The American Association for Anatomy's Young Investigator Awards recognize investigators in early stages of their careers for contributions to biomedical science. This year's winners include Tamara Franz-Odendaal, Thomas Jhou, Joanna Wysocka, and Thomas Maresca, who will present lectures at the AAA Annual Meeting/EB 2013.
Researchers have mapped the domestic pig's genome, uncovering genetic traits that could improve animal health and share similarities with human physiology. The sequenced genome includes genes associated with disease resistance, immune mechanisms, and protein abnormalities linked to various human diseases.
The Illacme plenipes, a millipede species from California, boasts the most legs of any animal group, with females reaching up to 750 legs. Its unique anatomy and adaptations enable it to thrive in its limited habitat near San Juan Bautista, where thick fog accumulation provides a specialized environment.
A new approach to hysterectomy allows for essentially scar-free surgery using robotic arms in a thin incision. The technique provides improved access for surgeons, enabling clearer views of anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to vital structures.
Stanford researchers used brain scans to scan the brain anatomy of 39 children once a year for three years. The scans revealed that children with above-average reading skills had specific nerve bundle FA values, while those with lower reading skills had high FA values that declined over time.
The study uses functional MRI to measure brain activity and identifies a precise statistical relationship between brain structure and visual representation. This breakthrough can guide efforts to restore vision using neural prosthetics.
Researchers found cells similar to mammalian neocortex in bird brains, contradicting long-held assumptions about their anatomy. The study opens up new animal models for studying the neocortex and its evolution.
Researchers used MRI to scan brains of 885 people and identified 231 biomarkers that capture age differences well, surpassing previous biological measures. The findings suggest a 'developmental clock' in the brain, tightly controlling certain anatomical aspects of development.
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found a connection between brain anatomy and altruistic behavior, with individuals displaying more gray matter at the junction of the parietal and temporal lobes when behaving altruistically. This region is linked to empathy and understanding others' thoughts and feelings.
A new fossil discovery solves the mystery of flatfish evolution, revealing a 50-million-year-old fossil fish named Heteronectes that shows an intermediate stage between most fish and specialized flatfish. The study provides evidence for the gradual evolution of flatfish anatomy.
A 345-million-year-old eel fossil, Tarrasius problematicus, has been found with a human-like spine, contradicting the long-held assumption that such complex anatomy is exclusive to land-dwelling animals. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of spinal organization in fish species.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that mild TBI can cause structural disruption of axons and alter neuronal firing patterns. This discovery advances research on posttraumatic disorders and enables better understanding of long-lasting neurological issues following a head injury.
Researchers at Queen's University have developed TeleHuman, a life-size 3D videoconferencing pod that allows people to interact with each other in a Star Trek-like holodeck environment. The technology uses existing hardware and can be used for interactive 3D anatomy exploration through BodiPod.
A new study shows cone beam CT is better than multidetector CT for visualizing superior semicircular canal dehiscence and normal temporal bone anatomy, with improved image quality at half the radiation dose. The study found a significant reduction in false positives and improvements in pathology detection.
Radiologists must understand normal anatomy and possible complications of bariatric surgeries like gastric banding and Roux-en-Y bypass to ensure patient success. By being familiar with these procedures, radiologists can better communicate with surgical colleagues and provide optimal care for obese patients.
A new study from UCLA shows that magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) are equivalent in delineating anatomy in living renal donors. The results could potentially reduce radiation exposure for patients, while consistently using MRA in renal donors warrants further investigation.
A recent study has found that healthy emmetropic women have wider pupil diameters than men. The research analyzed anatomical indexes in a large sample of 379 emmetropic subjects, revealing differences between gender.
A new study published in The Anatomical Record reveals that some baleen whales have specialized fats associated with their jaws, similar to those found in toothed whales. This discovery sheds light on the auditory anatomy of these animals and challenges previous assumptions about their hearing systems.
A new study uses advanced imaging to measure tricuspid valve anatomy and predict the severity of leakage. The research found that pulmonary arterial pressure, annulus area, and papillary muscle position are correlated with the grade of tricuspid regurgitation.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded Albert Einstein College of Medicine two grants totaling $8 million to study the microenvironments that drive the spread of cancer. The research aims to understand the complex process of metastasis, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths.
Researchers studied woodpecker anatomy and behavior to understand how they resist head impact injury. Key findings include the relative 'spongy'-ness of cranial bones and beak features that absorb shock, leading to a combined effect of multiple morphological features.
The Monell Center has received a $2 million NIH Core grant to enhance technological and research services. The funding will support three Research Cores providing specialized expert services, equipment, and training in chemical senses research techniques.
A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers suggests that the evolution of human vertebrae adapted for upright walking is the primary cause of backbone fractures, not osteoporosis. The team found that human vertebrae are larger and more porous than those in apes, but also thinner and less protected against cracks and breaks.
This emerging technology uses diffusion tractography to visualize white matter in the brain, offering a new window into human brain anatomy. Recent developments may tackle limitations and challenges, revealing the architecture of the human brain and its breakdown in disease.
Researchers analyzed CT scans of fossil skull fragments from five Australopithecus species and found distinct internal structures in the anterior pillars. This suggests different evolutionary pathways for different species, contradicting previous theories on shared ancestry.
A new X-ray scan has provided the highest resolution and most accurate image of an early human ancestor's brain case. The study challenges previous models of brain evolution by revealing a surprisingly small brain volume and a mix of characteristics that resemble both humans and chimpanzees.
The American Association for Anatomy's ASCES journal has secured the number one ranking in Education, Scientific Disciplines with its debut impact factor of 2.976. The journal provides an international forum for anatomy education research, attracting contributions from top researchers worldwide.
The Gray's Anatomy for Students App is a clinically-oriented textbook for human anatomy, featuring over 1,000-color illustrations and various interactive features. The app provides access to the latest edition of Gray's Anatomy for Students, Second Edition, with updates from a team of authors and an international advisory board.
Scientists uncover ancient fossils of Coxoplectoptera, an insect order that defies classification, offering clues to the evolution of wings and lifestyle. The discovery presents a new hypothesis on the development of insect wings, suggesting they originated from thoracic backplates.
Researchers discovered a genetic switch controlling limb development in ancient fish, suggesting that the recipe for limb development is conserved across species. The discovery challenges previous findings and provides new insights into the evolution of limbs in tetrapods.
Research from Tel Aviv University finds that genetics play a key role in lower back pain and disc degeneration, with different genetic factors causing both conditions. The study suggests that identifying these genetic factors could lead to more effective treatment options.
Researchers analyzed the heads of pachycephalosaur dinosaurs and compared them to modern animals that engage in head butting. They found that the bony anatomy of pachycephalosaur domes is better at protecting the brain than in any modern head-butting animal.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology found that a surgical technique for repairing hypospadias in boys results in a postoperative success rate better than 95%. The procedure, called tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair, is effective regardless of anatomy, and offers a more natural appearance after surgery.
Research suggests the thalamus acts as a center for transmitting migraine pain, regulating its intensity and sensitivity to environmental stimuli. This new understanding may lead to future treatments targeting the thalamus.
Pitt researchers created a mouse model of major depressive disorder (MDD) using a rare genetic mutation. The model exhibits alterations in brain anatomy, gene expression, behavior, and increased infant mortality, supporting the role of the genetic variant in MDD development.
A 47 million-year-old lizard fossil has provided key findings on the evolutionary relationships between snakes and other reptiles. The study reveals that snakes evolved independently from limbless lizards, rather than sharing a common ancestry with burrowing reptiles.
A Nordic multicentre study found that pelvic organ prolapse surgery using synthetic mesh can restore genital anatomy and provide efficient symptom relief. However, the study also revealed an increased risk of complications with this method compared to traditional surgery.
3D printing technology is being used to create ultra high-resolution 3D models of patient CT scans for neurosurgical planning. These models help identify defects not visible on 2-D images, improving radiologists' ability to communicate with patients and their families about complex anatomy and pathology.
Researchers found that advancements in brain anatomy and signal processing allowed mormyrids to fully exploit electric signal space, leading to rapid speciation. The study revealed two equally parsimonious ways to reconstruct the fish's evolutionary history, challenging current understanding of brain development.
Bjorn R. Olsen, Richard Drake, and Gary C. Schoenwolf received the highest awards from the American Association of Anatomists for their outstanding contributions to anatomical sciences, with Olsen receiving the Scientific Achievement Award, Drake the Distinguished Educator Award, and Schoenwolf the Exemplary Service Award.
A study comparing pelvic anatomy after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open prostatectomy found significant differences in pelvic distances. These findings may impact post-operative radiation therapy for patients requiring this treatment.
Researchers propose a new classification system for SOD based on anatomy, symptoms, endoscope tests, and radiological imaging. This four-type classification demonstrates significant advantages in guiding diagnosis and treatment in China compared to the conventional Milwaukee criteria.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that perinatal bisphenol-A exposure may decrease fertility and fecundity in female mice. The researchers compared the effects of BPA to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and concluded that they were comparable, with low doses causing reproductive problems only when evaluated over mult...
A disease mechanism linking hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to the more common sporadic form has been discovered. The findings point to the P38 enzyme as a key factor in disrupting axonal transport, a disruption that results in loss of connectivity and symptoms of ALS long before the neurons actually die.
Researchers have discovered that dinosaurs had thick layers of cartilage in their joints, which may have made them considerably taller than originally estimated. This study has implications for understanding dinosaur posture and speed.
The new bimonthly journal Cardiac Cath Lab Director is being launched by SAGE, providing administrators and managers with the latest research and evidence-based information on cardiac catheterization procedures. Topics include cardiovascular anatomy, department administration, diagnostic techniques, and patient safety.
Valentin Dragoi, a UTHealth neuroscientist, has won the prestigious NIH Director's Pioneer Award to study how the brain processes information and develop new technologies to monitor neural activity in naturalistic environments. This award will support his high-impact approach to understanding major challenges in biomedical research.
Scientists report the discovery of a unique Cretaceous creature with mammal-like teeth, challenging traditional views of ancient animal life. The new species, Pakasuchus, was found in Tanzania and is believed to have been a land-dwelling, insect-eating creature that thrived during the middle Cretaceous period.
A new technique preserves periprostatic anatomy by keeping intact the pubovesical complex, achieving a higher rate of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. The study reports a 25.7% weighted mean continence rate immediately after catheter removal.
Researchers have discovered that Michelangelo's depiction of God in the Sistine Chapel ceiling contains unusual features resembling a brainstem, with implications for our understanding of the artist's anatomy knowledge. The findings suggest another hidden anatomical detail in the painting, potentially related to the spinal cord.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive imaging tool to study the retina of live birds of prey, producing detailed images for the first time in history. The new spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system shows unprecedented three-dimensional information about the retina's layers and structure.
A study found that the human brain regions growing during infancy and childhood are similar to those with the most changes when comparing humans to apes and monkeys. This research helps assess adverse effects of premature birth on brain development, including increased risks of learning disabilities and cognitive impairments.
Danish scientists used MRI and CT to study internal organs in animals like alligators, snakes, and tarantulas. They found that snakes adapt their organs for big meals and digestion, allowing them to survive 'feast and famine' lifestyles.
Alana Oldham and colleagues found that water stress, due to gravity's effect on the water column, drives leaf anatomy and morphology in redwoods. This reduces photosynthesis in the upper canopy, but increases water-stress tolerance traits below.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine highlight the carcinogenic effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can cause harm during organ formation. EDCs, such as bisphenol A, have been linked to increased cancer rates, obesity and infertility.
Researchers have successfully imaged the internal tissues of a soft-bodied marine worm using micro-computed x-ray tomography (micro-CT) without dissection or destructive methods. This technique allows for high-definition images and three-dimensional rotating views, enabling detailed study of functional anatomy.
Joseph W. Sanger, T. Vidhya Persaud, and Richard B. Marchase received the highest honors from the American Association for Anatomy for their unique contributions to anatomical sciences. The awards recognize exceptional service and meritorious achievements in education, research, and scientific advancements.
Experts will present on techniques using digital technology to separate conjoined twins, develop facial prostheses, and analyze anthropologic specimens. The symposium aims to enhance outcomes through the use of digital tools, such as radiographic data and tactile medical modeling.
A symposium at the American Association of Anatomists' Annual Meeting explores the evolution of human evolution through ancient mummies, skulls, and bones. Modern technology enables researchers to examine mummified remains without harming tissue, providing insights into disease evolution and death causes.
Spinal cord injuries affect approximately 12,000 people annually and 259,000 Americans currently live with long-lasting SCI. A new study suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is most likely to achieve results in treating spinal cord injuries, leveraging expertise from several fields.