Study Suggests Improved Treatments for Neuropathic PainThursday, Jun 26, 2008
Two chemicals associated with neurodegeneration and inflammation play important and distinct roles in development of neuropathic
pain, a new study shows. The findings may lead to new treatments that can stop neuropathic pain from developing and alleviate
it after it begins.
Nanotech Treatment Shows Promise against Spinal Cord Injury in MiceMonday, May 19, 2008
In experiments on mice, scientists have shown that an injectable nanotech-based polymer stimulates axons to regrow all the
way across a spinal injury.
Javits Neuroscience Award Presented to Six Leading ScientistsWednesday, Jul 12, 2006
Six outstanding scientists who target neurological disorders at the cellular and molecular level were recently awarded the
prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award provides for up to seven years of research funding
from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the nation’s leading agency for research on the
brain and nervous system and a component of the National Institutes of Health.
Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed RatsTuesday, Jun 20, 2006
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to
connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may
be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and
spinal muscular atrophy. The study was funded in part by the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS).
Neurons Grown From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function In Paralyzed RatsTuesday, Jun 20, 2006
For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to
connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may
be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and
spinal muscular atrophy. The study was funded in part by the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS).
Drug Prevents Brain Swelling After StrokeWednesday, Jun 14, 2006
A drug long used to treat diabetes significantly reduces brain swelling, neuron loss, and death after stroke in rats, researchers
have found. The finding may lead to improved ways of treating stroke and other disorders in humans.
Economic Benefit of NINDS-Supported Clinical Trials Estimated at More Than $15 Billion Over Ten YearsThursday, Apr 20, 2006
A comprehensive review of all phase III clinical trials supported by one Federal agency finds that, estimated conservatively,
the economic benefit in the United States from just eight of these trials exceeded $15 billion over the course of 10 years.
The study also found that new discoveries from the trials were responsible for an estimated additional 470,000 healthy years
of life. The clinical trials were sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke (NINDS).
Epilepsy Can Be Triggered by Support Cells in the BrainThursday, Dec 15, 2005
For decades, researchers have tried to understand what triggers clusters of neurons to begin signaling excessively in epilepsy.
A new study shows that, in many cases, the answer resides in star-shaped support cells called astrocytes. The finding may
lead to new ways of treating epilepsy.
Combination Therapy Leads to Partial Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in RatsTuesday, Jul 26, 2005
Combining partially differentiated stem cells with gene therapy can promote the growth of new "insulation" around nerve fibers
in the damaged spinal cords of rats, a new study shows. The treatment, which mimics the activity of two nerve growth factors,
also improves the animals' motor function and electrical conduction from the brain to the leg muscles. The finding may eventually
lead to new ways of treating spinal cord injury in humans.
Combination Therapy Leads to Partial Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in RatsTuesday, Jul 26, 2005
Combining partially differentiated stem cells with gene therapy can promote the growth of new "insulation" around nerve fibers
in the damaged spinal cords of rats, a new study shows. The treatment, which mimics the activity of two nerve growth factors,
also improves the animals' motor function and electrical conduction from the brain to the leg muscles. The finding may eventually
lead to new ways of treating spinal cord injury in humans.
TROY: A Newly Identified Stop Signal in the Pathway for Nerve RegenerationWednesday, Mar 9, 2005
One of the major puzzles in neuroscience is how to get nerves in the brain and spinal cord to regrow after injury. A new
study has identified a protein, TROY, that inhibits nerve cell repair and plays a role in preventing nerve regeneration.
This finding is an important step in developing new methods for treatment of spinal cord injury, stroke, and degenerative
nerve disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
TROY: A Newly Identified Stop Signal in the Pathway for Nerve RegenerationWednesday, Mar 9, 2005
One of the major puzzles in neuroscience is how to get nerves in the brain and spinal cord to regrow after injury. A new
study has identified a protein, TROY, that inhibits nerve cell repair and plays a role in preventing nerve regeneration.
This finding is an important step in developing new methods for treatment of spinal cord injury, stroke, and degenerative
nerve disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award Recognizes Eight Exemplary ScientistsWednesday, Nov 10, 2004
Eight noted investigators have been awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences, which provides
for up to seven years of research funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The award,
which honors the late U.S. Senator Jacob Javits, is presented to investigators who have demonstrated exceptional scientific
excellence and productivity in research areas supported by the NINDS and who are expected to conduct cutting-edge research
over the next seven years.
Signaling Molecule Improves Nerve Cell Regeneration in RatsThursday, Aug 29, 2002
Scientists have made a key discovery that could lead to a new treatment for spinal cord injuries. Two research teams have
found that a dose of a signaling molecule called cyclic AMP (cAMP) given before an induced injury causes damaged nerve cells
to grow new fibers. This finding takes researchers a step closer to understanding and possibly treating paralysis in humans.
Fact Sheet Delayed Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury May Improve RecoverySaturday, Dec 1, 2001
Rats given an experimental therapy several weeks after their spinal cords were severed showed dramatically greater regrowth
of nerve fibers and recovery of function than rats treated immediately after injury, a new study shows. The report suggests
that the window of opportunity for treating spinal cord injury may be wider than previously anticipated.
Fact Sheet Combination Therapy Dramatically Improves Function After Spinal Cord Injury in RatsSunday, May 23, 2004
A combination therapy using transplanted cells plus two experimental drugs significantly improves function in paralyzed rats,
a new study shows. The results suggest that a similar therapy may be useful in humans with spinal cord injury.
Fact Sheet Prolonged Treatment with Methylprednisolone Improves Recovery in Spinal Cord Injured PatientsTuesday, May 27, 1997
Since 1990, thousands of spinal cord injured patients have received the first effective treatment for acute injury. Now,
a new study shows that giving the drug for a longer period of time can significantly improve recovery over the standard treatment.
Manipulating A Single Gene Dramatically Improves Regeneration in Adult Neurons: Finding May Lead to New Approaches for Treating
Brain and Spinal Cord DamageSunday, Jul 1, 2001
Increasing the expression of a single gene that is important during development dramatically improves the ability of adult
neurons to regenerate, a new study shows. The finding suggests that intrinsic properties of neurons play an important role
in controlling neuronal regeneration and may lead to new approaches for treating damage from stroke, spinal cord injury, and
other neurological conditions.
NINDS Research Offers Hope for Transplantation and RegenerationWednesday, Nov 10, 1993
Age-old dogma held that the central nervous system could not regrow or recover, dampening hopes for recovery from spinal cord
injury and other neurological disorders. But recent results from scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke (NINDS) offer a glimpse of how basic research promises approaches for restoring and repairing damaged nerves.
Combination Therapy Dramatically Improves Function After Spinal Cord Injury in RatsSunday, May 23, 2004
A combination therapy using transplanted cells plus two experimental drugs significantly improves function in paralyzed rats,
a new study shows. The results suggest that a similar therapy may be useful in humans with spinal cord injury.
Fact Sheet Signaling Molecule Improves Nerve Cell Regeneration in RatsThursday, Aug 29, 2002
Scientists have made a key discovery that could lead to a new treatment for spinal cord injuries. Two research teams have
found that a dose of a signaling molecule called cyclic AMP (cAMP) given before an induced injury causes damaged nerve cells
to grow new fibers. This finding takes researchers a step closer to understanding and possibly treating paralysis in humans.
Fact Sheet Rewiring the Brain: A Natural Chemical Improves Motor Skills After StrokeMonday, Aug 12, 2002
A new study shows that a chemical naturally produced by the body helps improve motor skills after a stroke by stimulating
undamaged nerve fibers to grow new connections in the brain and spinal cord. Researchers say that infusions of this chemical,
called inosine, substantially improves brain function following strokes in rats. The study suggests a new potential for stroke
treatment amid ongoing research efforts.
Fact Sheet Delayed Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury May Improve RecoverySaturday, Dec 1, 2001
Rats given an experimental therapy several weeks after their spinal cords were severed showed dramatically greater regrowth
of nerve fibers and recovery of function than rats treated immediately after injury, a new study shows. The report suggests
that the window of opportunity for treating spinal cord injury may be wider than previously anticipated.
Fact Sheet
Manipulating A Single Gene Dramatically Improves Regeneration in Adult Neurons: Finding May Lead to New Approaches for Treating
Brain and Spinal Cord DamageSunday, Jul 1, 2001
Increasing the expression of a single gene that is important during development dramatically improves the ability of adult
neurons to regenerate, a new study shows. The finding suggests that intrinsic properties of neurons play an important role
in controlling neuronal regeneration and may lead to new approaches for treating damage from stroke, spinal cord injury, and
other neurological conditions.
Prolonged Treatment with Methylprednisolone Improves Recovery in Spinal Cord Injured PatientsTuesday, May 27, 1997
Since 1990, thousands of spinal cord injured patients have received the first effective treatment for acute injury. Now,
a new study shows that giving the drug for a longer period of time can significantly improve recovery over the standard treatment.
Scientists Gain New Understanding of CNS Stem Cells: Findings May Lead to Improved Treatments for Parkinson's Disease, Other
DisordersThursday, Apr 3, 1997
For decades, scientists believed that the adult central nervous system could not repair itself, in part because it lacked
fundamental 'stem cells', mother cells that can divide to form other kinds of cells. A series of findings has now shown that
stem cells are present in the adult brain and spinal cord, and that they can be grown in culture and directed to act in much
the same way as fetal stem cells. These findings provide new hope for people with Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury,
and a host of other disorders.
NINDS Research Offers Hope for Transplantation and RegenerationWednesday, Nov 10, 1993
Age-old dogma held that the central nervous system could not regrow or recover, dampening hopes for recovery from spinal cord
injury and other neurological disorders. But recent results from scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders
and Stroke (NINDS) offer a glimpse of how basic research promises approaches for restoring and repairing damaged nerves.