Add BrightSurf on Google Email

In young rats, researchers find a reaction to spinal cord injury that speeds recovery

In a surprise discovery, researchers found that young rats recover more quickly from spinal cord injuries due to the activation of specialized neural stem cells and oligodendrocytes, which provide a protective myelin sheath to axons. This process does not occur as efficiently in adult rats, leading to longer recovery times.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateNov 8, 2006

Drug prescribed for migraines and seizures increases risk of kidney stones

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that long-term use of topiramate can increase the propensity of calcium phosphate kidney stones due to metabolic acidosis and changes in urine pH and citrate levels. The study suggests a need for further research on optimal measures to prevent kidney-stone formation with topiramate use.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 31, 2006

How the brain keeps emotions at bay

A study published in Neuron found that the brain has a specific 'executive processing' area that inhibits emotional activity, enabling people to cope with distractions. Researchers also discovered that individuals with PTSD and depression have impaired amygdalar inhibition, leading to emotional intrusion.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 20, 2006

An irregular heartbeat makes exercise deadly

A lack of cardiac calsequestrin protein can cause irregular heartbeats during exercise, but not at rest. Researchers found that the protein's absence triggers premature calcium release, leading to life-threatening conditions like CPVT.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 24, 2006

What leads to obesity in rural communities?

A new study found that certain characteristics of rural neighborhoods, such as lack of sidewalks and safety concerns, are strongly related to obesity rates. Altering the neighborhood environment to promote physical activity may help reduce obesity on a population level.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJun 30, 2006

Manual vs device-assisted CPR

The LBD-CPR device's effectiveness is influenced by its use details, including patient population selection and deployment timing. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests claim over 1,000 daily US lives.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJAMA·DateJun 13, 2006

Studies determine patient risk from ICD replacement

Multiple studies investigated ICD replacement complications, with one study finding a 1.24% complication rate and another reporting 8.1% complications. A decision analysis model was developed to guide management of device recalls, concluding that risks are not insignificant but should only be considered for high-risk patients.

Is the brain wired for faces?

A new study published in Neuron suggests that facial recognition relies on a similar neural mechanism as other object recognition, rather than specialized processing. The researchers used computational modeling and fMRI to find that a small group of neurons in the fusiform face area is highly selective for different faces.

Telephone counseling and care may help smokers quit

A telephone quitline network can significantly help smokers quit compared to standard care, with higher rates of abstinence and usage of additional smoking cessation techniques. The study supports the recommendation for a national network of quitlines to make these services available to all tobacco users.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 13, 2006

High-status monkeys ignore the interests of riff-raff

A study found that high-status male macaques took longer to follow the gaze of other dominant monkeys compared to low-status individuals. The researchers suggest that testosterone levels in high-status males may suppress social vigilance, a trait often seen in low-status males.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 21, 2006

One of the nation's first 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging devices for human studies planned at UT Southwestern Medical Center

The new Bill and Rita Clements Advanced Medical Imaging Building will house a 7-Tesla magnet, enabling high-resolution imaging of small anatomical structures in the living human brain. This technology is expected to accelerate research into new diagnostic tests and treatments for neurological and metabolic illnesses.

Elsevier launches High Energy Density Physics

High Energy Density Physics is a new journal launched by Elsevier to publish research on extreme conditions, including planetary interiors and astrophysical phenomena. The journal aims to provide a platform for scientists to study material properties and hydrodynamics under high-energy density regimes.

SourceElsevier·JournalHigh Energy Density Physics·DateFeb 6, 2006