Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New direct links discovered between the brain and its surrounding environment

Researchers have found a connection between the brain and its tough protective covering, the dura mater, allowing waste fluid to leave the brain while exposing it to immune cells. This discovery has implications for neural-immune system responses and aging, potentially leading to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Scientists at EMBL Heidelberg discover how ancient ‘relaxant-inflammatory’ molecules get sponges (and blood vessels) moving

Sponges exhibit coordinated movements despite lacking muscles or neurons, attributed to relaxation of stress fibres triggered by an evolutionarily ancient inflammation-like mechanism. This process also regulates human blood vessel contraction, influencing blood pressure.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

Multidisciplinary panel advocates for increased adoption of Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) in peripheral vascular interventions

Experts recommend increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lower extremity revascularization procedures to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. The technique provides detailed information about vessel walls, plaque composition, and blood flow characteristics, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateJan 9, 2024

Riding sound waves in the brain

Scientists at ETH Zurich successfully navigate gas-filled microbubbles through the brain's blood vessels using ultrasound, offering a potential breakthrough in delivering medications to specific areas. This technology could revolutionize treatments for cancer, stroke, and neurological conditions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

First genetic causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon discovered

Scientists identified two genes, ADRA2A and IRX1, that predispose individuals to Raynaud's phenomenon. The genes affect the body's ability to regulate blood vessel constriction, leading to white fingers and toes in response to cold or stress. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential treatment options, including th...

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023

University of Virginia team’s research offers hope for pulmonary fibrosis patients

A University of Virginia team has developed a new analytical tool using hydrogels to cultivate vascular sprouting from mouse lung tissue, providing new insight into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The research aims to understand the biomechanical and biochemical cues to blood vessels in the lungs during disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalMicrocirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

Antioxidants stimulate blood flow in tumors

Researchers found that antioxidants activate a mechanism forming new blood vessels in tumor cells, which can help them grow and spread. The study suggests that dietary supplements containing antioxidants may accelerate tumour growth and metastasis in cancer patients.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

World’s largest study shows the more you walk, the lower your risk of death, even if you walk fewer than 5,000 steps

The study found that walking at least 3967 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from any cause, while 2337 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that every 500-1000 extra steps increase health benefits and reduce mortality risk by up to 15%.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2023

Immune cells in single file

Dendritic cells form three-dimensional networks that regulate their migration and development. The new concept reveals how cytokines keep the cells together and close gaps in their network. This discovery has prognostic value for tumour diseases, particularly after immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

Restoring the blood-brain barrier?

Researchers developed a new therapeutic molecule that activates WNT signaling to restore the blood-brain barrier's normal function. The treatment showed promise in treating conditions such as multiple sclerosis and ischemic stroke by reducing the severity of strokes and improving survival rates.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2023

New model offers insights into how stress in neurons connects to cardiovascular disease

Researchers used a new transgenic mouse model to study the impact of oxidative stress on neurons and blood vessels, revealing that high levels of stress can cause sensory neuron degeneration and cardiac hypertrophy. This combination is associated with Friedreich's ataxia, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Scientists identify how some angiogenic drugs used to treat cancer and heart disease cause vascular disease

Researchers discovered that vascular toxicity linked to these drugs is unrelated to angiogenesis-related genes, but rather due to changes in vascular architecture. This new understanding will help select the most effective and safe way to modulate angiogenesis in ischemic tissues or cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

New framework for super-resolution ultrasound

Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology have developed a new framework for super-resolution ultrasound using deep learning, reducing processing speeds from minutes to seconds. The new technology enables real-time blood flow visualization, overcoming challenges faced by conventional methods.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Case study reveals potentially lethal side effects of lecanemab for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A case study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reveals that lecanemab can lead to therapy-induced Aβ phagocytosis and multifocal intracerebral hemorrhage, highlighting a potential risk of brain damage and death. The study suggests that better biomarkers are needed to assess the extent of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2023

Android-based application for photoacoustic tomography image reconstruction

A mobile application utilizing Python and a single-element ultrasound transducer has been developed for photoacoustic tomography (PAT) image reconstruction. The application successfully reconstructs high-quality images with signal-to-noise ratio values above 30 decibels, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnosis in low-resource se...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 27, 2023

Existing drugs prevent Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive impairment in mice, new research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University shows

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce inflammation, restore cell function and prevent cognitive impairment in mice with amyloid buildup. CAIs also improved cerebrovascular health and enhanced amyloid-clearing capacity.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateApr 26, 2023