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PNS

·January 27, 2025·6 min read

Synchronizing Nerve Stimulation With Heartbeat Boosts Effectiveness

Synchronizing vagus nerve stimulation with natural body rhythms, such as the heartbeat and breathing, significantly improves its effectiveness. This "electric pill" technique uses ear-mounted electrodes to stimulate the vagus nerve, targeting chronic conditions like pain and inflammation.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 17, 2020·5 min read

Simultaneous Stimulation Helped a Spinal Cord Injury Patient Regain the Ability to Walk

The application of synchronized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) restored the ability to walk in a patient with spinal cord injury.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2020·2 min read

Study traces brain-to-gut connections

Researchers have traced neural pathways that connect the brain to the gut. The findings provide a biological mechanism that explains how stress can cause ulcers.

This shows the outline of two bodies. One has the head highlighted red, the other has the gut highlighted red

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 7, 2019·4 min read

Where does Parkinson’s disease start? In the brain or gut? Or both?

Lewy body disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, comprise of two distinct subtypes. One subtype originates in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of the gut and spreads to the brain. The other originates in the brain, or enters the brain via the olfactory system, before spreading to the brainstem and PNS.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 5, 2019·4 min read

Discovery reveals prolific ability of Schwann cells to generate myelin

Schwann cells are much more prolific in generating myelin than previously believed. Knocking out the fbxw7 gene in mouse models, researchers discovered individual Schwann cells began to spread myelin across many axons.

This image shows microglia passing from the CNS to PNS

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 7, 2019·4 min read

Microglia, cells thought restricted to central nervous system, are redefined in new study

In response to injury, microglia cross the spinal boundary from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system. While in the PNS, microglia provide the function of clearing cellular debris at the point of injury, then return to the CNS in an altered state. Researchers propose this could account for some damage associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·November 24, 2017·5 min read

Stress in Pregnancy Linked to Changes in Infant’s Nervous System and Psychological Well Being

UCSF researchers report maternal stress could impact the development of a child's parasympathetic nervous system, both in utero and after birth. Additionally, children whose mothers were stressed during pregnancy smile less, are less engaged and have a diminished ability to regulate emotions.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 26, 2017·5 min read

HIPPO’s Molecular Balancing Act Helps Nerves Not Short Circuit

Study reports it may be possible to fine tune molecular signals to insure peripheral nerves are correctly insulated and function properly.

Featured Genetics

·August 3, 2016·5 min read

Novel Genetic Mutation May Lead to the Progressive Loss of Motor Function

Researchers have identified a mechanism that appears to be responsible for a rare form of pediatric neuropathy.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 9, 2016·5 min read

Autism is Not Just a Disease of the Brain: Mouse Study

A new study reports some aspects of autism spectrum disorders are linked to defects in how peripheral nerves communicate sensory information to the brain.