Nervous System

The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of specialized cells called neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of its body. In most animals the nervous system consists of two parts, central and peripheral. The central nervous system contains the brain and spinal cord.

What is the Nervous System?

The nervous system is a complex network of neurons and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.

Function of the Nervous System

Development of the Nervous System

Pathology of the Nervous System

What are Schwann Cells?

Latest Nervous System News and Research

3D imaging reveals degeneration of liver sympathetic nerves in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

With the application of a novel three-dimensional imaging technology, researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered that one portion of the autonomic nervous system in the liver undergoes severe degeneration in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

22 Jul 2021

New study disproves suspicion that dengue raises risk of zika-related microcephaly

A pregnant woman infected by zika virus does not face a greater risk of giving birth to a baby with microcephaly if she has previously been exposed to dengue virus, according to a Brazilian study that compared data for pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro and Manaus.

20 Jul 2021

Targeting Piezo1 protein may be a new and ideal strategy to cure multiple sclerosis

In a new University of California, Irvine-led study, researchers found that a certain protein prevented regulatory T cells (Tregs) from effectively doing their job in controlling the damaging effects of inflammation in a model of multiple sclerosis (MS), a devastating autoimmune disease of the nervous system.

20 Jul 2021

'Background noise' in neurotransmission helps keep nerve connections young

Neurons communicate through rapid electrical signals that regulate the release of neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers.

20 Jul 2021

How SARS-CoV-2 infects the brain

While there is no official explanation on how SARS-CoV-2 travels to the brain, a new review published in the journal Fluids and Barriers of the CNS concluded that there is insufficient evidence on COVID-induced neurological problems coming from a direct invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the brain.

20 Jul 2021

Study finds sex differences in astrocyte-mediated synaptic connectivity during brain development

During development, brain cells may find different ways to connect with each other based on sex, according to researchers at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

19 Jul 2021

New research may offer clues to why MS patients develop progressive disability

Did you know multiple sclerosis (MS) means multiple scars? New research shows that the brain and spinal cord scars in people with MS may offer clues to why they developprogressive disability but those with related diseases where the immune system attacks the central nervous system do not.

19 Jul 2021

Gene therapy delivered into the brain may be safe, effective in treating rare neurological disorder

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that gene therapy delivered into the brain may be safe and effective in treating aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.

16 Jul 2021

UK study finds brain or nerve complications in 1 in 20 of children hospitalized with COVID-19

Although the risk of a child being admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 is small, a new UK study has found that around 1 in 20 of children hospitalized with COVID-19 develop brain or nerve complications linked to the viral infection.

16 Jul 2021

Disruption in blood clotting and the first line immune system could contribute to psychosis

A scientific review has found evidence that a disruption in blood clotting and the first line immune system could be contributing factors in the development of psychosis.

16 Jul 2021

First 3D simulation offers realistic insight into how rats obtain tactile information

Northwestern University engineers have developed the first full, three-dimensional (3D), dynamic simulation of a rat's complete whisker system, offering rare, realistic insight into how rats obtain tactile information.

16 Jul 2021

About 4 in 100 COVID-19 hospitalized children may develop neurological complications, a study finds

In a recently published article in The Lancet’s Child & Adolescent Health, scientists have described in detail neurological and psychiatric manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children. As mentioned in the study, an estimated prevalence of infection-related neurological complications and pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome in hospitalized children and adolescents is about 3.8 cases per 100 patients.

15 Jul 2021

Untargeted metabolomics profiling can improve diagnosis of metabolic disorders in newborns

A team led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a screening method known as untargeted metabolomics profiling can improve the diagnostic rate for inborn errors of metabolism, a group of rare genetic conditions, by about seven-fold when compared to the traditional metabolic screening approach.

12 Jul 2021

Novel method of gene therapy promises to transform the treatment of rare genetic disorder

A novel method of gene therapy is helping children born with a rare genetic disorder called AADC deficiency that causes severe physical and developmental disabilities.

12 Jul 2021

Non-toxic derivative of tetanus neurotoxin may help treat depression, neurodegenerative diseases

Depression has been treated traditionally with inhibitors of serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system.

9 Jul 2021

Insight into the impact of physical activity on sleep

In this interview, News-Medical speaks to Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis about the health problems linked to poor sleep.

8 Jul 2021

Research can contribute to earlier diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy

Research conducted at Cruzeiro do Sul University in São Paulo, Brazil, can contribute to earlier diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy, a disorder characterized by damage to peripheral nerves, with symptoms such as pain and paresthesia (pricking, burning and numbness), mainly in the legs and feet.

7 Jul 2021

New drug can significantly reduce flashbacks and nightmares in PTSD patients

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rings a bell for many, due to its rampant references in pop culture, and more, importantly, its prevalence in today's society. It is only probable that this disorder, which develops after shocking or dangerous events, would unfortunately affect the lives of many people.

7 Jul 2021

Study identifies specialized immune cells that sculpt inhibitory neurons to regulate brain wiring

From the bark of a puppy to the patter of rain against the window, our brains receive countless signals every second. Most of the time, we tune out inconsequential cues--the buzz of a fly, the soft rustle of leaves in the tree--and pay attention to important ones--the sound of a car horn, a bang on the door.

7 Jul 2021

Adults with ADHD at higher risk of many physical conditions, finds study

Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of a wide range of physical conditions, including nervous system, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and metabolic diseases, according to a large register-based study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

7 Jul 2021

Nervous System

Overview

Function of the Nervous System

Development of the Nervous System

Pathology of the Nervous System

Feature Articles

What are Schwann Cells?

Latest Nervous System News and Research

3D imaging reveals degeneration of liver sympathetic nerves in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

New study disproves suspicion that dengue raises risk of zika-related microcephaly

Targeting Piezo1 protein may be a new and ideal strategy to cure multiple sclerosis

'Background noise' in neurotransmission helps keep nerve connections young

How SARS-CoV-2 infects the brain

Study finds sex differences in astrocyte-mediated synaptic connectivity during brain development

New research may offer clues to why MS patients develop progressive disability

Gene therapy delivered into the brain may be safe, effective in treating rare neurological disorder

UK study finds brain or nerve complications in 1 in 20 of children hospitalized with COVID-19

Disruption in blood clotting and the first line immune system could contribute to psychosis

First 3D simulation offers realistic insight into how rats obtain tactile information

About 4 in 100 COVID-19 hospitalized children may develop neurological complications, a study finds

Untargeted metabolomics profiling can improve diagnosis of metabolic disorders in newborns

Novel method of gene therapy promises to transform the treatment of rare genetic disorder

Non-toxic derivative of tetanus neurotoxin may help treat depression, neurodegenerative diseases

Insight into the impact of physical activity on sleep

Research can contribute to earlier diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy

New drug can significantly reduce flashbacks and nightmares in PTSD patients

Study identifies specialized immune cells that sculpt inhibitory neurons to regulate brain wiring

Adults with ADHD at higher risk of many physical conditions, finds study

World Brain Day 2021: An interview with Professor Alan Thompson

Preventing lethal blood clots

Curbing COVID-19 through border controls and restricted entry

Nervous System

Overview

Feature Articles

What are Schwann Cells?

Latest Nervous System News and Research

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