Big things are happening in the world of brain research! Four universities have just launched some serious new projects, all thanks to some generous donations. These initiatives are super important because brain diseases like Alzheimer's are becoming more common, and they're causing big problems for people and the economy. First up, the University of California San ...
Parkinson's disease might be more than just a movement disorder. Recent findings hint that it could also mess with how the body handles sugar. This isn't just about diabetes, but also about low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. A study took a closer look at this, tracking blood sugar levels in Parkinson's patients over two weeks. The study aimed to find out how often th...
Parents of children with rare neurological disorders have a lot to think about when it comes to clinical genetic testing (CGT). A recent study asked 101 parents about their thoughts on this topic. The children involved had conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental delays. Most parents, around 82% to 91%, saw the positive sides of CGT. They believed...
Scientists have developed a set of versatile gene delivery systems that can precisely target different types of cells in the human brain and spinal cord. This advancement is a significant leap forward in the field of gene therapy, offering a more accurate and controlled approach to treating neurological disorders. Currently, most therapies for brain conditions only a...
Plastics are everywhere. They are in the ocean, in the soil, and even in our food. Scientists have uncovered a worrying trend: microplastics are making their way into human brains. This discovery has sparked a deeper look into how these tiny particles might be affecting our mental health. The brain is a delicate organ. It is protected by a barrier that keeps out har...
The brain operates differently compared to other parts of the body. The brain is different from the rest of the body. It has a special compartment filled with cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid is like a protective cushion. The brain also lacks lymphatic vessels, which are usually found in other parts of the body. Instead, the brain has a unique system for draining...
Kv3 channels are a group of four proteins: Kv3. 1, Kv3. 2, Kv3. 3, and Kv3. 4. These channels are crucial for the rapid repolarization of action potentials in the nervous system. This means they help neurons return to their resting state quickly after firing. This rapid action is particularly important for inhibitory interneurons, which help control the activity of o...
Walking can be tough for people with neurological issues. They might struggle with something called foot drop. This makes it hard to lift the front of the foot. It can mess with their thinking too. This is where Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) comes in. It's like a little zap that helps the foot move. But does it help with thinking? That's what some researche...
Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of dementia in older adults. It affects millions of lives worldwide. This condition is linked to how our brain cells communicate and form memories. One key player in this process is something called histone acetylation. This is a process that helps control how our genes are expressed. It is crucial for learning and remembering thi...
Religion is a big part of life for many people around the world. It's not just about beliefs, but also about actions. These actions, or "religious motor behaviors, " can be anything from quiet rituals to lively dances. They can be voluntary, like when you choose to pray, or involuntary, like when you feel possessed by a spirit. Neuroscience, the study of the...