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Oxygen redistribution in the brain

A team at Zhejiang University developed a novel strategy for early detection of high-altitude hypoxic brain injury using changes in oxygen content in brain regions over time. They found that brain regions with higher tolerance for hypoxia received less oxygen to support supply to more important areas.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

McMaster University researchers uncover potential treatment for rare genetic disorders

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a potential treatment for Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases, two rare lysosomal storage disorders that cause progressive damage to nerve cells. The FDA-approved drug 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) showed significant improvements in motor function, lifespan, and healthy motor neurons.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Ultra-powered MRI scans show damage to brain’s ‘control center’ is behind long-lasting Covid-19 symptoms

Damage to the brainstem, the brain's control centre, is behind long-lasting physical and psychiatric effects of severe Covid-19 infection. Researchers used ultra-high-resolution scanners to observe the damaging effects of Covid-19 on the brain, finding inflammation in key regions associated with breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateOct 7, 2024

Tailoring radiation therapy for brain cancer treatment: a personal investigation

Researchers have developed a novel platform for testing radiation therapy effects on brain cells, providing insights into how the brain reacts to cancer treatment. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding the impact of radiation on neural circuits, ultimately leading to personalized care for patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

An important secret to preventing cell damage: The working principle of PAC channels has been revealed!

A study led by Prof. Seo Byeong-Chang has discovered the working principle of proton-activated chloride (PAC) channels, which play a crucial role in protecting cells from acidification-induced damage. The research found that PI(4,5)P2 is essential for activating PAC channels, preventing cell swelling and tissue damage.

WVU changing the game for sports emergency action plans

The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2024

A new therapeutic target for traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a blood coagulation protein, fibrin, as the culprit behind toxic inflammation and neuron loss after a major head injury. This finding can inform new treatment strategies for traumatic brain injuries, which often lead to dementia, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2024

Investigating the loss of musical ability

A new study has identified the likely origin of tone deafness in the brain, finding that strokes causing amusia affect the right hemisphere and a specific region called the superior temporal gyrus. This discovery highlights the differences between processing music and language in the brain, with implications for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJNeurosci·DateMar 26, 2024

Disorders of consciousness: Increasing awareness of advances in brain injury medicine

The themed issue highlights advances in nosology, covert consciousness assessment, neuromedical morbidity, neurorehabilitation evaluation, and medicolegal challenges. Patients with severe brain injuries may have better prognoses than previously believed, but require careful assessment due to high misdiagnosis rates.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 7, 2024

Post-COVID condition is not linked to ongoing infection or active brain damage

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found no correlation between post-COVID condition and ongoing viral infection or active brain damage. The study analyzed 25 participants with confirmed post-COVID condition, six without residual symptoms, and 17 control subjects, revealing undetectable SARS-CoV-2 antigens in all samples.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

BU CTE Center publishes largest CTE case series ever in youth, high school and college athletes who died young

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that over 40% of young contact and collision sport athletes have CTE, a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts. The study also highlighted the importance of assessing symptoms and clinical presentation of CTE in living athletes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeCase study·DateAug 28, 2023

Robotic exoskeletons and neurorehabilitation for acquired brain injury: Determining the potential for recovery of overground walking

A team of New Jersey researchers reviewed the evidence on robotic exoskeleton devices for individuals with acquired brain injury, laying out a systematic framework for future research. The review highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to evaluate these devices and their role in improving mobility in individuals with acquired ...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Neurorobotics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

New research reveals secondary microplastics untreated in nature trigger severe brain inflammation!

Researchers discovered that continuous consumption of secondary microplastics acts as neurotoxins in the brain, leading to increased inflammation and cell death. The study found that artificially generated secondary microplastics from plastic leaked into the environment trigger severe brain inflammation in rats.

Brain stimulation may prove helpful to acute stroke patients, pilot study suggests

A pilot study suggests that high-definition cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (HD C-tDCS) may be beneficial for acute ischemic stroke patients. In the study, patients who received HD C-tDCS showed improved blood flow and a significant rescue of threatened brain tissue, compared to those in the sham group.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 21, 2023

New tool may help spot “invisible” brain damage in college athletes

A new study published in The Neuroradiology Journal introduces an artificial intelligence computer program that can accurately identify changes in brain structure resulting from repeated head injury. This AI tool uses machine learning to process magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and distinguish between the brains of male athletes ...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Neuroradiology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Healing the brain: Hydrogels enable neuronal tissue growth

Researchers at Hokkaido University used hydrogel materials in combination with neural stem cells to grow new brain tissue in areas of brain damage. The study showed that immune cells and blood vessels grew within the hydrogels, leading to some degree of integration between the hydrogel and host brain tissue.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Previous brain injury may be associated with higher risk of FTD

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland suggests that previous traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly in individuals without a genetic mutation. Patients who suffered head injuries developed FTD earlier than others, on average.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Finding the principle in regulating the secretion of neurotransmitters... A clue to brain disease treatment

A study by DGIST researchers identified the molecular mechanism behind PIP2's regulation of CaV2.2 channels, which play a crucial role in signal transmission between nerve cells. The findings offer new insights into treating mental disorders and neurological diseases such as autism, bipolar disorder, and chronic pain.

Alzheimer’s progression in Down syndrome appears similar to other genetic, early onset forms of the disease

A study funded by NIH found that people with Down syndrome have a similar level of amyloid plaques in their brains as those with hereditary, early-onset Alzheimer's. This suggests that individuals with both conditions may benefit from participating in studies on Alzheimer's therapies aimed at slowing amyloid plaque formation.

Misleading Surrogate Evidence for FDA’s Aduhelm Approval

The FDA approved Aduhelm for Alzheimer's treatment based on reduced amyloid levels in the brain, despite no significant clinical effect. The use of amyloid-PET scans is being questioned for its accuracy and reliability in measuring amyloid removal.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 16, 2022