Central Nervous System News and Research

RSS

Herpes virus infection linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk, study shows antiherpetic drugs may help

A large US case-control study found that people diagnosed with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Use of antiherpetic medications was associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s in those with HSV-1.

21 May 2025

UArizona researchers uncover new way to ease postoperative pain in women

University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers identified a potential way to reduce female post-operative pain by inhibiting pituitary prolactin generated by pre-operative stress.

20 May 2025

Gut bacteria and genes jointly shape obesity risk, review reveals hidden links

Researchers examined the heritability of body mass index (BMI), highlighting that genetics and the gut microbiome both play major roles in obesity risk. The review emphasizes that maternal microbiome transmission and family environment may help explain “missing heritability” beyond known genetic factors.

20 May 2025

Ubrogepant relieves early migraine symptoms and may help prevent full-blown attacks

A phase 3 trial found that ubrogepant, given during the premonitory phase of migraine, improved common warning symptoms such as fatigue, light and sound sensitivity, and neck pain. These benefits were observed as early as one hour post-treatment, suggesting early intervention can reduce migraine burden.

15 May 2025

Researchers uncover key role of peri-LC neurons in the brain arousal system

A small cluster of cells deep within our brains, called the locus coeruleus, affects how awake and attentive we are, how we respond to stress, how we cope with anxiety and fear, and how we create memories and learn.

14 May 2025

Injecting medicine into amniotic fluid shows promise for treating genetic disorders

Injecting medicine into the amniotic fluid staves off progression of spinal muscular atrophy in utero.

14 May 2025

New brain network discovery could revolutionize depression diagnosis

In a comprehensive Genomic Press Commentary published today, researchers have identified what could be the first reliable biomarker for depression risk, potentially transforming how this devastating condition is identified and treated.

13 May 2025

Researchers trace origins of aggressive childhood brain tumors

Medulloblastoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) in children and adolescents. It develops in the area of the cerebellum, which is responsible for movement coordination, among other things.

7 May 2025

Boosting glucose metabolism in glial cells reduces neurodegeneration in fruit flies

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that impaired glucose metabolism in glial cells, a type of cell in our nervous system, plays a key role in the degeneration caused by Alzheimer's disease.

5 May 2025

Study shows brain estrogen directly regulates appetite in mice

Researchers in Japan found that estrogen produced within the brain, called neuroestrogen, suppresses appetite and reduces body weight in mice by enhancing MC4R expression. The study also showed that neuroestrogen boosts leptin sensitivity, suggesting new targets for obesity treatment.

2 May 2025

Retinal exams show promise for early detection of Parkinson's disease

Could it be possible to diagnose Parkinson's disease with the help of a simple retinal exam? The idea should be seriously considered, according to a study published in the May issue of Neurobiology of Disease by researchers from Université Laval who discovered that the retina of people with Parkinson's disease responds differently to light stimuli than that of healthy people.

1 May 2025

AI model enhances early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

To provide the right treatment for MS, it is important to know when the disease changes from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive, a transition that is currently recognized on average three years too late.

28 Apr 2025

Mouse study confirms early inflammation in hereditary paralysis condition

A joint study conducted by the University of Bonn and the DZNE has confirmed early-stage brain inflammation in mice.

25 Apr 2025

Shingles vaccine eligibility lowers dementia risk in older adults

A large quasi-experimental study in Australia found that adults eligible for free shingles vaccination based on their date of birth were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over a 7.4-year period. The findings reinforce previous results from Wales and suggest a potential preventive role for HZ vaccination.

24 Apr 2025