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Researchers evidence new characteristics of the extinct American cheetah ‘Miracinonyx’

The study, conducted by the University of Malaga and others, analyzed the skeleton and brain architecture of Miracinonyx trumani, finding that it had retractable claws and was able to grapple with its prey like cougars. Its brain surface also showed differences from cheetahs, suggesting an intermediate form between the two species.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

How we navigate through crowds

Scientists from the University of Vienna found that grid cells in the brain play a crucial role in detecting movements of people around us. This mechanism may help explain disorientation in dementia patients. The study suggests that grid cells create a mental map of our surroundings, including the movements of others.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2023

Traffic pollution impairs brain function

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that brief exposure to diesel exhaust causes decreased brain connectivity and may impair cognitive performance. The study's findings suggest a link between air pollution and altered brain network connectivity in humans.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 24, 2023

Hospitals without highest stroke care designation may miss them after heart procedure

A Michigan Medicine study found that hospitals with the highest stroke care designation reported significantly higher rates of stroke detection after TAVR. The study suggests that comprehensive stroke centers are better at detecting smaller strokes, but this does not necessarily mean they are finding more strokes overall.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Interventions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

Decoding brain arteriovenous malformations in the Asian population: a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study

A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

Good and bad feelings for brain stem serotonin

Researchers at Hokkaido University identify a nerve pathway in the brain stem involved in processing rewarding and distressing stimuli, opposing a previously identified pathway. This finding could lead to developing drug treatments for mental disorders like addiction and major depression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

Looking for an early sign of LATE

Researchers discovered significantly elevated plasma TDP-43 levels in patients with Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), a newly recognized form of dementia. This finding could lead to the development of new diagnostics for LATE, currently poorly understood and difficult to identify in living patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateDec 15, 2022

Consuming a high sodium, low potassium diet can increase the risk of cognitive decline

A new study published in the KeAi journal Global Transitions found that consuming a high sodium, low potassium diet can increase the risk of cognitive decline in elderly people. Participants who replaced 1000mg/day of sodium with an equal intake of potassium showed an average increase of ~1 point on their cognitive test score.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022

Are covid ‘comas’ signs of a protective hibernation state?

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute suggest that Covid-19 patients in comas may enter a protective hibernation state to shield cells from oxygen scarcity. This hypothesis is supported by observations of cardiac arrest patients treated with hypothermia and the painted turtle, which also enters a similar state during prolonged anoxia.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 7, 2022

Speaking your mind: patients' speech can reveal type of dementia

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring found that analyzing patients' speech can distinguish between different types of dementia. The research team developed a machine learning model using speech features to identify Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·DateNov 3, 2022

Mapping the path from smell to perception

Scientists have created an extensive new map of the brain's olfactory circuits, revealing a complex system that processes different aspects of odor information. The map suggests the existence of parallel neural circuits dedicated to assessing smell identity, pleasantness, and origin, offering new insights into olfactory processing.

Large stroke trial finds intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal worsens recovery

A large stroke trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal compromises the return of blood flow to the affected area, leading to more brain tissue deterioration and major disability. The study suggests that this increasingly common treatment strategy should be avoided in clinical practice.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022

Pressure chamber therapy has been found to be effective in the functional improvement of autism

A Tel Aviv University study shows that pressure chamber therapy can improve social skills and reduce neuroinflammation in the autistic brain. The treatment, which involves high-pressure chambers with oxygen enrichment, was found to increase blood and oxygen supply to the brain, leading to improved brain function and social behavior.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 26, 2022

Small-molecule drug reverses neural effects of concussion

Researchers at UCSF discovered a small molecule called ISRIB that can reverse the neural and cognitive effects of concussion in mice, weeks after an injury occurred. The drug blocks the integrated stress response, which became chronically activated in damaged neurons, restoring normal spine dynamics and cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2022

Video games offer the potential of “experiential medicine”

Scientists at UC San Francisco's Neuroscape Center have developed video game interventions that improve key aspects of cognition in aging adults, including short-term memory, attention and long-term memory. The games use adaptive closed-loop algorithms to challenge players, keeping them engaged while adapting difficulty levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2022

National Institutes of Health Awards Cleveland Clinic $10.7 Million to expand national consortium studying Dementia with Lewy Bodies

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $10.7 million grant to Cleveland Clinic to expand a national research consortium focused on improving diagnosis and treatments for Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The consortium, which includes multiple clinical sites, aims to identify biomarkers for disease and develop new therapies.

New research throws doubt on old ideas of how hearing works

A study by researchers at Linköping University and the Oregon Health and Science University has discovered that many cells in the inner ear react simultaneously to low-frequency sound, making it easier to experience these sounds. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for people with severe hearing impairments.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

Transition to newer clot-busting drug improves patient outcomes, lowers cost in treating ischemic stroke

A new study found that the newer clot-busting drug tenecteplase outperforms traditional treatment for ischemic strokes in several key areas, including better health outcomes and lower costs. The shorter preparation and injection time with tenecteplase eliminated dosing errors and initiated transfers to advanced care sooner.

Molecular changes in the brain in the aftermath of a traumatic event may help explain long-term susceptibility or resilience

Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited decreased neuron excitability in the dorsal hippocampus, which may drive social avoidance, while resilient mice showed increased excitability. This difference was linked to changes in stress hormone receptors and HCN1 protein expression.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 20, 2022

Neurologic complications of smallpox, monkeypox

This review examines the known neurologic complications of smallpox and monkeypox, including their complications from vaccination. The study highlights the importance of understanding these neurological effects to improve treatment and prevention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 20, 2022

Cooling away the pain: Pusan National University researchers develop bioresorbable, implantable device to block pain signals from peripheral nerves

Scientists have developed a soft, bioresorbable device that cools peripheral nerves to reduce pain. The device was tested in rat models and found to be effective, reversible, and non-addictive, with potential applications for treating neuropathic pain after surgery.

SourcePusan National University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

High cholesterol, overweight and reduced physical stamina are long COVID sequelae in young adults

A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2022

SPIE journal Neurophotonics publishes comprehensive status report on optical imaging methods for brain science

The report explores diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). It introduces state-of-the-art technologies and software, exploring their impact on neuroscience and clinical applications.