Brain

In people with the rare neurological disease ALSP, the white matter in the brain shrivels up, resulting in death. New research by Erasmus MC scientists shows what is going on: loss of microglia, the brain’s ‘cleaning cells.’

Neuroscientists Prof. Chris de Zeeuw, Dr. Devika Narain and Dr. Christos Strydis have received 3 million euros for their contribution to the Dutch Brain Interface Initiative consortium. The consortium received a Gravitation Grant of almost 22 million euro from the Ministry of OCW.

New language and memory tests enable a more accurate diagnosis of dementia in people with a multicultural background. Neuropsychologist Sanne Franzen developed the tests together with colleagues and describes them in her thesis.

Erasmus MC will receive over 7 million euros in research funds from the Horizon Europe initiative. The money will go to six projects, two of which are coordinated by Erasmus MC scientists. The topics range from psychiatry to oncology.

Administration of the antithrombotic drugs acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or heparin during catheter treatment of stroke patients leads to an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, with no beneficial effect on recovery. This has been shown by research coordinated by Erasmus MC.

Molecular radiation biologist Dr. Julie Nonnekens and developmental psychologist Dr. Charlotte Cecil have both been granted a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). With the prestigious grant the young scientists of Erasmus MC can expand their research projects.

On a quiet summer evening, you can be startled by a loud bang, but the same sound won’t surprise you during a fireworks show. It is the cerebellum that filters these kinds of signals and places them in context, neuroscientists at Erasmus MC discovered. At least, in mice it does.

At Erasmus MC, doctors, psychologists and scientists have started an expertise center for individuals with autism spectrum disorder with a rare genetic cause. Their goal: better care and scientific insights.