7, 2012·3 min readA Brain Filter for Clear Information TransmissionFrequently, as many as one thousand signals rain down on a single neuron simultaneously. To ensure that precise signals are delivered, the brain possesses a sophisticated inhibitory system. Scientists have now illuminated how this system works.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·September 5, 2012·2 min readNFL Players May Be at Higher Risk of Death from Alzheimer’s and ALSProfessional football players in this study were three times more likely to die as a result of diseases that damage brain cells compared to the general population. A player’s risk of death from Alzheimer’s disease or ALS was almost four times higher than the general population.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·August 30, 2012·3 min readNew Diagnostic Biomarkers Offer Ray of Hope for Alzheimer’s DiseaseInvestigators report on the development of imaging-based biomarkers that will have an impact on diagnosis before the Alzheimer's disease process is set in motion.Read More
