Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

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Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

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Researchers at the University of Otago, Christchurch, have been awarded a grant to study the suppression of voluntary tremors in Parkinson’s disease.

The grant is part of a NZ$1.1m research fund from the Neurological Foundation, which is the primary non-governmental sponsor of neurological research in New Zealand.

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New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Insoluble clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, which can cause damage to brain cells, have been previously linked to Parkinson’s. Now, scientists in Germany, France and the US have uncovered new details on how brain cells respond to these clusters. The researchers discovered that the brain’s immune cells may be able to join together to break down the protein clumps. According to a press release, this was previously unknown. They also found that these neighbouring cells share mitochondria – structures that generate energy for chemical reactions – to help one another. In certain mutations associated with Parkinson’s, this process may be impaired. The researchers hope this insight could inform the development of new therapies. “We have opened the door to a field that will certainly engage researchers for many years to come,” said Professor Dr Michael Heneka, director of the Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry at the University Hospital…

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease patients tend to have high levels of oil, known as sebum, on their skin’s surface. Now, a study has suggested that analysing this substance may help when diagnosing the condition. The study revealed that sebum contains significant amounts of genetic material, specifically the molecule ribonucleic acid (RNA). Analysis of RNA contained in sebum – that is, skin surface lipids RNA, or SSL-RNA – could offer insights into a person’s health. Researchers in Japan examined SSL-RNA in men and women with and without Parkinson’s. The results suggested that the SSL-RNA profiles of those with Parkinson’s had “different characteristics” than those without. The researchers then tested whether examining these profiles with machine learning could reveal those who had Parkinson’s – and who didn’t. The team’s algorithm indicated a “relatively robust discriminatory ability,” supporting the further use of SSL-RNA as part of a future “non-invasive” method for diagnosis.

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Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

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6 tools to improve speech in people with Parkinson’s

Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

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Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Interviews

Overcoming obstacles: why Parkinson’s won’t stop me competing on Ninja Warrior

Recipes & Nutrition

Oven-baked fish in butter and mixed herbs

Resources & Tools

6 tools to improve speech in people with Parkinson’s

Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

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