Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Quality improvement initiative leads to reduction in unnecessary follow-up imaging

A quality improvement initiative at an American College of Radiology institution led to a significant reduction in unnecessary follow-up imaging for adnexal cystic lesions. The initiative improved sonographic characterization and imaging triage, increasing confidence in characterizing certain lesions as physiologic or benign.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateApr 1, 2014

Study examines repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer

A new study reports that most colon polyps referred for surgery can be successfully resected endoscopically. The procedure had low adverse event rates and high recurrence rates, but recurrences were treatable. The findings suggest a shift towards outpatient repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps without cancer.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJan 28, 2014

H.M.'s brain yields new evidence

A 3D model of Henry Molaison's (H.M.) brain has been created, providing new insight into the neurological basis of his severe amnesia. The study reveals a small lesion in the left orbitofrontal cortex that was likely created during H.M.'s 1953 surgery, which may help scientists understand the consequences of similar operations today.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2014

Restoring paretic hand function via an artificial neural connection bridging spinal cord injury

A novel artificial neural connection bridges the lost pathway between brain and spinal cord, allowing for volitional control of upper limb movement after damage. This study demonstrates that artificial neural connections can compensate for interrupted descending pathways and promote voluntary control.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Neural Circuits·DateApr 11, 2013

Oldest evidence of regular meat consumption by early humans found

A 1.5-million-year-old skull fragment from Tanzania shows signs of anemia caused by a nutritional deficiency, suggesting regular meat consumption in early hominids was common. The discovery supports the idea that early human ancestors were hunters and had a physiology adapted to regular meat consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2012

Thinking and choosing in the brain

A study published in PNAS found that different regions of the frontal lobes are responsible for behavioral control and decision making. The researchers mapped brain lesions in over 300 patients and showed that damage to specific areas can impair reasoning and decision-making abilities.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2012