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regenerative medicine

·July 16, 2012·3 min read

Neurons Derived from Cord Blood Cells May Represent New Therapeutic Option

The researchers demonstrated that cord blood cells, which come from the mesoderm, the middle layer of embryonic germ cells, can be switched to ectodermal cells, outer layer cells from which brain, spinal and nerve cells arise. "This study shows for the first time the direct conversion of a pure population of human cord blood cells into cells of neuronal lineage by the forced expression of a single transcription factor," says Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 11, 2012·3 min read

Gene Link to Multiple Sclerosis Explains Drug Side Effects

The biological role of a gene variant implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been determined by researchers at Oxford University. The researchers investigated one particular genetic variant - found in a gene called TNFRSF1A - which has previously been associated with the risk of developing MS.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 11, 2012·3 min read

Two Proteins Offer a Clearer Way to Treat Huntington’s Disease

HD mice crossbred with mice that produced greater levels of PGC-1alpha showed dramatic improvement. Production of misfolded proteins was essentially eliminated and the mice behaved normally. “Degeneration of brain cells is prevented. Neurons don’t die,” said La Spada.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Business

·July 10, 2012·4 min read

Nutrient Mixture Improves Memory in Patients with Early Alzheimer’s

A clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s disease treatment developed found that the nutrient cocktail can improve memory in patients with early Alzheimer’s. The mixture appears to increase the number of dendritic spines and therefore some synapses.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 6, 2012·2 min read

Zebrafish Reveal Promising Mechanism for Healing Spinal Cord Injury

Preliminary results in mice show that Fgf injections near a spinal injury increase both the number of glia cells at the site and the elongated morphology. Their evidence suggests that Fgfs may work to create an environment more supportive of regeneration in mammals as well and could be a valuable therapeutic target.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·July 3, 2012·2 min read

Scientists Discover Bees Can “Turn Back Time”, Reverse Brain Aging

Honeybees can reverse brain aging and learning deficits when they take on nest responsibilities usually done by younger bees. Findings suggest social interventions may be used to slow or treat age-related dementia.