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Protein known to drive nerve cell survival may protect children from Duchenne cardiomyopathy

A protein known to drive nerve cell survival in the brain and spinal cord might also protect failing hearts in children and young adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions, a premier global exchange of the latest advances in basic cardiovascular science.

2 Aug 2018

Alzheimer’s-in-a-dish model made better with microfluidic system

Researchers from Massachusetts have used a microfluidic device to incorporate neuroinflammation into the Alzheimer's-in-a-dish model for drug discovery.

31 Jul 2018

New mouse model shows great promise for Rett syndrome research

In an article released today from Jeannie T. Lee, MD PhD of Massachusetts General Hospital, there is hope on the horizon for future research specific to Rett syndrome, a rare childhood neurodevelopmental disorder.

26 Jul 2018

Research provides new roadmap for repairing damaged brain cells in multiple sclerosis

Research published today in the journal Nature provides new understanding about how drugs can repair damaged brain cells that cause disability in patients with multiple sclerosis.

26 Jul 2018

Scientists find abnormal gene copying in fruit fly models of tauopathies

It sounds like science fiction: Nefarious genes clone themselves and settle their rogue copies in distant outposts of the galaxy (namely, our DNA), causing disease.

24 Jul 2018

Study reveals how giant neurons in the brain may play huge role in generalized arousal

There is no shortage of wonders that our central nervous system produces--from thought and language to movement to the five senses.

23 Jul 2018

Researchers identify key protein involved in irregular brain cell activity

In a new study in mice, researchers have identified a key protein involved in the irregular brain cell activity seen in autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. The protein, p53, is well-known in cancer biology as a tumor suppressor.

17 Jul 2018

Pre-clinical pilot study shows promising results of 'concussion pill'

In 2016, funded by a $16 million grant from Scythian, the multidisciplinary Miller School team embarked on a five-year study to examine the effects of combining CBD (a cannabinoid derivative of hemp) with an NMDA antagonist (an anesthetic used in animals and humans) for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and concussion.

16 Jul 2018

Study finds disrupted stress response in people with schizophrenia

Stressful situations affect the brain and body differently in people with schizophrenia compared to people without the mental illness or individuals at high risk for developing psychosis, a new CAMH study shows.

11 Jul 2018

Scientists discover brain cell critical to learning and memory

A new study published today reports the identification of a type of brain cell that plays a crucial role in memory and learning processes.

5 Jul 2018

Researchers identify electrical activity in the brain specific to the start of migraine

When migraine sufferers see the tell-tale squiggly lines, light flashes and blind spots of a migraine aura, they prepare for a migraine.

27 Jun 2018

Study provides insight into development of autism in the human brain

In a study published in Stem Cell Reports, a McGill team of scientists led by Dr. Carl Ernst, researcher at the Douglas Hospital Research Centre, revealed a molecular mechanism that may play a role in the development of autism.

27 Jun 2018

Study opens new window into cellular events that occur in the brain during absence seizures

At first, the teacher described her six-year-old student as absentminded, a daydreamer. The boy was having difficulty paying attention in class. As the teacher watched the boy closely, she realized that he was not daydreaming. He often blanked out for a few seconds and wouldn't respond when she called his name. On occasion, he would blink a lot and his eyes would roll up.

20 Jun 2018

Researchers discover unique process of brain cell death in MS

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a unique process of brain cell death that affects the cells that are most vulnerable in multiple sclerosis.

13 Jun 2018

Study uncovers new molecular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease

Detailed brain cell analysis has helped researchers uncover new mechanisms thought to underlie Parkinson's disease.

12 Jun 2018

Researchers seek new approaches to better protect the eye from glaucoma

Under the increased pressure of glaucoma, scientists want to help the neurons in our eyes better protect themselves and get better help from their friends.

29 May 2018

Study: Most people with preclinical signs of Alzheimer's disease may not develop dementia

During the past decade, researchers have identified new ways to detect the earliest biological signs of Alzheimer's disease.

22 May 2018

Scientists identify cell types underlying schizophrenia

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and University of North Carolina, USA, have identified the cell types underlying schizophrenia in a new study published in Nature Genetics. The findings offer a roadmap for the development of new therapies to target the condition.

21 May 2018

Scientists discover a mechanism through which HIV determines the fate and function of cells

A stem cell is one with infinite possibilities. So, for decades, scientists have puzzled over how the cell chooses to keep being a stem cell and continue dividing, or specialize into a specific cell type, like a heart or brain cell.

11 May 2018

New lab-on-a-chip device shows promise in treating retinal diseases

Houston Methodist researchers developed a new lab-on-a-chip technology that could quickly screen possible drugs to repair damaged neuron and retinal connections, like what is seen in people with macular degeneration or who've had too much exposure to the glare of electronic screens.

10 May 2018