Dr. Hartmuth Kolb was recognized for his pioneering research on neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). His PET imaging tracers showed promise in evaluating NFT pathology, holding potential for disease diagnosis and monitoring.
Researchers successfully grow multiple brain structures and form connections between them in vitro for the first time. The new method uses human pluripotent stem cells to produce connections between neurons from different brain regions.
Researchers found that in muscular dystrophy, abdominal muscles take over more of the respiratory function as diaphragm muscle damage progresses. This study highlights the importance of supporting cardiopulmonary function in neuromuscular disease.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a scientific basis for understanding health and disability states. ICF has become a valuable tool to increase communication among different users in clinical practice and research.
The book explores the potential of 3D printing with biomaterials to minimize our carbon footprint and create sustainable products. A remarkable example is the printing of an entire town house from bio-based plastics, which reduces the material's carbon footprint by more than 60%.
A patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury unexpectedly recovered full consciousness after receiving midazolam, a mild depressant drug. The administration of this medication resulted in the first reported case of an 'awakening' from a minimally-conscious state using this therapy.
The EyeCane device translates point-distance information into auditory and tactile cues, enabling users to better estimate distance and navigate their environment. After less than five minutes of training, both blind and blindfolded individuals successfully estimated distances almost 70% of the time.
Scientists have observed the creation of temporary intermediate structures during amylin aggregation, which may explain why proteins aggregate into toxic plaques. The new technology using 2D IR spectroscopy helps elucidate the physics and chemistry behind amyloid diseases.
Researchers recommend moving emphasis from dysfunction to competence, and propose embodiment theory as a viable solution. The latest edition of the DSM-5 also focuses on improving evaluations of persons with TBI by mental health professionals.
A mitochondrial gene defect in the citrate carrier SLC25A1 may underlie deficits in neuromuscular transmission. Investigators identified a homozygous mutation in this gene in two siblings with congenital myasthenic syndrome, characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability.
A team of researchers developed the EyeMusic, a sensory substitution device that enables blind individuals to recognize basic shapes and colors through pleasant auditory representations. Users were able to correctly identify shapes and colors after minimal training, indicating potential for widespread use.
Researchers explore different models of recovery after brain injury, highlighting the importance of combining clinical intuition with CRT theory. Studies also investigate the impact of pediatric CRT on intellectual functioning and nonverbal communication processing after TBI.
Core stabilization exercises can improve postural stability and independent walking in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Real-time video feedback significantly improves gait velocity and stride length, as well as TUG test performance.
The Journal of Facade Design and Engineering is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on the building envelope, aiming to improve building technologies and process management. Funded by NWO, it invites papers on facade design, engineering, and industrial innovations to disseminate science into practice.
Researchers found that vision restoration training can strengthen partially surviving neurons and promote visual recovery 'hot spots'. The study analyzed data from 32 stroke patients with hemianopia and found that average absolute improvement was 6%.
Researchers found that adding a corticosteroid to standard treatment significantly improves both short- and long-term visual acuity in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The study showed that patients treated with the combination therapy had better long-term vision compared to those only treated with...
A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience demonstrates that intracerebral injection of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduces cognitive deficits produced by temporary occlusion of cerebral blood vessels in a rat model of stroke.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue symptoms in patients with post-polio syndrome. The treatment, applied for 15 days, showed significant improvements in physical functioning and social functioning, as well as a decrease in depression scores.
Researchers found that AD mouse models with neurodegeneration have 25% more copper in their amyloid plaques than those without, suggesting altered copper regulation may contribute to neurotoxicity. Iron levels were also increased, particularly in the ferric state, and may serve as a biomarker for early-stage AD.
Chinese herbal medicine JSK improves spinal cord injury outcomes in rats by reducing inflammation, cell apoptosis, and boosting local oxygen supply. It promotes tissue regeneration, restores function, and supports weight-bearing movements.
New study links aluminum accumulation to neuronal cell death and identifies necrostatin-1 as a substance that counteracts aluminum's neurotoxic effects. In mice treated with aluminum, Nec-1 demonstrated strong protection against cell death and improved cognitive function.
Researchers found that patients with high educational levels show less impairment on a neuropsychological evaluation compared to those with low educational levels. Higher education was found to be protective against disease-associated cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients.
Recent research on TBI in the elderly highlights the need for specialized diagnostic tools and treatments due to unique characteristics of older brains. Studies have found associations between lifetime TBI and dementia risk, as well as differences in cognitive function and medical history between those with dementia and a history of TBI.
Researchers found short-term improvements in 68% of patients with FHD after low-frequency rTMS sessions, with reduced axial pen force and enhanced intracortical inhibition. However, clinical benefits were not sustained at longer follow-ups.
Research highlights the significant impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on sexuality, including cognitive deficits, medical issues, and relationship changes. Rehabilitation strategies are crucial to address these challenges and improve sexual functioning in TBI survivors.
Researchers found that a compensatory reorganization of language function to right hemispheric brain regions impeded post-stroke aphasia recovery in adults. In contrast, children who experience left-hemispheric injury or stroke may benefit from such a shift.
Researchers found movement deficits and loss of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive fibers in the striatum, with no significant decrease in nigral dopaminergic neurons. The study suggests that gliosis in the substantia nigra plays a role in introducing dopaminergic deficits.
Scientists have developed wavelength-modulated Raman spectroscopy to overcome challenges in using the method in a clinical setting. The technique enables clean extraction of Raman signals even with high auto-fluorescence backgrounds and ambient light.
Researchers found that tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG) reverses α-synuclein overexpression and accumulation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests TSG may have therapeutic potential for preventing and treating AD.
Scientists have identified aromatic rice from Bangladesh with very low arsenic content, higher selenium and zinc levels. This could benefit millions of people worldwide who consume rice daily, reducing their risk of cancer and other health problems.
Researchers investigate patterns of dysgraphia in participants with primary progressive aphasia, comparing them to those with stroke-related dysgraphia. They also explore nonverbal semantic processing in individuals with semantic aphasia and dementia, shedding light on brain-behavior relationships.
Researchers report on the therapeutic potential of microRNAs in cancer therapy and their role as potential biomarkers for early cancer detection. The stability of miRNAs in body fluids makes them suitable for non-invasive malignancy detection methods, offering exciting opportunities for revolutionizing diagnostics and screening.
Researchers explore autism spectrum disorder genetics and biomarker development in a special issue of Disease Markers. Early diagnosis through biomarkers could improve individual outcomes with early behavioral intervention.
Researchers have found that abnormal eye movements in amblyopia are caused by changes in the brain's subcortical regions. The study, published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, suggests that these changes may be an attempt to enhance contrast sensitivity in visually impaired eyes.
A new model explains dopamine's direct and indirect role in modulating the immune system. Recent research has opened up possibilities for treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune disorders.
Case studies published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation show Apple iPod Touch PDAs as effective vocational supports for adults with autism spectrum disorder. The device provides strategies to help individuals with ASD function more successfully in the workplace, including task reminders, lists, and video prompts.
A neural interface has restored function in motor control brain areas of an amputee, allowing for natural control of a prosthetic hand. The study used multielectrode arrays to re-establish communication between the central and peripheral nervous systems.
A new study found that elderly subjects who underwent temporal training improved not only their rate of processing auditory information but also other cognitive areas such as attention and short-term memory. The results were long-lasting, with effects confirmed 18 months after the training.
A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that a therapy combining exercise with the neurovascular protective agent GSNO improved recovery from stroke in a rat model. Exercise alone did not significantly reduce infarct volume, but combined with GSNO, it provided greater functional improvement.
Children's recovery from pediatric brain injury extends beyond medical care to involve the entire circle of family, friends, and healthcare providers. Recent research highlights the importance of 'family-centered' approaches and innovative interventions to promote self-worth, education as rehabilitation, and community reintegration.
A new sensory substitution device called EyeMusic has been developed to assist the visually impaired in performing daily activities. The device uses pleasant musical tones and scales to convey visual information, allowing individuals to make fast and accurate movements without sight.
A new study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance the outcome of swallowing therapy for post-stroke dysphagia. tDCS improved post-stroke dysphagia in patients with long-lasting effects observed over three months.
Researchers have developed a device that delivers a genetically engineered neurotrophic factor directly to the brain, treating neurological symptoms in laboratory rats. The study found significant protection against toxicity and reduced striatal lesion size, suggesting promising therapeutic potential for Huntington's disease.
The journal Fundamenta Informaticae publishes a special issue commemorating Alan Turing's work on reaction-diffusion theory, which is considered a foundation of chaos theory and theoretical biology. The issue explores the applications of mathematical theories inspired by Turing's work to natural phenomena.
A recent study found that moderate coffee consumption can appreciably reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and delay its onset. Higher blood caffeine levels were associated with a reduced risk of dementia or delayed onset, suggesting that coffee may be a protective factor against Alzheimer's.
Researchers have discovered a new, non-invasive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using advanced brain imaging technology. The technique analyzes specific brain chemical changes in the hippocampal region of the brain, providing a signature of early AD stages.
A study published in Advances in Neuroimmune Biology explores how maternal immunological tolerance of the fetus affects pregnancy outcomes. Researchers have discovered that cytokine expression at the fetal-maternal interface plays a significant role in determining oocyte competence and implantation rates.
The February issue of NeuroRehabilitation assesses factors affecting rehab of Spanish-speaking individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Cultural differences may influence the rehabilitation process, resulting in limited access to services.
Researchers at Old Dominion University found that visually presented alerts are considered more trustworthy and lead to faster identification of friend or foe. The study used a virtual reconnaissance mission with undergraduate students, who showed quicker reaction times for visual alerts.
Maternal obesity is associated with increased inflammatory responses in both mother and child, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This includes an increased risk of preeclampsia, respiratory tract infections, and later health issues such as allergic disease and metabolic dysfunction.