Tag

Nervous System

All articles tagged with #nervous system

Regulate Your Nervous System First to Boost Gut Health
health6 days ago

Regulate Your Nervous System First to Boost Gut Health

A nutritionist argues that gut health starts with regulating the nervous system rather than relying on probiotics, explaining that chronic stress and a dysregulated nervous system disrupt digestion via the gut–brain axis and the vagus nerve. She suggests switching to a parasympathetic “rest and digest” state and using techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, eating in a relaxed environment, getting 7–9 hours of sleep, and regular exercise to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Probiotics and supplements can help, but may not suffice if stress remains high; persistent issues should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Ten-minute nervous-system reset with Adriene: what it means and who benefits
wellness1 month ago

Ten-minute nervous-system reset with Adriene: what it means and who benefits

Yoga with Adriene’s 10-minute routine is presented as a nervous-system reset by targeting the autonomic nervous system—helping move the body from a stressed state to a calmer baseline through gentle movement, controlled breathing, and body awareness. The routine requires no equipment and can be done seated, lying down, or from a chair, making it accessible; it may particularly benefit those who are chronically stressed, though it’s not a cure, just a tool to support regular stress regulation.

Nerve-Fibroblast Loop Spurs Early Pancreatic Cancer Growth
health-and-medicine4 months ago

Nerve-Fibroblast Loop Spurs Early Pancreatic Cancer Growth

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory uncovered a self-sustaining loop in early pancreatic cancer: myCAFs (fibroblasts) lure sympathetic nerves, whose norepinephrine signals activate the fibroblasts and recruit more nerves, accelerating tumor development. Blocking nerve activity slowed growth by about 50% in mice/human cell experiments, pointing to therapies that disrupt the nerve–fibroblast crosstalk alongside existing cancer treatments.

Tumors hijack brain signals through nerves to dampen immune defense
science5 months ago

Tumors hijack brain signals through nerves to dampen immune defense

A Nature study in mice shows that lung cancer cells connect with nearby sensory neurons to send a signal to the brain that suppresses tumor-killing immune cells at the tumor site, allowing cancer to grow. Disabling these neurons reduced tumor growth by more than 50%, revealing a tumor-to-brain–immune axis that could be targeted to boost anticancer defenses.

Revealing the Heart's Hidden Nervous System: A Mini-Brain Discovery
science1 year ago

Revealing the Heart's Hidden Nervous System: A Mini-Brain Discovery

New research from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University reveals that the heart has its own complex nervous system, or "mini-brain," capable of independently regulating the heartbeat. This discovery, made through studies on zebrafish, challenges traditional views and could lead to new treatments for heart diseases like arrhythmias. The study highlights the heart's neural network's complexity and its potential interaction with the brain during stress or disease, offering new therapeutic targets.

"Spinal Cord's Independent Memory and Learning Mechanism Unveiled by Neuroscientists"
neuroscience2 years ago

"Spinal Cord's Independent Memory and Learning Mechanism Unveiled by Neuroscientists"

Researchers have discovered that a specific gene expressed in spinal nerves plays a crucial role in memorizing responses to potential threats, challenging the notion that motor learning and memory are solely confined to brain circuits. Through a study on transgenic mice, they found that inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord can learn novel responses long after the nerves have locked in place, shedding light on how the spinal cord can remain plastic throughout life. This understanding could inspire novel research into treatments for nervous system damage in humans, particularly in improving recovery after spinal cord injury.

"The Evolutionary Impact of an Ancient Virus on Brain Complexity"
science2 years ago

"The Evolutionary Impact of an Ancient Virus on Brain Complexity"

A study published in Cell suggests that complex nervous systems in vertebrates, including humans, may have arisen from ancient viral infections that inserted genetic code into their genomes. The inserted code helped produce myelin, a protective sheath around nerve cells that speeds up signal transmission, enabling the evolution of complex neural networks. This viral DNA, comprising about 8% of the human genome, has been repurposed for various functions, including forming the placenta and regulating hormone levels. The process of infection, repurposing, and transformation continues, highlighting the dynamic nature of evolution.

"The Spicy Journey: Exploring the Effects of Hot Wings on Your Body"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"The Spicy Journey: Exploring the Effects of Hot Wings on Your Body"

The experience of eating spicy food involves a complex journey through the body, triggering reactions from the nervous system, digestive system, and more. Capsaicin, the oil in chile peppers, activates TRPV1 receptors, leading to sensations of heat, salivation, and even euphoria for some. The body's response includes increased saliva, sweating, and a rush of endorphins to alleviate the perceived pain. While eating spicy food is usually harmless, extreme amounts can lead to serious health issues. Additionally, a diet rich in hot peppers may have protective effects on the cardiovascular system, although the exact reasons remain a mystery.

Uncovering Cancer's Manipulation of the Nervous System
health2 years ago

Uncovering Cancer's Manipulation of the Nervous System

Cancer cells, including brain tumors, have been found to communicate and interact with the nervous system, using it to survive, grow, and spread. This emerging field of cancer neuroscience has revealed that cancer cells can form direct connections with neurons, influence the immune system, and even reshape functional circuits in the brain. Researchers are exploring therapies that target these interactions, including repurposing existing drugs to disrupt neuronal communication and potentially improve cancer treatment outcomes.