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New brain-computer interface allows man with ALS to ‘speak’ again

Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 14, 2024

SNU researchers develop biodegradable electronic tent for non-surgical brain disease diagnosis using a needle

Seoul National University researchers developed a biodegradable electronic tent technology that enables non-invasive brain disease diagnosis using a needle. The device unfolds to cover the entire brain over a large area and naturally decomposes in the body after diagnosis, minimizing side effects.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2024

New technique could help treat aggressive brain tumors

Researchers have developed a new technique called burst sine wave electroporation (B-SWE) that can disrupt the blood-brain barrier around brain tumors without causing significant damage to healthy tissue. This method shows promise for treating aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma, which currently have limited treatment options.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJul 17, 2024

Safer, swifter, smaller scar: new brain surgery approach targets difficult tumors at skull base

Researchers have developed a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove lesions in the skull base region, reducing damage to the brain and preserving neurological functions. The endoscopic approach results in shorter operative times and less blood loss compared to conventional microscopic surgery.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeCase study·DateJul 2, 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage stroke outcomes improve with early minimally invasive surgery evaluated in clinical trial

Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage have better medical outcomes when surgeons perform early minimally invasive removal of a hematoma compared to standard care. The study found improved survival rates and functional outcomes at 180 days for patients who received early surgical intervention.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2024

USC researchers pioneer new brain imaging technique through clear “window” in patient’s skull

In a proof-of-concept study, USC researchers used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through a transparent skull implant in a patient. The results suggest that this approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Adding immune-boosting agent to personalized cancer vaccine supercharges the body's immune defense against malignant brain tumors

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a combination immunotherapy treatment that enhances the immune response for people with malignant gliomas. Adding an immune-boosting agent, poly-ICLC, to a personalized dendritic cell vaccine improves the immune response and activity of T cells in patients.

Loma Linda University study reveals alarming rates of pediatric injuries from mechanical bull riding

A new study by Loma Linda University reveals that mechanical bull riding is a real public health concern, especially for young riders. The study found that traumatic brain injuries are the most common outcome, and long-term consequences can be severe, including memory issues and learning disabilities.

Personalized assessment and training of neurosurgical skills in virtual reality: An interpretable machine learning approach

This study investigates the potential of machine learning to identify skill levels of participants performing virtual reality neurosurgery. It also explores the interpretability of machine learning models to understand the performance of each metric for each participant.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateApr 17, 2024

To appreciate music, the human brain listens and learns to predict

Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a precise map of what is happening in the brain’s auditory cortex when someone hears a melody. The study found that some aspects of music are entwined with how we understand speech, while other important aspects stand alone. The brain uses two sets of neurons to ass...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2024

Researchers suggest changing gold standard of spine surgery from operative microscope to 3D exoscope

A recent study published in World Neurosurgery found that the use of a 3D exoscope in spinal surgery resulted in more favorable outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays and operating room times. The device allows for increased visualization during procedures, leading to fewer errors and better patient outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateJan 24, 2024

Brain implant may enable communication from thoughts alone

A new speech prosthetic developed by Duke neuroscientists and engineers can translate brain signals into spoken words, improving communication for people with neurological disorders. The device achieved an accuracy rate of 40% in predicting intended speech from 90 seconds of brain activity.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2023

Drawing a tube of blood could assess ALS risk from environmental toxin exposure

Researchers developed an environmental risk score to assess ALS risk and survival using a blood sample, associating several individual pollutants with disease risk. A mixture of pesticides in the blood significantly increased ALS risk, with those in the highest group having twice the risk as those in the lowest.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

Differences in mortality rates for fatal cerebral haemorrhage between Finnish university hospitals

A study of nearly 10,000 subarachnoid hemorrhage cases in Finland found significant variations in mortality rates among university hospital districts. Patients treated at Helsinki University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital had the lowest mortality rates, with a difference of 52% compared to Turku University Hospital.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

New study provides evidence for more effective brain-based treatment of chronic back pain

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.

Lurie Children’s Hospital performs innovative minimally invasive surgery for severe muscle tone in cerebral palsy

Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital use computer-guided radiofrequency ablation to decrease excessive muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy, greatly improving quality of life. The procedure is a safe and effective approach that excludes the dysfunctional nervous system, a main driver of pathology.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalOperative Neurosurgery·DateSep 20, 2023

Microdevices implanted into tumors offer new way to treat brain cancer

Researchers have developed a device that can be implanted into tumors during surgery to test new treatments, providing unprecedented insight into the effects of drugs on glioma tumors. The device, which is designed to be used during standard of care surgery, caused no adverse effects on patients in a phase 1 clinical trial.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2023

Gene therapy for brain tumor shows promising early results in humans

A new study from the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery and Rogel Cancer Center shows promising early results that a therapy combining cell-killing and immune-stimulating drugs are safe and effective in extending survival for patients with gliomas, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. The treatment improved survival...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2023

Study shows promise of gene therapy for alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Daily flushing regimen with simple implant may prevent shunt clogs and reduce revision surgeries in patients with hydrocephalus

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina describe a new, non-surgical approach to managing hydrocephalus by implanting a shunt-clearing device and performing daily flushing. The study shows promising results, reducing revision surgeries and improving patient outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPediatric Neurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2023

Different areas of the brain activated depending on structural complexity of music, language

Research from UTHealth Houston reveals that different brain regions are engaged when processing simple versus complex melodies and sentences. The study used intracranial electrodes to map brain activity during music and language tasks, finding shared temporal lobe activity but distinct sensitivities to melodic and syntactic complexity.