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Images of a nearly invisible mouse

Researchers at RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center in Japan have developed a method to image tissues and whole organisms with high precision. They discovered that aminoalcohols included in the CUBIC reagent can elute heme from hemoglobin, making organs dramatically more transparent.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell·DateNov 6, 2014

Network measures predict neuropsychological outcome after brain injury

Researchers identified six hub regions as crucial for cognitive function and found that damage to these areas caused widespread cognitive impairments. In contrast, lesions to other locations resulted in significantly less impairment. This study's findings may improve diagnosis and prognosis for brain injury patients.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Bioengineers make functional 3-D brain-like tissue model

The Tufts team created a modular design that replicated fundamental features relevant to the brain's tissue-level physiological functions. The model exhibits biochemical and electrophysiological responses, offering new options for studying brain function, disease, and trauma, and treatment.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2014

Bioengineers create functional 3-D brain-like tissue

Researchers have successfully created functional 3D brain-like tissue that exhibits grey-white matter compartmentalization and can survive in the lab for over two months. The tissue displays physical properties similar to rodent brain tissue, enabling scientists to study traumatic brain injury in real-time.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2014

Research proves shock wave from explosives causes significant eye damage

A recent study by UTSA researchers reveals that the shock wave from explosive blasts can cause significant eye damage, leading to partial or total blindness. The optic nerve is particularly vulnerable to injury, even at low pressures, and may be a contributing factor to visual deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 30, 2014

Filling me softly

Scientists at the University of Cambridge discovered that implant stiffness is a major cause of foreign body reactions. The team found that stiff materials trigger inflammation and cell shape changes in brain cells, leading to encapsulation with scar tissue.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 12, 2014

Toxin in seafood causes kidney damage in mice at levels considered safe for consumption

A study by American Society of Nephrology reveals domoic acid, a neurotoxin found in seafood, can harm kidneys even at levels considered safe for consumption. The toxin damages kidneys at concentrations 100 times lower than what causes neurological effects, raising concerns about potential kidney failure and dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 6, 2014

Sleep to protect your brain

A new study from Uppsala University reveals that one night of sleep deprivation can increase morning blood concentrations of NSE and S-100B in healthy young men. These molecules are typically found in the brain and may indicate a loss of brain tissue. The findings suggest that good sleep is crucial for maintaining brain health.

SourceUppsala University·JournalSLEEP·DateDec 31, 2013

Broken cellular 'clock' linked to brain damage

Researchers found that disabling a circadian clock gene blocks the brain's antioxidant surge, allowing free radicals to cause more damage. This can lead to neurodegeneration and age-related brain cell injury, similar to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

Genetic mutation linked to Alzheimer's disease doubles rate of brain tissue loss, USC study shows

A new study from the University of Southern California has found that a genetic mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease can double the rate of brain tissue loss. This means that individuals carrying this mutation may experience symptoms earlier than expected, highlighting the need for targeted clinical studies and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2013

How schizophrenia affects the brain

A University of Iowa study documents how schizophrenia impacts brain tissue and the effects of anti-psychotic drugs on those with relapses, revealing that medication can lead to lifelong brain damage, while longer psychosis periods are toxic to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 11, 2013

A new view of brain tumors

Researchers have developed a new imaging technology, SRS microscopy, that allows surgeons to distinguish between brain tissue and tumors at a microscopic level. This technique can guide surgeons in the operating room and potentially improve surgical outcomes for patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 4, 2013

Sugar solution makes tissues see-through

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new sugar and water-based solution called SeeDB that turns tissues transparent in just three days without disrupting their shape or chemical nature. This technique enables the visualization of neuronal circuitry inside a mouse brain, revealing detailed wiring patterns and single-fiber resolution.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 23, 2013

Gone, but not forgotten

A team of neuroscientists studied the case of EP, a man with radical memory loss due to viral encephalitis. Unlike HM, who retained some residual tissue, EP's brain damage resulted in total destruction of specific memory-linked structures, rendering him unable to learn new information.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013