Archives: 2019-08-14

Tissue model reveals role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer’s

Study finds that Alzheimer’s damage allows toxins to enter the brain, further harming neurons. Beta-amyloid plaques, the protein aggregates that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, disrupt many brain functions and can kill neurons. They can also damage the blood-brain barrier — the normally tight border that prevents harmful molecules in the bloodstream from

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New soft neural implant can be wirelessly controlled using a smartphone

Researchers have developed a soft neural implant that can be wirelessly controlled using a smartphone. It is the first wireless neural device capable of indefinitely delivering multiple drugs and multiple colour lights, which neuroscientists believe can speed up efforts to uncover brain diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, addiction, depression, and pain. A team under Professor

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The brain inspires a new type of artificial intelligence

Though the brain is a very slow machine, its capabilities exceed typical state-of-the-art, ultrafast artificial intelligence algorithms; hence, a revolution in deep learning must emerge, as experimentally and theoretically demonstrated by physicists Machine learning, introduced 70 years ago, is based on evidence of the dynamics of learning in our brain. Using the speed of modern

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An emerging view of RNA transcription and splicing

P.M. Fornasari 08/10/2019 Whitehead Institute scientists find chemical modification contributes to trafficking between non-membrane-bound compartments that control gene expression. Cells often create compartments to control important biological functions. The nucleus is a prime example; surrounded by a membrane, it houses the genome. Yet cells also harbor enclosures that are not membrane-bound and more transient, like

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ICER closely monitoring FDA’s Zolgensma investigation

Following an announcement by the FDA that it is investigating ‘data manipulation’ of Novartis’ Zolgensma, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has commented that this could lead to a re-evaluation of its initial cost-effectiveness assessment of the drug.   Novartis’ gene therapy Zolgensma was approved by the FDA to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in children under two

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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Make CAR T-Cell Cancer Therapy Available to Medicare Beneficiaries Nationwide

Decision ensures consistency in access to the innovative new cancer therapy, and CMS is working closely with sister agencies to monitor outcomes for patients receiving the therapy Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Azar, finalized the decision to cover FDA-approved Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell, or “CAR

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Characterizing tau aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases

New research reveals a structural model for amyloid fibrils that could aid in future medicinal interventions for Alzheimer’s, CTE, and more. The microtubule-binding protein tau in neurons of the central nervous system can misfold into filamentous aggregates under certain conditions. These filaments are found in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy

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Apple, Eli Lilly, Evidation Health joint study suggests device sensors can spot cognitive decline

These data provide a proof of concept that Apple products and other consumer devices can play a role in monitoring or identifying disease symptoms. Sensors from consumer-grade devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads and Beddit sleep monitors capture enough data to spot mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease dementia, according to a new feasibility study conducted jointly

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