Articles tagged with Neuroimaging
Scientists have developed a powerful new imaging strategy capable of visualizing the fine, ultrastructural changes to dendritic spines during structural plasticity. They found that the postsynaptic density region underwent significant growth and reorganization on a rapid timescale.
Georgia State University researcher Vince Calhoun has received a $3.5 million grant to develop new methods for capturing dynamic connectivity in the brain and identifying biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers aim to analyze real-time connectivity patterns to predict future cognitive decline.
A recent study found COVID-19 survivors exhibit abnormal patterns of brain connectivity associated with increased post-traumatic stress symptoms. The research team discovered three distinct states of functional connectivity in the brains of COVID-19 survivors, which are linked to symptom severity.
Researchers have developed a dye-free method to visualize blood flow in the brain, allowing for detailed mapping of small capillaries and assessing blood flow rates. The technique has potential applications in understanding cardiovascular diseases, tumor growth, and targeted drug delivery.
Researchers use super-resolution infrared imaging combined with X-ray fluorescence nano-imaging to study amyloid toxicity on a subcellular level. They found that the distribution of trace elements in neurons is related to molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, offering new insights into preventing neuronal damage.
A new study suggests that existing drugs for multiple sclerosis may not be effective due to toxic blood leaks in the brain. Researchers have identified a promising alternative treatment option that could improve myelin repair, even in the presence of these harmful elements.
A 17-year study found that children who experienced poverty in preschool had smaller volumes of certain subcortical brain regions, including the hippocampus and thalamus. The researchers also found that these children showed slower growth in these regions over time, leading to poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.
Researchers found that epilepsy surgery is associated with improved overall brain health, reducing brain-predicted age by at least seven years in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. The study used advanced MRI techniques to inform its findings and suggests earlier surgery may benefit these patients.
Researchers manipulated dopamine receptors to understand benefit- and cost-based motivation, revealing complementary roles for D1R and D2R. The study sheds light on the neurobiological mechanism of decision-making and has implications for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a model of how internal states and external stimuli shape the behavior of hydra, a tiny, jellyfish-like creature. By studying their neural networks, scientists can gain insights into fundamental principles that may apply to more complex animals.
Researchers from NYUAD and University of Wisconsin-Madison develop interactive 3D diagrams to teach functional neuroanatomy. The study shows that VR exceeded PC viewing for experience-based learning outcomes, making it an enjoyable and easier learning tool.
A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.
Scientists developed a label-free optical microscopy approach that can image deep brain cells with high resolution and minimal invasiveness. They used the 1700 nm water absorption window to visualize neuronal cell architecture across the entire depth of the mouse neocortex, revealing severe pathology in deep but not superficial cortex.
Researchers developed a new approach that integrates brain lesion datasets with data on deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation to identify promising therapeutic targets. This method may help clarify the cause of neuropsychiatric conditions and relieve symptoms.
Scientists have imaged an entire mouse brain at the microscopic to macroscopic level using a new micro-CT approach. This technique bridges the resolution gap between MRI and electron microscopy, enabling the connection of biomarkers across multiple scales and improving image resolution.
Researchers found that undamaged neurons do not change their function after a stroke, contradicting the 're-mapping' hypothesis. Surround-responsive cells, which react to neighboring whiskers, also failed to take over damaged neurons' functions.
Researchers linked repeated head impacts in youth football with changes in brain imaging, highlighting the need for reduced head impact drills during practice. The study used diffusion tensor imaging and biomechanical data from helmet-mounted sensors to examine the effects of head impacts on young athletes.
Researchers analyzed brain scans of 193 COVID-19 patients, finding a link between brain imaging and the virus's presence in cerebrospinal fluid. The study suggests hyperintense lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement are indicative of inflammation rather than infection.
Researchers used structural brain imaging to detect developmental effects of linguistic and cognitive stimulation on infant brains. They found that high-quality educational experiences in early childhood were associated with increased brain size, particularly in males.
A new imaging technique, 3D amplified MRI (aMRI), visualizes the brain's movement in real-time and in stunning detail. This method holds diagnostic potential for detecting obstructive brain disorders and aneurysms, which could lead to better treatment strategies.
A large study of 11,679 nine- and ten-year-old children found potentially life-threatening brain abnormalities in 1 in 500 children and minor abnormalities in 1 out of 25. The study aims to save lives by reviewing MRI scans for incidental findings.
Researchers developed a new analysis system to study brain function and diseases using 3D artificial brain models. The system allows for precise non-destructive stimuli and real-time measurement of neural signals, providing insights into functional connections between brain cells.
A study of 38 children found that neurological complications of COVID-19 often resemble immune-mediated patterns of disease involving the brain, spine, and nerves. Most cases had mild or no symptoms, but some developed severe conditions such as myelitis and quadriplegia.
Scientists have created detailed maps of brain blood vessel clusters, revealing that small blood vessels compensate for varying energy requirements. The study provides novel insights into the distribution of oxygen and sugar to different brain regions, shedding light on how brains are kept nourished.
A UK-based study using diffusion weighted imaging and machine learning successfully classified common types of pediatric brain tumors, enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis. This non-invasive method has the potential to treat childhood brain tumors more efficiently with favorable outcomes.
Researchers used a novel imaging technique to study motor deficits in ALS, revealing asymmetrical movement patterns and limited capacity. The technique, called DECALF, captured three-dimensional motion of zebrafish in real-time.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine are developing a novel brain imaging technique to detect chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living patients. A two-year study involving former NFL players and controls aims to identify the tau protein associated with CTE using a second-generation tau PET tracer.
Researchers analyzed MRI data from 1203 HIV-positive individuals across 5 continents, finding smaller brain volumes associated with lower white blood cell counts. The study highlights the importance of understanding how HIV infection affects the brain, particularly in the context of aging and treatment.
Research estimates that one in three women experience intimate partner violence and up to 90% suffer head trauma. However, data is scarce on the cognitive and psychological effects of this trauma. A new international effort aims to understand the ramifications of injuries and develop personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers from Osaka University developed a new method for analyzing brain tissue with mass spectrometry imaging, enabling the identification of biochemicals at high spatial resolution. This technique may help diagnose brain diseases such as cancer by providing molecular information in high-resolution images.
Scientists at Durham University have discovered a new type of brain cell called Vector Trace cells, which can store maps of places we've been and track the distance between objects. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Drs. Kelil and Jaimes will investigate personalized breast cancer risk assessment and fetal diffusion tensor imaging to improve conventional risk prediction models and characterize normal brain development in fetuses with congenital heart disease. Their studies aim to harness cutting-edge MRI processing tools to correct for fetal motion.
A novel form of an Alzheimer's protein found in spinal fluid indicates what stage of the disease a person is in and tracks with tangles of tau protein in the brain, which are toxic to neurons. The discovery could lead to better diagnostics and accelerate efforts to find treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
A prototype 16-channel head AIR coil from GE Healthcare has been shown to perform better than a conventional 8-channel head coil for in vivo whole-brain imaging, but not as well as a 32-channel coil. The coil's lightweight and flexible design exhibits improved electrical characteristics that could lead to future design improvements.
A Northwestern University study shows how advanced imaging technology can pinpoint the cause of nerve damage in COVID-19 patients. The imaging techniques include ultra-high-resolution ultrasound and MR neurography, which help localize where the problem is and assess the severity of nerve damage.
Dr. Olga Boukrina receives a $10,000 grant to study reading deficits in stroke survivors and develop personalized treatment for aphasia. Her ongoing research aims to identify markers that can help clinicians detect reading problems early in rehabilitative care.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have created a compact, low-power 'head only' MRI scanner for brain imaging. The device can be mounted in ambulances or clinics and emits less noise than traditional scanners.
Georgia State University researchers have developed a software tool called COINSTAC, which allows for local data analysis and sharing of results, protecting patient privacy and anonymity. The platform is designed to be compatible with deep learning models, enabling the training of analyses on decentralized databases.
Military personnel with extensive occupational blast exposure showed significant differences in brain imaging measures, including increased cortical thickness and neural inflammation. The study provides insight into the functional and structural neuroimaging alterations occurring in this population.
A new brain imaging technology, BrainPhys, has been developed to support optimal neuronal function and viability in live imaging experiments. This breakthrough could lead to better personalised medicine for brain disorders such as Parkinson's, brain cancer, and childhood dementia.
Research identifies commonalities in COVID-19 patients' brain activity, highlighting potential long-term effects on older males. Abnormal EEG readings suggest permanent brain damage, prompting the need for comprehensive care including brain imaging.
A new radiolabeled molecule, [18F]3F4AP, shows promising results in detecting and characterizing brain injury. The tracer binds to potassium channels exposed in demyelinated neurons, making it a potential tool for imaging multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions.
A University of Maryland biologist has been awarded $1.5 million to develop new tools for studying brain mapping techniques. The project aims to create a comprehensive molecular map of synapses during development, aging, and disease, which could lead to potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders and other cognitive functions.
A patient with akinetic mutism, a rare condition causing temporary paralysis and speech absence, experiences a remarkable recovery after taking a sleeping pill. Brain scans reveal overactive brain regions that can be suppressed by the medication, allowing for temporary speech and movement.
A novel functional class of cortical neurons, known as holistic bursting cells, has been discovered to represent learned complex objects as wholes rather than parts. These cells exhibit a unique mode of high-rate, prolonged burst firing response to trained sounds, including chords consisting of multiple pure-tones.
Researchers are combining different types of brain imaging data to capture patterns indicative of brain disorders. The goal is to develop a compact framework to map brain disorders, providing a signature that tells us how mental illnesses impact the brain.
A Yale University study finds that the brain takes time to normalize after abstaining from alcohol, making 'one day at a time' an effective recovery strategy. The study also suggests potential medications to aid in long-term abstinence.
A recent study reveals the hierarchical representation of color in the brain, from cone-activation signals to isotropic hue representation. The study found that different areas of the cortex process color information in a progressive manner.
A new deep learning methodology called Brain-NET has been developed to accurately predict a person's level of expertise in surgical motor skills based solely on neuroimaging data. This technology has the potential to streamline the surgeon certification process, enabling real-time score feedback and remediation or training.
The EBRAINS human brain atlas is a comprehensive digital map of the cellular architecture, showcasing 250 structurally distinct areas based on analysis of 10 brains. This atlas enables researchers to better understand brain functions and mechanisms of diseases.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that women smokers are four times more likely to have unruptured brain aneurysms than non-smokers. High blood pressure further increases the risk, with smokers being seven times more likely to harbour the condition.
A pre-brain surgery test using navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) accurately maps language centers in patients with brain tumors not involved in these areas. The method's accuracy varies depending on tumor involvement, but it shows promise for improving surgical planning and patient outcomes.
The American Journal of Roentgenology is implementing an author-centered peer-review system to streamline the submission process and provide rapid initial decisions. The journal is also rapidly publishing accepted manuscripts as Online First, expediting timely research for radiologists and allied scientists.
Research on brain-damaged patients with distorted perception reveals neural processing can occur despite lack of awareness. The study's findings have significant implications for theories of human visual awareness and suggest a reevaluation of the relationship between complex cognitive processing and awareness.
Researchers developed ribosome tethering tools to image neural circuits with greater precision. This allows for direct visualization of neuronal activity, reducing background fluorescence and spurious signals from surrounding nerve fibers.
KAIST researchers developed an algorithm for automated 3D brain imaging data analysis, enabling precise and quantitative mapping of complex neural circuits. The new technology allows for accurate comparison of brain data from different animals and improves the accuracy and consistency of analysis results.
Scientists developed a wearable brain scanner that can scan the entire brain, allowing researchers to track electrophysiological processes involved in mental health problems. The device tracks brain activity with millimetre accuracy, enabling new possibilities for scanning children and epileptic patients.
Researchers mapped 88,047 individual cells across 33 brain regions in humans, chimpanzees, macaques, and bonobos to identify distinctive brain regions that underwent faster evolution. The study found differences in gene expression between human oligodendrocytes and astrocytes compared to other primates.
Researchers developed a novel unbiased strategy to identify activated neural inputs underlying specific behaviors. Using mouse models, they demonstrated the input specificity of their approach, tracing activated cell ensembles.
A study published in Radiology reveals that 59% of COVID-19 patients reported an altered mental state, while 31% experienced stroke. The findings suggest that physicians can recognize 'red flags' earlier and potentially provide earlier interventions for patients.