Tag

Targeted Therapies

All articles tagged with #targeted therapies

neuroscience2 years ago

Unraveling Social Memory Challenges: The Cerebellum's Crucial Role

Researchers have discovered that the cerebellum plays a crucial role in social recognition memory, a function often impaired in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By modulating cerebellar activity, they were able to retrieve social information in preclinical models, pointing to potential targeted treatments for memory loss. This finding highlights the importance of understanding the brain's mechanisms in memory loss and could lead to more effective therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.

health2 years ago

"Groundbreaking Study Reveals 11 Genes Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer"

Scientists have identified 11 genes associated with aggressive prostate cancer in the largest study of its kind. Men carrying mutations in these genes have a twofold increased risk of developing life-threatening prostate cancer. The discovery could lead to improved cancer screening tools and targeted gene therapies. The study analyzed the genes of over 17,500 men with prostate cancer from various countries and found that mutations in genes such as BRCA2, ATM, and NBN were strongly associated with severe cases of prostate cancer. The findings highlight the importance of genetic testing in identifying individuals at risk and potentially enabling earlier targeted treatment.

health2 years ago

"Promising Breakthrough in Predicting Schizophrenia Risk for Patients"

Scientists at the UNC School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in identifying gene variations closely linked to the development of schizophrenia. Using genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA), they isolated 5,175 unique gene variants, with 439 identified as potentially causal. This discovery could pave the way for targeted therapies for schizophrenia in the future.

health2 years ago

Decoding the Gut-Brain Connection: Unveiling the Secrets of Colon Neurons

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified five distinct types of sensory neurons in the colon that send varying signals to the brain. These neurons respond to different stimuli, with some detecting gentle movements and others reacting to intense forces or inflammation. The findings, if confirmed in humans, could lead to more targeted therapies for gastrointestinal conditions. Understanding the function of these neurons may provide insights into how mechanical forces are converted into electrical signals in the nervous system.

health2 years ago

Microglia's Role in Anxiety and OCD Control

University of Utah Health scientists have discovered that microglia, a minor cell type in the brain, play a crucial role in controlling anxiety-related behaviors in laboratory mice. The researchers found that specific microglia populations activate anxiety and OCD behaviors while others dampen them, and that microglia communicate with neurons to invoke the behaviors. The findings could lead to new approaches for targeted therapies for anxiety-related conditions, including OCD.