New research uncovers how inflammation damages excitatory synapses in an experimental model of MS. While there is a constant turnover of synapses in the healthy brain, inflammation accelerates this turnover so that synapses were gained and lost at higher rates. This widespread instability impacts the entire neuron and leading to important changes in the incoming inputs to individual neurons.

HMS News article on new research from Francisco Quintana and colleagues, first author, Liliana M. Sanmarco, designing a probiotic suppressing autoimmunity in the mouse brain, a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the cells of the central nervous system. This technique offers a more precise way to target brain inflammation and minimizes negative side effects when compared with standard therapies.

Harvard Gazette Q+A with Alexandra Touroutoglou about her research on 'super agers' and a related new study getting underway to test whether a neurostimulation intervention can restore function in those experiencing age-related decline.

Harvard Gazette article on new research from Alberto Ascherio, Kassandra L. Munger, and colleagues, first authors Kjetil Bjornevik and Marianna Cortese, providing the first compelling evidence of causality between Epstein-Barr and MS.

HMS News article on new research from the lab of Francisco Quintana (BWH) on the role of environmental exposures in neurologic disease.