Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehab.
Research
Propionate supplementation is potential treatment for Parkinson’s
A research team from the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) recently discovered that propionate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), strongly suppressed neurodegeneration in animal models of Parkinson’s disease by regulating interorgan signalling between the intestine and brain.
Research offers hope for preventing post-COVID ‘brain fog’
In a new study, researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a mechanism that causes neurological problems in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. The researchers also found a treatment that helped prevent these changes, according to new research.
Immune cells identified as key players in brain health
Using novel genetic and genomic tools, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have shed light on the role of immune cells called macrophages in lipid-rich tissues like the brain, advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s and other diseases. The study represents a step forward in understanding immune cell regulation and its impact on disease progression.
Insights on post-concussion symptoms in early childhood
In a study of over 300 children, concussion was associated with more post-concussive symptoms than orthopaedic injuries or typical development up to three months after injury. Given the limited verbal and cognitive abilities typical of early childhood, using developmentally appropriate manifestations and behaviours could aid in concussion diagnosis in young children, researchers say.
Technology
Report highlights barriers to technology enabled care in health and social care sector
The first-ever state of sector report on technology enabled care (TEC), highlights how a lack of understanding is holding back the wider adoption of tech in health and social care. Around half of councils in the UK believe there is little or almost no understanding of technology enabled care (TEC) across the health and social care workforce. The findings come from the From ambition to action report, by TEC Services Association (TSA) and PA Consulting.
World’s first high-resolution brain developed by 3D printer
In a joint project between MedUni Vienna and TU Wien, the world’s first 3D-printed ‘brain phantom’ has been developed, which is modelled on the structure of brain fibres and can be imaged using a special variant of magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). These brain models can be used to advance research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, the research shows.
Company
Kazia Therapeutics licences paxalisib to Sovargen
Kazia Therapeutics has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Sovargen, a biotechnology company specialising in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, to develop, manufacture and commercialise paxalisib as a potential treatment of intractable epilepsy in focal cortical dysplasia type 2 and tuberous sclerosis complex disease.
AI-aided Diagnostic System assists with diagnosing freezing of gait in Parkinson’s
China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) AI Center and the Department of Neurology have utilised AI auxiliary tools to analyse the patient’s gait videos and walkway pressure data to construct an ‘AI-aided diagnostic system for freezing of gait’. With the help of AI analysis reports, the diagnostic efficiency of the physicians can be significantly improved and Parkinson’s can be quickly diagnosed for early medical intervention.
