Articles tagged with Neuroimaging
Researchers developed a noninvasive imaging technique using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect 2-hydroxyglutarate, a chemical produced by some brain tumors' warped metabolism. The technique can predict the presence of IDH1/2 mutations with 98% accuracy and may help doctors tailor treatment plans.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research presented a new model of olfaction, suggesting that the brain maps odors in a tunotopic manner. This approach enables the system to recognize and encode any smell, regardless of its chemical structure.
Princeton scientists have identified unique neural activity sequences in the brain's posterior parietal cortex that help form short-term memories used for decision-making. These sequences correspond to whether a mouse turns left or right in a maze, allowing researchers to predict its future actions.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that most stroke patients undergo both MRI and CT scans, resulting in unnecessary redundancy and increased costs. This practice contributes to the growing burden of healthcare expenses nationwide.
A powerful new imaging technique called High Definition Fiber Tracking (HDFT) has been developed to clearly see for the first time neural connections broken by traumatic brain injury. HDFT scans have identified disruptions in neural pathways, allowing researchers to pinpoint breaks in the cables and quantify the proportion of fibers lost.
Imaging amino acid transporters with PET/CT has significantly altered management plans for 41% of patients with brain tumors, according to research. The imaging modality has improved detection of primary and recurrent high- and low-grade brain tumors, leading to changes in treatment from 'watch and wait' to chemotherapy or vice versa.
A $300,000 grant from the US Department of Defense is being used to study the mental and physical discomfort experienced by patients undergoing limb loss or congenital absence. The goal is to develop more effective rehabilitation strategies by understanding changes in brain organization and behavior.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that people's internal mental maps are oriented towards the north, improving accuracy in spatial tasks. The study found that participants performed best when facing north and drew differently oriented maps, but only used their memorized map as a reliable source of spatial information.
The new technology, called Serial Two-Photon Tomography, allows for high-throughput fluorescence imaging of whole mouse brains, facilitating systematic comparisons between different mouse models. This enables the study of neuroanatomy in mouse models of human brain disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.
Scientists have developed an imaging agent that binds to signs of Alzheimer's disease, including ß-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The agent, called FPPDB, has shown promise for early diagnosis in laboratory tests.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism in the brain that controls spatial resolution, allowing for precise navigation and memory. By disabling ion channels in grid cells, they found that the brain's maps become coarser, affecting spatial memory and navigation.
The Allen Institute for Brain Science has launched a new brain atlas resource, the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, which provides a three-dimensional map of neural connections throughout the mouse brain. The Atlas will help scientists understand how the brain is wired and what goes awry in brain diseases and disorders.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that high school football and hockey players showed subtle brain injuries after routine head hits, even without concussions. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to detect changes in white matter, which are similar to axonal injury at the cellular level.
Researchers used a unique brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and tau tangles in older adults with severe depression. The study found higher protein levels in critical brain regions, suggesting a link between depression and possible dementia later in life.
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can analyze brain scans to predict the severity of future psychotic episodes. The study found that the algorithm was able to differentiate between patients who would develop continuous psychosis and those with more benign forms in seven out of ten cases.
The cerebellum contributes to creating a cognitive map of the environment through altering chemical communication between its neurons. Inactivation of this ability impairs navigation, as seen in transgenic mice lacking long-term depression in cerebellar neurons.
Research finds that IQ can increase or decrease significantly during adolescence, with changes linked to brain structure. Brain scans revealed correlations between improved verbal and non-verbal IQ scores and increased grey matter density in specific brain areas.
A study using MRI techniques has identified patients with recent strokes who can benefit from timely thrombosis treatment. The technique, combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), enables the pinpointing of the stroke's onset time, which is crucial for determining treatment efficacy.
A new study suggests that Alzheimer's disease symptoms are less noticeable in people over 80 compared to those between 60-75. Brain scans revealed that executive function, memory, and attention were less abnormal in older adults.
Scientists studied brain cells in rats and found that only place cells were sensitive to height, with weak responsiveness. The brain's sense of space is more accurate in horizontal directions, suggesting a flat map of space for altitude.
A study found that long-term meditators have stronger connections between brain regions and show less age-related brain atrophy. The effects are evident throughout the entire brain, not just in specific areas.
The Cornell-developed Planar Fourier Capture Array (PFCA) is a pinhead-size, lens-free camera that can resolve images about 20 pixels across. It uses the principles of the Fourier transform to capture multiple angles of light and has numerous applications in science, including surgery and robotics.
Researchers used a brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in adults with Down syndrome, revealing higher levels in all brain regions compared to healthy controls. The study found significant associations between increased age and higher binding values in specific brain areas.
Researchers have created a 3-D movie of brain activity while an individual loses consciousness, revealing a change in electrical activity and communication between brain cells. The findings support a hypothesis that consciousness is formed by neural assemblies, which work efficiently together or not, depending on sensory stimulations.
Computer science researchers at Brown University have developed a new way to visualize the human brain's neural connections using 2D maps. These simplified representations can help medical professionals identify potential pathologies, such as autism, and understand how neural bundles differ among individuals.
Researchers used advanced imaging technique to detect blast-related injuries in US military personnel, finding abnormalities in brain white matter. These findings suggest fundamental differences between blast-related and civilian traumatic brain injuries.
The National Academies Keck Futures Initiative has awarded $1 million for 13 interdisciplinary research projects in imaging science, aiming to improve detection and treatment of diseases. The selected projects focus on developing new biomedical imaging methods, including adaptive optics, statistical analysis, and multiscale modeling.
Researchers develop a new method to visualize lipid distribution in the human brain, revealing detailed information about neurodegenerative diseases. The study uses imaging mass spectrometry and functional autoradiography to identify 43 types of lipids in three distinct brain regions.
Researchers mapped spinal cord function using MRI to improve injury diagnosis and treatment. Attention levels impact spinal cord processing, affecting pain management for those with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers found that individuals who treated for alcohol use disorder and relapsed had thinner cortices in the brain's reward system compared to those who remained abstinent. The study suggests that neurobiological factors play a crucial role in relapse and may be associated with impaired problem-solving, mood, and impulse control.
Researchers have discovered a link between a variation of the BDNF gene and Alzheimer's disease, with those carrying the gene more likely to exhibit thinner temporal lobe structures and disrupted neural connections. This breakthrough study could lead to early identification and intervention for the disease.
Researchers at Vancouver Coastal Health and UBC found that mini-strokes can create lasting damage to the brain, even when symptoms resolve quickly. The study used transcranial magnetic stimulation to detect changes in brain cells, showing a significant increase in excitability on the affected side.
Brain scans show children with ADHD struggle to control brain activity when bored, but perform better with incentives or medication. The study provides insight into the neural mechanisms underlying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Scientists created a 3D map of the fruit fly brain's neural networks, revealing 41 local processing units, 6 hubs, and 58 tracts. The breakthrough enables researchers to analyze how the brain processes information and control behaviors.
University of Utah researchers discovered a miniature map in the brain that helps us focus attention on different stimuli. This map is found in multiple areas of the brain and has important implications for understanding diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder.
Dr. Charles DeCarli, an international leader in neuroimaging, has received the 2010 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine for his groundbreaking research on imaging of the aging brain and its connection to vascular diseases.
A new computer program helps researchers map brain connectivity in children and adults, showing how white matter improves with age. The tool may aid epilepsy and schizophrenia research, and inform brain surgeons about potential surgical sites.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health used MRI to identify areas where the left and right hemispheres of the brains of people with autism do not properly communicate. The study found functional connectivity abnormalities in the entire brain, adding to the understanding of this disorder.
Researchers have identified neuroimaging techniques that can predict Parkinson's disease in patients with REM sleep disturbances, enabling early neuroprotective treatment strategies. A study found that 19% of patients developed a neurodegenerative disorder within two and a half years, with 5 cases of Parkinson's disease among those sho...
Researchers have identified neuroimaging abnormalities in patients with rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder that predict the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found decreased striatal dopamine transporters uptake and midbrain hyperechogenicity to be risk factors for developing Parkinson's disease, dementia wi...
A team of scientists has created a brain atlas that maps the connections between different parts of the human brain. This atlas will help researchers better understand disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, which are believed to be caused by abnormal connections among different regions within the brain.
Scientists have found 'grid cells' for the first time outside of the entorhinal cortex in the rat brain, expanding our knowledge of how the brain generates internal maps. These grid cells work together with other neural cells to create a series of maps that help with navigation and recognition of specific landmarks.
Researchers at UC Davis have found a distinctive pattern of brain imaging and biomarker deviations that may indicate an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Neurobiology of Aging, analyzed data from over 800 older adults and identified three subgroups with distinct imaging and laboratory measures.
A new study has identified two tests - episodic memory test and PET brain scan - that can accurately predict the development of Alzheimer's disease. These tests are nearly 12 times more effective than others in predicting disease progression.
Researchers developed a new radiotracer, florbetapir F18, to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy volunteers on brain scans. The compound has a longer half-life than previous options, allowing for more widespread use and potential applications in diagnosing dementia and tracking disease progression.
A study found that genetic variants and neuroimaging measures are associated with Alzheimer's disease risk, providing new insights into the condition's mechanisms. The research identified three new genetic loci linked to Alzheimer's disease, as well as two new targets for future study.
A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly half of US adults with European ancestry carry the FTO gene variant, which is associated with weight gain but also linked to brain tissue loss. The findings suggest that individuals carrying this gene allele are at risk for a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's and dementia.
A special issue of NeuroRehabilitation presents a comprehensive review of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HI-BI), including neuropathophysiology, neuroimaging assessment, and management strategies. The issue highlights the challenges of treating HI-BI patients and provides insights into current research.
Researchers at University College London have identified 'grid cells' in the human brain for the first time, which may help explain how we create internal maps of new environments. These specialized neurons are involved in spatial memory and have been previously discovered in rodent brains.
Neuroscientists and computer scientists identified how the brain arranges noun representations, using a neural Rosetta Stone. The three basic features of the brain's dictionary concern physical interaction, eating, and shelter or enclosure. This discovery has implications for treating psychiatric and neurological illnesses.
A study using positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans identified different forms of Parkinsonism with high accuracy. The research found that image-based classification had excellent specificity and positive predictive value for idiopathic Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy.
A new brain scan, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), has been shown to detect changes in the hippocampus that are associated with memory decline. DTI-MRI scans were found to be more accurate than traditional MRI in identifying changes related to Alzheimer's disease.
Intensive reading instruction improves reading skills and alters brain tissue, increasing white matter quality and communication bandwidth. The study provides new insights into treating reading disabilities and developmental disorders.
New studies demonstrate the thalamus' importance in sensory processing, refuting its previous view as a passive relay station. The structure is found to be involved in higher-order cortical functioning, including auditory and visual systems.
Researchers have developed a new method using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to improve the removal of benign tumors in children. By visualizing nerve fiber bundles, DTI enables surgeons to avoid damaging critical brain tissue and achieve more complete tumor removal.
A study published in JACR found that on-call radiology residents can accurately interpret emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours. The accuracy of image interpretation is crucial for diagnostic radiology, with clinicians relying solely on preliminary interpretations to make treatment decisions.
A recent UCLA study found that blindness causes structural changes in the brain, leading to compensatory growth in non-visual areas. This adaptation enables individuals with visual impairments to develop enhanced skills in other senses.
Researchers developed a fast and accurate method to quantify subtle brain volume loss in Alzheimer's patients, outperforming existing measures. The new technique identifies changes in memory regions, particularly the entorhinal cortex, as sensitive markers for early disease stages.
A study found that left- and right-handed individuals have distinct body maps in the brain, influencing how they perceive their physical bodies. Left-handers estimated both arms as equal length, while right-handers consistently perceived their right arm as longer.
Researchers Partha Mitra and Josh Dubnau will use their grants to create the first brain-wide circuit diagram for the mouse, aiming to determine alterations in corresponding circuits of neuropsychiatric disorder models. They also aim to trace how brain proteins are regulated at synapses, a complex process that is not well understood.