Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been around for a while, but the 60-day treatment is a newer approach. It's caused some confusion among doctors and patients. Some wonder if it's a trial, a permanent fix, or something else. The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) wants to clear things up. A group of experts got together to figure out the best way ...
A new technique has been developed to control brain activity without the need for invasive surgery or genetic changes. This method uses special nanoparticles to stimulate neurons deep within the brain using near-infrared light. This is a big deal because it allows scientists to study how the brain works in a more precise and less harmful way. The nanoparticles used ...
Cervical spinal cord stimulation is a technique that is often used to ease pain in the upper body. It is a type of neuromodulation that can be very effective. People often try it out for a week before deciding if they want a permanent implant. This is called a percutaneous trial. The stimulation usually happens in the thoracic area of the spine. But lately, the...
The brain is a complex organ, and sometimes it needs a little help to function properly. One way to give it a boost is through a method called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). This technique uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It has shown promise in treating depression, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide...
Did you know that certain brain cells play a crucial role in language production? These cells, known as corticothalamic neurons, are found in the outer layers of the brain's cortex. They are special because they carry a specific gene called FOXP2, which is linked to fine motor control in animals and is thought to be important for human language. These FOXP2-carrying...
Ever wondered how tiny creatures like fruit fly larvae get a sudden burst of energy to move around? Scientists have found that when these larvae, known as Drosophila, are hungry, their nervous system kicks into high gear. A type of neuron called type II octopaminergic motor neurons (MNs) starts firing rapid bursts of signals. These signals coordinate with another typ...
Epilepsy is a tough nut to crack. Doctors often use meds or deep brain stimulation to tackle seizures, but these methods have their limits. Some people don't respond well to meds, and seizures can be unpredictable. Recently, scientists have come up with new ways to tackle these challenges, like responsive neural stimulation and on-demand drug release. However, there'...
Imagine combining meditation with something called neuromodulation. This is a fancy term for tweaking your brain's activity using safe methods like transcranial electric stimulation (tES) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Research shows this combo can really boost how well you remember things and lower anxiety. It might even help you be kinder to yourself! ...