Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehabilitation.
Research news
People with MCHS are vulnerable to viral infections
UCLA-led research has found that loss or mutations in a gene called MEF2C disrupted the ability of NK cells to take up chemical compounds called lipids that are used to fuel crucial functions such as tumour cell killing and creating inflammatory molecules. They found that people with the rare neurological syndrome called Childhood myocerebrohepatopathy spectrum (MCHS) who have the mutation in this gene are particularly vulnerable to viral infections.
$2.1 million federal grant for post-stroke aphasia research
Olga Boukrina, PhD, senior research scientist in the Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research at Kessler Foundation, has received a major research grant from the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. The grant funds Dr Boukrina’s study titled, “Improving Reading Competence in Aphasia with Combined Aerobic Exercise and Phono-Motor Treatment.”
Cannabis use may offer protection against cognitive decline
A new study by Upstate Medical University researchers shows that recreational cannabis use may offer protection against cognitive decline. The study, done by Master of Public Health (MPH) student Zhi Chen and Professor Roger Wong, Ph.D., MPH, MSW, analysed a large data set from the CDC and found that compared to non-users, non-medical cannabis use, such as for recreational purposes, was significantly associated with 96% decreased odds of subjective cognitive decline (SCD).
Company and financial neuro-rehab news
ALS biomarker data
Coya Therapeutics has announced that Dr Stanley Appel, M.D., Chairman of Coya’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Dr David Beers, Ph.D., Associate Research Professor of Neurology, Houston Methodist, will present updated ALS biomarker data at the upcoming 2nd Annual Johnson Center Symposium in Houston, Texas on April 26, 2024. The title of the poster is 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) as a Biomarker in ALS.
The Parkinson’s Solutions Summit 2024
DrTalks, a platform dedicated to advancing health, wellness, and medicine education, is set to launch The Parkinson’s Solutions Summit 2.0. The virtual event, happening from November 5 to 11, 2024, offers participants insights into holistic management strategies and treatment options from renowned neurologists and dozens of experts in related fields. The Parkinson’s Solutions Summit 2.0 will feature various topics, including advanced tests, optimal lifestyle changes, and other holistic strategies to prevent or manage the condition. It will be hosted by two of the most recognisable experts in neurology: Kenneth Sharlin, MD, and Barbara Pickut, MD, MPH.
Real-time sleep stage enhancement
Soltec Health has developed a proprietary technology that supports certain nervous system functions to improve sleep. The Soltec Health System delivers real-time, sleep stage-specific magnetic frequencies as needed for improved sleep, including restorative deep Delta sleep. The Soltec System for sleep improvement and stress reduction is comprised of three components that are synchronised in a real-time, closed-loop process.
Technology news
Patient registry for Stentrode Brain Computer Interface
Synchron, the brain-computer interface (BCI) company developing endovascular technology to restore functionality in patients with motor impairment, has announced the launch of a community-centred BCI registry to bring patients, carers and clinicians together to learn how BCI is being designed to provide benefit to people with limited mobility. Synchron’s BCI technology is designed to decipher the neural code of the brain and find new ways to restore motor intent to control digital devices. The Synchron BCI represents a novel approach to restoring functionality in patients with limited mobility. By leveraging the natural highways of the brain, an individual’s blood vessels, the device is implanted in the brain without the need for invasive brain surgery.
