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New study finds distinct brain networks associated with risk and resilience in depression

A new study has identified two distinct brain networks associated with risk and resilience in depression. The salience network is linked to increased depression symptoms, while the default mode network is linked to decreased depression symptoms. These findings may lead to new treatments for depression using neuromodulation therapies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalBrain·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

Kessler Foundation receives major funding from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to advance research in spinal cord injury and fellowship education

The Kessler Foundation has received significant funding to advance research on spinal cord injury, including studies on epidural stimulation and shockwave therapy for spasticity. The funding will also support the SCI Medicine Fellowship Program, which has trained approximately 50 specialists in spinal cord injury.

Study finds that sound plus electrical body stimulation has potential to treat chronic pain

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that combining sound with electrical body stimulation activates the brain's somatosensory cortex, increasing its potential to treat chronic pain. This non-invasive technique has been tested on animals and is planned for human clinical trials in the near future.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Advancing dynamic brain imaging with AI

A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2022

Improving the targeted treatment of movement disorders

Dystonia is characterized by involuntary movements and postures, limiting daily activities. A new study maps specific brain networks for treatment success in patients with cervical and generalized dystonia. The findings reveal distinct stimulation sites depending on the type of dystonia, offering a more targeted approach to improving t...

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2022

Wireless pain management for drug-resistant conditions offers promising alternative to surgery, study finds

A new wireless implant has the potential to treat neuropathic pain resistant to medical therapy, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The device uses bioelectronic therapy to stimulate peripheral nerves from within blood vessels, providing precise placement and predictable outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 31, 2022

‘Fight or flight’ – unless internal clocks are disrupted, study in mice shows

Research in mice reveals that coordinated clock-gene and neuronal activity rhythms are necessary for daily hormone release, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) working together to generate circadian rhythms. Disruption of these clocks can lead to various pathologies.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

Injectable, flexible electrode could replace rigid nerve-stimulating implants

Researchers have developed an injectable, flexible electrode that can reduce the cost of neuromodulation therapy, increase its reliability and make it less invasive. The 'injectrode' uses a liquid that cures in the body to create a wired contact, allowing for more elasticity and flexibility compared to traditional rigid implants.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateNov 11, 2019

Copper on the brain at rest

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that proper copper levels modulate spontaneous neural activity in developing circuits, which is critical for brain health and development. The study highlights the importance of managing copper levels to prevent misregulation of signaling in cell-to-cell communications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014

Deep brain stimulation shows promising results for unipolar and bipolar depression

A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders. After four weeks of single-blind stimulation, 58% of patients achieved remission and showed significant improvement in function.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 2, 2012

Evidence that subliminal is not so 'sub'

Researchers found that subliminal words can produce a priming effect, where subjects respond faster on tasks related to either the visual or auditory word. TMS applied to specific brain areas disrupted this priming effect, demonstrating top-down processing of subliminal information.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 8, 2006

Getting relief from pain can be shocking

A new neurostimulation system uses continuous electric field adjustments to provide real-time, dynamic paresthesia steering for improved pain relief. This innovative technology enables up to 71 combinations of stimulation settings, leading to enhanced therapeutic possibilities.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·DateJul 26, 2004