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Distinct brain cells recognize novel sights

Researchers uncover two distinct cell types in the inferior temporal cortex that respond differently to familiar and novel objects. Excitatory neurons fire rapidly at initial encounters, while inhibitory neurons maintain activity over a wider timeframe, driving learning and reorganization.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012

Brain capacity limits exponential online data growth

A study found that the human brain's ability to process information is the dominant limiting factor for exponentially growing internet data. The distribution of internet files shows a Weber-Fechner law, where the total amount of information grows slower than our ability to handle it.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 1, 2012

Increasing care needs for children with neurological impairment

A study analyzing hospitalization data in the United States found that children with neurological impairment (NI) account for a significant proportion of inpatient resources. The impact of these children is growing within children's hospitals, necessitating a coordinated approach to ensure their needs are met.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 17, 2012

Regeneration after a stroke requires intact communication channels between brain hemispheres

A study published in Human Brain Mapping found that damaged corpus callosum and impaired interhemispheric communication hinder motor skill recovery in stroke patients. The researchers used imaging methods to show increased activity on both sides of the brain and lower tapping speed in stroke patients compared to healthy controls.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 21, 2011

Window of opportunity to treat some stroke patients may be longer than originally suspected

A literature review suggests that some stroke patients can receive treatment beyond the standard 3-hour window, with brain cells remaining structurally intact and potentially revivable if normal blood flow is restored. This finding could enable doctors to provide better patient care by considering the 'tissue window' rather than just time

Visual test effective in diagnosing concussions in collegiate athletes

A new visual test effectively diagnosed concussions in collegiate athletes, detecting impaired eye movements and rapid eye movements. The King-Devick test, a previously used dyslexia test, was validated as a reliable tool to aid medical professionals and trainers in determining which athletes need to come out of games.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences·DateAug 31, 2011

A gut-full of probiotics for your neurological well-being

Researchers propose a new field of microbial endocrinology linking probiotics to neurological function. Studies show that neurochemicals produced by gut microbes can influence behavior and immune response. Probiotic intestinal microbiota may deliver beneficial effects through direct uptake from the gut.

SourceWiley·JournalBioEssays·DateJul 5, 2011

iPhone can diagnose stroke: Study

Researchers developed an iPhone application that can diagnose stroke with high accuracy, using noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) and CT angiogram head scans. The technology allows doctors to analyze images in real-time from anywhere, providing critical access to specialists.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMay 8, 2011

Neurorobotics reveals brain mechanisms of self-consciousness

A new study uses creative engineering to unravel brain mechanisms associated with self-consciousness, identifying the TPJ as critical for self-location and first-person perspective. The research found that brain damage interfering with multisensory body information may lead to pathological changes in these subjective states.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 27, 2011

How well does clot-busting drug work in stroke patients?

A study published in Archives of Neurology found that stroke patients who show improvement within one hour of receiving rt-PA are more likely to have a favorable outcome three months later. Researchers followed 120 patients and found that 68.2% had a favorable outcome, compared to 29.6% for those who did not show early improvement.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateNov 9, 2010

Dabigatran is as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in patients with prior transient ischaemic attack or stroke and has a lower risk of intracranial bleeding

A new anticoagulant drug dabigatran has been found to be equally effective as warfarin in preventing stroke in patients who have previously had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack. The study also showed that dabigatran has a lower risk of intracranial bleeding compared to warfarin.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateNov 7, 2010

Younger brains are easier to rewire

Researchers found that brains of congenitally blind individuals showed greater reorganization of the visual cortex, which processes motion, compared to sighted individuals who became blind at a later age. This suggests that early life plays a crucial role in shaping brain function and that retraining may be possible.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 21, 2010

Baby brain growth mirrors changes from apes to humans

A study found that the human brain regions growing during infancy and childhood are similar to those with the most changes when comparing humans to apes and monkeys. This research helps assess adverse effects of premature birth on brain development, including increased risks of learning disabilities and cognitive impairments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2010

Experience shapes the brain's circuitry throughout adulthood

Research by scientists at Rockefeller University shows that adult brain circuits continually modify themselves in response to experience. After removing a mouse's whisker, excitatory connections rapidly sprout and inhibit networks adjust to maintain balance between excitation and inhibition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 15, 2010