Myelin is an insulating layer that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty substances.
The purpose of the myelin sheath is to allow impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells. If myelin is damaged, the impulses slow down. This can cause diseases such as
This is Brain Awareness Week. What does this mean to MSers? According to the Society for Neuroscience, "Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is an... Read more »
Earlier in May, The New York Times ran two interesting articles concerning some of the latest information on brain research. I think both... Read more »
In my last blog we discussed at length the different stages of sleep, namely non-REM and REM, the biological need for sleep to stay alive,... Read more »
Scientists used to believe the connections among the brain nerve cells were set early in life and did not change in adulthood. However,... Read more »
In reviewing a fair amount of Medical Pathology lately involving all body systems, I thought of the song title heading this piece. You... Read more »
Scientific studies about the brain are rapidly changing our understanding about how to maintain the brain’s function as we age. It’s becoming... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
CSF myelin basic protein is a test to measure the level of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that... Read more »
New research suggests that the drug Tysabri may regenerate and stabilize damage done to the myelin sheath in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Heart DiseaseAtherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances collect in the walls of arteries. Larger... Read more »
Georgetown University researchers have identified a gene that they say ceases to function in two aggressive forms of cancer. The scientists found... Read more »