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Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut

Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Alzheimer’s brain barrier damage theory could pave way for new treatments

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports suggests that damage to the blood-brain barrier is the determining cause of Alzheimer's disease. The Lipid Invasion Model proposes that lipids entering the brain due to barrier damage lead to brain shrinkage, amyloid plaques, and tau tangles, characteristic of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 8, 2022

Study reveals likely link between mitochondrial dysfunction and age-dependent cognitive disorders

Scientists demonstrate a definitive link between mitochondrial oxidative damage and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease using a transgenic mouse model. The study found that Aβ1-42 aggregation in the hippocampus caused cognitive impairment, while oxidation led to mitochondrial dysfunction.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalBiomedicines·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Brain damage from long stays in space

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that long-term exposure to space can cause brain damage in cosmonauts. The research analyzed five Russian male cosmonauts who spent an average of 169 days in space, showing significant increases in biomarkers for brain cell damage upon their return to Earth.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeCase study·DateOct 12, 2021

Protecting the neuronal architecture

Heidelberg researchers demonstrate that restoring VEGFD levels can preserve dendritic arborisation and reduce brain damage after a stroke. A treatment using recombinant VEGFD and nose drops achieved similar results in mouse models.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2020

When a diseased liver disrupts the brain

Researchers have discovered that chronic liver diseases can cause cerebral molecular disturbances as early as two weeks after liver malfunction, even without physical symptoms. The study found two new molecules involved in the disease process: creatine and vitamin C.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateAug 19, 2019

Should we stop using electroconvulsive therapy?

Experts debate the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating severe depression, with some arguing it has no long-term benefits compared to placebo and can cause brain damage. Others claim ECT is effective and safe for treatment-resistant depression, with most side effects resolving within weeks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 30, 2019

Blood test detects Alzheimer's damage before symptoms

A new blood test reliably detects signs of brain damage in people with Alzheimer's disease, even before symptoms of confusion and memory loss arise. The test may also identify neurodegeneration in other brain diseases, injuries, and conditions such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 21, 2019

Attention network plays key role in restoring vision after brain damage

A new study published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that attention plays a key role in restoring vision in patients with hemianopia, a condition where half of the visual field is impaired. After five weeks of vision rehabilitation training, patients showed significant improvements in their visual function.

Removing chemical used to make Teflon-like coatings has led to fewer low birth weights and less brain damage

A new NYU report reveals that the phase-out of Teflon-like coatings, which contain PFOA, has led to a significant decrease in low-birth weight babies and related brain damage. The study estimates that this shift has saved over $13 billion in healthcare costs and improved educational prospects for thousands of children.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateNov 27, 2017

Services insufficient in supporting those affected

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect approximately 7,000 UK infants annually, causing irreversible brain damage and long-term health issues. The UK lags behind other developed countries in FASD research, leading to confusion among pregnant women and inadequate support for those affected.

SourceSAGE·JournalAdoption & Fostering·DateNov 10, 2015

Biomarkers in blood shown to be highly selective indicators of brain damage

Researchers have identified two proteins in blood and cerebrospinal fluid that increase significantly after traumatic brain injury, suggesting they could be used to detect trauma-related brain damage. These biomarkers, UCH-L1 and GFAP, correlate with direct evidence of brain damage and may aid in assessing brain injury following TBI.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJul 21, 2015

People watching: Different brain pathways responsible for person, movement recognition

A study published in PNAS found that individuals with prosopagnosia can still recognize human movements, engaging different brain mechanisms. The research team used point-light displays to test patients with brain damage preventing facial recognition, revealing a neural process for comprehending actions independent of the actor.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 12, 2015