Welcome to the 37th episode of The Brain Podcast - the official podcast of the journals Brain and Brain Communications.

This episode features a discussion with first author Dr Tobias Moser of the Brain article entitled: Propionic acid in multiple sclerosis: a phase 2b, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial

We discuss the Multiple sclerosis And DisAbility Improvement (MADAI) trial - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-centre, phase 2b study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propionic acid as an add-on therapy in adults with clinically stable multiple sclerosis. Results show a significant impact on serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) outcomes as well as physical and cognitive performance measures. Both relapsing-remitting and primary progressive MS was considered in this trial and the authors discuss how proprionic acid may affect neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Check out the full article on the Brain website as part of the July 2026 issue (editors choice): https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awag099

This episode was co-hosted, edited and produced by Xin You Tai and Alasdair Coles, co-produced by Xin You Tai and Antonia Johnston, original music by Ammar Al-Chalabi.

Welcome to the 36th episode of The Brain Podcast - the official podcast of the journals Brain and Brain Communications.

This episode features a discussion with senior author Dr Carsten Finke of the Brain article entitled: Brain atrophy patterns in anti-IgLON5 disease

We discuss a fascinating article which examines clinical and imaging data related to anti-Iglon5 disease. This valuable contribution to our understanding of this rare disease comprises data collected across multiple sites. Results identified distinct atrophy patterns in anti-IgLON5 disease, which closely mirror sites of pathophysiologic processes, including autoantibody binding and tau deposition.

Check out the full article on the Brain website as part of the March 2026 issue: https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awaf256

This episode was co-hosted, edited and produced by Michael and Adam Handel, co-produced by Xin You Tai and Antonia Johnston, original music by Ammar Al-Chalabi.

Welcome to the 35th episode of The Brain Podcast - the official podcast of the journals Brain and Brain Communications.

This episode features a discussion with first author Dr Laetitia Marcadet and senior author Chantelle F Sephton of the Brain article entitled: Targeting lipid droplets in FUS-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mitigates neuronal and astrocytic lipotoxicity.

We discuss the interest concept of abnormal cellular energy metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and, more broadly, across other neurodegenerative and neurological conditions. The authors outline their combined model of neuronal and, more uniquely, astrocytic compartments to identify response to lipid droplet targeting.

Check out the full article on the Brain website as part of the Feb 2026 issue: https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awaf404

This episode was co-hosted, edited and produced by Roberto Bellanti and Andreas Thermisticleous, co-produced by Xin You Tai and Antonia Johnston, original music by Ammar Al-Chalabi.