Modafinil, a drug used to treat narcolepsy — excessive daytime sleepiness — can improve memory in patients recovering from depression, according to new research from the University of Cambridge. The findings, published today in the journal Biological Psychiatry: CNNI, result from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and offer hope of a treatment for some of the...
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Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis: Tips for Recovery from an MS Attack
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system and the transmission of information between the brain and the body. Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be difficult to predict, making it hard for those with MS to manage the disease. However, there are some changes that people with MS can make to help control the...
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Ultrasound may enhance delivery of RNA molecules to treat GI disorders
New research shows that ultrasound could enhance the absorption of strands of RNA into colon cells in the gut, to block the production of proteins that promote inflammation. The study, performed in mice, could lead to improved treatments for gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers believe that their findings could lead to improved...
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It’s Nearly Possible to “Shut off” Parkinson’s with a Flick of a Switch
IN BRIEF With the insertion of a metal rod into the brain of participating patients, researchers have used deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s, and the tech is being looked at for use in Alzheimer’s patients. There are also less invasive technologies available, such as the Neural Lace currently being worked on by a company...
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Double-barreled drug strategy cancels cancer’s backup plans
Cutting off cancer cells’ fuel sources causes the tumor (blue area above) to “eat” itself (occurring in the green spots), and delivering a second hit to its backup fuel sources has been shown to kill the cells Cancer is a crafty foe. Scientists have long tried to starve out tumors by cutting off their access to...
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Protein deficiency may explain kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease affects millions of people in the United States each year. New research points to a circulating protein that may be responsible for the decline in kidney function. New research suggests that the Klotho protein may be responsible for chronic kidney disease. The Greek goddess Klotho was responsible for spinning the thread of...
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Brain stimulation pinpoints precise memory boost
Researchers have used direct brain stimulation to improve a very specific form of memory Building on previous studies showing that electromagnetic stimulation of the brain can improve the memory, researchers at Northwestern University have demonstrated that the process can be specifically targeted to improve precise memories, such as specific shapes and colors of objects. Non-invasive,...
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Chinese herbal treatment shows signs of effectiveness in bone marrow recovery
UCLA researchers have found that a Chinese herbal regimen called TSY-1 (Tianshengyuan-1) increased telomerase activity in normal blood cells but decreased it in cancer cells. Telomerase is an enzyme responsible for the production of telomeres, which play an important role in the regulation of normal cell division. These results indicate that telomerase-based treatments may play...
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Changes in blood-brain barrier, intestinal permeability found in individuals with autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has the dubious distinction of being the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With 1 in every 68 children born in this country diagnosed with ASD, parents are looking everywhere for answers about best treatments. Along with selective medication to treat certain...
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New clinical trial shows ‘promising results’ for ASD treatment
The gut microbiota is a fascinating part of the human body; it plays a crucial role in immunity and keeps our bodies healthy. New research suggests that the gut microbiome may even hold the key to a potential treatment for autism. New research shows some promising early results for ASD treatment. The gut microbiota...