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Ability of brain to protect itself from damage revealed

Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified a natural biological mechanism that allows brain cells to survive during a stroke, enabling the development of potential neuroprotective drugs. The 'endogenous neuroprotection' discovered in rats has shown to increase cell survival by stimulating production of hamartin protein.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2013

Study advances LSUHSC research, shows fish oil component reduces brain damage in newborns

Researchers discovered a novel use of a fish oil component that reduced brain trauma in newborn mice by about 50%. The study found that injecting docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within two hours of ischemic stroke significantly decreased neonatal brain damage. DHA provided protection while other omega-3 fatty acids did not.

Chili peppers spark discovery

Researchers at Washington State University have made a breakthrough in repairing damaged brain cells using the active compound of chili peppers. The discovery has potential to provide relief for concussions and other health effects seen in athletes and head-injury victims.

Blue Brain Project accurately predicts connections between neurons

The Blue Brain Project has accurately predicted the locations of synapses in a cortical microcircuit, demonstrating key principles that govern brain structure and function. This breakthrough enables the creation of near-perfect models of the nervous system, shedding light on how brains are constructed from diverse populations of neurons.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2012

Scientists discover how the brain ages

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that brain cells follow the same molecular pathway as senescent fibroblasts, leading to cell damage and age-related diseases. This discovery opens new possibilities for understanding and treating conditions like dementia and motor neuron disease.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 12, 2012

Why are elderly duped? UI researchers explain why

Researchers identify ventromedial prefrontal cortex as key area controlling belief and doubt, explaining why elderly are more prone to scams. Damage to this region, particularly after age 60, can lead to increased credulity and decreased ability to distinguish misleading information.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 16, 2012

Protein-based coating could help rehabilitate long-term brain function

Researchers have developed a protein-based coating that can help rehabilitate long-term brain function and prevent the brain's immune response from rejecting brain-computer interface electrodes. The coating, using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies with animal models.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJul 31, 2012

New stroke treatments becoming a reality

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for stroke by demonstrating the effectiveness of Anakinra (IL-1Ra) in reducing brain damage. The drug blocks inflammation and microglia cell activation, which contribute to brain injury following a stroke.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJul 26, 2012

Study shows first case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in blast-exposed military personnel

Researchers have found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in brain tissue from blast-exposed military service personnel. The study discovered that exposure to a single blast equivalent to an IED results in CTE and long-term brain impairments, with the blast wind leading to traumatic brain injury.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 16, 2012

A clearer understanding of glaucoma

A new study has shed light on glaucoma prevention by highlighting the impact of X-ray treatment on monocyte entry into the optic nerve. Researchers found that mice treated with a single X-ray treatment prior to glaucoma onset were protected from developing the disease, even with other risk factors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 19, 2012

Toward a therapy to healing stroke

Researchers at KIT biologists identified key factors controlling thalamus development, enabling potential tissue replacement therapy for stroke patients. They are now developing 2D cell culture systems and 3D cultivation projects to activate these factors in undifferentiated cells.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 14, 2011

DNA find sheds light on the human brain

Researchers identified genes responsible for thousands of tiny changes in brain tissue DNA, finding they were active in areas linked to cell renewal. The study provides new insights into how the brain works and may link retrotransposon activity to brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2011