Researchers found that people with back injuries use many unnecessary muscles to compensate for hurt areas, increasing twisting and compressive forces on the spine. A new rehabilitation strategy that emphasizes learning to use back muscles naturally could reduce the likelihood of repeat injuries.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has been selected by NASA to develop the first mission to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt region. The New Horizons: Shedding Light on Frontier Worlds mission will use a team of scientists and engineers from various institutions to design, build, and operate the spacecraft.
A study found that dopamine transporter levels improved in methamphetamine abusers after prolonged abstinence, suggesting potential for recovery. However, cognitive and motor function did not show significant improvement, highlighting the need for further research.
Recent studies show that methamphetamine acts on the same brain mechanisms as cocaine and alcohol, disrupting dopamine receptors and glucose metabolism. Researchers found damage to brain cells may recover after prolonged abstinence from the drug.
Researchers found that delaying spinal cord injury treatment until the initial changes have stabilized can improve regrowth of injured neurons and axons. This combination therapy with fetal tissue transplants and nerve growth factors shows promise for treating severe spinal cord trauma.
Researchers led by Robert E. Braun analyzed gene expression after adenovirus delivery using both in vitro and in vivo studies. The study found no infection of reproductive stem cells, supporting the safety of adenovector use in cardiovascular therapy.
A new study finds that methamphetamine abusers have fewer dopamine receptors, leading to reduced motivation and drive. The study suggests that the drug's high dopamine release overactivates the brain's reward system, making it hard for addicts to resist.
A recent study found that 10 million Americans meet criteria for serious mental illness, with 62.8% receiving no stable treatment from a professional. Psychological barriers such as lack of confidence in treatment and stigma play a significant role in preventing individuals from seeking help.
Researchers found that brains of blind-from-birth individuals exhibited unique activation patterns when reading Braille, suggesting a distinct mental imagery related to language. The study suggests that early visual experience may hinder brain plasticity in certain areas.
A new study led by Barbara Bregman found that delaying treatment for spinal cord injuries can lead to increased regrowth of nerve cell fibers. The addition of neurotrophins was key to this effect, with rats experiencing significant improvement in motor function.