Tech & industry
When a neuron in our body gets damaged, segments of RNA produce proteins that can help repair the injury. But in neurological disorders such as ALS and spinal muscular atrophy, or following spinal cord injuries, the mechanisms for moving life-essential RNA to injured sites within the cell fail. As a result, RNA molecules can’t get [...]
By combining information from many large datasets, researchers have identified several new potential targets for treating or preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The study revealed genes and cellular pathways that haven’t been linked to Alzheimer’s before, including one involved in DNA repair. Identifying new drug targets is critical because many of the Alzheimer’s drugs that have been [...]
Researchers have developed a blood test that can identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease by measuring proteins linked to the condition. The new test, known as Penta-Plex Alzheimer’s Disease Capture Sandwich Immunoassay (5ADCSI), detects five biomarkers simultaneously, which is more than existing blood tests and runs on equipment commonly used in many laboratories. Scientists have [...]
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) editing has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. As these diseases continue to impose a significant global health burden, the innovative use of mitochondrial gene editing offers a promising avenue to address their underlying causes. The dysfunction of mitochondria, triggered by mutations in mtDNA, is now recognised [...]
While there are currently biomarkers that have been identified for depression, they are not generally reliable and have, so far, not been widely applied in clinical use. Now, researchers have identified what could be the first reliable biomarker for the condition - potentially transforming its diagnosis and treatment. The brain uses networks to coordinate its [...]
A music conductor in the US has returned to the podium after receiving innovative brain technology that controls his Parkinson's tremors, allowing him to lead his symphony with renewed confidence. Rand Laycock*, 70, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease shortly before turning 60 after seeking medical advice for thumb twitching. The retired music teacher has guided [...]
Researchers have developed an extended reality version of Boccia - a precision ball sport - as a rehabilitation programme, showing how the game that requires accuracy and strategy can aid motor and cognitive skills. A team of researchers have developed Boccia XR - an extended reality of the precision ball sport - to evaluate the [...]
In groundbreaking new research, a novel brain scanning technology has created ‘neural fingerprints’ that could transform diagnosis of neurological conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. The study was carried out by Cerca Magnetics Limited, a spinout company from the University of Nottingham where MRI was invented. Cerca Magnetics has developed a lightweight wearable brain [...]
A British technology company has received £500,000 in funding to further develop a neurorehabilitation platform that combines electrical stimulation with virtual reality. Valkyrie Industries was awarded the grant through the Biomedical Catalyst 2024 competition by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The funding will support the continued development of v-health, Valkyrie's platform designed [...]
Resilience Neuro Specialists is aiming to transform neuro-rehab in the Midlands with a pioneering approach to outcome-focused, technology-driven care. Launched in January, the organisation has already established itself as a leader in specialist rehabilitation, delivering expert therapy for individuals with severe neurological injuries in homes, communities, and private settings. Now, Resilience is expanding with the [...]
