Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehabilitation.
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Research insights
Enhancing antioxidant response for preventing neurodegeneration
Researchers have discovered a new way to enhance the body’s antioxidant response, which is crucial for cellular protection against the oxidative stress implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. The study focuses on disrupting the Keap1/Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI), which plays a role in the body’s antioxidant response. By preventing the degradation of Nrf2 through selective inhibition of its interaction with Keap1, the research holds promise for mitigating the cellular damage that underlies debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Activity for TBI recovery
The findings of a new study of children and adolescents with acute concussion suggest that moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity reduced symptoms up to a certain threshold but appeared to offer no further benefit in symptom reduction beyond that point.
Neuro implications of COVID-19
A study by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin has now produced evidence to support the theory that neurological symptoms of COVID affect inflammation in the body. The Charité scientists found coronavirus genetic material in the brain in some cases but didn’t find neurons infected with SARS-CoV-2. The team have stated they assume that immune cells absorbed the virus in the body and then travelled to the brain.
Company updates
Exoskeleton receives FDA approval
Wandercraft’s self-balancing exoskeleton Atalante X has received second FDA clearance in less than a year, and is now indicated for rehabilitation in patients with spinal cord injury. The clearance was supported by safety and effectiveness data of Atalante X in patients with SCI at levels T5-L5 and has been evaluated in more than 500 patients, including clinical1 trials and real-world evidence.
Digital solutions for neuro diseases
Aptar and Biogen are developing digital health solutions aimed at enhancing care for patients with neurological and rare diseases, expanding Aptar’s activities significantly in neurology and immunology, two strategic therapeutic areas. Under the agreement, Biogen will transfer ownership of select solutions to Aptar, which will provide a comprehensive range of services.
Technology
Revolutionising treatment for depression
Could Stanford neuromodulation therapy (SNT) revolutionise depression treatment? SNT works by using functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) to target a specific area in the frontal lobes, as well as using intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS), a form of TMS that delivers magnetic pulses at its own distinct frequency. According to the teams, harnessing these methods together enables patients to receive more sessions of treatment per day at lower doses, and complete treatment in just a few days rather than weeks.
Neurotech and human rights
The United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Committee will be carrying out its 31st session from 19 to 23 February 2023 in Geneva where experts will be exploring the impact of neurotechnology on human rights and the human rights implications of new and emerging technologies in the military domain.
