Tag

Nervous System

All articles tagged with #nervous system

Nerve-Fibroblast Loop Spurs Early Pancreatic Cancer Growth
health-and-medicine12 days ago

Nerve-Fibroblast Loop Spurs Early Pancreatic Cancer Growth

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory uncovered a self-sustaining loop in early pancreatic cancer: myCAFs (fibroblasts) lure sympathetic nerves, whose norepinephrine signals activate the fibroblasts and recruit more nerves, accelerating tumor development. Blocking nerve activity slowed growth by about 50% in mice/human cell experiments, pointing to therapies that disrupt the nerve–fibroblast crosstalk alongside existing cancer treatments.

Tumors hijack brain signals through nerves to dampen immune defense
science24 days ago

Tumors hijack brain signals through nerves to dampen immune defense

A Nature study in mice shows that lung cancer cells connect with nearby sensory neurons to send a signal to the brain that suppresses tumor-killing immune cells at the tumor site, allowing cancer to grow. Disabling these neurons reduced tumor growth by more than 50%, revealing a tumor-to-brain–immune axis that could be targeted to boost anticancer defenses.

Revealing the Heart's Hidden Nervous System: A Mini-Brain Discovery
science1 year ago

Revealing the Heart's Hidden Nervous System: A Mini-Brain Discovery

New research from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University reveals that the heart has its own complex nervous system, or "mini-brain," capable of independently regulating the heartbeat. This discovery, made through studies on zebrafish, challenges traditional views and could lead to new treatments for heart diseases like arrhythmias. The study highlights the heart's neural network's complexity and its potential interaction with the brain during stress or disease, offering new therapeutic targets.

"Spinal Cord's Independent Memory and Learning Mechanism Unveiled by Neuroscientists"
neuroscience1 year ago

"Spinal Cord's Independent Memory and Learning Mechanism Unveiled by Neuroscientists"

Researchers have discovered that a specific gene expressed in spinal nerves plays a crucial role in memorizing responses to potential threats, challenging the notion that motor learning and memory are solely confined to brain circuits. Through a study on transgenic mice, they found that inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord can learn novel responses long after the nerves have locked in place, shedding light on how the spinal cord can remain plastic throughout life. This understanding could inspire novel research into treatments for nervous system damage in humans, particularly in improving recovery after spinal cord injury.

"The Evolutionary Impact of an Ancient Virus on Brain Complexity"
science2 years ago

"The Evolutionary Impact of an Ancient Virus on Brain Complexity"

A study published in Cell suggests that complex nervous systems in vertebrates, including humans, may have arisen from ancient viral infections that inserted genetic code into their genomes. The inserted code helped produce myelin, a protective sheath around nerve cells that speeds up signal transmission, enabling the evolution of complex neural networks. This viral DNA, comprising about 8% of the human genome, has been repurposed for various functions, including forming the placenta and regulating hormone levels. The process of infection, repurposing, and transformation continues, highlighting the dynamic nature of evolution.

"The Spicy Journey: Exploring the Effects of Hot Wings on Your Body"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"The Spicy Journey: Exploring the Effects of Hot Wings on Your Body"

The experience of eating spicy food involves a complex journey through the body, triggering reactions from the nervous system, digestive system, and more. Capsaicin, the oil in chile peppers, activates TRPV1 receptors, leading to sensations of heat, salivation, and even euphoria for some. The body's response includes increased saliva, sweating, and a rush of endorphins to alleviate the perceived pain. While eating spicy food is usually harmless, extreme amounts can lead to serious health issues. Additionally, a diet rich in hot peppers may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system, although the exact reasons remain a mystery.

Uncovering Cancer's Manipulation of the Nervous System
health2 years ago

Uncovering Cancer's Manipulation of the Nervous System

Cancer cells, including brain tumors, have been found to communicate and interact with the nervous system, using it to survive, grow, and spread. This emerging field of cancer neuroscience has revealed that cancer cells can form direct connections with neurons, influence the immune system, and even reshape functional circuits in the brain. Researchers are exploring therapies that target these interactions, including repurposing existing drugs to disrupt neuronal communication and potentially improve cancer treatment outcomes.

health-and-wellness2 years ago

The Truth About Ice Baths: Benefits, Science, and Expert Insights

Hormesis, the concept of exposing the body to low-level stressors, has gained attention for its positive effects on health. These stressors, such as exercise, dietary restrictions, and exposure to cold and heat, can boost cellular resistance, enhance metabolic health, strengthen the immune system, and safeguard the nervous system. Activating hormesis involves engaging in physical activity, intermittent fasting, heat and cold exposure, and consuming phytochemical-rich foods.

Headless Brittle Stars: Learning Without a Brain
neuroscience2 years ago

Headless Brittle Stars: Learning Without a Brain

Brittle stars, brainless marine creatures related to starfish, have been found to learn through experience, challenging our understanding of learning and intelligence. In a study, researchers demonstrated that brittle stars can associate darkness with feeding times through classical conditioning, similar to Pavlov's dogs. This learning capability was observed even without sensory cues like smell or taste. The findings suggest that even simple nervous systems can adapt and learn, expanding our understanding of intelligence in the animal kingdom.

The Impact of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Your Nervous System: Signs, Foods to Eat, and More
health2 years ago

The Impact of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Your Nervous System: Signs, Foods to Eat, and More

Vitamin B12 deficiency can have a significant impact on the nervous system, leading to various symptoms. Neurological symptoms, such as paresthesia (tingling or numbness), ataxia (lack of coordination), myelopathy (spinal compression), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and poor balance, are common signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if experiencing these symptoms.