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Post-Ebola syndrome in Sierra Leone

Researchers found that 70% of Ebola survivors reported musculoskeletal pain, while 48% experienced headaches and 14% had vision problems. The study highlights the need for further research into Post-Ebola Syndrome to understand its causes and consequences.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

Penn-engineered neural networks show hope for axonal repair with minimal disruption to brain tissue

Lab-grown neural networks can replace damaged axon tracks in patients with severe head injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases. The micro-TENNS, made of mature cerebral cortical neurons and long axonal projections, integrate into existing brain structures and reconstitute missing pathways.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJan 20, 2016

New step toward determining the cause of MS

The study found that stromal cells, specialized fibers, and T helper 17 cells collaborate to form tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) in the brain of MS patients. This discovery may lead to potential treatment options, such as targeted Th17 blockers, by understanding how TLTs are formed.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalImmunity·DateDec 15, 2015

Ancient brains turn paleontology on its head

Scientists have found definitive evidence that ancient brain tissue can fossilize. A team of researchers has discovered seven fossils of the extinct arthropod species Fuxianhuia protensa, which contain preserved brains. The brains were preserved as flattened carbon films and demonstrate a density similar to modern crustacean brains.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 8, 2015

Noninvasive imaging method looks deeper inside the body to study living brain

Researchers have developed a new noninvasive light-based imaging technology that can see inside the living brain, providing a tool to study how diseases change brain tissue over time. The method doubles the image depth range, enabling examination of acute and chronic morphological or functional vascular changes in the deep brain.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateOct 13, 2015

Breakthrough for electrode implants in the brain

Researchers at Lund University have developed implantable electrodes that capture signals from single neurons without causing brain tissue damage. The electrodes, called 3-D electrodes, are extremely soft and flexible, enabling stable recordings over long periods.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2015

Medical diagnosis: Will brain palpation soon be possible?

Inserm researchers have developed a noninvasive brain imaging method using MRI that provides the same information as physical palpation, allowing for early diagnosis of brain tumors or Alzheimer's disease. The technique uses noise correlation to detect natural shear waves in the brain, enabling building images of the brain's elasticity.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2015

Injectable electronics

Researchers developed a method for fabricating nano-scale electronic scaffolds that can be injected via syringe, monitoring neural activity, stimulating tissues and promoting neuron regeneration. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the interface between electronics and biology.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2015

Fat signals control energy levels in the brain

The study found that a key enzyme produced by fat tissue regulates brain function and energy levels, suggesting an optimal amount of body fat for maximizing health and longevity. Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had impaired energy levels and physical activity, while those with high NAMPT exhibited increased physical activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Magnetic brain stimulation

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to stimulate brain tissue using external magnetic fields and injected magnetic nanoparticles. The approach can provide an implant-free means of providing brain stimulation and mapping, potentially treating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Extra-short nanowires best for brain

Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 15, 2015

Development of psychosis: Gray matter loss and the inflamed brain

A new study finds that gray matter loss in the brain is a precursor to psychosis, with increased inflammation accelerating this process. Researchers analyzed brain scans of young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis and healthy controls, revealing a significant correlation between proinflammatory cytokines and gray matter thinning.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2015

Stroke damage mechanism identified

A team of researchers discovered a mechanism linked to brain damage after stroke and found that removing it reduces damage. They identified an ion channel called TRPM2, which opens in the presence of reactive oxygen species, causing neuronal cell damage.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateNov 27, 2014