Tiny errors in electrode placement can determine success or failure of Parkinson’s surgery. This research develops high-resolution Polarization Sensitive Optical Tomography to map brain anatomy at micrometer scale—over 100 times finer than MRI. Automated scanning and 3D reconstruction create detailed connectivity maps, improving surgical precision and neuroscience understanding.

This research explores how immune-related cells and molecules, beneficial in wound healing, may become harmful in Parkinson’s disease. Using the fruit fly as a model organism, the study investigates which inflammatory processes contribute to brain damage. Early results suggest that excessive activation worsens degeneration, offering potential targets for future therapies.

This talk explains how devastating brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia may begin not in the brain, but in the gut. The speaker describes how a protein called alpha-synuclein can change shape, form toxic complexes, and spread from cell to cell, traveling from the gut to the brain via neural connections. Once in the brain, these toxic complexes disrupt movement, memory, and thinking. The research identifies a key protein, FABP2, that promotes this harmful process by interacting with alpha-synuclein. By targeting and breaking this interaction early—at the level of the gut—the work aims to prevent neurodegenerative disease before irreversible brain damage occurs, potentially reducing patient suffering as well as medical and societal costs.

Myelin enables efficient communication between nerve cells and is essential for cognition, movement, and sensation. In neurodegenerative diseases, myelin is lost, impairing daily life. This research uses stem cells, gene profiling, and gene editing to uncover why myelin fails—and how regenerating it could transform treatment.

Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are closely linked to abnormal dopamine levels but are diagnosed too late. This research develops a tiny electrochemical brain sensor that selectively detects dopamine in real time. Such technology could enable earlier diagnosis, better monitoring, and improved treatment of neurological disorders.

Understanding how the brain controls behavior is key to studying neurological disease. This research introduces a high-speed robotic system that tracks mouse behavior in fine detail. By synchronizing precise behavioral data with brain activity recordings, it enables researchers to link specific neural regions to actions, improving insight into disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

This research examines a peer-led support group for people with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, exploring their unique needs compared with older adults. The study identifies the benefits and barriers of stakeholder-led groups, clarifies the role of clinical professionals, and produces a co-designed resource to guide future peer-led support initiatives.

Umami, the savory fifth taste, can significantly increase saliva production and stimulate the swallowing reflex, offering potential benefits for people with dysphagia. In a study of 70 participants, foods high in umami boosted salivation, swallowing ease, and enjoyment. This research highlights umami’s promise for improving safety and pleasure in eating.

This research tests a new personalised care model for Parkinson’s called Prime Care, offering rapid access to support and tailored interventions based on each patient’s risk of hospital admission. A two-year clinical trial of 214 participants will determine whether this approach improves wellbeing and reduces costly, harmful hospital stays.

The researcher rebuilds how cells sort materials to understand Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Using proteins and lipids like Lego pieces, they study how a key protein, retromer, malfunctions and disrupts cell transport. With cryogenic electron tomography, they aim to model this process and guide new treatments that restore healthy cellular function.