A Possible Feedback Loop Between Abnormal Brain Activity and Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers here put forward an interesting view of the progression of Alzheimer's disease, in which abnormal modes of brain activity are part of a feedback loop that between inflammation and pathological protein aggregation. Evidence strongly suggests that chronic inflammation in brain tissue is an important component of neurodegenerative conditions, and the aggregation of altered proteins such as tau is both caused by inflammation and contributes to it. It is interesting to see that view expanded out to encompass the neural activity of the brain as a part of the downward spiral of interacting dysfunctions.
Scien...
Source: Fight Aging! - November 3, 2021 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs
From Drug Design To Distribution: This Is How Robotics, A.I. and Blockchain Transforms Pharma
Exoskeletons to aid pharma factory workers. 3D printing to allow pharmacies to produce drugs on the spot. Blockchain technologies to help fight counterfeit drugs.
These are just bits and pieces, but the entire process of the pharmaceutical supply chain will be affected by disruptive technologies. Let me show you how innovations will make it more efficient, faster and cheaper than ever before.
“We call it Robi”, the smiling pharmacist told me when I looked at the robotic dispenser pacing up and down in a small glass-fronted drug storage room of the pharmacy. The robot spares humans about two hours of med...
Source: The Medical Futurist - September 21, 2021 Category: Information Technology Authors: berci.mesko Tags: 3D Printing Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Augmented Reality Future of Medicine Future of Pharma Robotics Security & Privacy AI digital Innovation Personalized medicine pharmacies blockchain pharmaceutics robots supply c Source Type: blogs
Neuromodulation for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Interview with Martha Morrell, M.D., CMO of NeuroPace
NeuroPace, a medtech company based in California, has developed the RNS system, an implantable neuromodulation device for focal drug-resistant epilepsy. The system continuously monitors brain activity and then responds appropriately to target the seizure source in the brain for personalized seizure prevention. The company reports that the stimulation provided by the device is imperceptible to patients.
The implant can share the EEG data it collects with each patient’s physician, allowing them to track progress. In a new development, NeuroPace has received $9.3M from the NIH to study the RNS system in the treatment of ...
Source: Medgadget - August 16, 2021 Category: Medical Devices Authors: Conn Hastings Tags: Exclusive Neurology Neurosurgery Lennox-Gastaut neuropace Source Type: blogs
Protein and Brain Health: What to Know
In this study of over five hundred seniors, those who consumed 120 grams of protein daily had lower levels of amyloid-beta than those whose daily intake was only fifty-four grams.
But that’s not all. Another study of 920 seniors showed that those who follow a high-protein diet, along with plenty of leafy greens and healthy fats, also had a decreased risk of dementia and improved cognitive function.
Unfortunately, it’s not entirely clear how protein influences the level of amyloid-beta in the brain. Some believe it’s the effects of a high-protein diet for lowering blood pressure and improving heart health. In ge...
Source: PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement - August 15, 2021 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Nicole McCray Tags: diet featured health and fitness self-improvement brain health protein Source Type: blogs
Wearable Sensor Monitors Myoclonic Jerks
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed a wearable surface electromyography and three-dimensional accelerometry system that can measure the occurrence and severity of myoclonic jerks, which are sudden muscle movements experienced by patients with progressive myoclonic epilepsy. The muscle jerks can be unpleasant, but can also cause accidents and falls. The researchers hope that the new sensors could help them to understand progressive myoclonic epilepsy a little better, and eventually assist with developing new treatments and allow patients to track their progress.
Myoclonic jerks can be stimulat...
Source: Medgadget - August 11, 2021 Category: Medical Devices Authors: Conn Hastings Tags: Neurology Source Type: blogs
Breath Test Predicts Treatment Regimen for Epilepsy Drugs
Anti-seizure medication must be tailored for individual patients, as the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic one is quite small. Now, researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland have developed a breath test that can rapidly provide information on the optimal drug treatment approach for epilepsy patients. Their test provides information on drug levels in the body, as well as drug metabolites and other metabolic hallmarks, that can help clinicians to predict whether someone is responding appropriately to a medication or whether they need a modified dose.
Epilepsy patients who take anti-seizure medi...
Source: Medgadget - August 9, 2021 Category: Medical Devices Authors: Conn Hastings Tags: Medicine Neurology Source Type: blogs
Wireless Light Implant for Optogenetics Without Skull Damage
Researchers at the University of Arizona have overcome a major limitation of optogenetics with their wireless and battery-free implant that can shine light through the skull. The small device, which is implanted under the skin, could provide a light source for optogenetics that doesn’t require damage to the skull or brain. While optogenetics is currently an experimental technique that lets researchers learn more about neural circuitry in the brain, it may also one day be a viable therapeutic option for neurological disease.
Optogenetics involves modifying specific neurons with a light-sensitive protein, so that whe...
Source: Medgadget - August 5, 2021 Category: Medical Devices Authors: Conn Hastings Tags: Genetics Materials Neurology Neurosurgery Source Type: blogs
Systematic review calls for early targeted interventions to help babies and toddlers with cerebral palsy harness time window with maximum brain plasticity
Early targeted intervention ‘critical’ for improving outcomes in cerebral palsy (Healio):
Early intervention for children with or at high risk for cerebral palsy should begin “as soon as possible” in order to build on “a critical developmental time,” according to results of a systematic review published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers conducted the review to develop clinical guidelines for early intervention among children at high risk for cerebral palsy (CP) and their families … the researchers searched six databases for “the best available evidence” regarding early interventions tailored for CP across n...
Source: SharpBrains - July 2, 2021 Category: Neuroscience Authors: SharpBrains Tags: Brain/ Mental Health Education & Lifelong Learning Attention-Deficit autism spectrum disorder Brain-Plasticity Cerebral palsy cognitive-skills disabilities early intervention intellectual disability language impairment Neurodevelopm Source Type: blogs
Why Mozart Has A Powerful Anti-Epileptic Effect (M)
Listening to Mozart reduces epileptic seizures by between 31 and 66 percent, even after just one sitting. (Source: PsyBlog | Psychology Blog)
Source: PsyBlog | Psychology Blog - June 28, 2021 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Jeremy Dean Tags: Music subscribers-only Source Type: blogs
Apple ResearchKit keeps picking up speed
Three medical centers reveal new studies using Apple ' s software for a range of conditions, including autism, epilepsy, and melanoma. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog)
Source: Healthcare IT News Blog - June 15, 2021 Category: Information Technology Tags: Public Policy Source Type: blogs
Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation Using Ultrasound and Genetic Modification
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a technique they call sonothermogenetics, which combines ultrasound and genetic modification to achieve non-invasive neural control in deep brain regions. The technique involves using viral vectors to introduce genetic material encoding for ion channels to specific neurons in the brain. An external ultrasound probe can then provide gentle heating, which activates the ion channels, effectively allowing researchers to turn specific neurons on or off. The new approach may eventually lead to effective non-invasive treatments for neurological conditions such as Pa...
Source: Medgadget - June 4, 2021 Category: Medical Devices Authors: Conn Hastings Tags: Genetics Neurology Neurosurgery Source Type: blogs
#Healthin2Point00, Episode 204 | Vida, Headway, & Neuroelectrics, plus RCM acquires VisitPay
Today on Health in 2 Point 00, I am over the moon excited about Chelsea’s Champion’s League semi-final win. But on Episode 204, we have some big deals to cover too. First, Vida Health gets $110 million in a Series D bringing their total to $188 million. Next, R1 RCM acquires VisitPay for $300 million, integrating patient financial engagement into their revenue cycle management offerings. It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health startup Headway raises $70 million – do they have a chance in that crowded space? Finally, Neuroelectrics gets $17.5 million for their neurostimulation cap helping with ...
Source: The Health Care Blog - May 6, 2021 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Christina Liu Tags: Health in 2 Point 00 Health Technology Jessica DaMassa Matthew Holt Neuroelectrics RCM vida health VisitPay Source Type: blogs
Sugar Coated Brain Implants
Researchers at McGill University in Canada have developed a method to create and deliver brain implants that are a similar in consistency to the brain itself, which is a soft gelatinous tissue. The delicate silicone implants are created using sugar molds and delivered using a sugar needle, and their delicate consistency helps to ensure that they cause minimal irritation within the brain and reduce the chances of a foreign body response.
Brain implants have a variety of uses, from identifying the regions of the brain responsible for epilepsy to producing brain stimulation. However, their use is somewhat limited by their ...
Source: Medgadget - May 5, 2021 Category: Medical Devices Authors: Conn Hastings Tags: Materials Neurology Neurosurgery Source Type: blogs
Seizing the Wheel: Need for Uniformity in State Driving Bans for People with Epilepsy
Greyson Young (University of Mississippi), Seizing the Wheel: Need for Uniformity in State Driving Bans for People with Epilepsy, SSRN: Common logic tells us that a driver with epilepsy carries with them a significantly higher risk of causing an accident.... (Source: HealthLawProf Blog)
Source: HealthLawProf Blog - April 13, 2021 Category: Medical Law Authors: Katharine Van Tassel Source Type: blogs
AppliedVR raises $29M to help make virtual reality the standard of care for treating chronic pain
AppliedVR Raises $29 Million for Immersive Headsets (LA Business Journal):
Century City-based AppliedVR, Inc. announced March 23 that it has raised $29 million in Series A funding that will be used to continue development of an immersive headset to help patients with chronic pain.
… The company is building a headset called EaseVRx that will display immersive environments like campfires, mountains and other animated nature scenes to help patients dealing with chronic pain, including fibromyalgia and chronic intractable lower back pain…
AppliedVR Chief Executive and co-founder Matthew Stoudt said that the pandemic h...
Source: SharpBrains - March 24, 2021 Category: Neuroscience Authors: SharpBrains Tags: Brain/ Mental Health Technology & Innovation AppliedVR chronic pain cognitive behavioral therapies FDA fibromyalgia headset mindfulness exercises pain treatment virtual-reality Source Type: blogs
