Articles tagged with Neuroimaging
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.
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.
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.
A Mayo Clinic study discovered a relationship between vertebroplasty and the development of new fractures, with patients' risk for new fractures in adjacent vertebrae being 4.62 times higher than nonadjacent vertebral fractures. The researchers recommend patients considering vertebroplasty be aware of potential long-term risks.
A gradient of Wnt3 counterbalances EphrinB1-EphB signaling to establish a carefully controlled pattern of nerve connections required for conveying spatial information from the eye to the brain. This balance is necessary for topographic mapping, which allows positional information to be smoothly transferred to the brain.
The interactive 3D atlas provides highly accurate anatomical templates for researchers to map metabolically active brain regions and genetic expressions. The database contains 20 segmented structures from 10 adult male mice, including variability across the strain.
A new guidance system automates electrode placement in DBS surgery, reducing operating times by up to 80% and improving patient outcomes. The system uses a 3D brain atlas to predict target locations, allowing neurosurgeons to hit the mark on their first try.
A combination of brain scanning with a new imaging agent and cerebrospinal fluid analysis has shown promise in predicting Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found low CSF levels of amyloid beta 42 in patients with cognitive impairments, but also detected positive results in cognitively normal subjects.
Researchers found that AIDS selectively attacks the brain's motor, language and judgment centers, but leaves other areas intact. Brain scans revealed specific patterns of tissue damage correlated with physical and mental symptoms, including impaired motor coordination and slowed reflexes.
Researchers have created a handheld device that uses two-photon microendoscopy to image individual cells in living subjects, enabling insights into cellular behavior and its impact on organisms. The technique has been successfully demonstrated using live mice, providing detailed images of blood vessels in the hippocampus.
A new study by UCLA researchers reveals that heart-failure patients suffer from both physical and mental injuries, with brain damage impacting their ability to exercise. The findings emphasize the need for cardiologists to recognize this connection and develop therapies to prevent brain injury and boost brain function.
A study by Dr. Linda Tang found that radiology residents can reliably interpret head CT scans for initial triaging of acute stroke patients, achieving a 97% agreement rate with attending physicians. The results have affected hospital protocol and require certification prior to taking call.
Researchers used brain imaging to map abnormalities in living patients with Williams syndrome, showing exceptional language skills. The findings shed light on the genetic control of human cortex development and help predict the syndrome's progression.
Dr. Brenda Milner, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist, has been awarded the 2005 Gairdner Award for her pioneering work on brain function and memory systems. Her research with patient HM has significantly advanced our understanding of episodic and procedural memory.
Researchers found that young owls can quickly pick up new skills and retain them into adulthood, with new connections forming between neurons. This suggests that childhood experiences play a crucial role in shaping the brain's ability to adapt and learn throughout life.
The study aims to develop new treatments and monitor their effectiveness by tracking cognitive changes associated with MCI and AD. Researchers will use neuroimaging, biological, and clinical information from over 800 participants to identify critical biomarkers that respond to treatments.
The initiative will enroll 800 people across five years, including normal elderly, diagnosed AD patients, and mild cognitive disorder individuals. Researchers aim to develop a standard imaging method for clinical trials, improve imaging methods, and validate imaging data.
A recent imaging study at Carnegie Mellon University has discovered persistent sex-based differences in brain structures of mice entering adulthood, as revealed by high-resolution magnetic resonance microscopy. The findings provide a more accurate representation of how circulating hormones affect brain development compared to human ima...
A study found that SMASH imaging decreases examination time by more than eight minutes per knee examination, leading to better patient tolerance and image quality. This technique is expected to impact other areas of musculoskeletal imaging with the right coil.
Researchers mapped rat brain activity, finding that cells in sensory borders share information from multiple senses. The discovery may explain how individuals adapt to sensory loss and improve their remaining senses.
Researchers found that four out of six patients treated with stents and tPA experienced permanent improvement in neurologic symptoms, while two critically ill patients died due to large clots. The study suggests a combined treatment approach may offer superior results for most patients with acute vertebrobasilar ischemic strokes.
Researchers analyzed data from 18 states and found that high-volume hospitals for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) cases have significantly lower mortality rates. The study suggests that centralizing treatment in these high volume centers may improve patient survival.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that the brain's cortical map processes touch sensations based on perceived locations, not actual physical positions. This finding challenges long-held theories about the nature of the 'map' in the brain and sheds light on how the brain processes sensory information.
A new study found that a drug can temporarily improve tactile acuity by reorganizing brain activity, offering potential treatments for learning disabilities and chronic pain. The treatment involves finger stimulation with a drug, which boosts the number of neurons involved in processing tactile information.
Researchers used MRI to assess brain function while participants experienced heat stimuli. People who reported higher pain levels showed increased activation in key brain areas, such as the primary somatosensory cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. This confirms the importance of self-reports in guiding pain treatment.
A new SPECT collimator pair increases sensitivity, particularly in central brain structures, while maintaining spatial resolution. The best combination of fan-beam and cone-beam collimation has been found to greatly improve dual-head SPECT images.
Dr. Nora D. Volkow, the first woman to lead NIDA, has made significant contributions to understanding addiction through imaging studies. Her extensive publication record and awards recognize her as a leading expert in the field of drug addiction research.
The McGill University MNI de Grandpré Communications Centre has won the top prize in the International Room Competition, recognized for its innovative design and cutting-edge technology. The Centre's advanced features include multimedia presentations, videoconferencing, and state-of-the-art presentation equipment.
A study of 716 consecutive emergency head CT examinations found general radiologists and neuroradiologists were in agreement on 95% of studies. The study suggests that general radiologists can accurately interpret emergency CT scans with high accuracy rates, similar to neuroradiologists.
A new study suggests that early levodopa treatment may slow the rate of progression in Parkinson's disease. Levodopa treatment showed improved outcomes in patients with early Parkinson's disease compared to placebo.
Researchers used PET scans to predict treatment response in OCD and depression patients, finding distinct brain activity patterns associated with improvement. The study demonstrates the potential of functional brain imaging to tailor psychiatric care, with implications for accelerating treatment discovery.
A new brain atlas developed by neuroscientist David Van Essen aims to improve our understanding of the brain's structure and function. The atlas provides a comprehensive map of the brain's cortical and cerebellar regions, which are essential for thought, learning, emotion, perception, sensation, and movement.