FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·January 8, 2024·5 min readNovel Gene Linked to Range of Neurodegenerative Diseases IdentifiedResearchers uncovered a crucial link between the gene Angiogenin (ANG) and age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), motor neuron disease (MND), and Parkinson's disease. In its mutated form, ANG causes stem cells to delay their differentiation into specialized nerve cells, leading to neurodevelopmental defects.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 5, 2024·5 min readSoft Robotic Garment Defeats Parkinson’s FreezingResearchers deploy a soft, wearable robot to combat freezing, a common and debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease. The robot, worn around the hips and thighs, provides a gentle push during leg swings, helping patients achieve longer strides.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·December 5, 2023·5 min readDopaminergic System Organoid Model Illuminates Parkinson’s and AddictionResearchers developed a novel organoid model that mimics the human dopaminergic system, providing crucial insights into Parkinson's disease and the impact of chronic cocaine use. This study demonstrates the model's ability to replicate the structure, connectivity, and functionality of the dopaminergic system.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 21, 2023·4 min readUsed Coffee Grounds Hold Potential Key to Treating Neurodegenerative DiseasesResearchers found that Carbon Quantum Dots (CACQDs) derived from used coffee grounds could protect brain cells from damage caused by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. CACQDs showed neuroprotective effects in various models, including Parkinson's caused by pesticide exposure. These CACQDs have the potential to address the underlying causes of neurodegenerative disorders, rather than just managing symptoms.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 15, 2023·4 min readParkinson’s Progression Halted by Inhibiting EnzymeResearchers discovered that inhibiting a specific enzyme, USP30, in a mouse model protects dopamine-producing neurons, which are typically lost as the disease progresses. This groundbreaking finding suggests a new therapeutic avenue that could slow or even prevent Parkinson's progression.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·October 5, 2023·5 min readCaffeine Cuts Parkinson’s, Even with Genetic PredispositionNew research unveils a significant correlation between caffeine consumption and a lowered risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) for individuals with Asian gene variants linked to the disorder. The study involving 4,488 subjects disclosed that regular consumption of tea or coffee curtailed the risk of developing PD by four to eight times compared to non-caffeine drinkers who have the gene.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 29, 2023·4 min readCircadian Rhythm Off Beat: Parkinson’s and Nighttime Neuron DamageResearchers delved into the enigma of sleep disturbances and their relation to Parkinson's disease. Utilizing fruit flies, they found that cellular stress linked to Parkinson's was especially damaging to neurons during nighttime.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 15, 2023·6 min readParkinson’s Onset Theory Challenged: Synaptic Dysfunction Before Neuron DeathContrary to the widely held belief that Parkinson’s disease originates from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, a new study suggests a precursor: synaptic dysfunction. This revelation unveils the dysfunction of dopaminergic synapses prior to neurodegeneration.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 7, 2023·4 min readGlymphatic System Key to Parkinson’s Protein Spread and AggregationResearchers shed light on the puzzle of Parkinson’s disease progression. They discovered that a mutated version of the α-synuclein protein moves through the brain's lymphatic system, known as the glymphatic system, before aggregating.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·August 30, 2023·9 min readCould A Gene Be A Hidden Shield Against Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s?Researchers identified a gene allele, known as DR4, that offers more than a 10% average reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study, involving hundreds of thousands of people from various ancestries, suggests a potential role of the tau protein in both conditions.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·August 28, 2023·8 min readActing Out Dreams: Sleep Disorder A Warning Sign of Parkinson’s DiseaseResearchers are probing into REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition where people physically act out their dreams. This parasomnia is more than a nocturnal hazard: research indicates a strong link between RBD and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·August 25, 2023·3 min readDance Beyond Disease: Parkinson’s Patients Find Identity Through PerformanceDancing offers Parkinson’s patients more than physical rehabilitation; it provides a transformative avenue for personal identity and self-expression. Researchers discovered that participating in a dance company can profoundly influence the disease-related identity negotiation in individuals with Parkinson’s.Read More
