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neuropharmacology

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 30, 2025·6 min read

Lab-Designed Peptide Targets Glioblastoma Stem Cells

A newly developed lab-designed molecule, JM2, may offer a promising therapy to combat glioblastoma recurrence by targeting the tumor’s most resilient cells. Researchers discovered that glioblastoma stem cells rely on the protein connexin 43’s interaction with microtubules—an interaction disrupted by JM2.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 29, 2025·6 min read

Sleep Aid May Protect Brain from Alzheimer’s Damage

A common sleep medication, lemborexant, may do more than promote rest—it appears to reduce harmful tau buildup and protect the brain from neurodegeneration in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that this orexin receptor antagonist not only restored healthier sleep patterns but also preserved brain structure and reduced inflammation.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 26, 2025·5 min read

Nitrous Oxide Unlocks Blood-Brain Barrier for Safer Gene Delivery

Researchers have discovered that nitrous oxide can safely enhance the delivery of gene therapy to the brain by making the blood-brain barrier (BBB) more permeable when paired with focused ultrasound (FUS). This method required significantly lower concentrations of microbubbles and ultrasound pressure than conventional techniques, reducing the risk of tissue damage.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 26, 2025·4 min read

Brainstem Neurons Hold Key to Semaglutide’s Weight Loss Effects

Researchers have identified a specific group of brainstem neurons that mediate the appetite-reducing and weight-loss effects of semaglutide without triggering side effects like nausea. In mice, activating these neurons led to reduced food intake and fat loss, mimicking the drug’s benefits.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·May 25, 2025·9 min read

ALS Drug Shows Unprecedented Recovery in Patients With Rare Mutation

A groundbreaking experimental therapy for a rare, aggressive form of ALS caused by FUS gene mutations has produced surprising clinical improvements in some patients, including restored mobility and extended survival. The treatment uses antisense technology to silence the FUS gene, reducing toxic protein buildup in motor neurons. Two patients in a recent case series showed remarkable responses—one regained the ability to walk and breathe unassisted, while another has remained symptom-free for three years.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·May 24, 2025·4 min read

Placebo Triggers Brain’s Opioid System to Relieve Pain

Researchers have successfully induced the placebo effect in rats, uncovering the neural mechanisms behind how belief in pain relief can reduce the perception of pain. Using conditioning, rats learned to associate injections with pain relief, and later exhibited reduced pain responses even when injected with saline.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 21, 2025·4 min read

New Alzheimer’s Drug Boosts Brain Protection, Restores Memory

Researchers have identified a promising drug candidate, DDL-357, that improves memory in Alzheimer’s mouse models by increasing levels of a protective brain protein called clusterin (CLU). CLU helps prevent the buildup of toxic amyloid-beta plaques and tau proteins, both key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·May 20, 2025·4 min read

Next-Gen Painkiller Blocks Pain Without the High

Summary: A new experimental drug, SBI-810, may deliver potent pain relief without the addictive and harmful side effects of opioids....

Featured Neuroscience

·May 18, 2025·3 min read

Vitamin B1 Derivative Sparks Dopamine, Boosts Wakefulness

Thiamine derivatives, once developed to treat nutrient deficiencies, are now being explored for their potential effects on brain function and energy. A new study shows that TTFD, a thiamine derivative, increases dopamine in the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex, leading to enhanced arousal and physical activity in rats.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·May 17, 2025·4 min read

Tylenol Targets Pain Through Unexpected Endocannabinoid Pathway

A new study reveals that acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain by reducing levels of an endocannabinoid called 2-AG, rather than increasing it as previously thought. This discovery challenges decades-old assumptions about how pain relief works and may open the door to designing safer, more targeted medications.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 15, 2025·4 min read

Gabapentin Linked to Longer Survival in Glioblastoma Brain Cancer

A new study suggests that gabapentin, a widely used anti-seizure medication, may improve survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest form of brain cancer. Researchers found that GBM patients taking gabapentin lived several months longer than those who did not, across two independent hospital datasets.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 13, 2025·6 min read

Zepbound Outperforms Wegovy in Head-to-Head Weight Loss Trial

In a 72-week clinical trial, tirzepatide (Zepbound) led to significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide (Wegovy), with participants losing an average of 20.2% of their body weight versus 13.7%. The study directly compared the two drugs at their highest doses in people with obesity but without diabetes.