Summary: Researchers have developed a nasal gel formulation containing levodopa that adheres to nasal tissue and releases the drug into the bloodstream and brain. Early animal studies indicate effective delivery and improved brain uptake. Source: University of York Scientists at the University of York report progress toward a nasal spray treatment designed to improve delivery … Read more

Summary: Researchers have achieved a major advance in neural prosthetics by using a new memory decoding model (MDM) to successfully recall specific human memories. Building on prior work, the team used surgically implanted electrodes in the hippocampus to decode neural activity patterns and apply targeted electrical stimulation to enhance memory encoding and retrieval. In a … Read more

Summary: Yale-led researchers have identified two related cytokines that may help explain why some people develop progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Their work suggests a straightforward genetic test could identify patients at higher risk of progressing to the severe form of the disease. Source: Yale University Researchers from Yale University, Oregon Health & Science University, and … Read more

Summary: Kinase enzymes are required for neurons to carry out autophagy. Deleting the genes that encode kinases NDR1 and NDR2 disrupts neuron function and triggers neurodegeneration in both young and adult mice. Source: Francis Crick Institute Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute report that removing two genes that encode the conserved kinases NDR1 and NDR2 … Read more

Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, but recent therapeutic advances are changing the outlook. Newly approved complement inhibitors—pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol—slow the progression of geographic atrophy in dry AMD, while innovations in wet AMD therapies, gene-based treatments, cell therapy, and non-invasive approaches are expanding options and lowering treatment … Read more

Summary: A population-based study finds that older adults who undergo major heart surgery show no substantial long-term memory decline compared with those who receive less invasive catheter-based procedures. Source: Elsevier A new analysis published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery reports that memory changes after major heart surgery are minimal when compared with changes following … Read more

Summary: Shifting clocks forward for daylight saving time disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm and can cause sleep loss, increased stress, and other health consequences. Experts explain why some people are more affected and offer practical, science-based strategies to ease the transition. Source: UT Southwestern If you find yourself feeling unusually tired this week, that’s a … Read more

Running is one of the world’s most popular sports, yet many recreational runners never receive structured training on technique. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba, together with Osaka University and Mizuno Corporation, have developed a data-driven system that quantifies and improves running skills by analyzing motion patterns with big data and artificial intelligence. The interdisciplinary … Read more

Summary: First-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder show distinct patterns of brain structure compared with individuals without a family history. Relatives of bipolar disorder patients tend to have larger intracranial volume, while relatives of schizophrenia patients show smaller brain volumes and specific regional reductions. Source: Elsevier Overview A large international meta-analysis published … Read more

Summary: A new mouse study led by Queensland University of Technology finds that high sugar intake beginning in adolescence increases the likelihood of adult obesity, persistent hyperactivity, and cognitive problems. Source: Queensland University of Technology Children and adolescents who consume high amounts of sugar may face a higher risk of long-term weight gain, hyperactivity, and … Read more