[Comment] Expanding the spectrum of type 1 IFN neuroinflammation

Type 1 interferons (IFNs) have a crucial role in the innate immune system’s protection against viral infections. The production of type 1 IFNs is triggered by a signalling pathway that is activated when innate sensors recognise viral nucleic acids. Type 1 IFNs bind to the receptors IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, thereby initiating JAK-STAT signalling, which promotes… Continue reading [Comment] Expanding the spectrum of type 1 IFN neuroinflammation

[In Context] Maria Trojano: advocate for real-world multiple sclerosis studies

Maria Trojano describes herself as “a strong-willed person” who has always enjoyed solving problems. For her, neurology seems a perfect fit. “Neurology is still one of those fields where you have to use history, information, and examination to arrive at the clinical diagnosis. So you have to solve problems every day”, she says. Trojano is… Continue reading [In Context] Maria Trojano: advocate for real-world multiple sclerosis studies

Microvascular Dysfunction, Mitochondrial Reprogramming, and Inflammasome Activation as Critical Regulators of Ischemic Stroke Severity Induced by Chronic Exposure to Prescription Opioids

The opioid epidemic endangers not only public health but also social and economic welfare. Growing clinical evidence indicates that chronic use of prescription opioids may contribute to an elevated risk of ischemic stroke and negatively impact poststroke recovery. In addition, NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been related to several cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke. Interestingly, an… Continue reading Microvascular Dysfunction, Mitochondrial Reprogramming, and Inflammasome Activation as Critical Regulators of Ischemic Stroke Severity Induced by Chronic Exposure to Prescription Opioids

New research shows neonatal HSV infections may lead to long-term cognitive impairment

Very early exposure to even a very small dose of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in infant mice can lead to cognitive decline later in life, according to new findings. This is significant because of emerging data in human studies showing an association between HSV and Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Multiple sclerosis: Cell-catching implant helps identify successful treatment in mice

A sponge-like implant in mice helped guide a treatment that slowed or stopped a degenerative condition similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. It also gave researchers a look at how primary progressive multiple sclerosis, the fastest-progressing version of the disease, attacks the central nervous system early on.

Seeing more in expansion microscopy

In biology, seeing can lead to understanding, and researchers in Edward Boyden’s lab at MIT’s McGovern Institute are committed to bringing life into sharper focus. With a pair of new methods, they are expanding the capabilities of expansion microscopy—a high-resolution imaging technique the group introduced in 2015—so researchers everywhere can see more when they look… Continue reading Seeing more in expansion microscopy

Innovative blood test shows potential to replace spinal tap for Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Up to half of all people living with Alzheimer’s Disease in Ireland remain undiagnosed. Now, a new blood test may have the potential to transform patient care, allowing for better diagnosis, earlier interventions and more targeted treatments. Researchers at Trinity College Dublin, the Tallaght Institute of Memory and Cognition and St James’s Hospital, Dublin are exploring… Continue reading Innovative blood test shows potential to replace spinal tap for Alzheimer’s diagnosis