In a study of mice, researchers showed how the act of seeing light may trigger the formation of vision-harming tumors in young children who are born with.
New algorithm could help enable next-generation deep brain stimulation devices
Brown University researchers have developed a technique that could allow deep brain stimulation devices to sense activity in the brain and adjust stimulation accordingly.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] By delivering small electrical pulses directly to the brain, deep brain stimulation (DBS) can ease tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease or help relieve chronic pain. The technique works well for many patients, but researchers would like to make DBS devices that are a little smarter by adding the capability to sense activity in the brain and adapt stimulation accordingly.
Now, a new algorithm developed by Brown University bioengineers could be an important step toward such adaptive DBS. The algorithm removes a key hurdle that makes it difficult for DBS systems to sense brain signals while simultaneously delivering stimulation.
This disease, previously unknown to science, was confusing researchers around the world. The symptoms resembled ALS, but the early onset and slower progres
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IMAGE: NIH researchers discovered a new form of ALS that begins in childhood. The study linked the disease to a gene called SPLTC1. As part of the study, NIH senior scientist. view more
Credit: Courtesy of the NIH/NINDS.
In a study of 11 medical-mystery patients, an international team of researchers led by scientists at the National Institutes of Health and the Uniformed Services University (USU) discovered a new and unique form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Unlike most cases of ALS, the disease began attacking these patients during childhood, worsened more slowly than usual, and was linked to a gene, called SPTLC1, that is part of the body s fat production system. Preliminary results suggested that genetically silencing SPTLC1 activity would be an effective strategy for combating this type of ALS.
Researchers have found that a rare form of ALS discovered in children may be attributed to a genetic issue, and they may have an idea as to how to stop it. ALS usually appears in people 50 and older.