Clinicians & therapists

Scientists have built a detailed map of brain receptors that play a role in conditions such as epilepsy and depression, that could open the door to possible novel ways to treat epilepsy and neurological disorders. Certain proteins found in the human brain have long been known to be critical to controlling how brain cells communicate [...]

New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity. The world’s largest and most diverse genetic study ever into major depression has revealed nearly 300 previously unknown genetic links to the condition, experts say. 100 of [...]

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has confirmed it has acquired neurological drug developer Intra-Cellular Therapies in a US$14.6bn deal. The deal will see J&J strengthen is neurological drug portfolio with Intra-Cellular's central nervous system disorder therapeutics for conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. This includes CAPLYTA (lumateperone), which is an approved [...]

A new study from a team of international researchers has revealed why people with aphasia have difficulty talking about past and future events. The findings could lead to the development of more comprehensive diagnositic techniques. Aphasia is a severe speech disorder, often resulting from a stroke, in which individuals lose the ability to speak coherently. [...]

More than half of 23-year-olds in a European study show restrictive, emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviours, according to new research. Structural brain differences appear to play a role in the development of these eating habits. The study investigates the links between genetics, brain structure and disordered eating behaviours in young people. Researchers found that the [...]

A new study has shown that sleep deprivation can inhibit the brain’s ability to suppress unwanted memories and intrusive thoughts. The study revealed that sleep deprivation interferes with the ability of the prefrontal area of the brain to restrict the retrieval of memories that would have otherwise been suppressed. Dr Scott Cairney from the University [...]

Researchers have discovered intricate molecular mechanisms driving the RNA processing defects that lead to Huntington’s disease (HD) - findings which may pave the way for new treatments. The findings have also linked Huntington’s disease with other neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal lobar dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The findings may pave the way [...]

Targeting a protein called endocan and its related signalling pathway could be a promising new approach for treating glioblastoma, an aggressive and lethal type of brain cancer. Endocan, which is produced by endothelial cells lining blood vessels in the tumour, activates PDGFRA, a receptor on glioblastoma cells that drives tumour growth and makes the cancer [...]

Two genes associated with variants linked to epilepsy have been uncovered which showed specific traits that make them promising diagnostic biomarkers. Data from 1,386 human brain tissues for somatic variants in the genes of individuals undergoing epilepsy surgery was analysed by a team of researchers. Somatic variants are DNA changes that occur after conception and [...]

Open-world video games can significantly improve relaxation and mental well-being among postgraduate students, new research has found. Open-world games, known for their expansive environments and player autonomy, offer a form of cognitive escapism that helps players disconnect from daily stressors and enhance their mood. The study, a collaboration between researchers from Imperial College London, United [...]