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Physical exercise helps to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

A systematic review of 156 trials found that physical exercise improved motor symptoms and quality of life in people with Parkinson's Disease. Most types of structured exercise, including dance, water-based exercise, and endurance training, showed clinically meaningful benefits.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 15, 2023

How neuroimaging can be better utilized to yield diagnostic information about individuals

Researchers from Dartmouth and University Medicine Essen found that strong links between brain measures and traits can be obtained when machine learning algorithms are utilized. This approach allows for high-powered results from moderate sample sizes, opening up studies of many traits and clinical conditions previously inaccessible.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2023

Fats help tag medical implants as friend or foe

Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

CHEST releases clinical practice guideline on respiratory management of patients with neuromuscular weakness

The American College of Chest Physicians released a clinical practice guideline on respiratory management for patients with neuromuscular weakness, providing evidence-based recommendations for mouthpiece ventilation and airway clearance therapies. The guideline aims to improve care for this vulnerable population.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateMar 14, 2023

COVID-19 can cause 'face blindness'

A Dartmouth study found that COVID-19 can cause 'prosopagnosia,' or face blindness, and impairments in navigational abilities. Researchers worked with a patient who experienced difficulty recognizing faces and navigating, leading to dissociation between face recognition and cognitive map representation.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCortex·TypeCase study·DateMar 13, 2023

Meta-analysis shows association between autism in children and cardiometabolic diseases

A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 10, 2023

Electrodes grown in the brain – paving the way for future therapies for neurological disorders

Researchers have successfully grown electrodes in living tissue using the body's molecules as triggers, paving the way for fully integrated electronic circuits in living organisms. This breakthrough method allows for substrate-free organic bioelectronics and targets specific biological substructures for nerve stimulation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Cocaine addiction makes the brain age faster, suggests study

Researchers have discovered that cocaine addiction is associated with faster brain aging, with changes in DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex contributing to this effect. The study, which analyzed cryo-preserved brains of deceased male donors, found that cells in this region appeared biologically older in individuals with CUD.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with distinct changes in the microbiome and gut metabolites

Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

10 leading stroke scientists to receive American Stroke Association honors, including the Ralph L. Sacco Outstanding Stroke Research Mentor Award

The American Heart Association is recognizing 10 leading stroke scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of stroke research. Among them, Dr. Cheryl Bushnell will be honored with the Ralph L. Sacco Outstanding Stroke Research Mentor Award for her exceptional mentorship and research in women's issues related to str...

Brain structural differences observed in children with conduct disorder with and without childhood maltreatment

A new study found that children with conduct disorder who experienced childhood maltreatment have more extensive brain structural changes compared to those without maltreatment. The study highlights the unique contribution of childhood maltreatment to these changes and provides neurobiological insights into the heterogeneity of CD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Researchers unveil new collection of human brain atlases that chart postnatal development

Researchers created monthly infant brain atlases to track normative trends in brain development. The atlases reveal changes in brain structure, cortical geometry, and tissue contrast, shedding light on conditions like ADHD and dyslexia. The study aims to facilitate discovery of new insights into child cognition and social behavior.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 26, 2023

Research shows fatty liver disease endangers brain health

A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain and inflammation to brain tissue. The research identified Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) as a potential therapeutic target for protecting against NAFLD-induced brain dysfunction.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2022

Genes & Cancer | Systems biology network reveals the correlation between COX-2 expression and Ch 7q copy number alterations in Ch 11q-deleted pediatric neuroblastoma tumors

Researchers analyzed COX-2 levels and segmental chromosome aberrations in pediatric neuroblastoma tumor samples. Positive correlations between pre-CT Ch 7q gain and COX-2 expression were found, as well as negative correlations between Ch 7q gain and Ch 11q deletion.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalGenes & Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2022

New study finds promising treatment for cognitive deficits associated with cholestatic liver disease

A new study found that obeticholic acid can reverse cognitive impairment in patients with cholestatic liver disease, improving short-term memory and restoring brain function. The study used a rodent model of bile duct ligation-induced cholestasis and found that the drug significantly improved cognitive deficits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

New blood test can detect ‘toxic’ protein years before Alzheimer’s symptoms emerge, study shows

A new laboratory test can measure levels of amyloid beta oligomers in blood samples, detecting toxic proteins up to years before cognitive impairment. The test, SOBA, has shown promising results in identifying individuals at risk or incubating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

CHOP researchers discover genetic variant associated with earlier onset childhood epilepsy

CHOP researchers identified a gain-of-function variant in SCN1A that leads to an earlier onset of epilepsy, with clinical features distinct from other epilepsies. The study found that patients with this recurrent variant responded favorably to oxcarbazepine, a readily available anti-seizure medication.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalEpilepsia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2022