Articles tagged with Neuroimaging
Researchers Paul Dassonville and Scott A. Reed found that the brain relies on a shared representation of space to make perceptual judgments and guide behavior, contradicting the notion of separate pathways for perception and action. This study challenges long-held assumptions about how the brain processes visual information.
A UCL study finds that realising how places connect geographically causes local maps in the brain to join, forming one big map. This merged map helps with planning future journeys by understanding absolute location and distances between places.
Researchers created a detailed brain map of language impairments in aphasia following stroke, identifying four dimensions or factors: semantic recognition, speech recognition, speech production, and semantic errors. The study found that specific brain areas, such as the left Sylvian fissure and white matter bottleneck, are associated w...
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology has found that a clot-busting drug called alteplase can benefit stroke patients without increasing the risk of bleeding. Researchers analyzed over 3,000 people and discovered that patients with early tissue damage from strokes still benefit from receiving the drug.
A Mayo Clinic study of over 3,600 postmortem brains reveals that tau protein is the primary driver of cognitive decline and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid buildup, while toxic, does not play a major role in disease progression, according to researchers.
Researchers have successfully developed an atomic force microscopy system that can image structural dynamics of living neurons with high spatial and temporal resolution. The new system enables analysis of cell morphology changes with a resolution ~20-100 fold better than that of a standard light microscope.
Researchers used a rat model to map the brain's communication between nerve cells as they learned to make decisions based on specific sounds. The study found that training rats to associate low frequency tones with food strengthened synaptic connections in the striatum, leading to improved performance.
A new study found that EEG measurements were more accurate in predicting individual preferences for movies than participants' conscious statements. The study also suggested that EEG tests are relatively cheap and can capture complete information about consumer behavior.
A study of 62 preteen girls found that those who experimented showed stronger connections between the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior insula/putamen, linked to exploring actions and body state, respectively. This could help identify teens at risk for risky behaviors.
Researchers discovered that brain's grid cells are anchored to one wall and rotated by a specific angle (7.5 degrees) to minimize symmetry and errors in navigation. The rotation is necessary to ensure accurate mapping of environments, even when landmarks are far apart.
A review of neuroimaging studies suggests that areas of agreement exist in psychiatric diagnoses, particularly regarding the integrity of the anterior insula/dorsal anterior cingulate network. This network is associated with executive function deficits seen across various diagnoses. The study analyzed 193 peer-reviewed articles and fou...
Researchers used brain connectivity scans to identify patterns that predict success with behavioral activation talk therapy. Patients with major depressive disorder who had stronger connections between brain regions involved in cognitive control and emotion regulation responded better to the therapy.
SCAPE, a new high-speed 3D microscope developed by Elizabeth Hillman, overcomes major hurdles in biomedical research imaging. It allows for real-time 3D imaging at cellular resolution in behaving organisms, capturing complex dynamics like neurons firing in the brain or cells moving in the zebrafish heart.
Recent guidelines aiming to reduce neuroimaging tests for patients with headaches may overlook diagnoses of brain tumors. Neurosurgeons warn that these limits could delay or even prevent diagnosis in up to 30% of cases, leading to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.
Stroke researchers found that patients with frontal lesions experienced greater improvement in spatial neglect after prism adaptation therapy. The study suggests that maintaining medial temporal structure integrity may support functional improvement in this subset of patients.
A new study using PET/CT technology found that military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have abnormal pituitary gland function. The research suggests that hormone imbalances in the pituitary gland may be a key factor in the development of PTSD in veterans who have also suffered from mild traumatic brain injury.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic technique using songbird courtship calls to safely map the human brain during complex neurosurgery. The technique, called focal intraoperative cooling, involves cooling specific regions of the brain while patients undergo surgery, reducing surgical risk for epilepsy and brain tumor patients.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that moving forward trains the brain to perceive the world normally and calibrates time perception. The study's findings have implications for treating sensory processing disorders like autism and could lead to retraining the brain after stroke or other conditions.
Researchers at The University of Queensland found that animal brains can use a memory map to estimate location without external cues. Even in complete disorientation, the brain can accurately estimate location by self-motion cues such as walking. The study highlights the importance of understanding how the brain processes spatial infor...
Researchers at Stanford University have found that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome exhibit distinct brain abnormalities, including reduced white-matter content and abnormal nerve tract function. The findings may lead to more definitive diagnoses and potentially identify new treatment targets.
A new study suggests that an internal 'calorie counter' in the brain evaluates the caloric density of foods, influencing food choices and predicting caloric content. The study used functional brain scans to track brain activity while participants viewed food images.
Neuroscientists at USC will establish two Centers of Excellence to mine brain data, aiming to identify new treatments for autism, Alzheimer's disease, and mental illness. The $23 million awards total $12 million and $11 million over four years, supporting large-scale analyses that could revolutionize neurological research.
Researchers at Salk Institute will create an epigenetic map of each cell type in the brain, allowing for deeper understanding of neurons' identity and functional differences. The study aims to reveal possible windows into brain development and disease.
A new MRI technique using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) can help clinicians predict the likelihood of poor clinical outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury. This technique shows significant differences in white matter between mTBI patients with positive versus negative findings on CT and MRI evaluation.
A new study reveals that bats process complex spatial information by dynamically adapting their brain maps to external factors. By enhancing neuronal signals for objects in close proximity, bats can magnify the appearance of nearby obstacles, enabling them to navigate safely.
Chronic use of codeine-containing cough syrups is associated with brain white matter deficits, particularly in regions involved in impulse control. These changes are linked to increased impulsivity traits and correlate with the duration of CCS use.
Researchers used ultrasound to monitor chitosan nerve conduits in rats, revealing unsatisfactory complications and degradation modes. This non-invasive technique enhances the assessment of nerve conduit outcomes, advancing peripheral nerve tissue engineering.
Researchers developed a new model explaining how autism occurs, with genetically-controlled brain plasticity mechanisms potentially determining autistic capabilities and subtypes. The 'Trigger-Threshold-Target' model suggests focusing on developing children's unique strengths rather than solely correcting behaviors.
The new journal Neurophotonics adds to the rapidly growing understanding of the brain through advanced optical methods and applications. Key findings include photoacoustic tomography techniques that display brain activity with high accuracy, and novel technologies for brain energy metabolism.
Cerebral microbleeds have been shown to be a significant marker for diffuse axonal injury, which can lead to severe neurological disorders. The study highlights the importance of using susceptibility-weighted imaging to detect these tiny changes and evaluate traumatic cerebral microbleeds with high sensitivity.
A 3D image of a Paleolithic child's skull shows compound fractures indicating blunt force trauma, likely caused by interpersonal violence. The child is believed to have suffered from severe traumatic brain injury, which may have impacted their social communication and behavior.
A new noninvasive optical imaging device has been shown to detect changes in the retina that occur before clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The device, developed at Cedars-Sinai, can differentiate between Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's diseases with high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have created 3-D computer models to map the brain region involved in dystonia, identifying an anatomical target for further study. The models provide information for neurologists and neurosurgeons to consider when planning surgery and making device programming decisions.
A novel biomarker predicts which individuals will develop epilepsy after febrile seizures, according to a UC Irvine study. The diagnostic ability could lead to improved use of preventive therapies for the disorder.
A new study reveals that childhood maltreatment is associated with cerebral grey matter abnormalities, leading to lasting changes in brain structure. The research found significant deficits in late-developing brain regions, indicating a potential link between adverse childhood experiences and long-term cognitive and emotional deficits.
A new review highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of rare causes of headaches in pregnancy, including conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension and cerebral venous thrombosis. These conditions can be fatal if not treated promptly and require prompt medical attention.
Researchers discovered that octopuses' suckers temporarily lose grip on their own skin due to a chemical produced by the skin, preventing them from getting tangled. This mechanism allows for flexible manipulation and may inspire bioinspired robot design.
A new study found that access to electronic health records (EHRs) can significantly impact the interpretation of head CT scans, potentially leading to adverse effects on medical management. In nine percent of cases, EHR data was deemed crucial for accurate diagnosis, highlighting the importance of widespread EHR adoption.
A new high-throughput imaging method called CUBIC enables rapid whole-brain imaging at single-cell resolution, overcoming previous limitations. This allows for unprecedented insights into gene expression patterns and neural networks in the brain.
A study found that neuroimaging for headaches is frequently ordered by physicians, with a significant increase in use from 1995 to 2010. The procedure resulted in estimated costs of $3.9 billion and was performed in nearly 14% of all headache visits.
A new study found that 12% of doctor visits for headaches result in unnecessary brain scans, costing around $1 billion annually. The researchers suggest better public education and insurance plan designs could reduce unnecessary use and spending on scans.
Researchers found that brain pathways adaptively change between detecting and discriminating sensory inputs, such as headlights in the distance. The study used animal models and optical imaging to directly assess how acuity is controlled in the brain.
A study found that people with both parents having Alzheimer's disease showed more severe brain abnormalities, including increased brain plaques and reduced brain volume. The research suggests a possible genetic link to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a reliable 3-D MRI imaging technique to study premature brain development. This allows for early identification of delayed tracts and potential treatments, enabling proactive therapies within weeks of birth.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine will use advanced neuroimaging techniques to study high school athletes and understand the impact of concussions on brain blood flow. The study aims to improve understanding of concussion symptoms, cognitive functioning, and detection methods.
Researchers found individuals are more satisfied with truth-telling rewards than deceitful ones. The studies explored two types of deception and discovered a liar's brain responds differently when gaining rewards through truth or lies.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a brain development index from MRI scans that captures normal brain maturation patterns. The study shows a relationship between cognitive development and physical changes in the developing young brain, allowing for early detection of subtle developmental abnormalities.
The NIH has selected eight projects to study the long-term effects of repeated head injuries and develop more accurate concussion diagnoses. The partnership between the NIH and the NFL aims to reduce the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in athletes and military personnel.
A new study from CAMH found that people carrying the SORL1 gene for Alzheimer's disease show brain changes beginning in childhood. These changes are linked to an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's, a condition that typically appears decades later.
A study by Aron Barbey and colleagues identified a network of brain areas in the frontal and parietal cortex essential for discourse comprehension. The researchers used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping to create a collective map of the cerebral cortex, revealing that executive control is critical for integrating language with prior k...
The hospital achieved excellence through strategies such as reducing overhead paging and establishing daily hospital huddles to prioritize patient needs. UT Southwestern's neurology and neurosurgery programs are nationally ranked.
Studies show that concussions can lead to brain abnormalities four months after symptoms have resolved, with memory and behavioral issues improving more quickly than physical injuries. These findings suggest that healing from concussions may be similar to recovering from burns, with tissue scabs forming before the body is fully healed.
The new journal will cover a range of topics including microscopic methods, optogenetics, and computational methods relevant to understanding brain function. It aims to foster greater awareness and interaction among the photonics, neuroscience, and clinical communities.
Researchers analyzed 36 cases of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor in the spinal cord, finding that patchy reinforcement on MRI and inflammatory cell infiltration are key features. The study aims to reduce misdiagnosis rate and improve patient quality of life by providing accurate imaging and clinical properties.
Researchers found increased iron deposits in deep gray matter of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a precursor to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study also revealed subtle brain damage and lack of correlation between iron deposits and jugular vein diameter, casting doubt on the Zamboni hypothesis.
A study of 70 elderly adults found that shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality were associated with greater beta-amyloid buildup in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that optimizing sleep may help prevent or slow AD progression.
A new Pain and Interoception Imaging Network (PAIN) will feature hundreds of brain scans and clinical information to tease out similarities and differences between chronic-pain conditions. The database aims to improve research and treatment development for conditions like migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A team of researchers led by LA BioMed's Patricia Dickson will use state-of-the-art brain imaging to study the brains of disease models with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), a genetic disease causing cognitive deterioration, memory loss and dementia. The goal is to gain greater understanding of MPS brain disease and develop new treatments.
Researchers have created a new map of bird brains based on a decade-long exploration of gene expression across eight species. The findings suggest that bird brains have commonalities with human brains, including columnar organization and forebrain regions similar to mammals.
Scientists have developed a high-speed imaging technique with single-neuron resolution that can record the activity of 70% of nerve cells in a worm's head. This breakthrough allows for detailed maps of how neurons are wired up in the brain and information on how networks interact in real time.