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.
A study analyzing two popular medical dramas found that they often depict bioethical issues and actions that run afoul of professional codes of conduct. Informed consent was the most frequently observed issue, with exemplary discussions being more common than inadequate ones.
UCI researchers found that learning activates neuron receptors that promote brain growth and limit memory impairment associated with aging. The study suggests that staying mentally active as we age may keep neuronal BDNF signaling at a constant rate, limiting cognitive decline.
The groundbreaking Videourology journal offers fully peer-reviewed video demonstrations of the latest urologic surgical techniques and technologies. The journal provides comprehensive search options, including videos organized by medical condition, anatomy, and surgical procedure.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that antioxidants can cause harm by suppressing key signaling mechanisms necessary for muscle function. The study suggests that increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skeletal muscle is crucial during physical activity.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario used state-of-the-art micro-computed tomography systems to collect detailed 3D scans of bat internal anatomy. The study identified a unique bone connection that distinguishes bats using laryngeal echolocation from those using tongue clicks.
A 30,000-year-old child's teeth found in Portugal provide insight into the evolution of modern humans and their relationship with Neanderthals. The analysis reveals that early modern humans had a different dental anatomy compared to recent humans, with greater volumes of dentin and pulp but less enamel.
The study reveals that RNA molecules' 3D shapes are dictated by their junctions, similar to how anatomical features define arm motion. The researchers also found that drug molecules interact with RNA in predictable ways, with size being a key factor in determining the preferred orientation.
Researchers describe molecular anatomy of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a small bacterium that can survive on its own. The study reveals intricate networks and multifunctional molecules, challenging the idea of a 'minimal' cell.
Researchers use X-ray scanners and advanced computing to create detailed replicas of a whale's hearing anatomy. The study suggests mid-frequency sonar sounds are largely filtered, while higher frequencies used by whales for hunting are amplified.
The software converts flat medical scans into 3D images, making it easier for doctors to plan surgeries or radiation therapy. The technology is also being used in school biology classes to engage students and teach anatomy.
Researchers aim to use human pluripotent stem cells to produce cardiac myocytes for transplantation into diseased hearts. The study could potentially treat 500,000 new cases of heart disease annually.
Elsevier won 26 prizes in the 2009 British Medical Association Medical Book Competition, with Gray's Anatomy for Students and Elsevier's Rheumatoid Arthritis taking top honors. The company congratulated its authors and editors on their achievements, highlighting its commitment to quality content.
A new protein has been identified as crucial for protecting sensory cells in the ear, according to a study led by University of Iowa researchers. The protein, claudin-9, helps maintain the separation of potassium ions between cells, preventing intoxication and functional defects.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery have identified a drilling technique that improves the outcome of ACL surgery by better reproducing the native ligament anatomy. The anteromedial portal drilling technique outperforms the traditional transtibial technique in restoring knee stability and preventing complications.
The study reveals that the mutated huntingtin gene activates JNK3 enzyme, inhibiting axonal transport and leading to neuronal cell death. The mechanism explains the late onset of the disease, as young neurons have a robust transport system that gradually declines with age.
A study published in BMC Family Practice found that most people lack basic knowledge of human anatomy. Approximately half of the participants correctly identified the location of major organs, highlighting potential problems in doctor-patient communication and diagnosis.
A 3D kidney atlas has been created to help diagnose and treat renal diseases more effectively. The atlas, part of the European Renal Genome Project, will aid in understanding genes that play a key role in renal diseases and other data on anatomy.
Researchers found that the gene ZBP1 is silenced in metastasizing breast cancer cells due to a methyl group attachment, leading to increased cell migration and proliferation. The study suggests potential drug targets for preventing metastasis and may help predict breast tumor outcomes by identifying signs of ZBP1 silencing.
A study using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals new details about the brain's white matter tracts, allowing radiologists to better understand conditions such as tumors, hemorrhages, and strokes. DTI provides a comprehensive view of brain anatomy, including connectivity between regions.
Professor Alessandro Riva, a leading expert in human exocrine glands, has made significant contributions to the understanding of salivary gland structure and function. He established benchmarks for the field through his published work, which includes numerous original observations and unique methods.
Researchers analyzed transtibial and anteromedial portal drilling techniques for ACL reconstruction, finding that anteromedial portal drilling allowed for better native ACL footprint restoration and knee stability. Re-reaming of the tibial tunnel was also a significant issue with conventional transtibial techniques.