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Study: Mouse gene uncovers new strategy for treating Alzheimer's disease

A new study reveals that a previously undiscovered mouse gene reduces the two major pathological perturbations commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The research, published by Cell Press in the November 12 issue of the journal Neuron, finds that the novel gene interacts with a key cellular enzyme previously linked with AD pathology, thereby uncovering a new strategy for treating this devastating disorder.

12 Nov 2009

Researchers identify mouse gene that reduces the accumulation Alzheimer's plaques and tangles

Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham) and colleagues have identified a novel mouse gene (Rps23r1) that reduces the accumulation of two toxic proteins that are major players in Alzheimer's disease: amyloid beta and tau. The amyloid and tau lowering functions of this gene were demonstrated in both human and mouse cells.

12 Nov 2009

CytRx reports financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009

CytRx Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company, today reported financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

9 Nov 2009

New micronail chip to enable electronics and biological cells communicate with each other

IMEC presents a unique microchip with microscopic nail structures that enable close communication between the electronics and biological cells. The new chip is a mass-producible, easy-to-use tool in electrophysiology research, for example for fundamental research on the functioning and dysfunctioning of the brain. Each micronail structure serves as a close contact-point for one cell, and contains an electrode that can very accurately record and trigger in real-time the electrical activity of an individual electrogenic cell in a network.

9 Nov 2009

Scientists identify new behavioral traits of immune cells; findings may help in understanding complex diseases

In diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cells of the immune system infiltrate the brain tissue, where they cause immense damage. For many years, it was an enigma as to how these cells can escape from the bloodstream. This is no trivial feat, given that specialized blood vessels act as a barrier between the nervous system and the bloodstream.

6 Nov 2009

Possible cure for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Iowa State University have found an essential key to possibly cure Parkinson's disease and are looking for others.

4 Nov 2009

Laser-scanning microscope records brain activity in freely moving animals

The majority of our life is spent moving around a static world and we generate our impression of the world using visual and other senses simultaneously. It is the ability to freely explore our environment that is essential for the view we form of our local surroundings.

4 Nov 2009

Pfizer and Medivation initiate dimebon trials in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Pfizer Inc and Medivation, Inc. today announced the initiation of CONTACT and CONSTELLATION, two Phase 3 trials of the investigational drug dimebon (latrepirdine)* in patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

4 Nov 2009

$Optic nerve sheath meningioma patients can be cured using fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy$

Optic nerve sheath meningioma patients can be cured using fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy

Optic nerve sheath meningiomas are rare tumors that are traditionally treated with surgery, which is typically a blinding procedure. However, researchers from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital have found that a specialized type of radiation therapy offers the same local control, with fewer adverse effects on vision.

4 Nov 2009

Phase 1 study of STX107 for Fragile X syndrome begins

NIH-supported scientists at Seaside Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass., are beginning a clinical trial of a potential medication designed to correct a central neurochemical defect underlying Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. There has to date been no medication that could alter the disorder's neurologic abnormalities. The study will evaluate safety, tolerability, and optimal dosage in healthy volunteers.

3 Nov 2009

Molecular imaging pinpoints inflammation in the brains of schizophrenics and migraine sufferers

Inflammatory response of brain cells-as indicated by a molecular imaging technique-could tell researchers more about why certain neurologic disorders, such as migraine headaches and psychosis in schizophrenic patients, occur and provide insight into how to best treat them, according to two studies published in the November issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

31 Oct 2009

Stress-evoked changes can precipitate low mood and re-ignite drug-seeking behaviors

Stress-evoked changes in circuits that regulate serotonin in certain parts of the brain can precipitate a low mood and a relapse in cocaine-seeking, based on mouse studies published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

31 Oct 2009

Lipid may be vital to learning

Saturated fats have a deservedly bad reputation, but Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered that a sticky lipid occurring naturally at high levels in the brain may help us memorize grandma's recipe for cinnamon buns, as well as recall how, decades ago, she served them up steaming from the oven.

31 Oct 2009

New teleneurology medicine program to provide 24-hour emergency services launched

Rural and small, suburban hospitals in North Carolina and Virginia can now provide a higher level of emergency stroke and critical neurology care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as part of a new teleneurology medicine program announced Oct. 26, 2009, by Forsyth Medical Center (FMC).

31 Oct 2009

Long-term effects of statin therapy could lead to transient or permanent cognitive impairment

Besides their tremendous value in treating high cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease, statins have also been reported to potentially lower the risks of other diseases, such as dementia. However, a study in the October Journal of Lipid Research finds that similar statin drugs can have profoundly different effects on brain cells -both beneficial and detrimental.

29 Oct 2009

CTE cases are misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease, says CSTE researchers

The Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) announced today that a recently deceased member of the NFL Hall of Fame suffered from the degenerative brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) when he died, becoming the 10th former NFL player diagnosed with the disease.

29 Oct 2009

Brain cell transplants help replace degenerated neurons, finds Swiss research team

A Swiss research team has found that using an animal's own brain cells (autologous transplant) to replace degenerated neurons in select brain areas of donor primates with simulated but asymptomatic Parkinson's disease and previously in a motor cortex lesion model, provides a degree of brain protection and may be useful in repairing brain lesions and restoring function.

29 Oct 2009

Gene variant may be the cause for bad driving: UC Irvine neuroscientists

Bad drivers may in part have their genes to blame, suggests a new study by UC Irvine neuroscientists.

29 Oct 2009

Scientists test rapamycin's effectiveness at rescuing impaired nerve cells

Johns Hopkins scientists report having used a commercially available drug to successfully "rescue" animal brain cells that they had intentionally damaged by manipulating a newly discovered gene that links susceptibility genes for schizophrenia and autism.

28 Oct 2009

Susceptibility to schizophrenia and autism may have common genetic fingerprints, says researchers

28 Oct 2009

Brain Cell News and Research

Study: Mouse gene uncovers new strategy for treating Alzheimer's disease

Researchers identify mouse gene that reduces the accumulation Alzheimer's plaques and tangles

CytRx reports financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009

New micronail chip to enable electronics and biological cells communicate with each other

Scientists identify new behavioral traits of immune cells; findings may help in understanding complex diseases

Possible cure for Parkinson's disease

Laser-scanning microscope records brain activity in freely moving animals

Pfizer and Medivation initiate dimebon trials in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Optic nerve sheath meningioma patients can be cured using fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy

Phase 1 study of STX107 for Fragile X syndrome begins

Molecular imaging pinpoints inflammation in the brains of schizophrenics and migraine sufferers

Stress-evoked changes can precipitate low mood and re-ignite drug-seeking behaviors

Lipid may be vital to learning

New teleneurology medicine program to provide 24-hour emergency services launched

Long-term effects of statin therapy could lead to transient or permanent cognitive impairment

CTE cases are misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease, says CSTE researchers

Brain cell transplants help replace degenerated neurons, finds Swiss research team

Gene variant may be the cause for bad driving: UC Irvine neuroscientists

Scientists test rapamycin's effectiveness at rescuing impaired nerve cells

Susceptibility to schizophrenia and autism may have common genetic fingerprints, says researchers

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