Articles tagged with Neuroimaging
A new study has found that nearly three percent of healthy people have an abnormality on a brain MRI scan, raising concerns about the benefits of commercial brain screening. The researchers argue that there is limited medical evidence to support treatment for incidental abnormalities, potentially creating anxiety among patients.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School used two-photon microscopy to track calcium levels in neurons during electrical stimulation, revealing a scattered and widely distributed set of neurons switch on. The findings contradict a long-standing hypothesis and suggest that axons are being stimulated rather than cell bodies.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found a strong link between concussions and brain tissue injury, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to detect subtle changes in the brain. The study suggests that DTI scanning could help diagnose concussions and predict lasting loss of executive function.
A study by Scripps Research, UCSD, and University of Oslo teams found that genetic variations in the MECP2 gene correlate with brain structure, particularly in males. The research opens up new avenues for understanding autism and other neurological conditions, and may lead to potential treatments.
The IBMISPS Annual Awards honored the courage and dedication of Bob Woodruff, a veteran injured in Iraq, and Colin Rich, a decorated Special Forces soldier. The awards also recognized Senator John Kerry's support for medical research and healthcare reform.
A study of 679 people aged 65 and older found that white matter hyperintensities were strongly linked to memory loss, while infarcts predicted non-memory cognitive problems. The results suggest that brain damage visible on scans may be a predictor of memory decline in old age.
Researchers at UCI have identified TOMM40 as a gene that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by twice its presence in healthy individuals. The study also found that those with ApoE-4 are three to eight times more likely to develop the disease, highlighting new potential therapeutic targets.
The Alzheimer's Association honored six researchers with lifetime achievement awards for their pioneering work in advancing Alzheimer's research. The awards acknowledged significant advancements in anti-dementia drug therapies and early detection, paving the way for defeating the disease.
Researchers aim to create a brain map that can help diagnose early-stage schizophrenia and guide more effective treatment. The study, led by Northwestern University, uses topographical brain maps to compare the structures of individuals with schizophrenia to those without, hoping to identify key differences in brain function.
Researchers at UAB have created a 3D computer protein map of the acid-sensing ion channel-1 protein, which can help identify new drug targets and test compounds to slow brain-cell death, halt brain cancer, and improve pain control.
A fully automated procedure measuring brain structures is effective in predicting the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The technique can be used in clinics to measure brain atrophy and help physicians predict decline in MCI patients.
Michael R. Kilbourn, a professor at the University of Michigan, received the prestigious Paul C. Aebersold Award for his contributions to molecular imaging and nuclear medicine. He has advanced research efforts in various areas, including positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals.
Researchers developed software to analyze brain images, identifying anatomic differences in three regions: hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and supramarginal gyrus. This allows for accurate diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease with high accuracy.
A recent report by the Royal College of Physicians found that up to a quarter of stroke patients do not receive optimal treatment in specialist units. The editorial advocates for increased public awareness and priority for stroke care, citing the importance of rapid recognition and admission to acute units.
A multidisciplinary study using NASA's electronic nose found that it can detect odour differences between normal and cancerous brain cells, opening up possibilities for new diagnosis and treatment methods. The device has shown promise in detecting cellular trafficking, brain cancer metastasis, and stem cell migration.
A study using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals new details about the brain's white matter tracts, allowing radiologists to better understand conditions such as tumors, hemorrhages, and strokes. DTI provides a comprehensive view of brain anatomy, including connectivity between regions.
Studies using brain imaging have identified distinct regional vulnerabilities within five intrinsic networks, suggesting a class-wide phenomenon of network degeneration. These findings support the hypothesis that spatial patterning of disease relates to structural or physiological aspects of neural network biology.
Researchers aim to create a whole-brain circuit map in the mouse brain within two to three years, providing insights into neurodevelopmental illnesses. The project would involve tracing inputs and outputs of each area using standardized protocols and technologically feasible techniques.
Researchers have developed new powerful software that reduces the time it takes to process brain mapping data from decades to a few months. This technology allows scientists to build brain maps from their desktops, enabling the exploration of traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and epilepsy.
A novel framework reconstructs neural networks with high-throughput tools, accelerating brain mapping and enabling global collaboration. The technology enables the creation of terabyte-scale volumes and gigabyte-scale mosaics, providing a blueprint for healthy neural tissues.
Long-term follow-up of patients with coiled and clipped aneurysms reveals improved survival rates for coiled aneurysms at five years. However, the risk of rebleeding is slightly higher for coiled aneurysms in the first five years.
A collaborative study by McGill University researchers discovered a positive correlation between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in the brains of healthy 6 to 18-year-olds. The link was found in regions integrating information from different parts of the brain, including 'multi-modal association' areas.
The ADNI has completed a high-density genome-wide analysis of over 800 participants, providing a unique opportunity for researchers to explore genetic factors related to Alzheimer's disease. The data will be shared with scientists worldwide for further analysis and gene discovery.
Researchers created detailed brain maps using MRI and CT scans of 241 patients with cognitive impairment. The study found that verbal comprehension and working memory indices share overlapping brain regions, suggesting they may represent the same type of intelligence.
Researchers used innovative brain-scan technology developed at UCLA to help diagnose brain aging, often before symptoms appear. The study combined PET scans with patient-specific information on Alzheimer's risk and found that older age correlated with higher concentrations of abnormal protein deposits in the brain.
Researchers at UC San Diego are creating a new imaging process, MoBI, to study human brain and body dynamics during natural activities. This technology combines EEG recordings with motion capture, allowing scientists to explore distributed brain dynamics supporting human behavior.
The SINAPSE project brings together six Scottish universities to advance research into conditions like strokes, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. The collaboration will enable the sharing of state-of-the-art technology to film brain workings, leading to new discoveries for treating brain conditions.
A Salk Institute team identified p75 as an unexpected factor that helps keep retinal axons from going astray. The protein previously known for regulating cell survival leads a double life as an axon guidance protein.
Researchers mapped and digitized smells, discovering a multidimensional map of odors that reveals the distance between molecules. The study found that the brain recognizes this map, similar to musical scales, supporting the theory that there are universal laws governing smell perception.
The adolescent brain experiences increased connectivity and integrative processing, with gray matter peaking in childhood and declining thereafter. These changes enable increased executive functioning, novelty seeking, and risk-taking behaviors during adolescence.
A study of 42 amateur boxers found microhemorrhages in three cases, a potential precursor to Parkinson's disease and dementia. However, the differences were not statistically significant, leaving conclusive statements unclear. Further research on professional boxers is planned to assess intensive exposure to blows.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have identified a unique language feature in the human brain that differs from our closest living relative, the chimpanzee. The study used DTI to compare human brain structures and found a larger and more widespread projection of fibers in the middle temporal lobe.
Alzheimer's research reveals that computers can distinguish between brain scans of patients with the disease and healthy individuals or those with other forms of dementia. The accuracy rate is as high as 96%, making it a potentially game-changing tool for early diagnosis and treatment.
Mental illness is subject to biological and socio-cultural factors, according to Arizona State University bioethicist Jason Robert. He argues that personalized medicine must consider the person, not just their genome or brain scans. Robert will discuss the complexity of diagnosis and management of mental illness at the AAAS annual meet...
Young infants can detect small changes in the number and identity of objects, and these abilities are processed by distinct neural pathways. The study found that the infant brain responds to both changes in different brain regions, similar to adults.
The McGovern Institute researchers will investigate the origins of autism and dyslexia using advanced neuroimaging methods. They aim to develop methods for early diagnosis, identify key markers for diagnosing and tracking progression, and explore therapeutic interventions.
A new brain mapping technique has refined scientists' understanding of language organization within the human cortex, identifying new regions involved in speech production, reading, and naming. The technique allows for safer tumor removal and better outcomes for patients with language-related difficulties.
A study by Montreal Neurological Institute researchers found that tone-deaf individuals have a thicker cortex in regions involved in auditory and musical processing. This parallels the observed cortex thickness in dyslexia, suggesting abnormal neuronal migration or cell pruning during development may contribute to the disorder.
A Rice University research team has found that damage to the ventrolateral nucleus (VL) of the thalamus can lead to cross-wiring in the brain, resulting in synesthesia. The study, led by Tony Ro, used neuroimaging and behavioral studies on a patient with a rare stroke to demonstrate the VL's role in sensory processing.
Patients who experience a significant drop in blood pressure during bypass surgery may be at risk for early difficulties in thinking, learning, and memory. Those with higher pre-surgery blood pressure levels were more likely to have decreased cognitive scores after the procedure.
SNM presented special recognition awards to 7 lawmakers who support the profession. The organization highlighted their dedication to patient care and safety through initiatives like the CARE Act. SNM's annual meeting will be held June 2-6 at the Washington Convention Center.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has developed a broad definition for molecular imaging, capturing the essence of an evolving and multidisciplinary field. The definition provides a concise explanation of the meaning of molecular imaging, including techniques such as radiotracer imaging, MRI, and optical imaging.
Researchers developed a novel imaging technique combining CT and PET scans to detect 'high-risk' plaque that causes heart attacks and strokes. The approach provides detailed information about the size of plaque, inflammation, and potential risks, offering new insights into atherosclerosis.
Michael Weiner, a pioneering brain imaging researcher at San Francisco VA Medical Center, has received the 2006 William S. Middleton Award for his outstanding achievements in biomedical research. The award recognizes his contributions to clinical magnetic resonance imaging and his leadership in nationwide clinical trials.
A study published in Neurology found that brain scans of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show increased uptake of PIB, a biomarker for abnormal protein aggregation growth, similar to what is seen in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may be possible through imaging tests.
A University of Houston engineer is using a new device to study the adult brain's ability to adjust and recover from injuries. The research aims to understand the level of plasticity in adult brains and potentially develop new treatments for brain damage.
Researchers at UCLA used a novel brain imaging technique to show that lithium increases gray matter in the brains of people with bipolar disorder, particularly in areas critical for attention and emotional control. The findings suggest that existing gray matter in these regions may be underused or dysfunctional.
A combined imaging approach that combines standard MRI scans with specialized contrast-enhanced techniques may provide more effective diagnoses in patients with difficult-to-detect blood clots in veins of the brain. This approach could lead to better understanding of the disease process and potentially alter treatment regimens.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used brain scans to identify three brain regions responsible for nicotine cravings and dependence. These regions include the thalamus, striatum, and anterior cingulate cortex, which play roles in stress relief, pleasure, and cognitive function.
Researchers at UC Davis have created digital brain atlases with high-resolution whole-brain images, enabling virtual microscopy for comparison of healthy brains with those affected by neurological diseases. The online platform allows users to explore and analyze brain data using free downloadable tools.
A new imaging molecule, FDDNP, can detect and map plaques and tangles in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, enabling earlier diagnosis and potentially preventing progression. The compound binds to abnormal deposits on PET scans, correlating well with clinical diagnoses measured by memory tests.
Researchers used brain scans to study three women with sensory conversion disorder, also known as hysteria. The study found that stimulation of the numb hand or foot failed to activate the side of the brain that responds to touch, but did so when both limbs were stimulated.
A neuroimaging study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found decreased activity in frontal lobes and increased thalamus activity when subjects spoke in tongues. The study suggests that glossolalia may be associated with non-intentional control by another part of the brain, challenging traditional views on language co...
A team of UCLA researchers has developed a new three-dimensional imaging technique that tracks the spread of Alzheimer's disease through the hippocampus. The study reveals distinct patterns of atrophy in specific brain regions, shedding light on the progression of the disease.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to measure structural integrity of white matter in brains of people with autism. They found reduced white matter integrity in areas around the corpus callosum, which may underlie narrow-focused thought and weak coherence in individuals with autism.
Research reveals that brief morning exposure to bright white light significantly boosts alertness and modulates brain responses in areas involved in attention and non-visual cognitive processes. The effects are highly dynamic, dissipating within minutes.
At SNM's 53rd Annual Meeting, nearly 2,000 scientific and technologist abstracts were presented on various topics including cardiology, neurology, oncology, pediatrics, infectious disease, and more. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging also recognized individuals with named awards, lectures, and honors.
Researchers have discovered the importance of white matter in the human brain using a new tool called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). This breakthrough has the potential to reveal the role of white matter connections in various neurological conditions. The findings may also raise ethical concerns about how this information is used.
A comprehensive study published in Cell reveals that inhibitory responses are widespread among odor receptors, and most receptors are inhibited by at least one odor. The research also shows that individual receptors range along a continuum from narrowly tuned to broadly tuned to odorants.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists reports that the brain can be rewired in anticipation of sensory input to respond in prescribed ways. By manipulating expectancy, the brain code for tastes is activated less when a cue suggests a lesser taste, and the perception of the taste matches the prediction.