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Parkinson’s disease

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 4, 2024·4 min read

Genetic Link Between Left-Handedness and Neurological Disorders

A new study utilizing UK Biobank data has unveiled the genetic roots of left-handedness, pinpointing rare variants in the beta-tubulin gene TUBB4B significantly associated with this trait. These findings not only shed light on the complex interplay between genetics and brain asymmetry but also link left-handedness with neurodevelopmental disorders through shared genetic pathways.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 4, 2024·7 min read

Fecal Bacteria Transplant May Improve Parkinson’s Symptoms

A new clinical trial revealed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential new treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD), showing significant improvement in motor symptoms. The study explores the connection between the gut microbiome and Parkinson's, finding that patients with PD often exhibit altered gut bacteria and increased intestinal inflammation.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 3, 2024·6 min read

Cracking Parkinson’s: Proteins’ Aggregation Unveiled

Researchers employing computational models have made a significant leap in understanding the aggregation of alpha-synuclein protein, crucial in Parkinson’s disease development. This study marks the first to map the molecular dynamics of these proteins in detail, revealing how environmental factors like molecule crowding and ionic changes enhance aggregation.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·March 26, 2024·3 min read

Early Signs of Dementia Found in Middle Age

A new study reveals that Lewy body disease, a major neurodegenerative disorder second only to Alzheimer's, may start developing in individuals as early as middle age, well before symptoms manifest. Utilizing unique Finnish forensic autopsy data, the study found markers of the disease in 9% of individuals over 50 without any clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s or Lewy body disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·March 12, 2024·6 min read

Hallucinations Enhance Social Number Misjudgment

Hallucinations, particularly presence hallucinations often experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease, can lead to an increased overestimation of social numbers, such as the number of people in a room. This phenomenon does not extend to inanimate objects like boxes, underscoring the social nature of this overcounting.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·March 4, 2024·4 min read

How Impulse Control Disorders Alter Processing of Risky Decisions

A novel study explores how Parkinson's disease patients, particularly those with impulse control disorders (ICD) induced by dopaminergic medications, process the outcomes of risky decisions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·February 23, 2024·6 min read

Mapping the Brain’s ‘Dysfunctome’

Researchers achieved a breakthrough in mapping the brain's 'dysfunctome'—key dysfunctional circuits linked to disorders like Parkinson’s, dystonia, OCD, and Tourette’s syndrome. Utilizing deep brain stimulation (DBS) data from 261 patients worldwide, they pinpointed specific frontal cortex circuits crucial for symptom improvement.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·January 8, 2024·5 min read

Novel Gene Linked to Range of Neurodegenerative Diseases Identified

Researchers 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 5, 2024·5 min read

Soft Robotic Garment Defeats Parkinson’s Freezing

Researchers 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·December 5, 2023·5 min read

Dopaminergic System Organoid Model Illuminates Parkinson’s and Addiction

Researchers 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 21, 2023·4 min read

Used Coffee Grounds Hold Potential Key to Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases

Researchers 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 15, 2023·4 min read

Parkinson’s Progression Halted by Inhibiting Enzyme

Researchers 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.