Recent studies have focused on various neurosurgical interventions and their outcomes, particularly in the context of stroke and tumor management. Langezaal et al. conducted a study comparing endovascular therapy for stroke due to basilar-artery occlusion with standard medical care. They found that a favorable functional outcome occurred in 44.2% of patients in the endovascular group compared to 37.7% in the medical group, indicating a potential benefit of endovascular therapy (ref: Langezaal doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2030297/). However, the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was significantly higher in the endovascular group (4.5% vs. 0.7%), raising concerns about safety (risk ratio, 6.9; 95% CI, 0.9 to 53.0). In another study, Azizi et al. explored the efficacy of ultrasound renal denervation for hypertension resistant to multiple medications, demonstrating a significant reduction in blood pressure at two months compared to a sham procedure (ref: Azizi doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00788-1/). This suggests that innovative neurosurgical techniques may offer new treatment avenues for resistant conditions. Chen et al. performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on stereotactic radiosurgery for brainstem metastases, reporting a local control rate of 86% at one year and a low rate of treatment-related toxic effects (2.4%), highlighting the effectiveness and safety of this approach (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.1262/). These findings collectively underscore the evolving landscape of neurosurgical interventions, balancing efficacy and safety in patient outcomes.

The exploration of neuroimaging and biomarkers has advanced significantly, particularly in understanding neurological disorders and their progression. Mullins et al. conducted a genome-wide association study involving over 40,000 bipolar disorder cases, identifying 64 genomic loci associated with the condition, particularly in synaptic signaling pathways (ref: Mullins doi.org/10.1038/s41588-021-00857-4/). This study emphasizes the genetic underpinnings of bipolar disorder and its potential biomarkers. Liu et al. further contributed to this field by identifying a novel synaptic locus associated with cognitive progression in Parkinson's disease through a longitudinal genome-wide survival study, revealing a hazard ratio of 4.77 for the progression locus RIMS2 (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1038/s41588-021-00847-6/). Additionally, Ayhan et al. utilized single-nuclei RNA sequencing to resolve cellular and molecular diversity along the hippocampal axis, identifying gene expression signatures that correlate with cognitive function and mood (ref: Ayhan doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2021.05.003/). These studies collectively highlight the importance of genetic and molecular insights in neuroimaging, paving the way for targeted interventions and personalized medicine in neurological disorders.

Research into the molecular and genetic aspects of neurological disorders has unveiled critical insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Dunn et al. demonstrated that wearable sensors could predict clinical laboratory measurements, suggesting a new avenue for continuous monitoring of vital signs in neurological conditions (ref: Dunn doi.org/10.1038/s41591-021-01339-0/). This approach could enhance patient management by providing real-time data. In the context of gliomas, Kocakavuk et al. identified significant increases in deletion signatures associated with radiotherapy, which may contribute to poor outcomes in cancer patients (ref: Kocakavuk doi.org/10.1038/s41588-021-00874-3/). Furthermore, Claus et al. explored environmental and sex-specific molecular signatures in glioma causation, revealing differential mutation patterns in the PI3K pathway between genders (ref: Claus doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). These findings underscore the complexity of genetic factors in neurological disorders and highlight the potential for targeted therapies based on molecular profiles.

Innovations in neurotechnology are transforming the landscape of neurological treatment and rehabilitation. Flesher et al. developed a brain-computer interface that evokes tactile sensations, significantly improving robotic arm control for individuals with tetraplegia (ref: Flesher doi.org/10.1126/science.abd0380/). This advancement highlights the potential of integrating sensory feedback into neuroprosthetics to enhance user experience and functionality. Sharifshazileh et al. introduced an electronic neuromorphic system capable of real-time detection of high-frequency oscillations in intracranial EEG, which could revolutionize the monitoring of epileptogenic brain tissue (ref: Sharifshazileh doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23342-2/). Huang et al. further explored transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), demonstrating its ability to entrain alpha oscillations by synchronizing fast-spiking cortical neurons to stimulation waveforms (ref: Huang doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23021-2/). These innovations not only enhance our understanding of brain function but also pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in treating neurological disorders.

Research into neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive disorders has revealed critical insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. Chou et al. reported a significant incidence of neurological manifestations among COVID-19 patients, with preexisting neurological disorders increasing the risk of developing neurological symptoms (ref: Chou doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.12131/). This highlights the intersection of infectious diseases and neurological health. Han et al. investigated the decoupling of global brain activity and cerebrospinal fluid flow in Parkinson's disease, finding significant reductions in coupling associated with cognitive impairment (ref: Han doi.org/10.1002/mds.28643/). Ajoy et al. explored the role of CCL5 in promoting bioenergy metabolism crucial for memory formation, suggesting potential targets for enhancing cognitive function (ref: Ajoy doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01103-3/). These studies collectively underscore the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases and the need for integrated approaches to understand and treat cognitive decline.

The field of tumor biology and treatment strategies has seen significant advancements, particularly in understanding glioblastoma and its microenvironment. Azizi et al. assessed the efficacy of ultrasound renal denervation in patients with resistant hypertension, demonstrating a notable reduction in blood pressure compared to sham procedures (ref: Azizi doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00788-1/). This study emphasizes the importance of innovative treatment strategies in managing complex conditions. Chen et al. highlighted the role of EMP3 in mediating glioblastoma-associated macrophage infiltration, which drives T cell exclusion and tumor progression, positioning EMP3 as a potential therapeutic target (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1186/s13046-021-01954-2/). Gusyatiner et al. explored the use of BET inhibitors in glioblastoma, revealing their potential to repress interferon-stimulated genes and enhance the efficacy of HDAC inhibitors (ref: Gusyatiner doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/). These findings collectively illustrate the dynamic interplay between tumor biology and treatment strategies, highlighting the need for continued research in this area.

Clinical trials have been pivotal in assessing treatment efficacy across various neurological conditions. Wilby et al. conducted a phase 3 trial comparing surgical microdiscectomy with transforaminal epidural steroid injection for sciatica due to herniated lumbar discs, suggesting that TFESI could be considered a first invasive treatment option (ref: Wilby doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(21)00036-9/). This study underscores the importance of evaluating non-surgical interventions in clinical practice. Arnone et al. explored the combination of oncolytic adenovirus and gene therapy for pediatric high-grade gliomas, aiming to enhance antitumor efficacy through innovative approaches (ref: Arnone doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2020-001930/). Liu et al. identified a novel synaptic locus associated with cognitive progression in Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the role of genetic factors in treatment outcomes (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1038/s41588-021-00847-6/). These trials highlight the ongoing efforts to refine treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes in neurological disorders.

Neuroinflammation and immune response mechanisms are critical in understanding various neurological disorders. Takahashi et al. investigated the role of interleukin 1β in modulating aggression through its effects on serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, revealing a potential link between inflammation and behavioral outcomes (ref: Takahashi doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01110-4/). Chen et al. highlighted the immunosuppressive role of EMP3 in glioblastoma, demonstrating its involvement in macrophage polarization and T cell exclusion, which could inform therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1186/s13046-021-01954-2/). Xu et al. explored the protective effects of Annexin A1 against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, suggesting that modulation of microglia/macrophage polarization could be a therapeutic target in stroke management (ref: Xu doi.org/10.1186/s12974-021-02174-3/). These studies collectively underscore the importance of neuroinflammatory processes in neurological health and disease, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions.