Research from CHEO Institute finds ice hockey and bicycle helmets provide better protection against head injuries during winter activities like tobogganing; alpine ski helmets have limited effectiveness. All helmets are protective, but parents should educate their children on safety measures.
Researchers tested ice hockey, alpine ski, and bicycling helmets to protect young children's heads during winter sports. The study found that no helmet provided adequate protection for all types of impacts, highlighting the need for a new type of winter play helmet.
A study of over 26,000 patients found that therapeutic hypothermia was used in only 0.35% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the US. Despite its proven benefits in reducing mortality and improving neurologic outcomes after a heart attack, hypothermic therapy is not being widely adopted in clinical practice.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders. After four weeks of single-blind stimulation, 58% of patients achieved remission and showed significant improvement in function.
The Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre will accelerate the development of treatments and identify future therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, aiming for earlier intervention for patients. The centre will be based at UCL's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Physicians at Barrow Neurological Institute have written a biography of Ukrainian anatomist Vladimir Betz, who discovered giant pyramidal neurons known as Betz cells. These cells' function with cortical organization was a turning point in neuroscience, revolutionizing cell fixation and staining methods.
A recent study published in Lancet Neurology has found that brain tsunamis, or 'killer waves,' contribute to poor outcomes in patients with major head injuries. Researchers have identified a phenomenon called cortical spreading depolarizations, which can cause further damage to the brain.
Research suggests that surprising good or bad outcomes drive learning, with neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex and caudate nucleus processing unexpected rewards and disappointments similarly. This finding may inform future therapies to accelerate re-learning in patients with brain damage.
Dr. R. Michael Scott has made groundbreaking innovations in pial synangiosis and novel advances in neurosurgery, transforming the field of pediatric neurosurgery. The Children's Department of Neurosurgery under his tenure experienced significant growth, becoming the largest pediatric neurosurgery department worldwide.
A recent study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that arginine supplementation can reactivate cancer-fighting T-cells in patients with glioblastoma. This is achieved by replenishing the amino acid arginine, which is depleted due to persistent neutrophil activity. The result is an improved immune response against cancer cells.
A Journal of the American College of Surgeons study found that malpractice lawsuits against US surgeons can lead to depression, stress, and professional dissatisfaction. The study also showed that surgical specialties such as neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery report high rates of malpractice lawsuits.
Researchers have developed a flexible brain implant that could pinpoint seizure start points and shut them down. The device conforms to the brain's surface, allowing for unprecedented brain activity observation.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) affects 2.7 million Americans, with a high risk associated with chronic and severe cases. Increased awareness, improved prevention, and better treatments can help reduce SUDEP rates through devices that detect seizures and understanding its mechanisms.
A first-of-its-kind study found that brain stimulation significantly reduced 'medically refractory' epileptic seizures in adults. The NeuroPace Responsive Neurostimulation System delivered electrical pulses to stop seizures, providing a new treatment option for patients who have tried multiple medications and surgery without success.
Researchers have successfully measured dopamine release in a human brain, tracking its movement between brain cells while a subject makes decisions. The study provides preliminary evidence that dopamine can predict future market changes.
A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that the coupling of proteins FoxM1 and beta-catenin promotes glioblastoma development. The researchers found that this protein connection supports the self-renewal and differentiation of glioma-initiating cells, cancer stem cells thought to drive glioblastoma multiforme.
Around half of adults undergoing surgery for epilepsy are seizure-free after 10 years, with improved outcomes seen for those with anterior temporal resections. The study highlights the need for further improvements in presurgical assessment and surgical treatment to increase success rates.
Researchers found that melatonin delayed the onset of symptoms by 19% and reduced mortality by 18% in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. The hormone was shown to target mitochondria, reducing programmed cell death, and increasing neuroprotection when administered.
A study found that performing tracheostomies within seven days of a severe head injury improves overall patient outcome. This is especially true for patients with a reasonable chance of survival, where early tracheostomy reduces the risk of complications and increases the likelihood of discharge in an independent state.
Researchers at UCSF Brain Tumor Research Center discovered a protein called NG2 that controls the switch from asymmetric to symmetric cell division in normal cells. This abnormal cell division pattern is associated with oligodendroglioma brain tumors, which may respond to chemotherapy but often recur in resistant forms.
A gene for Lou Gehrig's disease and frontotemporal dementia has been identified by researchers at the University of California - San Francisco. The mutated gene, C9ORF72, is associated with nearly 12% of familial cases and over 22% of sporadic cases of the diseases., Scientists have discovered a genetic mutation that triggers both Lou ...
A recent brain stent study found aggressive medical treatment without stenting may be better for high-risk stroke patients, but experts at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center believe the procedure is appropriate for certain patients who haven't responded to medication. The study's limitations and exclusions have raised concerns among researchers.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System used bone marrow-derived adult stem cells to promote bone tissue growth after cervical disc removal. The procedure, part of a nationwide clinical trial, aims to relieve chronic, debilitating pain by eliminating friction between vertebrae and nerve compression.
Rasmussen Encephalitis is a rare neurological disease causing seizures, cognitive deficits and paralysis of half the body. Researchers at UCLA aim to narrow down the cause(s) of the disease using animal models and collaboration between experts in brain immunology and neuropathology.
Researchers have discovered that human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAECs) can differentiate into various cell types, including those found in the lungs. Transplanted hAECs were shown to reduce pulmonary fibrosis and enhance lung regeneration in animal models of lung disease.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found flexible-fiber CO2 lasers to be safe and effective in endoscopic assisted transsphenoidal craniotomies, with low complication rates. The study demonstrated the utility of this technology for treating pituitary tumors and other sellar lesions.
Researchers aim to develop new post-stroke therapy by repairing the blood-brain barrier, which prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. If successful, this could lead to positive therapeutic outcomes for ischemic stroke patients who may have missed the limited 3-hour tPA window.
The new discs mimic the natural structure of human discs, with improved mechanical properties over time. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in chronic back and neck pain, allowing patients to maintain their mobility and quality of life.
Researchers found that rapidly infusing cold IV fluid may not be effective in reducing body temperature quickly in children after a heart attack. This is crucial for minimizing neurological complications caused by cardiac arrest in pediatric patients.
A study by Johns Hopkins physicians found that stents can prevent brain aneurysms from recurring after minimally invasive coiling procedures. The research suggests that stenting can make coiling a more promising option for the 30,000 people diagnosed with brain aneurysms each year in the US.
Researchers found that alpha-B-crystallin reduces brain lesion size and inflammation in mice after a stroke, even when administered 12 hours post-event. The protein acts as a brake on the immune system, lowering levels of inflammatory molecules.
A new UCSF study reveals that brain surgery can completely cure two-thirds of people with severe and untreatable epilepsy, highlighting the importance of accurate brain mapping in achieving successful outcomes. The study's findings also underscore the need for further research into developing new methods to pinpoint seizure sources.
Researchers found abnormal tau tangles and amyloid-beta plaques in survivors years after a single TBI, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The study suggests that a single TBI may initiate long-term neurodegenerative processes, offering new insights into the development of Alzheimer's disease.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have identified a brain-based explanation for how memories become linked, revealing that contextual associations are retained across time scales. The study uses precise brain activity data from epilepsy patients to pinpoint the region of the brain responsible for episodic memory.
A novel combined therapy has been developed to treat brain cancer patients with neoplastic meningitis, a devastating neurological complication. The treatment involves delivering chemotherapy directly to the brain's surfaces while draining excess spinal fluid to alleviate pressure and improve quality of life.
Researchers at University of Florida have developed a technique to separate neural wheat from chaff in brain cell generation, enabling precise doses of therapeutic neurons. This technology holds promise for treating disorders like Huntington's disease, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Wayne State University have been awarded a $330,000 NSF grant to develop a 3-D neural probe that can suppress tinnitus by electrically and chemically stimulating neurons. The probe will enable the integration of micro-channels for neurotransmitter-based chemical stimulation and local drug delivery.
A new sealant gel has been found to be effective in closing spinal wounds following surgery, achieving a watertight seal 100% of the time. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel sealant plugs miniscule leaks in the spinal column's sheath, reducing the risk of infection and meningitis.
A Phase I clinical trial found that the experimental vaccine ICT-107 targets six antigens found on glioblastoma cells and three on cancer stem cells, improving immune responses and progression-free survival rates in patients. The study also showed that targeting these antigens may be a viable strategy for treating glioblastoma.
A new glioblastoma vaccine has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in a Phase 2 clinical trial, extending median survival to 11 months for patients with recurrent brain cancer. The vaccine was found to induce an immune response against tumor-specific targets, suggesting potential for improved treatment outcomes.
Scientists at Penn State College of Medicine have created a new approach to treating brain tumors by targeting the ferritin protein with siRNA. By reducing ferritin levels in cancer cells, the sensitivity to chemotherapy can be increased, allowing for lower doses and potentially fewer side effects.
The use of clot-busting drug rtPA for acute ischemic stroke patients in the US increased significantly between 2005 and 2009, with treatment rates doubling from 1.8% to 3.4%.
A team of scientists has achieved a significant breakthrough in treating paralysis, allowing a paralyzed man to stand and take steps with assistance. The study uses epidural electrical stimulation to mimic brain signals, enabling the spinal cord's neural network to initiate movement.
Researchers at the University of Louisville have achieved significant breakthroughs in treating paraplegia through epidural spinal cord stimulation and extensive locomotor training. The study's results, published in The Lancet, show that a paralyzed man can stand, step, and move his legs voluntarily with assistance.
A study published in the journal Brain found that electrical disturbances in the brain, known as cortical spreading depolarizations, are associated with poor recovery and long-lasting outcomes after neurotrauma. These disturbances can be invisible on routine EEG exams but represent extreme changes in voltage.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a link between a genetic variation and the formation of brain convolutions, a hallmark of human intelligence. The study found that a deletion of two genetic letters in the LAMC3 gene was responsible for abnormal brain development in Turkish patients.
Researchers studied chiropractic manipulation and found that maximum chest compression during typical manipulations is unlikely to result in injury. The study's findings suggest safer manipulation procedures and reduced risk of adverse patient outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a method to enhance the functionality of killer T-cells, which can help fight melanoma and other cancers. The study found that priming killer T cells with IL-12 increased their ability to recognize and target cancer cells.
A study found that 27% of children in Canada received surgeries after the established six-month target date. Delays can affect physical and cognitive development, particularly in cases like strabismus and scoliosis.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reveals that mutations in a single gene, centrosomal NDE1, may have played a key role in shaping the human cerebral cortex. The research found that these genetic variations were responsible for microcephaly, a condition characterized by abnormally small brains.
Researchers at IDIBELL found that Nutlin-3a stimulates the p53 pathway, inducing apoptosis and cellular senescence in brain cancer cells. This study suggests MDM2 antagonists may be new therapeutic options for glioblastoma treatment.
A new study found that treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE) is common in idiopathic autism, with early age at seizure onset and delayed global development associated with TRE. Researchers also discovered that patients with TRE had more developmental regression, motor and language delays than those who were seizure-free.
A two-pronged molecular therapy combining inosine and NEP1-40 restores skilled motor function in a rat model of stroke. The study demonstrates significant nerve growth and functional improvements after treating strokes with this combination therapy.
A study by neurosurgeons at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that anti-depressants can boost brain cells after injury, improving depression and memory. The medication, imipramine, increased the number of neurons in the hippocampus, a key area for memory, and enhanced novel object recognition tests.
SLU professor of neurosurgery Saleem Abdulrauf's high-flow brain bypass procedure improves treatment outcomes by reducing invasive procedures and maintaining blood flow in the brain. The technique is built upon the original brain bypass surgery developed in the 1960s and has been recognized for its potential to minimize recovery time.
A new study from UCSF found that arthroplasty, a newer surgery for cervical disc disease, can restore range of motion and reduce repeat surgeries in younger patients. For people under 50 with the condition, arthroplasty is a viable option.
A study published in the journal Cancer found that synthetic hypericin inhibited the growth of glioma cells and was well-tolerated in patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors. Forty percent of participants completed a three-month treatment regimen without adverse effects.
Neurosurgeons from NYU Langone present cutting-edge surgical approaches and applications of technology for lateral skull base conditions, low-grade glioma tumors, and spinal surgery. The department's expertise has been recognized as one of the top ten hospitals in the country for neurology and neurosurgery.
Scientists have successfully developed a technique to decode brain signals associated with speech and movement. By analyzing frequency of brain wave activity, patients can learn to control a computer cursor by thinking or saying specific sounds, marking the beginning of 'reading minds' technology.
A new journal, Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management, explores the use of therapeutic hypothermia to improve survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The therapy has been shown to reduce brain injury risk in approximately 400,000 people who suffer from cardiac arrest annually.