Neurodegeneration News and Research

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Neurodegeneration is the umbrella term for the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons.

Rare genetic variants identified that point to MAC as a therapeutic target for age-related macular degeneration

A new study conducted at the National Eye Institute (NEI) has identified incredibly rare genetic variants that might uncover the mechanisms underlying the development of AMD.

31 Mar 2023

FDA-approved compound promotes photoreceptor survival in lab models of inherited retinal ciliopathy

A National Eye Institute-led team has identified a compound already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that keeps light-sensitive photoreceptors alive in three models of Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA 10), an inherited retinal ciliopathy disease that often results in severe visual impairment or blindness in early childhood.

30 Mar 2023

Scientists shed new light on aging processes in the brain

Scientists from the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI) have shed new light on aging processes in the brain.

9 Mar 2023

Study findings reveal drug development possibilities for brain diseases

Nearly two dozen experimental therapies targeting the immune system are in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease, a reflection of the growing recognition that immune processes play a key role in driving the brain damage that leads to confusion, memory loss and other debilitating symptoms.

9 Mar 2023

Novel way to block the death of nerve cells in MND

Scientists have found a novel way to block the transportation of mutant RNA and subsequent production of toxic repeat proteins which lead to the death of nerve cells in the most common subtypes of motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

2 Mar 2023

Efficient and powerful biological computing harnesses brain organoids

According to Johns Hopkins University scientists, a “biocomputer” fueled by human brain cells could be created within this lifetime. Such technology is expected to tremendously enhance the capabilities of modern computing and develop novel fields of study.

1 Mar 2023

RNA modification plays a vital role in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration in ALS

Nearly 100% of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-the progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease known as ALS or Lou Gherig's disease-involve the buildup of a protein called TDP-43.

28 Feb 2023

Scientists discover two ways to preserve diseased upper motor neurons in ALS

Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered two ways to preserve diseased upper motor neurons that would normally be destroyed in ALS, based on a study in mice. Upper motor neurons initiate movement, and they degenerate in ALS.

24 Feb 2023

ApoE4 from neurons plays a critical role in Alzheimer's disease

Of all the known genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, the strongest is a gene for the protein called ApoE4.

22 Feb 2023

Potential approach for mitigating ALS pathogenesis

Every year, 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS, an incurable neurodegenerative disease that will destroy them within two to five years.

8 Feb 2023

UC San Diego Alpha Clinic awarded $8 million to bring new stem cell-based therapies to patients

Stem cells show particular promise in treating diseases for which few other effective treatments exist.

25 Nov 2022

Revitalized immune cells improve waste removal from the brain

Damaged protein clusters in the brain are a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and others. Although they have made significant efforts, scientists have only partially succeeded in finding treatments for these conditions by removing these toxic clusters.

11 Nov 2022

Researchers reveal key developmental difference between the brains of modern humans and Neanderthals

AZoLifesciences speaks to Dr. Anneline Pinson and Prof. Dr. Wieland B. Huttner from The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics about their latest research which found a greater neuron production in the frontal lobe during brain development in modern humans than Neanderthals, due to the change of a single amino acid in the protein TKTL1.

From The Max Planck Institute 20 Sep 2022

Researchers face challenges with stem cell lines that carry major DNA damage

Stem cells are a type of cell that can be configured to transform into almost any sort of cell in the body. They are presently used in research on organ development as well as in the initial phases of embryo development.

15 Aug 2022

Scientists demonstrate a new function of an enzyme that connects to age-related diseases

Aging and age-related diseases present a complex challenge to biomedical researchers.

20 Jul 2022

Researchers get a complete atlas of zebrafish genetic data for biomedical research

According to the latest research, medical and life science scientists will benefit from the most detailed atlas of zebrafish genetic data available.

5 Jul 2022

Research identifies the main gene that causes developmental disability syndrome

A single gene that was previously discovered to be the main factor in a rare disease associated with epilepsy, autism, and developmental delay has been named as a key player in the development of healthy neurons.

1 Jul 2022

New biomedical research tool may help advance molecular diagnostics and drug discovery

A new biomedical research tool that enables scientists to measure hundreds of functional proteins in a single cell could offer new insights into cell machinery.

30 Jun 2022

Researchers determine intracellular antibodies to cure diseases

Mermaid Bio GmbH of Munich, Germany, and WEHI of Melbourne, Australia, recently announced cooperation to identify and develop a unique class of therapeutic candidates that modify misbehaving proteins inside cells that can cause a variety of diseases.

From Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) 1 Jun 2022

Little-known protein may play a role in frontotemporal lobar degeneration

Scientists have known for years that amyloid fibrils -; fibrous, ropelike structures formed by closely linked protein molecules -; are present in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and likely play a role in the progression of these disorders.

21 Apr 2022