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·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

·July 10, 2012·4 min read

Study Shows the Deaf Brain Processes Touch Differently

Lacking sound input, the primary auditory cortex “feels” touch. The finding reveals how the early loss of a sense affects brain development. It adds to a growing list of discoveries that confirm the impact of experiences and outside influences in molding the developing brain.

Featured Neuroethics Neurology

·July 10, 2012·2 min read

H1N1 Vaccine Associated With Small but Significant Risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Analysis of recent H1N1 vaccination data indicated a small but significant risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome following influenza A(H1N1) vaccinations.

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 9, 2012·4 min read

Researchers Discover Gene Defect for New Syndrome

Research teams discovered a gene defect linked to a cluster of systemic complications, including life-threatening thoracic aortic disease and intracranial aneurysms. The new syndrome is similar, but distinct from known syndromes such as Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Brain Cancer Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 9, 2012·3 min read

Pediatric Tumors Traced to Stem Cells in Developing Brain

Scientists showed in mice that disabling a gene linked to a common pediatric tumor disorder, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), made stem cells from one part of the brain proliferate rapidly. But the same genetic deficit had no effect on stem cells from another brain region.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 6, 2012·4 min read

When Anxiety Won’t Go Away

Scientists discovered a mechanism which stops the process of forgetting anxiety after a stress event. They showed that feelings of anxiety don’t subside if too little dynorphin is released into the brain. The results can help open up new paths in the treatment of trauma patients.

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.

Electrophysiology Featured

·July 5, 2012·4 min read

Robot Vision: Muscle-Like Action Allows Camera to Mimic Human Eye Movement

Using piezoelectric materials, researchers have replicated the muscle motion of the human eye to control camera systems in a way designed to improve the operation of robots. This new muscle-like action could help make robotic tools safer and more effective for MRI-guided surgery and robotic rehabilitation.

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.