Alzheimer’s has previously been understood to be caused by a build up of protein plaques in the brain. However, new research has revealed that alternative metabolic pathways in the brain may be more integral to the formation of the disease. The plaques are formed by proteins known as beta-amyloid and tau. As Alzheimer’s progresses the […]
Scientists have developed minimally invasive brain probes that can selectively deliver drugs in-vivo and stimulate cells with light. The probes can be wirelessly controlled from a smartphone. It is hoped that the probes will advance understanding of neurodegenerative disease by allowing the manipulation of brain circuits. Delivering drug infusions into the brain has previously been […]
A gene discovery has explained why current Alzheimer’s drugs don’t work for lots of patients, and why so many new drugs fail in clinical trials. The acetylcholine receptor α7nAChR has long been a target of interest for Alzheimer’s drugs. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning processes. Despite acetylcholine being linked to the […]
Scientists have genetically engineered neurons in mice to give them hallucinations. The research could help identify why certain people experience hallucinations, associated with several mental illnesses, and inform new treatments. Two genes were inserted into the neuron cells of the mice’s visual cortex, the part of the brain that processes visual information. One coded for […]
A new genetic study has revealed anorexia, previously thought to be solely a psychiatric disease, is influenced by metabolic factors. Anorexia is an eating disorder and a serious mental health condition. Sufferers try to keep their weight as low as possible by eating as little as possible or exercising as much as they can. Sufferers […]
A genetic variant has been found to increase an individual’s tendency to procrastinate, the act of delaying an essential task in favour of easier and less vital ones. Procrastination can harm productivity in both the workplace and everyday life. It can also negatively affect physical and mental health. However, if you are getting frustrated at […]
Patients with a certain genetic variant have been found to both be more pre-disposed to anxiety and depression and have lower susceptibility to the usual medication. Although anxiety and depression can be developed due to distressing events or stressful periods in a person’s life, there is increasing evidence that some people are more predisposed to […]
Indiana University School of Medicine researchers have found blood-based genetic markets of psychological stress which could lead to better diagnostics for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bring forward new drug development leads.
Pharmacogenetic tests are marketed as an aid to psychiatrists in selecting the antidepressant or antipsychotic medication that will work best in individual patients. But for most patients, these pharmacogenetic tests don’t provide much useful information.
A small population of brain cells deep in a memory-making region of the brain controls the production of new neurons and may have a role in common brain disorders.
New research presented this week at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2018, is suggesting that the liver could be contributing to Alzheimer’s risk by failing to supply key lipids to the brain.
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 tumour suppressor.
We’ve heard the idea that “if you think positively, then positive thing will happen to you”. Well, new research is now suggesting that positive vibes might even slow down cancer!
Verge Genomics, the drug discovery startup we recently featured in our Top 5 Startups Disrupting Healthcare, has raised $32 million in Series A financing.
Personalised medicine has been a goal of researchers and doctors for a long time. Now, researchers have developed what they call a personalised Therapeutic Intervention Fingerprint (pTIF), for patients with neurological disease.
