Brain Disease News and Research

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Study reveals pathological mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in patients with Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary brain disease caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene. HD is a neurodegenerative disease without a cure that, after the onset of the disease at around 40 years of age, causes changes in personality and symptoms of dementia along with uncontrollable convulsive movements, ultimately leading to death.

19 Sep 2022

Gut microbes can also impact a person's neurological and emotional health, UTSW researcher says

The role of the microbiome in intestinal and systemic health has garnered close attention among researchers for many years.

9 Sep 2022

New and unique technique to brain imaging has potential to save lives

Observing the brain without creating any breaks in the skull is an emerging technology for those studying various brain-related diseases.

5 Sep 2022

Male hypogonadism associated with risk of hospitalization for COVID-19

Men with low testosterone levels are more likely to require hospitalization after COVID-19 infection than men with normal levels or those on testosterone therapy, according to Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis researchers.

2 Sep 2022

Depletion of reactive astrocytes regresses glioblastoma

A groundbreaking study at Tel Aviv University effectively eradicated glioblastoma, a highly lethal type of brain cancer. The researchers achieved the outcome using a method they developed based on their discovery of two critical mechanisms in the brain that support tumor growth and survival: one protects cancer cells from the immune system, while the other supplies the energy required for rapid tumor growth. The work found that both mechanisms are controlled by brain cells called astrocytes, and in their absence, the tumor cells die and are eliminated.

2 Sep 2022

FAU and Tel Aviv researchers receive grant to tackle Alzheimer’s-related mood disorders

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia affecting an estimated 6.3 million Americans age 65 and older. Without the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, treat, slow or cure AD that number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060.

29 Aug 2022

SLU and industry partners report the first effective drug to treat rare, genetic liver disease

Researchers at Saint Louis University's School of Medicine, in collaboration with Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, report the first effective drug to treat a rare, genetic liver disease that formerly could only be treated with a liver transplant.

26 Jul 2022

Hollings researcher awarded grant to continue research into mechanisms behind medulloblastoma relapse

When MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researcher Jezabel R. Blanco, Ph.D., began studying neurosciences, first as a graduate student and later as a postdoctoral fellow, her research was focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying brain disease, both in the context of neurodegeneration and cancer, but mostly from a basic research angle.

20 Jul 2022

New mouse model faithfully mimics brain damage caused by severe Rift Valley Fever virus infection

A new mouse model identified by virologists from the University of Pittsburgh might revolutionize development of therapies targeting brain inflammation caused by Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV).

15 Jul 2022

Researchers discover the first effective drug to treat rare, genetic liver disease

8 Jul 2022

Fatty foods may expand waistline and cause havoc to the brain

New research shows that fatty foods may not only be adding to your waistline but also playing havoc with your brain.

8 Jul 2022

Scientists prove the “neuroprotective” function of p62 protein in a mouse model

Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are defined by pathogenic accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain.

1 Jul 2022

A class of protein-cleaving enzymes suspected to play a role in hereditary brain disease

Similar to Alzheimer's disease, the hereditary disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) leads to the destruction of brain nerve cells and the premature death of patients.

21 Jun 2022

New near-infrared probe may aid in early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Inside the body, some seemingly harmless proteins have sinister potential. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, the amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein, which is vital for brain growth, can become tainted and destroy cells, which leads to forgetfulness and memory loss.

14 Jun 2022

Repeated DNA sequences in the genome may contribute to schizophrenia risk

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have found that repeated DNA sequences in the genome may contribute to an individual's risk of developing schizophrenia.

12 May 2022

Covid and schizophrenia: Why this deadly mix can deepen knowledge of the brain disease

Most of the time, the voices in Keris Myrick’s head don’t bother her. They stay in the background or say nice things. But sometimes they get loud and mean — like when a deadly pandemic descended on the world.

30 Mar 2022

Mild SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to tissue damage and shrinkage in brain areas related to smell

Researchers from the University of Oxford have used data from UK Biobank participants to look at changes to the brain on average 4.5 months after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.

11 Mar 2022

Study to examine the risks for brain disorders from repetitive head impacts in contact sports

Internationally-renowned researchers from Boston University and the University of California, San Francisco) are launching a new study, called the Head Impact & Trauma Surveillance Study (HITSS).

7 Mar 2022

Taking steps to prevent heart attack may help slow cognitive decline

Preventing heart attacks may help slow cognitive decline, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2022, a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health to be held in person in New Orleans, and virtually, Feb. 8-11, 2022.

3 Feb 2022

Following heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors can support good brain health

The same risk factors that contribute to making heart disease the leading cause of death worldwide also impact the rising global prevalence of brain disease, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, according to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -; 2022 Update, published today in the Association's flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation.

27 Jan 2022