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April 24, 2026 | Latest News & Updates in Child Neurology Nursing

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:41:18 GMT

The neuroscience landscape continues to evolve at an accelerated pace, with innovations in neurotechnology, neurodegenerative disease, and neurodevelopment shaping the future of patient care. This week's highlights emphasize the growing role of precision medicine, brain–body connections, and translational science in clinical practice.

Brain Signals & Neurophysiology

New research from Northwestern Medicine provides deeper insight into how high-gamma brain activity—a key signal used in EEG and intracranial monitoring—is generated at the cellular level. These findings may refine how we interpret neural activity in epilepsy, cognition, and BCI applications.
High-frequency activity has long been associated with cortical processing, but this work suggests more precise cellular drivers , potentially improving diagnostic accuracy in neurophysiology.

Northwestern Medicine. (2026). High gamma activity and neural signaling.

Neuro-oncology: Brain–Tumor Interactions

A new study shows that certain non-neuronal brain cells actively promote glioblastoma growth through signaling pathways previously thought to be supportive only of normal brain function. Blocking these signals significantly reduced tumor progression in models.

This aligns with growing literature on the tumor microenvironment , emphasizing neuron–glia–tumor interactions as therapeutic targets.

Venkataramani, V., et al. (2026). Neuron–glioma interactions in tumor progression.

Neuroplasticity & Regeneration

Research published in Current Biology highlights how “tunneling neurons” in songbirds enable ongoing neurogenesis in adulthood. This mechanism may explain why humans have limited regenerative capacity—and how it might be therapeutically induced.
These findings contribute to regenerative neuroscience, suggesting a trade-off between memory stability and neuronal renewal .

Scott, B., et al. (2026). Neurogenesis via tunneling neurons. Current Biology.

Brain Development & Big Data Neuroscience

A major multi-omics database integrating data from 188 studies has mapped human neocortical development at unprecedented resolution , improving understanding of how the brain develops layer-by-layer and cell-by-cell.
Large-scale datasets are accelerating precision neurodevelopmental modeling , with implications for congenital disorders and pediatric neurology.

University of Maryland School of Medicine. (2026). Neocortical development database.

Neurodegeneration: Expanding Disease Models

Emerging evidence suggests that some motor symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease may originate outside the brain , challenging traditional CNS-only models of neurodegeneration.

In parallel, new work indicates that gut microbiota may contribute to ALS and frontotemporal dementia through immune-mediated pathways.

UCF Research. (2026). Peripheral origins of Alzheimer’s motor symptoms.
ScienceDaily. (2026). Gut microbiome in ALS/FTD.

Fundamental Neuroscience: Epigenomics & Brain Identity

New data in Nature Neuroscience reveal epigenomic signatures in adult glial cells that resemble developmental states, suggesting roles in regeneration and disease processes.

Dere, E. (2026). Mental time travel and cognition. Psychological Review.
Kabbe, et al. (2026). Epigenomic profiling of CNS cells. Nature Neuroscience.

Autism & Neurodevelopment Advances

A new research initiative is exploring targeted autism therapies, focusing on underlying biology rather than symptom management.
This reflects a broader shift toward mechanism-based treatments in neurodevelopmental disorders.
MUSC researchers hope to develop autism treatment | MUSC

April 2026 | Neuroscience News Roundup

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:58:27 GMT

Overview

The neuroscience landscape continues to evolve at an accelerated pace, with innovations in neurotechnology, neurodegenerative disease, and neurodevelopment shaping the future of patient care. This month’s highlights emphasize the growing role of precision medicine, brain–body connections, and translational science in clinical practice.

Neurotechnology & Functional Recovery

Recent advances in brain–computer interface (BCI) technology demonstrate meaningful progress toward restoring both motor and sensory function in individuals with paralysis. These systems are moving beyond assistive communication toward functional neurologic recovery.

In addition, emerging intranasal therapies designed to bypass the blood–brain barrier show promise in reducing neuroinflammation and improving mitochondrial function—potentially opening new treatment pathways for brain injury and neurodegenerative disease.

Clinical Relevance

Increasing need for nurse familiarity with neurodevices and emerging therapies
Expanded role in patient/caregiver education and longitudinal care coordination
Growing intersection between acute care and neurorehabilitation

Nature Neuroscience

Willett, F. R., et al. (2023). High-performance brain-to-text communication via handwriting decoding. Nature , 593, 249–254.

The New England Journal of Medicine
Moses, D. A., et al. (2021). Neuroprosthesis for decoding speech in a paralyzed person with anarthria . N Engl J Med , 385, 217–227.

Nature Medicine
Bouton, C. E., et al. (2016). Restoring cortical control of functional movement in a paralyzed individual. Nat Med , 22, 153–156.

Neurodegenerative Disease & Precision Medicine

New findings highlight the importance of individualized approaches to neurologic care:

Alzheimer’s disease: Sex-based differences may delay diagnosis in women despite underlying pathology
Parkinson’s disease: The gut microbiome may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa through drug metabolism
Dementia prevention: High-quality, whole-food plant-based diets are associated with lower cognitive decline risk

Clinical Relevance

Consider sex-specific presentation in cognitive assessments
Recognize emerging medication–microbiome interactions
Reinforce lifestyle counseling as part of neurologic care

Lancet Neurology
Livingston, G., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet Neurol , 19(5), 413–446.

JAMA Neurology
Ferretti, M. T., et al. (2018). Sex differences in Alzheimer disease — the gateway to precision medicine. JAMA Neurol , 75(11), 1361–1362.

Cell
Maini Rekdal, V., et al. (2019). Discovery and inhibition of an interspecies gut bacterial pathway for Levodopa metabolism. Cell , 177(6), 1580–1591.

Brain Function & Translational Science

Advances in fundamental neuroscience are uncovering mechanisms with direct clinical implications:

Specialized intracellular transport systems in neurons may contribute to neurodegenerative disease processes
Overlapping neural pathways for visual perception and imagination provide insight into cognition, hallucinations, and rehabilitation strategies

Clinical Relevance

Supports neuroplasticity-based rehabilitation approaches
Enhances understanding of cognitive and perceptual symptoms

Neuron
Maday, S., Twelvetrees, A. E., Moughamian, A. J., & Holzbaur, E. L. (2014). Axonal transport: cargo-specific mechanisms of motility and regulation. Neuron , 84(2), 292–309.

Nature Reviews Neuroscience
Pearson, J. (2019). The human imagination: the cognitive neuroscience of visual mental imagery. Nat Rev Neurosci , 20, 624–634.

Neurodevelopment & Early Brain Health

Emerging research suggests that critical developmental pathways—such as neural crest cell differentiation—occur earlier than previously recognized. Additionally, the gut microbiome is increasingly linked to neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism and ADHD.

Clinical Relevance

Reinforces importance of early developmental screening
Supports family education on environmental and biological influences
Highlights future directions in prevention and early intervention

Nature Reviews Neuroscience
Molnár, Z., et al. (2019). New insights into the development of the human cerebral cortex. Nat Rev Neurosci , 20, 499–512.

Cell
Sharon, G., et al. (2019). Human gut microbiota from autism spectrum disorder promote behavioral symptoms in mice. Cell , 177(6), 1600–1618.

Lifestyle, Brain Health & Environment

The role of lifestyle and environment in neurologic health continues to expand:

Meditation is associated with measurable neuroplastic and immunologic changes
The brain encodes prior physical activity (“exercise memory”), influencing endurance
“Neuroarchitecture” explores how built environments impact stress, cognition, and neurologic health

Clinical Relevance

Integrate holistic care strategies into practice
Encourage physical activity and stress management
Consider environmental factors in recovery and long-term brain health

Nature Reviews Neuroscience
Tang, Y. Y., Hölzel, B. K., & Posner, M. I. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nat Rev Neurosci , 16, 213–225.

Journal of Physiology
Noakes, T. D. (2012). Fatigue is a brain-derived emotion that regulates exercise behavior. J Physiol , 590(15), 3469–3470.

Environmental Health Perspectives
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Environ Health Perspect , 117(7), 1045–1050.

The Lancet Planetary Health
Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2021). Urban and transport planning pathways to carbon neutral, liveable and healthy cities. Lancet Planet Health , 5(8), e533–e539.

Key Takeaways for Neuroscience Nurses

Neurotechnology is shifting toward restorative care models
Precision medicine is becoming central to neurologic diagnosis and treatment
The microbiome is an emerging factor in neurologic disease management
Early neurodevelopmental insights emphasize timely intervention
Lifestyle and environment are critical components of brain health

Latest News & Updates in Child Neurology Nursing

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:55:05 GMT

Workforce Development & Pipeline Expansion

Efforts to strengthen the child neurology workforce are gaining momentum, with increased focus on early exposure and training pathways for future clinicians. New initiatives emphasize integrating neurology earlier into medical and advanced practice education to address ongoing workforce shortages.

Building the Child Neurology Workforce Earlier in Training | NeurologyLive - Clinical Neurology News and Neurology Expert Insights

Why it matters for ACNN:

This creates opportunities for nurse practitioners and nurses to play a larger role in education, mentorship, and interdisciplinary training models.

Innovations Shaping Neurology Practice

Experts highlight artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and emerging disease-modifying therapies as key drivers transforming neurologic care in 2026. These innovations are expected to enhance diagnostics, personalize treatment, and improve long-term outcomes.

Look Ahead in Neurology: What are Clinicians Excited About for 2026? | NeurologyLive - Clinical Neurology News and Neurology Expert Insights

Clinical impact:

AI-supported diagnostics and monitoring
Expansion of targeted therapies
Greater emphasis on individualized care plans

Advocacy & Policy Progress

Recent advocacy efforts have led to early legislative and policy advancements supporting child neurology priorities, including workforce support and improved access to care.

Advocacy Update: Early Wins for Child Neurology in Congress - Child Neurology Society

Implications:

Increased national visibility of pediatric neurologic conditions
Opportunities for nursing leadership in advocacy initiatives

Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Practitioner Education in Genomics (ISCC-PEG)

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 22:57:14 GMT

Nursing Genomics Project Group

Mission: To improve genomic literacy of healthcare providers and enhance the effective practice of clinical genomic medicine by facilitating interactions among key stakeholders in genomics education. Through ISCC-PEG, members can collaborate to identify educational needs and potential solutions, share best practices in educational approaches and develop educational resources.

Goals:

Gather and facilitate dissemination of best practices and resources in genomics education and promote their translation into evidence based clinical care.
Assist key stakeholders, including societies, professional organizations NIH institutes, industry and individuals with expertise in medical education, in identifying gaps and barriers in genomics education for healthcare providers and potential solutions.
Develop resources to promote healthcare provider education and effective practice of clinical genomic medicine.

Click here to learn more about the group.

ISCC-PEG Scholars Program

The Scholars Program provides exposure to the broader genomics community and experts in the field, with the opportunity to work on a genetics/genomics-related education projects under the mentorship of an ISCC-PEG member. The appointment is for two years. Each scholar will have their travel funded for the annual ISCC-PEG in-person meeting (typically January or February) for a presentation on their project progress. This program is not a full-time fellowship, postdoctoral, or salaried position. Travel to the ISCC-PEG meeting is the only financial component.

Click here to learn more about the program. Applications are due November 1, 2022.

Nationwide Children's Hospital Hosting 2022 Pediatric Neuroscience Nursing Symposium

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:15:59 GMT

Before attending ACNN's conference in October, learn more about pediatric neuroscience practices with Nationwide Children's Hospital!

The 2022 Pediatric Neuroscience Nursing Symposium will provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals to learn the most up-to-date best practices in pediatric neuroscience care and network with peers in the field from across the region. This conference is designed for pediatric neuroscience nurses and other health care professionals who care for children and adolescents with neurological problems, such as EEG technicians, social workers, psychologists, home health care nurses, school nurses and physician assistants.

Keynote Speaker: Maurice "Tony" Adkins, PA-C, MCHS, MPH

Tony is a PA in Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Tony brings the joy of music and dance to his patients as a therapeutic tool to improve care and healing.

Conference Topics

Conference topics will include:

Early Identification of CP in NICU follow up
Tourette syndrome, PANDAS, and functional movement disorder
Acquired pediatric demyelinating diseases of the Central Nervous System
Autism Spectrum Disorders and the medical setting
Neuroscience patients and families as teachers (panel discussion)

Contact

CME Office
CMEoffice@nationwidechildrens.org
(614) 355-0650

ACNN Selects Capture Management Solutions

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 19:40:14 GMT

ACNN's board of directors chose Capture Management Solutions as their association management company. Capture Management Solutions is located in Iowa and oversees around a dozen associations in the healthcare and business sector with a staff of ten employees. Capture Management Solutions specializes in "cause marketing" for associations. "We are very excited to represent ACNN and help them move forward with their strategic initiatives and help market the benefits to other neurology nurses in the nation," stated executive director, Carl Lingen, who is also a co-owner of Capture Management Solutions.

Message from ACNN President

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 19:31:04 GMT

Dear ACNN Colleagues,

As 2020 begins, ACNN has much to reflect on and be thankful for in 2019. 2019 was a record-breaking year, with 139 registrants for our annual meeting that took place this past October in Charlotte, NC. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn and network with our colleagues. We recognized fellow members with the Clair Chee, Nurse Practitioner, and Innovation in Practice Awards. In addition, we have hit record membership and continue to grow in numbers and strength.

As we look forward to the new year, we are excited about the opportunities to come. 2020 brings the joint Child Neurology and International Child Neurology Association meeting which is anticipated to set record attendance in San Diego. As we continue to partner with CNS, this will also impact the ACNN meeting. As such, we expect abstract submission and review to occur on an expedited timeline. We also expect registration to open much sooner. Be on the lookout for emails and Connect messages regarding these items and check back on the website and Twitter feed for ongoing updates.

I also want to remind everyone of the Elizabeth F. Hobdell ACNN Nursing Quality, Research, and Scholarship Grant. This grant provides up to $1,000 of funding to ACNN members for nursing research projects focused on identifying and improving nursing practice and care in the pediatric neurosciences. Grants are open to applications throughout the year and can be accessed through the ACNN website. This is a fantastic opportunity to access funds specific to nursing scholarship. The committee eagerly awaits your application!

Finally, we want to connect with you! If you have a Twitter account (and if you don’t, here’s a good reason to get one), please follow @ACNNnursingorg to get ongoing updates.

Here’s wishing you all the happiness and good fortune in 2020!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Coffman, JD, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC, CNRN
President, ACNN