Restless leg syndrome update: RLS causes, essential oils for restless legs syndrome, cardiovascular risk

By: Bel Marra Health | Health News | January 13, 2018

As many as one in 10 Americans suffer from a condition called restless leg syndrome, with women being about twice as likely to develop the condition compared to men. We at Bel Marra feel this condition should be covered more extensively, so we have many restless leg syndrome articles in this roundup.

You will find information of restless leg syndrome causes, essential oils for restless leg syndrome, as well as how the condition is related to schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and how it can even increase your risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is symptom of stroke, heart and kidney disease: Study 

Restless leg syndrome has been found to increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes a person to feel an overwhelming urge to move their legs when in an inclined position (laying down). Tingling, aching and itching sensations may occur as well.

Restless leg syndrome is classified as a neurological disorder that can impair a person’s ability to fall asleep. Studies estimate that one in 10 Americans suffers from RLS, but the good news is the condition is treatable:

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/restless-leg-syndrome-rls-is-symptom-for-stroke-heart-and-kidney-disease-study/

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Best essential oils for restless legs syndrome and how to use them 

Essential oils for restless leg syndrome can be a great solution for some people looking to relieve their symptoms of this troubling condition. Nearly one in 10 Americans have the strong urge to move their legs, with nearly five million U.S. adults having moderate to severe restless leg syndrome (RLS), a disorder that causes a person’s legs to move uncontrollably, often leading to discomfort and irritation from the sufferer:

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/best-essential-oils-restless-legs-syndrome-use/

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Restless leg syndrome found to increase women’s cardiovascular mortality risk

Nearly one in 10 Americans have the strong urge to move their legs, and not in a productive manner. About five million U.S. adults have moderate to severe restless leg syndrome (RLS), a disorder that causes a person’s legs to move uncontrollably, often leading to discomfort and irritation.

A new study has found that there may be more pressing issues to contend with than mere lower extremity discomfort, as restless leg syndrome has now been found to be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death among women:

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/restless-leg-syndrome-found-increase-womens-cardiovascular-mortality-risk/

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In Parkinson’s disease patients, movement disorder more likely than restless leg syndrome

In Parkinson’s disease patients, movement disorder called leg motor restlessness is more likely than restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep and movement disorder which is characterized by the urge to move one’s legs in order to stop uncomfortable sensations. This sensation often occurs when at rest, so it usually plagues patients during sleeping hours:

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/parkinsons-disease-patients-movement-disorder-likely-restless-leg-syndrome/

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Sleep disturbance genetically linked to restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia, obesity: Study

New research published in Nature Genetics has discovered a genetic link between sleep disturbance and medical conditions such as restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia, and obesity. The study examined the biological mechanisms that control insomnia, the duration of sleep, and excessive daytime drowsiness. They also looked at how they related to the medical and life histories of approximately 112,000 volunteers:

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/sleep-disturbance-genetically-linked-restless-leg-syndrome-schizophrenia-obesity-study/

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/restless-leg-syndrome-update-rls-causes-essential-oils-restless-legs-syndrome-cardiovascular-risk/

Those January Blues Are Real. Here’s How to Avoid Them.

Acts of kindness, self-care, and gratitude are some of the ways you can beat back depression during the cold month of January.

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If you feel depressed in January, it’s not just in your head. 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and post-holiday blues can hit hard after the parties and tinsel fade away.

The disorder, in fact, affects at least 10 million people in the United States.

Experts say that these January blues can be caused by a number of reasons.

However, there are also many life-changing ways to avoid these seasonal downswings.

"You can shift your thought patterns, so you won’t be subjected to them,” Dr. Don Mordecai, Kaiser Permanente’s national leader for mental and behavioral health, told Healthline. 

SAD has biological underpinnings and is fueled by less light.

“Fewer daylight hours wreaks havoc on the body,” Anthony DeMaria, PhD, supervising psychologist at Mt. Sinai-West Hospital’s Center for Intensive Treatment for Personality Disorders, told Healthline. “A variety of neurochemicals are affected.”

In darkness, for example, the body produces more melatonin, causing sluggishness and decreased energy. 

For unknown reasons, women are more prone to having SAD, DeMaria adds.

People between ages 18 and 30 are affected too, along with people closer to the Earth’s poles.

In Maine alone, 10 percent of the state’s inhabitants can have SAD, DeMaria noted.

To get some relief, try light therapy boxes. People can experience profound symptom relief, says DeMaria. 

Aside from darker days and nights, post-holiday blues can also cloud minds and hearts. 

“Many people are distracted and busy during the holiday,” Charlynn Ruan, PhD, a clinical psychologist and founder of Thrive Psychology, told Healthline. “But in January, that doesn’t happen. There are no decorations and music. And the bills also starting coming in.”

There’s a sense of what may be coming next, agrees DeMaria.

“There can be a spent feeling,” he says, “and not having enough emotional resources.”

Dealing with depression

The key to good emotional health at any time — and especially in January — is catching depression early on before it can spiral downward, experts say.

Several techniques can help increase well-being.

Start by practicing better self-care during holidays, says Ruan.

Schedule a massage. Join a support group. Surround yourself with good friends and lots of love. Or start a new activity like a spinning class.

“The good thing about self-care,” she adds, “is that it pays off.”

To nurture yourself, assess your atmosphere and see how it feels, says Diane Case, a life coach and author of “Write for Recovery.”

“Then you can add uplifting things like lighting, scents, or music,” she told Healthline.

Mindfulness also uplifts by using our senses to promote awareness of present moments, says Case. Washing dishes is a wonderful time to be mindful.

“Feel the flow of water on the skin,” she advises.

Or eat your food slowly and mindfully, noting the flavors. Mindfully scan your body to see where depression exists. 

“Stay in the now and check in with your body and senses,” Case says. “Make sure you’re breathing.” 

Kindness and gratitude

Use problems to connect with others — and heal.

Your experiences can help others, says Case, and lift your own mood.

Studies show that random acts of kindness can be potent psychological boosts because they trigger the release of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter.

The acts also shift our focus from ourselves to others so that we forget our problems.

“Connect in service,” Case says. “Science shows that the feeling good transmitter is greater for the giver than the receiver.”

Also, journaling can be the doorway to your inner thoughts and your ideal life, says Case.

She recommends writing faster than you think to get to the subconscious.

Don’t just journal about how miserable you are though, advises Mordecai.

Keep a gratitude journal. Research shows that an attitude of gratitude can increase happiness, improve sleep, and reduce depression.

Even the immune system is strengthened.

Gratitude is also a learned skill that can be honed over time. Write down a least five things you’re grateful for, says Case, and revisit it daily.

“Realizing how many gifts we have feels good,” she says. 

Focus on things you’re grateful for, adds Mordecai. That can be yoga, a book club, walking with friends, or getting unconditional love from pets.

For an online, shareable journal, go to thnx4.org, created by the Greater Good Science Center at University of California at Berkeley.

“Don’t give your emotions too much reality,” says Mordecai. “The way you feel at any moment is not who you are.”

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/january-blues-are-real-how-to-avoid-them#5

Exercise classes aimed at stroke survivors and people with Parkinson's disease to launch in Sandiway

Kenny Lomas - January 13, 2018

AN exercise class designed to help to re-program the brain for stroke survivors and people living with Parkinson’s disease will launch in Sandiway this month.

Starting from January 29, there will be two separate classes aimed at stroke survivors and people living with Parkinson’s disease, which will be run by Claire Britton of Trails for All.

Both classes are based around neuroplasticity, which describes the brain’s ability to re-wire itself.

Classes are designed to help each person get the best out of their circumstances.

The classes for people living with Parkinson’s use specific neuroplastic techniques to drive change, and is designed to help slow down and fight Parkinson’s symptoms.

Claire has worked in the health industry for over 15 years now, initially as a complementary therapist but more lately as an exercise and rehab instructor.

She said: “I am extremely excited to be starting these classes as it is something I have wanted to do for some time now

“I became interested in stroke and Parkinson’s after working with people in my Chair-a-size classes and Nordic Walks and noticed how beneficial exercise seemed to be for them and was intrigued enough to start reading up, and then studying, the effects of exercise on these conditions.

“Current research in this field is very exciting and I am delighted to be able to offer such unique classes.”

Based in Sandiway, Claire works throughout Cheshire delivering a range of classes, including chair-based exercise, Nordic walking and laughter therapy.

In 2012 Claire joined forces with Treasure Trails and is responsible for over 30 trails in Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales.

The classes will begin from Monday, January 29 in St John’s Church Hall, and will run in terms of six weeks.

Class sizes are limited and GP’s consent may be required prior to classes. Training partners are welcome for no extra charge.

For more information call Claire on 07932772467 or visit trailsforall.com

http://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/15825540.Exercise_classes_aimed_at_stroke_survivors_and_people_with_Parkinson_s_disease_to_launch_in_Sandiway/

Study finds overall pattern of commonality between Huntington's and Parkinson's

January 12, 2018

A new study strongly suggests that the brains of people who have died of Huntington's disease (HD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) show a similar response to a lifetime of neurodegeneration, despite being two very distinct diseases.

The findings, which appear in the journal Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, found that most of the genes perturbed in brains from both diseases are related to the same immune response and inflammatory pathways. Inflammation in the central nervous system has recently been shown to play a role in a number of different neurodegenerative diseases, including HD and PD, but this is the first direct comparison of these two distinct diseases.

Brains of individuals who died with Huntington's, Parkinson's or no neurological condition were analyzed using sequencing technology that provides a data readout of the activity of all genes in the genome. By comparing the data from the different groups, the researchers identified which genes show differences in their activity. By organizing and interpreting these genes, the researchers found an overall pattern of commonality between the two diseases. According to the researchers, the hypothesis that the brain experiences a similar response to disparate neurodegenerative diseases has exciting clinical implications. "These findings suggest that a common therapy might be developed to help mitigate the effects of different neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system" explained corresponding author Adam Labadorf, PhD, Director of the BU Bioinformatics Hub.

"Though no such treatment yet exists, this finding will lead to experiments to better understand the specific mechanisms of the inflammatory response in the neurodegenerating brain, which may in turn lead to new treatments."

Labadorf believes that at present, these findings are too preliminary to suggest new clinical treatments. However, as many anti-inflammatory drugs are already available, there may be a relatively short path to designing clinical trials for drugs that modulate the inflammatory response in people with neurodegenerative disease.

"While these findings are specific to HD and PD, these two diseases are sufficiently distinct to suggest that the observed pattern of differential gene activity may likely be observed in other neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalophathy (CTE)."

Source:

https://www.bmc.org/

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180112/Study-finds-overall-pattern-of-commonality-between-Huntingtons-and-Parkinsons.aspx

With headbands, sensor socks, wearable tech seeks medical inroads

January 12, 2018 - Rob Lever

Want to manage your stress? A "neurofeedback" headband could help. Need to be sure your elderly father is taking his medication? Attach a sensor to his sock.

With virtual reality and motion-tracking sensors, the tech world is borrowing some of the gadgetry from self-driving cars, gaming and fitness applications and bringing them to medicine.

The 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, a high-tech showcase this week in Las Vegas, included the latest advances in digital health, suggesting promising avenues for treatment, even if many lack full-fledged medical approval.

Tech firms are looking to cash in on a digital health industry estimated at about $200 billion annually in areas ranging from app-based diagnoses, to pain management and telemedicine.

A growing number of startups focused on the brain -- capturing or "hacking" brainwaves with the goal of improving sports performance, enabling relaxation, aiding sleep, and potentially treating pain, anxiety or other ills.

"Brain technologies can help people learn and practise meditation," said Chris Aimone, founder of Interaxon, a Canadian startup which exhibited its Muse headband aimed at using "neurofeedback" to manage stress and improve athletic performance.

South Korea-based Looxid Labs featured a brainwave-monitoring headset which is now in the research phase but could be used for treatment of ailments like post-traumatic stress syndrome.

"We can use these brain sensors to analyze emotions and stress level," said Looxid's Honggu Lee.

Neurofeedback, which teaches self-control of brain functions, has been around for decades, but the arrival of low-cost sensors has made it easier to produce affordable consumer devices.

While some exhibitors said their claims are backed by research, a 2016 study said long-term results were still inconclusive.

- Tracking the elderly -

Some of the same sensor technology being used to help runners track performance or golfers perfect swings is now being adapted for medical applications, notably for the elderly.

Sensoria Fitness, a Washington state startup which has produced wearable tech for runners and soccer players, unveiled a system to use sensors to keep track of seniors and persons in rehabilitation.

By attaching sensors to socks, the system can detect if a patient is taking medication, doing exercises or is in distress.

"If a patient is in distress it affects their gait," explained Sensoria founder Davide Vigano.

France-based Helite was at CES with hip airbags designed to deploy when someone falls, protecting him or her from shattering bones.

A Japanese firm, Xenoma, also aimed to help those at risk of falls, as well as people with dementia, by adapting its wearable clothing designed initially for golfers.

"We track their movements and if they go too far we can find them," said Xenoma engineer Yihan Qian.

Other firms offered tools for gauging the risk of disease.

Maryland-based startup RightEye announced an eye-tracking assessment in a gaming application to screen for concussions and other brain health problems, with the possibility of early detection indicators for autism and Parkinson's disease.

- Virtual reality therapy -

Virtual and augmented reality developed for gaming is being adapted to therapies such as rehabilitation and pain management, potentially offering hopes for treating opioid addiction.

Brennan Spiegel, research director at the Cedars-Sinai medical center in Los Angeles, told a CES conference the hospital has seen benefits of VR treatment for pain, which could help in dealing with the opioid addiction crisis ravaging the United States with tens of thousands of deaths annually.

"Over the next three years we will be testing this to see if we can make some inroads in opioid overprescribing," Spiegel said.

Amid optimism, some medical professionals say regulations or standards are needed to manage the explosion of new medical technologies.

"The consumer is going to get blindsided sooner or later from a mobile health app that either spews its data out inappropriately or will create a harmful outcome from a clinician," said James Mault, chief medical officer at Qualcomm Life, the digital health division of the chipmaking giant.

Mault said the tech sector needs to "take ownership and leadership" in ensuring integrity of medical apps.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/headbands-sensor-socks-wearable-tech-seeks-medical-inroads-195357008.html

Changes in Specific Brainstem Nerve Cells Linked to Parkinson’s for First Time

JANUARY 12, 2018    BY CATARINA SILVA IN NEWS.

It’s widely accepted that Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients experience neuronal death in the brainstem. Now, for the first time, researchers report that the number of copies of mitochondrial DNA is increased in the surviving nerve cells within this area of the brain.

Interestingly, specific brainstem neurons had more alterations in their mitochondrial DNA.

“This is the only study to date to characterise mitochondrial DNA errors in cholinergic neurons, a neuronal population that is highly vulnerable to cell death in Parkinson’s disease patients,” Joanna Elson, PhD, a mitochondrial geneticist at Newcastle University, said in a press release.

The study resulted from a collaboration between Newcastle University and University of Sussex, both in the United Kingdom.

The team’s work, “Mitochondrial DNA xchanges in pedunculopontine cholinergic neurons in Parkinson disease,” was published in Annals of Neurology.

Mitochondria are our cells’ powerhouses, responsible for maintaining their health. Changes to the genetic composition of the mitochondria compromise its function and can lead to nerve cell death.

Mitochondrial DNA damage has been associated with both normal aging and neurodegeneration.

In a Parkinson’s scenario, studies have demonstrated that a specific brainstem region, known as the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), presents altered mitochondrial DNA.

PPN is thought to be involved in the initiation and modulation of gait and other stereotyped movements. As a result of Parkinson’s progression, these “behavioral functions” are affected.

Part of the PPN is made up of cholinergic neurons, meaning these cells produce the brain chemical acetylcholine and use it to communicate with other nerve cells. Cholinergic neuronal loss has been observed in Parkinson’s patients.

In this study, researchers isolated single cholinergic neurons from postmortem PPNs of Parkinson’s patients and aged controls. They then analyzed its mitochondrial DNA content.

Results showed that the number of copies and changes in mitochondrial DNA were significantly higher in the Parkinson’s group, compared to the control samples.

Moreover, the mitochondrial DNA of Parkinson’s patients changed by more than 60 percent, which has been associated with deleterious effects on mitochondria function.

The current results differ from other studies that have focused on other brain regions and cell types.

“Our study is a major step forwards in gaining an enhanced insight into the serious condition. Only by understanding the complexities of what happens in specific cell-types found in specific areas of the brain during this disease can targeted treatments for Parkinson’s disease be produced,” Elson explained.

“At present, treatments are aimed at the whole brain of patients with Parkinson’s disease. We believe that not only would cell-specific targeted treatments be more effective, but they would also be associated with fewer side-effects,” said Ilse Pienaar, PhD, a neuroscientist at Sussex University.

https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/2018/01/12/new-brainstem-changes-identified-in-parkinsons-disease/

FoxFeed Blog: Rigorous Research Creates Scientific Tools to Advance Parkinson's Therapies

Posted by  Maggie McGuire Kuhl,  January 12, 2018

Like any job, learning about disease and developing new treatments takes the right tools. The Michael J. Fox Foundation works with leading experts to create laboratory tools, enabling scientists to explore Parkinson's and create therapies.

A recent commentary piece in Biochemical Journal profiles "the latest outputs from a long-term collaboration between basic and clinical LRKK2 scientists and the MJFF -- a panel of exquisitely sensitive Rab antibodies."

The MJFF-funded team, led by Dario Alessi, PhD, of the University of Dundee, published two papers  on the antibodies in the same journal earlier this month.

Antibodies Measure Protein Activity

Antibodies have many uses in laboratory research. Much like your body's own natural antibodies mount a response to a bacteria or virus, the Rab antibodies respond to the Rab proteins, which helps scientists measure these proteins.

Rabs interest Parkinson's researchers because an MJFF-supported group linked them to the LRRK2 protein. LRRK2 is a priority target for our field because mutations in the gene that make this protein are one of the leading genetic contributors to Parkinson's disease. Using Rab antibodies, the scientists can assess LRRK2 activity.

The author of the commentary, Patrick Eyres, PhD, from the University of Liverpool, points out the utility of these antibodies in investigations toward greater understanding of the disease and testing of clinical interventions. This tool may be particularly important as the first human trial of a LRRK2 drug recently began and more are in development.

"As therapies try to address the increased LRRK2 activity we see in some people with Parkinson's disease, tools such as these Rab antibodies are invaluable in evaluating the efficacy of those drugs," said Nicole Polinski, PhD, a member of the MJFF research staff and an author on the antibodies paper.

Foundation Supports Critical Research Tools

In addition to providing such tools to the scientific community, MJFF and our partners pride ourselves on the quality of this work and its outputs. Eyres writes, "An overarching strength of the experiments reported in these papers is the rigorous analytical work undertaken."

That work continues as our LRRK2 Biology Consortium is already undertaking some of the next steps Eyres recommends -- testing the antibodies in different kinds of samples, for example.

While basic science seemingly removed from new and better treatments, projects such as these are the building blocks of disease understanding and development of cures and an example of the vital role MJFF plays in the field. Laboratory tools help scientists measure disease, which can lead to tests that indicate onset and/or progression. These tools and tests can measure the impact of therapies on the disease process, speeding development and testing of new therapies to patient hands.

https://www.michaeljfox.org/foundation/news-detail.php?rigorous-research-creates-scientific-tools-to-advance-parkinson-therapies

The Combination of Two Proteins Exerts a Regenerating Effect in Parkinson's Disease

January 12, 2018  by University of Cincinnati

UC biology professor Bruce Jayne holds a vine snake in his lab.

Snakes are known for their iconic S-shaped movements. But they have a less noticeable skill that gives them a unique superpower.

Snakes can crawl in a straight line.

University of Cincinnati biologist Bruce Jayne studied the mechanics of snake movement to understand exactly how they can propel themselves forward like a train through a tunnel.

"It's a very good way to move in confined spaces," Jayne said. "A lot of heavy-bodied snakes use this locomotion: vipers, boa constrictors, anacondas and pythons."

His study titled "Crawling without Wiggling" was published in December in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

Snakes typically swim, climb or crawl by bending their spine into serpentine coils or using the leading edges to push off objects. An extreme example of their diversity of movement gives the sidewinder rattlesnake its name.

Jayne, a professor of biological sciences in UC's McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, already has unlocked the mechanics of three kinds of snake locomotion called concertina, serpentine and sidewinding. But the straightforward movement of snakes, called "rectilinear locomotion," has gotten less attention, he said.

This coordination of muscle activity and skin movement was first examined in 1950 by biologist H.W. Lissmann. He hypothesized that the snake's muscles combined with its loose, flexible and squishy belly skin enabled it to scoot forward without bending its spine.

"It's been almost 70 years without that type of locomotion being well understood," Jayne said.

Jayne and his graduate student and co-author, Steven Newman, tested Lissmann's hypothesis using equipment unavailable to researchers in the 1950s. Jayne used high-definition digital cameras to film boa constrictors while recording the electrical impulses generated by particular muscles. This produced an electromyogram (similar to an EKG) that showed the coordination between the muscles, the snake's skin and its body.

For the study, Newman and Jayne used boa constrictors, big-bodied snakes known for traveling in a straight line over the forest floor. They recorded high-definition video of the snakes moving across a horizontal surface hashed with reference marks. The researchers also added reference dots on the sides of the snakes to track the subtle movement of their scaly skin.

When the snake inches forward, the skin on its belly flexes far more than the skin over its ribcage and back. The belly scales act like treads on a tire, providing traction with the ground as the muscles pull the snake's internal skeleture forward in an undulating pattern that becomes fluid and seamless when they move quickly.

The snake's muscles are sequentially activated from the head toward the tail in a remarkably fluid and seamless way. Two of the key muscles responsible for this extend from the ribs (costo) to the skin (cutaneous) giving them their name costocutaneous.

"The vertebral column moves forward at a constant rate," Newman said. "One set of muscles pulls the skin forward and then it gets anchored in place. And opposite antagonistic muscles pull on the vertebral column."

The advantage of this kind of motion is obvious for a predator that eats rodents and other animals that spend time underground.

"Snakes evolved from burrowing ancestors. You can fit in much narrower holes or tunnels by moving this way than if you had to bend your body and push against something," Newman said.

The study was supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Jayne said Lissmann's 1950 description largely was correct.

"But he hypothesized that the muscle that shortens the skin was the mechanism that propels a snake forward. He got that wrong," Jayne said. "But given the time he conducted the study, I marvel at how he was able to do it. I have tremendous admiration for his insights."

Industry has tried to mimic the limbless, serpentine movements of snakes in robots that can inspect pipelines and other underwater equipment. Newman said robots that can harness a snake's rectilinear motion could have profound applications.

"This research could inform robotics. It would be a big advantage to be able to move in straight lines in small, confined spaces. They could use snake-like robots for search-and-rescue in debris and collapsed buildings," Newman said.

Rectilinear locomotion is low gear for snakes that otherwise can summon surprising speed. They only use it when they are relaxed. The researchers observed that snakes reverted to traditional concertina and serpentine motions when they were startled or prodded to move.

An avid cyclist, Jayne has studied the physiology and biomechanics of cycling in a lab in Rieveschl. He has ongoing studies of riders' cardiovascular fitness. He measures their oxygen consumption in one minute per kilogram of body weight to learn more about how cyclists can increase their muscles' ability to burn lactase.

But he has always been most fascinated by snakes. His work has been published in more than 70 journal articles, most of them examining some aspect of snake behavior or biology. Most recently, Jayne has studied snake locomotion, particularly the amazing ability of some to climb trees.

Jayne teaches vertebrate zoology and human physiology and biomechanics at UC.

Jayne's lifelong interest in snakes has given science keen insights into many previously undocumented behaviors. He studied crab-eating snakes in Malaysia and is testing the acuity of snake vision in his own makeshift optical lab at UC.

By testing the limits of its mobility, Jayne can learn more about the snake's complex motor controls. This can shed light on how humans can execute coordinated movements.

"What allows them to go in all these different directions and deal with all of that three-dimensional complexity is they have a diversity or plasticity of neural control of the muscles," Jayne said. "Even if the animal had the physical strength to do something, it wouldn't necessarily have the neural control."

Jayne wants to learn more about how this refined motor control contributes to a snake's amazing contortions.

"They move in so many fascinating ways. Is that because they have such an incredible diversity of motor patterns that the nervous system can generate?" he said.

"Even though all snakes have the same body plan, there are fully aquatic snakes, snakes that move on flat surfaces, snakes that move in a horizontal plane, snakes that climb. They go everywhere," he said. "And the reason they can go everywhere is they have so many different ways of controlling their muscles. That's pretty intriguing."

Four Types of Snake Movement:

Serpentine: Also called lateral undulation, this is the typical side-to-side motion used by snakes over rough ground or in the water.

Concertina: Snakes coil into alternating curves before straightening themselves to propel themselves forward.

Sidewinding: Snakes bend in waves both side to side and in a vertical plane to lift the body to form just a few contact points with the ground. This helps rattlesnakes traverse hot sand or climb dunes.

Rectilinear: Specialized muscles move the belly skin of a snake, propelling it forward in a straight line. This allows snakes to slip through burrows not much bigger than they are.

https://www.rdmag.com/news/2018/01/combination-two-proteins-exerts-regenerating-effect-parkinsons-disease