Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New insights into neural circuit imaging: A comparison of one-photon and two-photon techniques

A recent study by Harvard University researchers compares the effectiveness of one-photon (1P) versus two-photon (2P) voltage imaging in neural circuits. The study found that 2P excitation requires approximately 10,000 times more illumination power per cell compared to 1P excitation, posing significant challenges for 2P voltage imaging.

Sport or snack? How our brain decides

Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Antisense oligonucleotide treatment shows promise in treating Parkinson's disease progression

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University demonstrate a proof of concept for antisense nucleic acid therapy to prevent the spread of α-synuclein pathologies in synucleinopathies. The treatment, involving antisense oligonucleotides, effectively reduces Lewy pathology-like neuronal inclusion by over 90%.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateJul 25, 2024

University of Cincinnati study: Long-term stroke survival improving, but racial disparities remain

A University of Cincinnati study found that long-term stroke survival is improving, but racial disparities remain, with Black individuals experiencing worse long-term outcomes. The research analyzed five-year mortality rates after stroke and found that overall rates are declining, while disparities persist among Black patients.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Pusan National University researchers assess the impact of repeated item development faculty training on item difficulty prediction

A study by Pusan National University researchers found that repeated item development training enhances faculty members' accuracy in predicting and adjusting item difficulty levels, leading to better educational outcomes. The training improved the quality of MCQ assessments in medical education.

SourcePusan National University·JournalBMC Medical Education·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers find some patients with Aicardi Goutières Syndrome have normal IQ

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that two assessments, Leiter-3 and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, can help measure cognitive function in children with Aicardi Goutières Syndrome. The study revealed that a subset of patients scored within a normal IQ range, paving the way for future clinical trial design.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Standardized protocols help hospitals treat strokes faster, WVU research finds

Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateJun 24, 2024

Discovery holds promise to restore function in people with paralysis and neurological diseases

Neuroscience researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a special type of human white blood cell that has the potential to regrow nerve fibers. The study found that these cells can triple the survival rate of stressed nerve cells and help slow or prevent progression of degenerative neurological conditions.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 20, 2024

After major traumatic brain injury, more blood transfusions could mean better outcomes

A new study found that a liberal blood transfusion strategy may improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury, leading to better functional independence and quality of life. Six months after the injury, patients who received more frequent blood transfusions showed higher levels of recovery and improved quality of life compa...

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

Taking the fall: How stunt performers struggle with reporting head trauma

A new study by Ohio University researchers shines a light on the challenges stunt professionals face regarding self-reporting of head injuries and the potential long-term consequences for their health and livelihoods. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological toll of health conditions on in...

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 10, 2024

Novel diamond quantum magnetometer for ambient condition magnetoencephalography

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive diamond quantum magnetometer that can achieve practical ambient condition magnetoencephalography. The novel magnetometer uses a single crystalline diamond to detect magnetic fields, achieving record sensitivities of up to 9.4 pT Hz-1/2 in the frequency range of 5 to 100 Hz.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024

Extreme temperatures may increase risk of stroke mortality, especially in low-income countries

A new study found that extreme temperatures are associated with increased risks of death from ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, particularly in low-income countries. The researchers analyzed data from over 3.4 million ischemic stroke deaths and 2.4 million hemorrhagic stroke deaths across 522 cities in 25 countries.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalStroke·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2024

Illuminating neuro-vascular dynamics throughout the body: 3D-printed implants and bioluminescence duet shed light on brain–spinal interactions

A team of visionaries at the Carney Institute developed 3D-printed brain and spinal cord implants, revolutionizing surgical implantations and optical access. Bioluminescence imaging overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent microscopy, providing unprecedented observation of neural and vascular activity.

Study implicates Neanderthal DNA in autism susceptibility

Researchers at Clemson University discovered that certain Neanderthal-derived genetic variations are more common in people with autism than in the general population. These findings suggest long-term effects of ancient human hybridization on brain organization and function, potentially leading to earlier diagnostics.

SourceClemson University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024

Association of new-onset seizures with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A systematic review and meta-analysis found no association between new-onset seizures and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The study included over 118,000 participants from randomized clinical trials and found the incidence proportion of new-onset seizures to be similar across vaccine recipients and unvaccinated participants.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 29, 2024

Trinity research offers insight into the future understanding of MS and its treatments

A team of researchers at Trinity College Dublin has developed a new blood test that measures the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is the leading risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that people with MS have a higher immune response to EBNA-1, a part of the EBV, compared to those without MS.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNeurology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

ChatGPT’s potential and limits in summarizing medical research for clinicians

A recent study investigated ChatGPT-3.5's ability to produce high-quality summaries of medical research abstracts, finding that it was accurate but not always fact-based and prone to minor inaccuracies. The model showed promise as a screening tool to help clinicians quickly evaluate article relevance but should not be relied upon for c...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Movement disorder ALS and cognitive disorder FTLD show strong molecular overlaps, new study shows

A recent study published in Cell reveals significant similarities between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), two distinct neurological disorders. The research found shared gene expression patterns across various brain regions, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for both conditions.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2024

Prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate may not increase children’s risk of autism spectrum disorder

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024