Researchers at McGill University have identified a novel receptor combination that could lead to new treatments for various neurological disorders. The discovery involves the interaction between dopamine and somatostatin receptors, which can produce synergistic responses when activated simultaneously.
A biological microcavity laser, called a smart scalpel, can quickly identify abnormal protein content in tumor cells. This allows surgeons to accurately cut away malignant growths while minimizing healthy tissue removal.
A study by UB neurosurgeons found that cigarette smoking is associated with larger brain aneurysms, which can lead to life-threatening complications. The research, published in the journal Neurosurgery, showed that smokers were more likely to develop large aneurysms than non-smokers.
Researchers found changes in brain cells in rats treated with anti-depressant and obesity drugs, including shriveling and abnormal corkscrew shapes. The study raises concerns about the prolonged use of such commonly prescribed drugs as fluoxetine and sertraline.
Researchers have developed an oral vaccine that protects rats' brains from stroke and prevents seizures, with significant protection for at least five months after a single dose. The vaccine targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, blocking it to prevent brain cell death and damage.
A study found that nearly 18% of people screened had significant blockages in their carotid arteries, which can lead to a stroke. Those with two or more risk factors, such as age over 65 or high cholesterol, are significantly more likely to have a blockage.
The Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute will host a free patient/family brain tumor conference featuring new research, treatments, and support services. Experts in the field will discuss various topics, including current treatment approaches and potential therapies.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that 42% of patients survived five years or more after receiving enhanced chemotherapy through blood-brain barrier disruption. The treatment also showed no cognitive loss or impairment in 36 patients, contrary to previous studies.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University successfully used a free-electron laser to remove a sugar-cube-sized amount of tissue from a brain tumor. The operation took place using infrared light tuned precisely at 6.45 microns, which works well due to its absorption by water and protein molecules.
Researchers are testing a new treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension, a rare form of stroke that affects younger people and African-Americans. The study aims to reduce mortality rates by using small doses of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a clot-buster commonly used in heart attacks and many strokes.
The fourth annual Skull Base Surgery Symposium will take place at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from November 4-6, 1999. Renowned experts in the field of skull base surgery will share their knowledge on advanced technologies and procedures.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that low to moderate lead levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. The research, conducted in Mexico City from 1994 to 1996, found that the risk nearly doubles for every five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
Researchers found that brain trauma causes microscopic damage in the brain, leading to the formation of Alzheimer's-like plaques. The study supports previous evidence linking brain trauma to increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.
A team of researchers found that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) may have a double-edged effect on brain-injured tissue, with potential benefits in chronic stages but harm in early stages. Blocking TNF in acute phases may be beneficial, while long-term recovery requires natural TNF presence.
A team of researchers at Washington University School of Medicine has been awarded a grant to develop new treatments for spinal cord injuries. They plan to use embryonic stem cells to replace damaged tissue and restore lost functions, with the long-term goal of enabling patients to regain bladder and bowel control and potentially walk ...
Researchers found that head trauma impairs brain cells' ability to detect and repair DNA damage, leading to weeks of prolonged cell death. The study suggests that the body's surveillance system breaks down after an injury, making it difficult for cells to recover.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that many heart patients continue to take chest pain medications after undergoing angioplasty, suggesting a need for alternative treatment options. The gamma knife procedure is shown to be effective in treating various brain disorders, offering an alternative to surgery.
A novel gene, BRI, located on chromosome 13 has been identified as responsible for familial British dementia, a rare inherited disease that causes progressive dementia and spasticity. The discovery provides new clues to the abnormal changes in the brain that lead to dementia.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that stimulating environments can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Rats living in enriched surroundings showed 45% less brain cell death compared to those in basic conditions.
A study of 203 children with medulloblastoma found that a tried-and-true chemotherapy protocol provides better results than a newer method, while the quality of neurosurgery also affects long-term survival rates. The ability to remove nearly all of the tumor is critical for improved outcomes.
Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins discover that nerve signals can originate from nerves not directly injured, leading to abnormal activity in nearby nerves. The study provides a basis for targeting the skin and suggests effective therapy options for neuropathic pain syndromes.
Researchers found that the thalamus, a key brain region, can remodel its connections after sensory nerves are severed, potentially leading to recovery of function after stroke or nervous system damage. The discovery sheds light on the brain's ability to reorganize and challenges scientific dogma that it is fixed after infancy.
A recent study published in the journal Science has shed new light on the phenomenon of phantom limbs in amputees. Researchers found that the brain adapts by reorganizing nerve cells and increasing activity in pain-related areas, potentially leading to new strategies for preventing post-amputation pain and recovery of function.
Dan Lowenstein, MD, and Philip R. Lee, MD, receive prestigious awards for their contributions to medical education and improving healthcare in the US. The Association of American Medical Colleges recognizes their efforts in developing innovative curricula and promoting diversity in medicine.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a method to reverse dangerous cerebral vasospasms. The treatment involves administering a drug that dilates cerebral blood vessels, reversing constricting effects within 30 minutes.
Researchers discovered specific genetic changes that indicate whether chemotherapy is effective in treating patients with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. The discovery allows for immediate determination of chemotherapy response at diagnosis, offering improved treatment options for patients.
Scientists have successfully administered gene therapy orally, effectively curing lactose intolerance in rats. The study demonstrates the potential for an oral delivery system to treat other diseases, such as diabetes.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has discovered that programmed cell death in the brain continues for weeks after initial trauma. This finding could lead to better treatments for brain injuries and related conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that treatment with sodium thiosulfate significantly reduces hearing loss in brain tumor patients receiving carboplatin chemotherapy. This breakthrough could help combat the hearing loss associated with platinum-based chemotherapy treatment for other types of cancer.
A 51-year-old man with a rare brain disorder, known as 'sagging brain,' was treated at UCSF after initial diagnoses failed to provide relief. Exhaustive neurological scrutiny led to the discovery of a ruptured cyst causing the condition, which was successfully treated through surgery.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that it took a volunteer patient about 250-300 milliseconds to begin understanding a pictured object, and another 250-450 milliseconds to fully comprehend its meaning. The study suggests that information accumulates gradually in the brain, rather than in a strictly all-or-none fashion.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are conducting a gene therapy trial for glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. The trial aims to delay disease progression and improve quality of life for patients, offering a potential cure for the deadliest type of brain tumor.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a non-invasive gamma knife treatment that shows comparable results to surgery in alleviating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The treatment uses high doses of radiation to destroy targeted areas of the brain, potentially offering an alternative to traditional surgical options.
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found a significant link between smoking and cerebral blood-vessel damage. Smokers are nearly five times more likely to develop vasospasm, a violent constriction of arterial walls that can lead to stroke-like symptoms.
The US physician workforce faces significant downsizing, with 17 specialties needing reductions of at least 40%. To maintain current ratios, 14,644 new physicians are required annually, while 7 specialties remain unaffected.
A new protein, IL 13-PE38QQR, has shown high specificity and sensitivity to kill cancer cells, including those with Kaposi's sarcoma. The compound targets receptor sites on cancer cells, gaining access through interleukin 13.
Moderate hypothermia therapy has been shown to improve patient outcomes for those suffering from severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that patients who received the treatment had better recovery rates and lower mortality rates compared to those treated conventionally.
University of Washington researchers have made significant advances in a new MRI technique called magnetic resonance (MR) neurography. This breakthrough allows for clear images of nerve compressions, injuries, and normal nerve function, enabling diagnoses and treatment with unprecedented precision.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that squalamine, a shark liver substance, nearly stops the growth of new blood vessels that nourish solid brain tumors. The study showed a significant reduction in tumor cell growth and slowed the formation of new blood vessels by up to 83% after two days.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated that two naturally occurring growth factors significantly improved the ability of severed nerve fibers to reconnect with high accuracy. The study could lead to new strategies for improving peripheral nerve repair procedures in humans.