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vagus nerve

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·January 28, 2020·4 min read

Non-invasive electrostimulation leads to improved memory

Non-invasive auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (atVNS), applied to an accessible area of the ear, improves memory in mouse models of intellectual disability.

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 Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·September 25, 2019·4 min read

Does migraine leave your head spinning? Noninvasive treatment shows early promise

Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) helps improve symptoms of pain and vertigo in patients with vestibular migraines.

This shows a man wearing the tvns ear piece

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 30, 2019·5 min read

‘Tickle’ therapy could help slow aging

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation helps improve sleep patterns and mental health in aging people. The therapy works by increasing parasympathetic activity and decreasing sympathetic activity.

This shows a mouse and a diagram of a mouse brain

Featured Neuroscience

·July 4, 2019·5 min read

Unraveling the brain’s reward circuits

Study reveals how ArGP and dopamine neurons are linked, and how food and drugs affect them differently. The findings offer clues for the development of new treatments for obesity and substance use disorders.

This diagram shows how a-synuclein travels from the gut to the brain via the vagus nerve

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·June 26, 2019·6 min read

New research shows Parkinson’s disease origins in the gut

A new study adds to the growing body of evidence that Parkinson's disease may start in the gut. Researchers found gut-to-brain propagation of alpha-synuclein spread via the vagus nerve. The study provides a more accurate model of Parkinson's progression and could lead to new treatments to halt or prevent this neurodegenerative disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 10, 2019·4 min read

Inflamed monkey guts produce Parkinson’s-related proteins

Inflammation of the colon is associated with alterations in alpha-synuclein expression and phosphorylation in the myenteric plexus of common marmoset monkeys. The findings support the growing body of evidence that inflammation may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 17, 2019·3 min read

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation shows promise for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation reduces inflammation and improves symptoms for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The simulation technique helps inhibit the production of cytokines and reduces inflammatory response.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 30, 2019·5 min read

Had Enough Water? Brain’s Thirst Centers Make a Gut Check

Hydration signals from the gut travel via the vagus nerve to activate thirst neurons in the SFO. These neurons signal to cells in the median preoptic nucleus, driving animals to drink and the kidneys to conserve water in the bloodstream.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2018·4 min read

Microbial Based Treatment Reverses ASD’s Social Deficits: Mouse Study

Researchers report the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri may lead to brain changes that reverse social deficits in mouse models of ASD through a mechanism that involves the vagus nerve and reward system. The findings hold promise for the development of treatments for ASD, as well as other disorders, by modulating specific gut microbes.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·December 4, 2018·5 min read

A Toxin That Travels From Stomach to Brain May Trigger Parkinson’s

A new study reports the combination of a toxic herbicide and lectins may trigger Parkinsonism after the toxins travel from the stomach to the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 21, 2018·4 min read

Gut Branches of Vagus Nerve Essential Components of Brain’s Reward and Motivation System

Researchers report a gut-brain neural circuit establishes the vagus nerve as an essential component of the brain system that regulates reward and motivation.