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 Worm
gene gives hope for restoring injured nerves
University of Utah scientists have identified a worm gene that is
essential for damaged nerve cells to regenerate, and have shown that
they could speed nerve regeneration by over-activating the gene. This
could be a step toward new treatments for nerves injured by trauma or
disease. 25 January 2009
Deep brain stimulation treatment improves
movement skills in Parkinson's sufferers
Patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD) who received deep brain
stimulation treatment had more improvement in movement skills and quality of
life after six months than patients who received other medical therapy. 15
January 2009
Discovery of new link between inflammation
and Alzheimer's disease opens way for new treatments
Researchers at the Roskamp Institute in the US have uncovered a new link
between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease and have identified a potential
target for developing novel therapeutics for intervention in this disease.
12 January 2009
Neuromonics awarded $1m to study tinnitus
treatment for soldiers
Neuromonics, Inc. has been awarded $1 million from the US Department of
Defense to study the treatment of tinnitus among military service members.
Tinnitus is one of the top medical complaints for soldiers returning from
Iraq and Afghanistan, primarily due to excessive noise exposure during
combat. 7 January 2009
NeuroNexus Technologies and Philips
partner to develop deep brain stimulation devices
The partnership combines Philips Research’s strengths in microelectronics,
signal processing, ultra-low power system design and miniaturization with
NeuroNexus Technologies’ expertise in micro-scale electrode design and
fabrication. The first aim is to develop a device to treat parkinson's
disease. 4 December 2008
Neurostimulation provides sustained leg pain
relief and improved quality of life
New data from a study published in the journal Neurosurgery show that spinal cord stimulation (neurostimulation therapy) provides sustained, significant improvement in otherwise intractable, chronic leg pain, quality of life and functional capacity out to 24 months of therapy.
20 November 2008
Statin drugs reduce risk of Alzheimer’s
disease
A long-term study in the Netherlands has found that older men and women who
took statin drugs had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study was
part of the Rotterdam Study, a long-term prospective study of factors that
determine the occurrence of common diseases of the elderly, such as heart
disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 12 November 2008
Alzheimer Research Forum releases overview
of Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
The Alzheimer Research Forum (Alzforum), an authoritative Web resource, is
releasing a six-part series on the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging
Initiative (ADNI), the largest study ever to fill a central knowledge gap in
the Alzheimer disease field. 2 November 2008
Optics meets medicine at US Optical
Society meeting
A few of the many technical highlights to be discussed at the meeting: a new
look at mini-strokes; a potential new tool for brain surgeons; new technique
for mapping blood supply in retina increases safety and comfort of exams;
the optics of Alzheimer's disease; potential non-invasive optical detection
of pancreatic cancer; the neuron microscope, treating bone cancer and
futuristic lighting at FiO. 16 October 2008
Parachute accident victim implanted with
mini neurostimulator to treat chronic pain
St Jude Medical has announced the first patient implant of its Eon Mini
neurostimulator. Weighing just 29 gms it is designed to treat chronic pain
of the trunk or limbs and pain from failed back surgery. 27 September 2008
Brain scans show optimal times for
multitasking
Multitasking has become an increasingly necessary part of our daily lives,
but it is a notoriously inefficient way of working. However, a new brain
imaging study finds that there are optimal times when we are better suited
to multitask. 17 September 2008
Treatment of hypertension a key factor in the prevention of dementia
Treatment of hypertension has been proved to reduce cardiovascular risk
substantially, but a large proportion of people with hypertension in the
general population are not even diagnosed or treated, writes
Professor Ingmar Skoog, of the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology,
Göteborg University, Sweden. 8 September 2008
Variant of mad cow disease may be
transmitted by blood transfusions The risk of transmitting bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, commonly known as 'mad cow disease') by
blood transfusion is surprisingly high, according to a nine-year study
in sheep conducted at the University of Edinburgh. 6 September 2008
First data from study of occipital nerve
stimulation to control chronic migraine
Data from a multi-centre study using neurostimulation of the occipital
nerves as a potential approach to treating medically refractory chronic
migraines was presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American
Headache Society (AHS) in June. 7 July 2008
Brain imaging identifies ways to help
stroke patients regain speech
An important breakthrough in understanding how the brain works could help
stroke patients to regain their speech. The new study shows that brains of
stroke sufferers may have to 'relearn' how to put together different types
of information in order to understand speech by using different parts of the
brain to compensate for damaged areas. 6 June 2008
St Jude awarded patent for
neurostimulation therapy for depression
St Jude Medical, Inc. has been awarded a US patent for treating depression
using neurostimulation therapy in an area of the brain known as Brodmann
Area 25. The company is also evaluating whether deep brain stimulation (DBS)
therapy can help people who suffer from major depressive disorder. 29 April
2008
Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis collects 1000 blood
samples for collaborative research
The Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis has completed a drive to collect one thousand blood and data
samples to build the largest openly accessible, multidisciplinary
repository ever assembled for use in multiple sclerosis (MS) research. 29 April 2008
St Jude Medical gains US and EU approval for mini
10-year rechargeable neurostimulator
St Jude Medical, Inc. has gained approval for its Eon Mini implantable neurostimulator to treat
chronic pain. It is 10 mm thick, weighs 29 grams and has a battery life
of 10 years between recharges. 18 April 2008
Smiths Medical to distribute Life-Tech’s
nerve-stimulating catheters
Smiths Medical will distribute the catheters as an addition to their current
line of peripheral nerve-block products. Stimulating catheters are used for
continuous peripheral nerve blocks in orthopaedic procedures to the shoulder
and knee. 28 February 2008
Computers better at diagnosing Alzheimer's
disease from MR scans of the brain
A study led by scientists at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging at
University College London has shown that computers can be cheaper, faster
and more accurate than experts at identifying signs of Alzheimers from MR
scans of the brain. 27 February 2008
Cambridge research team close to
breakthrough in repairing spinal injuries
The Centre for Brain Repair research team believes it is close to a clinical
treatment that could allow nerve fibres to regenerate within the spinal cord
and also encourage remaining nerve fibres to work more effectively. 21
February 2008
St Jude Medical announces clinical study
of deep brain stimulation for depression
St Jude Medical will begin enrollment in a clinical study of electrical
stimulation of the brain's Brodmann area 25 for treating major depressive
disorder in patients for whom currently-available treatments are not
effective. 16 February 2008
 Infrared
light may reverse dementia and memory loss
Researchers at the University of Sunderland have shown that regular exposure
to low-level infra-red light can improve learning performance and trigger
regeneration of the cognitive function of the brain. 25 January 2008
Brain imaging of autistic children shows
malfunctioning grey matter
A novel imaging technique has been used to discover malfunctioning grey
matter in autistic children in the brain areas that govern social processing
and learning by observation. 10 January 2008
MR brain imaging discovers blue light
affects memory and alertness
Researchers at the University of Liege, Belgium, and the University of
Surrey, UK, have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to
discover a previously unknown affect of light on the brain. They have shown
that blue light can affect basic functions of the human brain such as
alertness, memory, emotion and cognitive tasks. 12 December 2007
London neuroimaging centre boosts brain
research with Siemens 1.5 Tesla MR scanner
The Birkbeck/University College London Centre for NeuroImaging (BUCNI) has
boosted its research capabilities with the new scanner, which enables
observation of activity in the brain non-invasively and will enhance
understanding of human cognition and behaviour.
Brain scans show gene therapy normalizes
brain function in Parkinson's patients
PET scans of the brains of Parkinson's patients given an experimental gene
therapy to improve muscular control showed that the treatment worked and had
lasting results. 26 November
Early detection is essential to preserving
memory in Alzheimer's patients
Fear of Alzheimer's disease often results in delayed diagnosis and
treatment, which can negatively impact care. 13 November 2007
The top 10 neuroscience trends of 2007
The Neurotechnology Industry Organization (NIO) has announced the top ten
emerging areas of neuroscience that will impact the future of treatments for
brain and nervous system. 13 November 2007
 3D
MRI imaging highlights brain atrophy in Alzheimer's patients
Researchers at UCLA have used an advanced 3D mapping technique to analyse
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to highlight the differences in brain
atrophy between mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. 30
October
Mobile phone users show slowed brain
activity
Frequent mobile phone use slows brain function, according to a recent study,
but they also showed better focused attention. No firm conclusions can be
drawn as to whether these effects are to be considered an adverse health
effect or not. 1 October 2007
 Fruit
fly imaging aids research into Alzheimer's
Scientists at the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) have developed optical
imaging technology that can generate 3D internal images of the fruit fly for
the first time. Due to the similarity between fly and human genes, the
technique could help to speed up genetic research into Alzheimer’s and other
human diseases that affect brain cells. 18 September 2007
New technique allows scans of babies'
brains with infrared light
An improved technique that uses infrared light to scan the brain using a
head cap will enable infants to be scanned for studying brain development or
for assessing brain injury. 7 September
MindWeavers to launch software to improve brain function
MindWeavers, a spin-out company from the University of Oxford, is launching
a series of 'brain exercise' computer game products after securing £558,000
of new investment capital. 21 August 2007
Miniature device implanted in brain could
monitor and treat epilepsy
Purdue University researchers have developed a tiny transmitter three times
the width of a human hair to be implanted below the scalp to detect the
signs of an epileptic seizure before it occurs. 15 August 2007
Role of environmental factors in
Parkinson's disease highlights need for early diagnostic test
Environmental factors cause 95% of cases of Parkinson's disease and its
onset can be delayed by antioxidants. This means early identification and
treatment with antioxidants could greatly help sufferers by preventing or
reducing the damage caused by the disease. 17 July 2007
Philips and UKE develop
computer-aided diagnosis of PET and MRI brain scans
The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and Royal
Philips Electronics have developed software for computer-aided
diagnosis (CAD) of PET and MRI imaging of the brain to aid the
identification of neurodegenerative diseases. 11 July 2007
CARS imaging shows calcium ions
may have role in multiple sclerosis
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that calcium ions
could play a crucial role in multiple sclerosis by activating
enzymes that degrade the fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibres.
11 July 2007
DiaGenic developing blood test for
Alzheimer’s disease
Using peripheral blood as an easy-to-collect sample, the test
detects a 'gene signature' of the disease. 11 June 2007
Neurotechnology industry revenues
reach $120.5 billion
A survey of the neurotechnology industry has found that total
revenues from pharmaceuticals, devices and diagnostics reached
$120bn in 2006. 4 June 2007
 Dual
EEG study discovers new brain rhythm during social interaction
The discovery of a new brain neuromarker may prove to be a sensitive
probe of neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia
where the inability to have harmonious social interactions is
problematic. This research also opens up untapped possibilities to
identify the neural mechanisms of real-time social behaviour between
humans. 22 May 2007
Robotic exoskeleton helps regain limb
function
A robotic exoskeleton controlled by nerve signals could help people with
partial nervous system impairment regain limb function. 27 Feb 2007
 Computer
model of brain's visual processing could lead to better image analysis and
robot vision
A new computer model of how the brain processes visual information has
surprised researchers at its power. Developed as a tool for neuroscientists
it could now have applications in surveillance and automobile driver’s
assistance, visual search engines, biomedical imaging analysis, and robots
with realistic vision. 22 February 2007
Advanced Neuromodulation Systems receives
European approval
for pain-control device.
The Rapid Programmer 3.0 allows fine control of electrical stimulation of
selected nerve fibres in the spinal chord to manage chronic pain. 18 Jan
2006
Neurological movement disorder
substantially reduced by deep brain stimulation therapy
An implantable medical device sending mild electrical pulses to
precisely-targeted areas of the brain involved in motor control can provide
significant and sustained benefits to people with a disabling form of a
neurological movement disorder called dystonia. 15 Nov 2006
Carbon nanotubes bridge nerve cells and
electronics
Carbon nanotubes that connect nerve cells to electronic circuits may lead to
new implantable biomedical devices that can act as artificial nerve cells,
control severe pain, or allow otherwise paralyzed muscles to be moved. 14
Nov 2006
Boston Scientific receives EU clearance
for new lead for electrical pain-relief device
The surgical or "paddle" lead potentially expands the application of the
company's neurostimulation technology to an additional 20% of people with
chronic pain of the limbs, back or trunk. 7 Nov 2006
Manchester backache sufferers wanted for
ultrasound study
University of Manchester researchers are recruiting people with backache
caused by nerve root pain — commonly known as sciatica — in the first ever
study to discover if therapeutic ultrasound can help their condition. 3 Nov
2006
Brain–computer interface offers paralyzed
patients improved quality of life
A brain–computer interface installed early enough in patients with
neuron-destroying diseases can enable them to be taught to communicate
through an electronic device and slow destruction of the nervous system. 3
Nov 2006
Elekta wins order for 3-D brain mapping
MEG technology from Max Planck Institute
The Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science (MPI CBS) in
Leipzig, Germany has ordered an Elekta Neuromag magnetoencephalography (MEG)
system. MEG offers functional mapping information and measurement of brain
activity in real time. 16 Oct 2006
Spinal cord stimulation gives significant
improvement in pain relief for chronic pain sufferers
An international multicentre study shows that neurostimulation in
combination with conventional medical management is significantly more
effective than conventional medical management alone for patients suffering
from persistent leg and back pain despite anatomically successful spine
surgery. 6 Oct 2006. Español
Deutsch
ANS receives Australian approval for
rechargeable chronic pain system
Advanced Neuromodulation Systems (ANS) has received regulatory approval from
the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its Eon
rechargeable neurostimulation system. Patients at the Royal North Shore
Hospital in Sydney are among first to be implanted with the device. 6 Oct
2006
High definition videoconferencing for
remote neurosurgery training
High definition videoconferencing systems have been used in a
ground-breaking way to deliver a trainee surgeons’ workshop based on a live
operation at the autumn conference of The Society of British Neurological
Surgeons (SNBS). 22 Sept 2006
Elekta to deliver latest brain
radiosurgery system to University of Virginia. 13 Sept 2006
Deep brain stimulation benefits advanced
Parkinson's disease
Medtronic's Activa deep brain stimulation therapy combined with medication
has been found to be significantly more effective than medication alone in
treating motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease. 1 Sept 2006
Parkinson’s disease patients benefit from
expert management of deep brain stimulation
Patients with Parkinson’s disease who are undergoing deep brain stimulation
treatment may benefit from the direct involvement of a neurologist with
expertise both in movement disorders and in deep brain stimulation. 23 July
2006
Microchip in brain enables thoughts to
control computer
A study on people with severe paralysis has found that signals in the area
of the brain responsible for voluntary movement can be picked up by a
microchip embedded in the brain, transmitted to a computer and converted
into simple actions. 21 July 2006
Mobile phone radiation affects brain
cortex
Electromagnetic fields from mobile phones excite the brain cortex nearby,
with potential implications for people with epilepsy or other neurological
conditions, according to an article in the Annals of Neurology. 5 July 2006
Magnetic pulse device relieves migraine
pain
An electronic device that sends a magnetic pulse into the brain has been
shown to be effective in reducing the effects of migraine. A short intense
magnetic field creates an electric current in the neurons of the brain,
interrupting the migraine aura before it results in a throbbing headache. 29
June 2006
Leiden and Utrecht Universities choose
Philips 7 Tesla MRI scanner for advanced neurological disease research
The contracts are part of a project to establish a Dutch Virtual Institute
for Seven Tesla Applications (VISTA) to improve understanding of
neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Epilepsy and
Multiple Sclerosis. 8 June 2006
 EU
approval and first European implant for ANS neurostimulation system
The Eon Neurostimulation System helps patients manage chronic, intractable
pain by using low-intensity electrical impulses to selectively trigger nerve
fibres along the spinal cord. 19 May 2006
 Elekta
to supply 3-D brain mapping device to Cambridge brain science unit
Swedish company Elekta has won a tender to deliver its Elekta Neuromag, a
magneto-encephalography (MEG) scanner for the non-invasive registration of
nerve cell activity in the brain to the the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences
Unit (MRC CBU) in Cambridge, UK. 1 May 2006
Medtronic announces clinical trials
strategy for neurological and urological therapies
Medtronic will invest in at least six new major clinical trials of therapies
that use its neuromodulation or radiofrequency technology to treat a range
of neurological and urological conditions such as Parkinson's disease,
depression, chronic pain, severe spasticity. 1 May 2006
Electrical stimulation of brain boosts
stroke recovery
Sending tiny electric pulses to a part of the brain controlling motor
function helps ischemic stroke survivors regain partial use of a weakened
hand, according to a study by Oregon Health & Science University. 30 March
2006
NDI Medical forms business unit to
promote neurostimulation products
The manufacturer of neurostimulation products for the medical device
industry has formed a new business unit to help companies and researchers
develop and market neurostimulation products for neurological and cardiac
applications. 27 February 2006
Deep brain stimulation of locomotor
region can help Parkinson's sufferers
The part of the brain that plays an important role in the initiation and
maintenance of walking behaviour can be safely stimulated to improve
postural stability and gait, according to a recent NeuroReport article. 21
November 2005
MRI shows blood flow to brain may play
key role in dementia
The amount of blood flowing into the brain may play a larger role in the
development of dementia than previously believed, according to a study by
researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
4 October 2005
Medtronic acquires Image-Guided
Neurologics to improve deep brain stimulation surgery
Medtronic has acquired Image-Guided Neurologics (IGN) of Melbourne, Florida,
a privately held company that specialises in precision navigation and
delivery technologies for brain surgery. The IGN product line strengthens
Medtronic’s leadership position in deep brain stimulation. 4 September 2005
Brain pacemaker developers win Erwin
Schrödinger Prize
Researchers from Cologne University and the Jülich Research Centre have won
the 2005 Erwin Schrödinger Prize for the development of a brain pacemaker
for treating neurological disorders. 14 August 2005
Research into Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
boosted by Harvard collaboration with GE Healthcare
The Harvard Center for Neurodegeneration & Repair (HCNR) will use GE
Healthcare’s state-of-the-art cellular imaging system, the IN Cell Analyzer,
to research the human central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases
such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. 12 August 2005
Implantable pain therapy device receives
FDA approval
The SynergyPlus+ is the newest "pain pacemaker" to join Medtronic's family
of implantable chronic pain therapies. It was designed to give patients more
control over the delivery of stimulation that blocks pain signals from
reaching the brain while performing a variety of daily activities. 4 July
2005
GE's next-generation CT scanner gives
rapid imaging of blood vessels in brain and aids stroke diagnosis
GE Healthcare's LightSpeed VCT, is being used to image the brains of stroke
patients at University of Michigan Health System (U-M). Its speed and
resolution enable rapid examination of blood vessels in the brain (perfusion
studies), to provide information to help make an accurate and timely
diagnosis of stroke, and to help determine the extent of stroke damage. 2
June 2005
IVMD announces commercial agreement on new
diagnostic product for schizophrenia
In Veritas has signed a commercial agreement on a joint project with The
Ness Foundation, to develop a low cost, non-invasive diagnostic product for
the early and effective detection of mental illness. 2 June 2005
Medtronic receives FDA approval for
rechargeable neurostimulation system
It is a new treatment option for people suffering from complex,
difficult-to-treat chronic pain, and those requiring high-power stimulation
for pain relief. April 2005
Deep brain stimulation device could
help treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder.
The US FDA has designated Medtronic's Activa Deep Brain Stimulation
Therapy as a Humanitarian Use Device for the treatment of chronic,
treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder. March 2005
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