Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
Researchers found abnormal brain activity in the right half of the brain in people with congenital amusia, a condition affecting pitch perception. Training pitch discrimination abilities may be effective in children but not adults.
A Johns Hopkins University study reveals the brain's subconscious process of organizing images into a 'whole' even when focusing on only one part. The research, based on nerve cell recordings in macaque monkeys, suggests that the brain continuously organizes scenes, even when attending to small parts.
A team of researchers will use a comprehensive approach to tackle neuroblastoma, aiming to develop new treatments and potentially prevent the disease. The study will focus on understanding the molecular basis of neuroblastoma and identifying compounds that can inhibit cancer growth.
A study found that 46% of children with type 2 diabetes have a history of neuropsychiatric disease, highlighting the need for screening and scrutiny of medications. The researchers suggest that depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that dyslexic children struggle to ignore 'noise' and isolate relevant visual and auditory cues, leading to reading problems. This ability is crucial for learning to read, as it allows individuals to distinguish between sounds in words.
Dartmouth Medical School researchers have identified the enzymatic activity of Aprataxin, a gene associated with an early onset hereditary neurological disorder. This discovery may lead to improved treatment strategies for ataxia-oculomotor apraxia 1 by targeting specific protein substrates.
A limited study of 15 horses found that MLV vaccines consistently had lower fevers, no neurological disorders and less virus in nasal fluids. The horses were then exposed to the herpes virus after vaccination with either an MLV or inactivated vaccine.
Research reveals significant decreases in myelin lipid synthesis in mice with Canavan disease, suggesting a link between acetate deficiency and the disorder. The findings support the potential of acetate supplementation as a therapy for this devastating congenital disease.
Scientists reported progress in diagnosing youngest children through biomarkers and behavioral observations, allowing for early treatment. The study also highlighted the potential connection of cytokines to autism and identified endophenotypic traits associated with the condition.
A study suggests that CABG surgery may cause mild and transient cognitive changes in some patients, but these effects do not persist beyond three months. The authors argue that the procedure is improving and that the population undergoing surgery is becoming older and sicker, which may contribute to the observed cognitive deficits.
UF researchers discovered that high levels of phenylalanine in the brains of mice with PKU interfere with brain cell communication, leading to potential developmental delays and disorders. The findings may lead to new treatments for PKU and other neurological disorders.
A recent brain imaging study found that individuals at high risk for schizophrenia show altered neural activity in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting biological changes prior to disease onset. The study used fMRI scans to identify potential biomarkers of vulnerability, which could aid in early intervention and treatment.
Researchers have successfully treated an animal model of alpha-mannosidosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe mental retardation and skeletal abnormalities, with gene therapy. The treatment restored damaged neurons and improved brain function in cats with the disease.
A recent study at Yale University found that the ADHD medication Ritalin has a comparable impact on adolescents with reading disorder, improving brain activity levels. The research used functional magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain function and revealed altered areas of activation in response to cognitive tasks.
Researchers at UCLA have found that children with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) share similar brain responses to breathlessness. The study suggests that the irregular brain mechanisms provoking CCHS may also underlie SIDS.
Researchers found that bretylium tosylate, an old antiarrhythmic drug, prevents arrhythmias and reduces heart muscle damage after AMI. Blocking the sympathetic nervous system may be a key factor in its effectiveness.
A genetic disorder, Williams syndrome, has been studied using brain imaging techniques to understand its impact on genes and cognition. The research found that the disorder affects the dorsal pathway of the visual cortex, leading to difficulties in visuospatial construction.
Researchers have identified a crucial function for microcephalin, a protein involved in primary microcephaly, a rare neurological disorder. The discovery links microcephalin's function to DNA damage responses that prevent cancer development, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers found abnormalities in brain activity among people with normal IQs who have autism, indicating a deficiency in coordination among brain areas. The study proposes the underconnectivity theory, which suggests that autism is a distributed system-wide disorder limiting integration among brain areas.
A study found that adding aspirin to clopidogrel therapy increased the risk of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Despite this, combination therapy did not significantly reduce the primary outcome measure at 18 months.
Women with vulvodynia process pain differently, exhibiting lower pain tolerance at multiple sites throughout the body. The study suggests a neurological basis for the condition, recommending treatment aimed at central pain processing.
A study by University College London reveals that the brain distinguishes between self and non-self by comparing information from different senses. Volunteers were immersed in an illusion where a fake limb was placed in front of their hidden hand, triggering feelings of ownership.
Researchers at Yale University developed an imaging test that identifies patients with schizophrenia with 97 percent accuracy. The test targets abnormalities in the auditory cortex and has potential as a powerful clinical tool for assessing schizophrenia.
The Canavan Disease Clinical Research Training Fellowship supports research into the cause, treatment, and potential cure of this fatal genetic disorder. McPhee plans to examine oligodendrocytes, cells responsible for white matter in the brain, to improve understanding of Canavan disease mechanisms.
Researchers found that exposure to thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, can interrupt growth factor signaling and cause adverse effects on methylation reactions. This can lead to disorders such as autism and ADHD in infants and children.
A new interdisciplinary brain research project has been launched at the University of Illinois, using a $1.5 million Keck Foundation grant to develop tools for understanding and correcting problems in brain circuitry. The goal is to identify natural chemical signatures to restore proper wiring and functioning in malfunctioning brains.
A recent brain-imaging study has identified specific areas of abnormal structure and function in the brains of children with ADHD, including reduced prefrontal cortex size and increased grey matter in regions controlling impulse control. The findings may help inform the development of new therapeutic agents for treating ADHD.
Researchers found that people with dyslexia integrate visual and auditory information differently than good readers, suggesting a sensory integration deficit underlying reading difficulties. This discovery could lead to a simple test for early diagnosis and more effective teaching approaches.
Scientists have discovered two mutations in the ATCAY gene, responsible for Cayman ataxia in humans and similar neurological disorders in mice. The study provides a breakthrough in understanding rare genetic diseases and may lead to diagnostic tests and treatments.
Melbourne scientist Mike Hubbard overturns long-held assumption on calcium transport, revealing a new class of protein linked to breast cancer and fertility. His research suggests an alternative calcium transport system based on the Endoplasmic Reticulum, potentially leading to new drug developments.
A study using PET scans found that schizophrenics have elevated dopamine receptor levels in both basal forebrain and SN/VTA areas of the brain. Differences were observed in cortical dopamine levels, supporting the hypothesis of dysregulated neurotransmission leading to abnormal regulation of neurons.
A new SPECT collimator pair increases sensitivity, particularly in central brain structures, while maintaining spatial resolution. The best combination of fan-beam and cone-beam collimation has been found to greatly improve dual-head SPECT images.
Researchers use eye movement tests to investigate brain abnormalities causing mental disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The study aims to develop a noninvasive tool for diagnosing brain disorders.
Researchers found dramatic gray matter loss in the brains of men with sleep apnea, primarily in regions controlling speech production, movement, and emotion. The severity of brain damage correlated directly with disorder severity, suggesting that early brain wiring abnormalities may contribute to sleep apnea onset.
Researchers have found that ceramic-to-ceramic hip implants are more durable than metal-on-polyethylene replacements, with a 4,000-fold increase in durability. A large-scale clinical trial showed no postoperative bearing fractures or particles flaking off, indicating potential benefits for younger patients.
A recent study using MRI scans found that children with ADHD showed smaller brain volumes in all regions compared to their peers. The researchers suggest that the disorder may be caused by genetic factors rather than medication use.
A new study confirms that children with ADHD have smaller brains than those without the disorder, but found that stimulant medications do not affect brain size. The research, led by Dr. F. Xavier Castellanos, also showed that brain development in children with ADHD is normal and healthy.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals a gene mutation underlying Amish microcephaly, a birth defect marked by a small head and brain size. The researchers found that the defect disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to abnormal brain development.
A gene mutation that affects antioxidant production is associated with a 50% increase in heart disease risk, even among those without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Individuals carrying the mutation have an 80% higher risk of developing brain vessel disease.
A study found narcolepsy prevalence is higher in men and peaks in the 20s, with 36% of cases lacking cataplexy. The disorder affects over 100,000 Americans, with 14 new cases developing annually in a one-million population.
A double-blind clinical trial of 55 Lyme disease patients with severe fatigue revealed that while ceftriaxone showed promise in reducing fatigue, it was not without significant adverse effects. The study's results do not support the use of repeated courses of ceftriaxone due to these risks.
A team of researchers has identified a family of six proteins, called ZIGs, responsible for maintaining the wiring of the nervous system in mature organisms. These proteins play a crucial role in keeping the anatomy of the nervous system intact, and their discovery may lead to new insights into neurological diseases.
Researchers have discovered that antibodies attacking DNA in people with lupus can also target molecules controlling glutamate activity, leading to neuron death and possible cognitive symptoms. This finding suggests a potential pathway for neurological complications and may lead to new therapeutic options.
A study of over 3,000 senior citizens found that some drinking among the elderly may fight age-related brain injuries like silent strokes and white matter disease, but any level of alcohol intake may shrink brain matter. Light drinkers had fewer white matter lesions than abstainers or heavy drinkers.
A study found significant differences in spinal cord area between patients with diabetic neuropathy and healthy controls. The research suggests potential new therapies for detecting neuropathic process at an earlier stage.
Researchers found that fen-phen use can cause abnormal thickening of heart valve leaflets, possibly due to increased production of TBF-beta-1. Serotonin and tryptophan may play a role in this process.
A Phase III study found that Aslera significantly improved disease activity and symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The treatment also showed benefits for bone mineral density, particularly in women on steroids.
A University at Buffalo study has found that people with severe gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke due to blocked arteries. Periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular events, particularly non-hemorrhagic strokes.
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that patients who received medication and a family-focused treatment program had fewer episodes of the disease, with longer delays before relapses. The study suggests that positive family interaction can help limit relapse rates.
A recent study found that newborn boys, especially those born very prematurely, have a higher mortality rate and are more susceptible to complications than girls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,500 babies up to two weeks old and found that death rates were one in four for boys compared to one in seven for girls.
The study will track brain development in two age groups: infants up to four years old and children aged five to 18. By correlating anatomical measurements with cognitive skills, researchers aim to establish a normal growth curve for the brain. This will provide a basis for comparison to children with developmental or neurologic problems.
A door-to-door campaign in Auckland, New Zealand raised awareness of meningococcal disease among at-risk populations. The campaign, initiated in 1998, used lay educators to visit over 11,000 homes and deliver key messages about the disease.
A study found that young women with diseases requiring strict diets may experience unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviors, which can increase the risk of vascular complications and brain damage. The research highlights the need for clinicians to monitor signs of disordered eating in patients with chronic diseases.
Researchers found that the inferior parietal lobule is smaller in people with schizophrenia and 'built backward' from normal patterns in men. This abnormality may account for symptoms of distorted reality in schizophrenic patients.
A study of 14 patients with refractory Crohn's disease found that all participants responded to thalidomide treatment, with significant improvements in disease activity and fistula closure. The median daily steroid dose fell by over 70%, indicating a potential steroid-sparing effect.
A study by American Academy of Neurology finds that 'chasing the dragon' heroin use can produce a progressive brain disorder leading to permanent damage and death. Antioxidant therapy shows promise in treating the condition, but its effectiveness is uncertain.
Scientists have developed a new 'Knockout' mouse model that closely mimics the human kidney disorder IgA nephropathy, providing a promising lead for treatment. The researchers found that supplying deficient mice with uteroglobin prevented the disorder from occurring, mirroring human cases.
A study found that over 80% of wild rats in the US have HEV antibodies, suggesting they are a natural reservoir for the virus. This raises concerns about the possibility of infected rats transmitting the virus to humans, although experts emphasize there is no evidence of human risk.
A newly developed blood test detects 97% of adrenal gland tumors, providing earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The test measures levels of hormones metanephrine and normetanephrine, which are consistently elevated in pheochromocytomas.
A computerized system, developed by Purdue University engineers, matches patient CT scans with images in a large data base of previous patients' scans. This allows less-skilled medical personnel to aid in diagnoses by reducing the need for manual comparisons.