Binghamton University Research Explores Vascular Impact of Parkinson's Disease
Researchers from Binghamton University and Drexel University have conducted a study focusing on the vascular effects of Parkinson's disease, a lesser-studied aspect of the condition. Led by Assistant Professor Jungwook 'Jay' Paek and PhD student Anika Alim, the team used organ-on-a-chip technology to simulate the human body's cellular behavior. This research, published in the journal Communications Engineering, examines how the blood-brain barrier degrades as Parkinson's progresses. The study found that protein aggregates, similar to Lewy bodies found in Parkinson's patients, contribute to vascular degradation, including endothelial dysfunction and impaired blood flow. This research highlights the complex interplay between neurodegeneration and vascular pathology in Parkinson's disease. 
