Spinal Cord Regeneration: Scar-degrading Enzyme Nov 5, 2009
5, 2009) Researchers have developed an improved version of an enzyme that degrades the dense scar tissue that forms when the central nervous system is damaged. By digesting the tissue that blocks re-growth of damaged nerves, the improved enzyme -- and new system for delivering it -- could facilitate recovery from serious central nervous system injuries ... 26, 2009) Researchers have found an essential factor for regenerating neurons in the central nervous system, which normally can't regenerate.... (Science Daily)
Johnson & Johnson workforce will shrink by 8,000 Nov 4, 2009
J&J owns two companies in Massachusetts: Transform Pharmaceuticals in Lexington and Codman & Shurtleff Inc., a Raynham company that develops and markets diagnostic and therapeutic products for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Jeffrey Leebaw, a J&J vice president of corporate media relations, said the company would not detail the number of layoffs by location or operating company until it was able to discuss its plans with employees. (Boston Globe)
Frank Porreca, left, and Theodore Price work in a University of Arizona lab researching chronic pain issues. Photo by Ellen Sussman | Special to the Green Valley News Nov 4, 2009
A focus of their research is in opioids and how indigenous molecules of certain narcotic drugs act on the central nervous system and how they relate to body-pain pathways. What actually happens that makes pain happen, Porreca said rhetorically. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Nasa to irradiate monkeys for space voyage research... Nov 3, 2009
The researchers are to pay particular attention to the effects on the monkeys central nervous systems and behaviour. The monkeys, previously trained to perform a variety of tasks, will be tested to see how the exposure affects their performance. (The Drudge Report)
Does Vitamin D Improve Brain Function? Nov 3, 2009
We know there are receptors for vitamin D throughout the central nervous system and in the hippocampus, said Robert J. Przybelski, a doctor and research scientist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. We also know vitamin D activates and deactivates enzymes in the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid that are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve growth. (Scientific American)
Former Genzyme executive joins cancer diagnostic business Nov 3, 2009
In addition to cancer diagnostics, Abrahams said, companies are working on tests to help doctors treating cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system disorders, and AIDS.. Aspinall, 47, former president of Genzyme s genetics unit, was originally recruited to run a Mountain View, Calif. (Boston Globe)
Headaches and heartaches: Wife's persistence leads to relief Nov 2, 2009
Implantations in more than two dozen patients have shown promising results, with the devices changing the way the central nervous system perceives pain. Given the potential relief, Aetna's response devastated Lisa and Jason, leaving them in tears. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Brain tumors in childhood leave a lasting mark on cognition, life status Nov 2, 2009
Given the risks now seen to confront survivors of brain (also called central nervous system, or CNS) cancer, programs to support their transition to independent adult life are essential, according to the study in the November issue of Neuropsychology. The findings, part of a massive Childhood Cancer Survivor Study conducted by nine major medical centers, were based on a study coordinated by Leah Ellenberg, PhD, a clinical faculty member of the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of... (EurekAlert!)
Legal drugs spark a boom in pill popping Nov 1, 2009
It either doesn't work, in which case you're being ripped off, or it does work, in which case there must be some risk because they're altering your central nervous system. For some people, the fact that they're not illegal and are marketed as natural and organic is attractive. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
NASA to start irradiating monkeys Oct 30, 2009
Scientists are particularly interested in studying how the radiation impacts the monkeys' central nervous systems and behaviors over time. "We realized there was a need for this kind of work," Jack Bergman, a behavioral pharmacologist at Harvard Medical School's McLean Hospital in Boston, told Discovery News. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Report: Fla. boy may not have meant to kill self Oct 30, 2009
The drugs affect the central nervous system and can change behavior or perception. They are prescribed for depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Amazing Mind Oct 30, 2009
The brain is an extraordinary part of the human body, controlling the central nervous system and giving rise to the conscious mind. Some people's brains have the ability to do extraordinary mental tasks, such as memorize copious amounts of information or recall days of the week from years ago. (CNN -- Health)
Early Treatment Of Fibromyalgia More Effective, Research Suggests Oct 30, 2009
According to the team, treatment with drugs that work on the central nervous system (CNS), such as SNRI antidepressants, are effective against fibromyalgia. But this is not a question of treating depression but of other properties of these drugs. (Science Daily)
Regeneration After Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Oct 29, 2009
28, 2009) Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine report that regeneration of central nervous system axons can be achieved in rats even when treatment delayed is more than a year after the original spinal cord injury. See also. (Science Daily)
No funerals, no kids, no wrinkles Oct 29, 2009
But - and here's the cost - it has no central nervous system. Hydra can move enough to eat but cannot, probably, feel anything. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Nervous System Drug-by-design: Formulation May Slow Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's Oct 29, 2009
Hagit Eldar-Finkelman of Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine is "building" a new drug, L803-MTS, to treat a number of central nervous system (CNS) diseases like Alzheimer's. In pre-clinical studies, it also shows promise against Parkinson's, Huntington's and diabetes. (Science Daily)
Researchers find brain cell transplants help repair neural damage Oct 29, 2009
While the use of neural grafts to restore function after lesions or degeneration of the central nervous system has been widely reported, the objective of this study was to replace depleted neurons to a restricted brain area and to avoid both the ethical controversies accompanying fetal cell transplants as well as immune rejection. Researchers found that the cultured cells migrated, re-implanted into the right caudate nucleus, and migrated through the corpus callosum to the contralateral... (EurekAlert!)
Indiana Woman Dies of Rabies Oct 28, 2009
It attacks the brain and central nervous system and, if untreated, can lead to paralysis, difficulty swallowing and death. FOX NEWS VIDEOS. (Fox News)
Neurologists Investigate Possible New Underlying Cause Of Multiple Sclerosis Oct 28, 2009
The method identified anomalies in the venous blood flow associated with strictures, malformed valves and peculiar webs within the large veins of the neck and brain" Weinstock-Guttman directs the Baird Multiple Sclerosis Center at the Jacobs Neurological Institute (JNI), UB's Department of Neurology. The JNI and BNAC are located in Buffalo General Hospital of Kaleida Health. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging scanning (MRI) of the MS study patients conducted at the BNAC also identified distinct... (Science Daily)
Transplant drug aids Huntington's Oct 26, 2009
It affects the central nervous system and can lead to loss of muscle control, dementia and depression. Huntington's normally affects people in middle age, but it can strike at any time. (Yahoo News -- Organ Donation & Transplants)
Unlucky, unlicensed driver loses car (5) Oct 26, 2009
The passenger, who had rapid speech and facial tics, appeared to be under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. After an evaluation, the deputy arrested Valentino Kumar, 24, on charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance and a probation violation. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Preliminary molecular characterization of the human pathogen Angiostrongylus cantonensis Oct 26, 2009
The observed pattern of enzymes involved in protein metabolism, lipid metabolism and glycolysis may reflect the central nervous system habitat of this pathogen. Four proteins were tested for their immunogenicity using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and histopathological examinations. (BioMed Central)
Master regulator found for regenerating nerve fibers in live animals Oct 26, 2009
-- Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston report that an enzyme known as Mst3b, previously identified in their lab, is essential for regenerating damaged axons (nerve fibers) in a live animal model, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems ... Normally, neurons in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) cannot regenerate injured nerve fibers, limiting people's ability to recover from brain or spinal cord injuries. (EurekAlert!)
NorCal Voices: Beating cancer the natural way Oct 25, 2009
Are we going to get ports drilled into our necks so that we can plug electrochemical sensations directly into our central nervous systems. Of course, that may not be too much of a leap from some modern pharmaceuticals that are available today. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Childhood cancer survivors experience suicidal thoughts decades after diagnosis Oct 24, 2009
Survivors of brain and central nervous system cancers were most likely to have had suicidal thoughts ... Survivors of brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers were the most likely to experience suicidal thoughts (10. (EurekAlert!)
What is in Chocolate? Oct 24, 2009
Caffeine acts as a stimulant revving up the central nervous system. This stimulation increases heart rate and causes the muscles to contract. (Suite101.com)
Prep Your Body for Winter Muscle Building Oct 24, 2009
During these three days off, do your best to avoid cardio training as well to really give both the muscles and central nervous system a complete rest. If you haven t been working out previously, you can use this time to get into the gym and do some light cardio activity, which will help get the body used to the vigorous movement again. (Fox News)
Identifying Safe Stem Cells To Repair Spinal Cords Oct 23, 2009
"We tried to identify induced pluripotent stem cells from adult tissue that would be safe when applied to cell therapy for central nervous system disorders," said Masaya Nakamura, MD, PhD, at Keio University School of Medicine, a co-author of the study ... "This study confirms that before human clinical trials go forward involving treatment of central nervous system disorders with induced pluripotent stem cells, pre-evaluating each cell clone carefully is essential," Nakamura said. (Science Daily)
Understanding The Brain's Natural Foil For Over-excited Neurons Oct 21, 2009
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in a mammal's central nervous system. It is an important component for neuroplasticity, the synaptic communication between neurons. (Science Daily)
Tips from the American Journal of Pathology Oct 21, 2009
Microglia are the resident immune cells in the central nervous system; they remove damaged neurons, plaques, and infectious agents from the brain and spinal cord. Microglia cluster around senile A ;plaques in Alzheimer disease patients; however, the role of microglia in oA ;toxicity remains unclear. (EurekAlert!)
Transplant May Treat Metabolic Disorders in Womb Oct 20, 2009
If untreated, these metabolic disorders can lead to bone, brain and central nervous system problems, and early death, the study authors noted in a Duke news release. Donor cells used in the study will be made by the biopharmaceutical company Aldagen, Inc, which is a partner in the trial. (MEDLINEplus)
Angiochem crosses BBB, shows safety, efficacy in phase 1/2 brain cancer studies Oct 19, 2009
Of significance, therapeutic doses of ANG1005 were present in patient brain tumor samples, indicating that the drug successfully crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and concentrates in the tumor, without showing central nervous system (CNS) toxicity or immunogenicity. Similar trends in patient responses have been observed to-date in the on-going Phase 1/2 recurrent glioblastoma clinical trial with approximately 65% of patients experiencing disease control. (EurekAlert!)
What a nerve! Placebo lives in the spine Oct 19, 2009
All it needs to do is reach the spinal cord, the first stop on the central nervous system - and the placebo effect will kick in. Los Angeles Times. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Placebo Effect Is in the Spine as Well as the Mind Oct 17, 2009
"It is deeply rooted in very, very early areas of the central nervous system. That definitely speaks for a strong effect," lead researcher Falk Eippert of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf told Reuters ... The placebo effect is particularly strong when treating central nervous system conditions, like depression and pain. (MEDLINEplus)
A Drug to Cure Spinal Cord Injuries? Oct 17, 2009
"This discovery suggests that we might be able to treat central nervous system injuries with a pill in the future. In reality, we'll probably need a drug cocktail because CSPGs are not the only barrier to regeneration," study co-author Jerry Silver, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, said in the news release. The study was published Oct. 15 in the journal Science. (MEDLINEplus)
'ECG For The Mind' Could Diagnose Depression In An Hour Oct 17, 2009
Patterns of electrical activity in the brain's vestibular (or balance) system are measured against distinct response patterns found in depression, schizophrenia and other Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. The vestibular system is closely connected to the primitive regions of the brain that relate to emotions and behaviour, so Lithgow saw the diagnostic potential of measuring and comparing different patterns of electrovestibular activity. (Science Daily)
Promising Therapeutic Target For Central Nervous System Injuries Identified Oct 17, 2009
"Our collaborator Jerry Silver discovered that CSPGs inhibit regeneration of the central nervous system in the early 1990s, but nobody knew how they were keeping neurons at bay." ... "This discovery suggests that we might be able to treat central nervous system injuries with a pill in the future," says Silver, who is a professor at Case Western Reserve University ... (July 24, 2009) While repair of the central nervous system has long been considered impossible, researchers have just developed a... (Science Daily)
'Molecular Trigger' For Sudden Death In Epilepsy Found Oct 16, 2009
The identification of this particular potassium channel KvLQT in neurons of the central nervous system gives scientists a clue about which epilepsy patients face the greatest risk of dying unexpectedly, said Dr. Jeffrey Noebels, the study's senior author and director of the Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine. The channel has been identified in heart muscle cells and now for the first time in brain or nerve cells. (Science Daily)
Gentle touch may aid multiple sclerosis patients Oct 15, 2009
"When we use our second hand and touch the wrist of the target hand, available information to the central nervous system about the hand-object interaction may increase. Without the touch, the information needed to manipulate an object comes only through vision and sensory input from just the target arm and hand.". Aruin and his colleagues tested subjects griping and lifting a variety of objects that they moved in several different ways, directions and velocities. (EurekAlert!)
Loyal Red Sox fan thrown a cruel curve Oct 15, 2009
high school shop teacher before ALS, a progressive disease that ravages the central nervous system, left him virtually paralyzed and in a nursing home/hospital, surrounded by Yankee fans. Room 310 at the Subacute Care Center is unlike any other in the facility. (Boston Globe)
UT Southwestern study shows how substance in grapes may squeeze out diabetes Oct 15, 2009
"By knowing that the central nervous system is involved, pharmaceutical companies can begin to focus on developing drugs that selectively target sirtuins in the brain," he said. The next step, Dr. Coppari said, is to determine precisely which neurons in the brain are mediating the effects of the resveratrol. (EurekAlert!)
Stay the course Oct 14, 2009
They are born that way and its because of their central nervous system. There are certain components in there that lower the threshold of climax. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
regina c faulkner Oct 14, 2009
A disease of the central nervous system, polio is caused by a vitamin B1 deficiency, Schoenian says ... A fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats, scrapie is most commonly spread when lambs or kids come into contact with placentas of infected ewes or does ... The disease is characterized by chronic itching, loss of muscular coordination and progressive degeneration of the central nervous system. (Agri-View, WI)
Polymorphisms Of The Interleukin-1 Gene Complex May Influence Alcohol Dependence Oct 13, 2009
"Clinical observation of increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF in patients with alcohol liver disease suggests that they might play a role on the pathogenesis of the disease. Additionally, these cytokines act in the central nervous system affecting the functionality of the serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems, which have been also related to the pathophysiology of AD, and with the brain reward systems involved in alcohol reinforcement.". S;iz and her... (Science Daily)
One Small Step For Neurons, One Giant Leap For Nerve Cell Repair Oct 10, 2009
"We are tackling this problem in an entirely new way, as part of the McGill Program in NeuroEngineering," says Dr. Anna Lisa Lucido, who conducted research for the study as part of her PhD research at The Neuro and is currently a post-doctoral fellow at UCSF. "This program, spearheaded by Dr. Colman, is a multi-disciplinary consortium that brings together the knowledge, expertise and perspectives of 40 scientists from diverse fields to focus on the challenge of neuronal repair in the central... (Science Daily)
Many Childhood Cancer Survivors Never Marry Oct 10, 2009
Brain tumor survivors were 50 percent more likely to never marry, while survivors of central nervous system tumors and leukemia were the patients most likely to stay single. In terms of therapy, those who received cranial radiation were most likely to remain unwed. (MEDLINEplus)
Omeros IPO to raise $68M Oct 9, 2009
The Seattle biopharmaceutical company targets inflammation and disorders of the central nervous system. Its shares begin trading Thursday on the NASDAQ Global Market exchange under the symbol, OMER.. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may involve a form of sudden, rapid aging of the immune system Oct 9, 2009
The findings are consistent with evidence collected over a decade by Schwartz's group suggesting that a well-functioning immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining, protecting and repairing cells of the central nervous system. Studies conducted in animals have shown that boosting immune T-cell levels may reduce symptoms and slow progression of certain neurodegenerative diseases. (EurekAlert!)
Survivors of childhood cancer less likely to marry Oct 8, 2009
Survivors of central nervous system tumors and leukemia had the greatest likelihood of never marrying, according to the study. Cranial radiation was the therapy most associated with not getting married. (EurekAlert!)
Gray Matter and Multiple Sclerosis Oct 8, 2009
Multiple sclerosis has been classified as a disorder affecting the white matter of the central nervous system. Foci of demyelination, scattered throughout the white matter, are conspicuous on gross postmortem inspection of the brain. (New England Journal of Medicine)
MS Drug Halves Risk of Progression Oct 8, 2009
The treatment, glatiramer acetate, marketed as Copaxone, was tested in 16 countries among 481 patients with a tell-tale lesion in the central nervous system called clinically isolated syndrome. The volunteers either received the drug or a dummy lookalike for up to three years. (Newsmax)
Mediterranean Diet May Help Prevent Depression Oct 7, 2009
And the omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish might help improve the function of the central nervous system, Martinez-Gonzalez said. "All these mechanisms may lead to an improved brain function and a greater resilience to better face the frustrations of every day, to control stress, and so on," he said. (MEDLINEplus)
Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor Oct 7, 2009
Gliomas are the most common type of brain and central nervous system cancers, accounting for 80 percent of cases, according to background information in the study. Gliomas cause 13,000 deaths in the United States each year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Hildreth: The unity of the Inner Man - Part 2 Oct 7, 2009
These hormonal and autonomic nervous system and central nervous system imbalances along with eventually permanent cellular changes that will take place are the beginning of accelerated aging and increasing oxidation (rusting). The ultimate outcome may be cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental changes, neurological changes in the way of Parkinson s, multiple sclerosis and/or musculoskeletal changes such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Antibiotic May Be New Stroke Treatment Oct 7, 2009
28, 2005) By studying animals, Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that the antibiotic minocycline might help alleviate HIV's negative effects on the brain and central nervous system, problems that. . (Science Daily)
Michigan hospital launches gene therapy study for Parkinson's disease Oct 7, 2009
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that causes tremors and impairs a person's motor skills, speech, balance and posture. Its cause is unknown and it affects 1 percent to 2 percent of people over the age of 60. (EurekAlert!)
Game Wardens Make Large Bait Bust Oct 7, 2009
He's most worried about chronic wasting disease, a condition that destroys an animal's central nervous system. It has not been found in Vermont, and steps like preventing baiting could help keep CWD out. (WCAX.com, VT)
'I have a story to tell' Oct 5, 2009
Polio, also called infantile paralysis, attacks the central nervous system and symptoms manifest themselves with varying degrees of severity, For Anderson, she was paralyzed on her left side and back and was unable to sit up, stand or walk. Anderson was sent to St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock for treatment. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Scientist Builds Imager That Identifies, Locates Individual Cancer Cells Oct 5, 2009
If you're only interested in the central nervous system, the vascular system or something less than a complete specimen, the imager has the capability of giving you exactly what you want, Wilson said. As the computer assembles the images, it sends text message updates to researchers. (Science Daily)
Experimental Drug Lets B Cells Live And Lymphoma Cells Die Oct 5, 2009
The same neurotrophic signals are known to cause cancers of the central nervous system when unbalanced by carcinogens. The current study found that neurotrophins also cause key immune cells to resist cell death and proliferate as part of the most deadly of lymphomas, and that an experimental compound, the fungal chemical called K252a, restored their ability to die. (Science Daily)
Eat Healthy to Combat Stress Oct 5, 2009
Experts suggest that those suffering from stress would benefit from an increased intake of B vitamins as these help to maintain a healthy central nervous system. These groups of vitamins are a great source of energy and are found in whole grain cereals, dairy products, curd, eggs, green vegetables, fruits, potatoes, sea food, nuts, pulses and dry fruits. (Suite101.com)
Breast Milk Should Be Drunk At The Same Time Of Day That It Is Expressed Oct 3, 2009
The scientists looked for three nucleotides in breast milk (adenosine, guanosine and uridine), which excite or relax the central nervous system, promoting restfulness and sleep, and observed how these varied throughout a 24-hour period. The milk, collected from 30 women living in Extremadura, was expressed over a 24-hour period, with six to eight daily samples. (Science Daily)
Timing Matters For Saved Breast Milk Oct 2, 2009
Scientists at the University of Extremadur in Spain looked for three nucleotides in breast milk that excite or relax the central nervous system. In a study of 30 women, they found the highest levels in milk that came at night. (KIRO TV, WA)
Cybercrime threat rising sharply Sep 30, 2009
The internet was vulnerable, they said, but as it was now part of society's central nervous system, attacks could threaten whole economies. The past year had seen "more vulnerabilities, more cybercrime, more malicious software than ever before", more than had been seen in the past five years combined, one of the experts reported. (BBC News -- Technology)
Top Poisons That Can Harm Pets Sep 30, 2009
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs ... Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. (W-USA News, DC)
