Articles tagged with Neurology
Researchers at Boston University's Center for Neurorehabilitation have made two important advances that may help people with Parkinson's disease walk more smoothly. Wearable soft robotic apparel and a music-based technology were tested in studies, showing promising results in increasing walking duration and distance.
Researchers used OCTA to visualize retinal blood vessel changes in migraine patients during and between attacks. Blood flow decreases were found, with asymmetrical flow correlated to headache pain side.
A study found that cerebral small vessel disease is a predictor for major bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage and extracranial bleeding, in patients taking antithrombotic agents. The risk of bleeding complications increased significantly with higher cerebral SVD scores.
A world-first brain stimulation treatment is being developed to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and epilepsy using ultrasound technology. The endovascular focused ultrasound technique could significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of people living with neurological diseases.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that physically active individuals experienced less decline in entorhinal cortex thickness over a seven-year period. Cognitive reserve is also boosted through regular mental stimulation, suggesting that brains can be trained like muscles to counteract age-related decline.
Multiple sclerosis affects over 2.8 million worldwide, and EU funding will investigate viral infections like EBV as potential causes and co-factors. The BEHIND-MS consortium aims to develop new cell models to test hypotheses on the disease's development.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key brain molecule responsible for triggering overconsumption of comfort foods after stressful events. The lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neuron plays a crucial role in driving threat-induced eating associated with negative emotional states.
Research found that higher cortical excitability is recorded during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, suggesting a link between heartbeats and neural processing. This study has implications for treatments of depression and stroke, where TMS pulses stimulate nerve cells.
A new study links soccer heading to a measurable decline in brain function and microstructure, with high levels of heading exposure associated with changes similar to mild traumatic brain injuries. The research used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess the impact of repetitive head impacts on verbal learning performance.
Research reveals that brain inflammation is the primary cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, including irritability, agitation, and anxiety. The study found a strong association between microglial activation and neuropsychiatric symptom severity, suggesting new pathways for therapy development.
Researchers at University of California - San Francisco find that sense of taste signals brain to slow down eating. Using advanced techniques, they recorded brain activity in awake mice and found PRLH neurons controlled by mouth signals when eating normally, not gut signals as previously thought.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that subtle ear sounds can be decoded to pinpoint where someone's eyes are looking. By analyzing these sounds, the team was able to estimate the movement of the eyes and predict what the waveform of the ear sound would look like.
Researchers discovered that apotransferrin can mitigate the damaging effects of intracerebral haemorrhage by guarding against ferropoptosis, a cell death process. This finding highlights the therapeutic potential of apotransferrin as a pre-hospital treatment for stroke patients.
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity in soccer fans, finding that brain activity changes when a fan's team succeeds or fails. The study suggests that zealousness found among some sports fans can serve as an example of intense emotional investment and impaired rationality.
Researchers argue that the brain does not create new functions in previously unrelated areas but instead utilizes existing latent capacities. They provide alternative explanations for observed changes in brain activity following injury or deficit.
Researchers found that quercetin in red wine can cause headaches due to its interference with alcohol metabolism, leading to high levels of acetaldehyde. The study suggests a new hypothesis for why some people experience red wine headaches, particularly those with pre-existing migraine or primary headache conditions.
A national study of approximately 3,500 women found that those with a history of stroke are more likely to believe they won't receive adequate emergency care due to their gender and race. This perception may lead to delays in treatment for stroke patients, highlighting the need for improved healthcare equity.
A $5 million NIH grant is expanding the University of Illinois Chicago's neurology tissue bank into a citywide effort to study epilepsy and brain cancer. The project will create a powerful new resource combining brain tissue data with clinical, functional, genetic, and 3D imaging information.
Dr. Schwamm, a neurologist at Yale School of Medicine, is recognized for his work on stroke systems of care and telestroke initiatives. He has improved patient outcomes and expanded access to care through his advocacy for telemedicine and digital health solutions.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that receiving clot-busting drug treatment in a mobile stroke unit (MSU) increases the likelihood of averting strokes and complete recovery compared to standard hospital emergency care. Patients treated by an MSU had faster treatment times, with nearly one-third recovering within 24 hours.
A large study of 91,460 mother-offspring pairs found no link between prenatal corticosteroid and beta-2 adrenergic agonist exposure and offspring neurodevelopmental issues. The findings suggest these medications are safe for pregnant individuals with asthma.
A smart brain-wave cap can diagnose stroke in ambulances, allowing for prompt treatment and potential lifesaving. The cap uses EEG tests to recognize large ischemic strokes, directing patients to specialized hospitals for mechanical removal of blood clots.
A randomized clinical trial found that cefepime increased neurological dysfunction in adults hospitalized with acute infection, while piperacillin-tazobactam did not. The study involved 2,511 participants and suggested that cefepime may be associated with adverse outcomes.
Researchers developed AI tools to analyze speech patterns in people with schizophrenia and found that these patterns can be distinguished from those of healthy individuals. The study uses an AI language model trained on internet text to represent the meaning of words, and it was able to predict the words generated by control participan...
Researchers found that antidepressant escitalopram increases synaptic density in the brain over weeks, leading to greater brain plasticity. This explains why effects of antidepressants take time to kick-in, with significant differences in synapse density between treatment and placebo groups.
Researchers found that fly brain uses a three-step computation to distinguish motion patterns, dividing the workload across multiple levels. This approach helps flies detect even slight changes in motion and stay on course.
Cancer researchers at University of Cincinnati Cancer Center are exploring a new method called lattice therapy, which delivers higher doses to tumors and lower doses to surrounding tissues. The approach has shown promise in reducing treatment time and improving patient outcomes for head and neck, lung, and brain tumors.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces fibromyalgia pain by decreasing pain-catastrophizing, a negative response that amplifies pain. CBT participants showed reduced connectivity between brain regions associated with self-awareness and emotional processing.
Researchers discovered that brain nerve networks are organized into interconnected modules to segregate and integrate inputs, enabling efficient processing. This modular architecture allows the brain to balance local activity with global integration, essential for information representation.
The new guidelines provide a framework for genetic testing and counseling, recommending comprehensive testing and gene-targeted therapies for all persons with ALS. The guidelines aim to improve access and standardize practice among neurologists and genetic counselors.
The ECNP 2023 conference will feature discussions on a wide range of new work in clinical and applied neuroscience among over 5000 attendees from around the world. Accredited journalists are welcome to attend and register for online access.
A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.
This exploratory study reveals racial differences in clinical presentation among individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The findings suggest that racially minoritized individuals may experience more severe dementia severity, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
The Stevens INI is expanding its health disparities research with a new award to examine vascular causes of dementia in Asian Americans. The project aims to use innovative imaging techniques and clinical translations to better understand cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and its impact on cognitive impairment and dementia.
A new NYU Langone Health program trains neurology residents to diagnose neurological ailments using simulated virtual exams. The curriculum includes 'actor-patients' and self-testing, improving residents' comfort levels and interest in teleneurology, a crucial skill for the future of healthcare.
Researchers investigated how previous forces affect tactile neuron responses in the fingertip, revealing a viscoelastic memory that influences brain signals. This discovery may aid in navigating daily manual tasks by providing accurate motor commands.
A large cohort study found that post-9/11 veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experienced a more than 10-fold increase in suicide rates compared to the US adult population, highlighting a significant public health concern. The study also revealed that TBI exacerbates the risk of suicidal behavior among this vulnerable population.
A case series reveals that young brain donors with a history of repetitive head impacts exhibit severe symptoms, which may be caused by multiple factors. Further research is needed to clarify the association between exposure to head impacts and clinical symptoms in young athletes.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that preterm babies given a supplement with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had improved visual function by age 2.5. The supplement also seemed to improve the brain's ability to interpret visual impressions.
A recent NIH-supported study found a significant association between a genetic variant in people of African ancestry and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The variant, in the GBA1 gene, is associated with a higher risk of 3.5 times for those carrying two copies.
Researchers highlight concerns among healthcare providers about patients with cognitive decline living alone, who are vulnerable to missing medical appointments and failing to respond to follow-up phone calls. The study emphasizes the need for improved support systems to prevent untreated medical conditions, self-neglect, and falls.
TDP-43 accumulation in neurons initiates disease progression, spreading to other motor-related neurons. The protein causes mild degeneration in cortical neurons but severe atrophy and cell death in spinal motor neurons.
Glycosaminoglycans, complex sugars in the brain's extracellular matrix, regulate neural connectivity through sulfation patterns. This discovery could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders by manipulating these patterns.
A first-in-human trial of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for post-stroke rehabilitation patients has shown that DBS to target the dentate nucleus improves motor impairment and function, with gains nearly tripling initial scores. The study also found significant improvements in quality of life.
Researchers developed a novel maze design that allows for the tracking of mice's navigational strategies, revealing three primary approaches: random, spatial, and serial search. The study provides valuable insights into how animals select these strategies based on environmental factors.
A study published in Neuron found that a structure in rat brains called the periaqueductal gray is essential for play and laughter. The researchers used tickling to simulate playful environments and measured brain activity, finding strong neural responses to both tickling and playing.
A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that myo-inositol in human breast milk increases synaptic connections between neurons, indicating stronger brain connectivity. This finding could lead to improved infant formulas and better brain health outcomes for adults with certain psychiatric conditions.
Researchers developed a blood test to detect nerve injury in MS and found it works for children, even when symptom-free. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels, which reflect nerve cell injury.
A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.
Researchers have developed a new study showing that targeted electrical stimulation in patients with traumatic brain injury improved memory recall by 19%. The technology delivers the right stimulation at the right time, informed by the wiring of the individual's brain and that individual's successful memory retrieval.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that women with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke are less likely to be routed to comprehensive stroke centers compared to men. Despite having worse stroke symptoms and living within comparable distances, women were approximately 9% less likely to be routed to these centers.
Fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrients possible during pregnancy. This 'remote-control' system is operated by genes that can be switched on or off depending on whether they are a 'dad's' or 'mum's' gene.
A new strategy targeting hospital procedures and community education led to a significant increase in thrombolysis rates, reducing post-stroke disability. The program, known as Stroke Ready, improved equity in stroke treatment for Black individuals who experience more strokes at younger ages.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that slower gait speeds in older dogs are linked to increased cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured gait speed on and off leash in senior dogs and found a significant correlation between walking speed and cognitive performance.
Researchers at TUM developed a new approach to measure human brain activity using microelectrodes and awake brain surgery. They found individual neurons specialize in handling specific numbers, providing insights into cognitive functions and developing solutions for brain function disorders.
A new study examining brain tissue from 631 former football players found that the cumulative force of hits, not just the number of concussions, was the strongest predictor of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study suggests that reducing the force and frequency of head impacts could help prevent CTE in athletes.
A new study found that football players' cumulative repetitive head impact exposure was associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) status and severity. The study suggests that reducing both the number of head impacts and their force could lower CTE risk.
A pilot study suggests that high-definition cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (HD C-tDCS) may be beneficial for acute ischemic stroke patients. In the study, patients who received HD C-tDCS showed improved blood flow and a significant rescue of threatened brain tissue, compared to those in the sham group.
Researchers applied machine learning to brain responses and achieved near-perfect classification accuracy for songs that may become hits. The approach, called 'neuroforecasting,' uses data from a small group of people to predict population-level effects without needing to measure the brain activity of hundreds of people.
Researchers have developed a technique to measure the effectiveness of clemastine in repairing myelin, allowing for future therapies to be assessed. Patients with MS treated with clemastine experienced modest increases in myelin water, indicating myelin repair.