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Science For the Brain

The nation's leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and nervous system.

NINDS is part of the National Institutes of Health

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Neuroscience News

Study Using Robotic Microscope Shows How Mutant Huntington's Disease Protein Affects Neurons

For release: Wednesday, October 13, 2004

A montage of four images of the development of a single neuron over a two-week period. The neuron was transfected with green flourescent protein and a microscope imaged the neuron 3 hours, 64 hours, 113 hours, and 137 hours later.

Using a specially designed robotic microscope to study cultured cells, researchers have found evidence that abnormal protein clumps called inclusion bodies in neurons from people with Huntington's disease (HD) prevent cell death. The finding helps to resolve a longstanding debate about the role of these inclusion bodies in HD and other disorders and may help investigators find effective treatments for these diseases. Full article | Fact Sheet

Brain Imaging May Identify High Risk Stroke Patients

For release: Thursday, October 07, 2004

By using sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, researchers have been able to study early changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a semi-permeable membrane that surrounds and protects the brain, to predict a stroke patient's outcome. This study showed that the patients who had disruption in the BBB were more likely to experience bleeding in the brain and have a poor clinical outcome. The researchers say this technique could help identify patients who are most likely to do the best with thrombolytic therapy, and to help clinicians offer additional therapies to those who might suffer complications. Full article | Fact Sheet

Reorganization of the Brain Allows Blind Individuals to Process Speech More Effectively

For release: Monday, October 04, 2004

The portion of the brain devoted to vision may play a prominent role in processing the spoken word in blind people. Research conducted by the NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) shows that the "sight" region of the brain is essentially reorganized in blind individuals to help them process spoken words more effectively. The findings yield important information about the brain's ability to compensate for lost function. Full article

Gene Silencing Prevents Brain Disease in Mice

For release: Thursday, September 23, 2004

Scientists studying a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) have found an effective way to "silence" the mutant gene allele or variant that causes the disorder while leaving the normal gene allele unaffected. Full article | Fact Sheet

Gene for Rapid-Onset Dystonia Parkinsonism Found

For release: Thursday, September 23, 2004

Investigators funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have identified the gene responsible for a rare form of dystonia known as rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism (RDP). Full article | Fact Sheet

Study in Dogs Shows that Histamine is Key to Wakefulness

For release: Thursday, September 23, 2004

Scientists studying an animal model of narcolepsy have found that histamine-activated brain cells are key to wakefulness. The findings help to show why antihistamines, commonly used to treat colds and allergies, cause drowsiness and impair alertness. Full article | Fact Sheet

Vaccine Reduces Parkinson's Disease Neurodegeneration in Mice

For release: Wednesday, July 28, 2004

For the first time, researchers have shown that an experimental vaccine can reduce the amount of neurodegeneration in a mouse model for Parkinson's disease. The finding suggests that a similar therapy might eventually be able to slow the devastating course of Parkinson's disease in humans. Full article | Fact Sheet