Articles tagged with Brain Tissue
A neuroeconomics study from McGill University shows that the brain employs two separate regions and processes in valuing 'stimuli' (goods) versus 'actions'. The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, provide new insights into frontal lobe damage and its effects on decision making.
Scientists developed a new tool to identify cancerous and healthy brain tissue, allowing for more precise tumor removal and reduced risk of recurrence. The tool, combining an ultrasonic aspirator with a mass spectrometer, proved successful on human brain samples in half the time previously needed.
A team from the University of Utah has received a $275,000 NIH grant to study brain tissue from patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) using advanced technology called deep sequencing. The goal is to identify viruses that might play a role in the development of PPMS and potentially lead to new treatments.
Researchers have found that chronic drinking leads to reduced cortical thickness in frontal and temporal brain regions, affecting cognitive abilities and intellectual functions. The study's results indicate that alcohol damage occurs in gradations, with more severe damage associated with higher levels of consumption.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that fetal brain damage from oxygen deprivation is linked to the action of a fatty molecule called LPA, which can be targeted with drugs. This finding provides a new strategy to limit or prevent serious developmental brain diseases.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new aqueous reagent, Scale, which renders biological tissue transparent, allowing for vivid 3D images of neurons and blood vessels deep inside the mouse brain. The reagent's unique properties enable visualization of fluorescently-labeled samples at unprecedented depths and levels of spatial detail.
A case study published in Cortex reveals that severe damage to the hippocampus resulting from lack of oxygen in infancy can hinder episodic memory recall. In contrast, semantic memory remains intact, supporting the theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for distinct types of memory.
Researchers aim to develop new post-stroke therapy by repairing the blood-brain barrier, which prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. If successful, this could lead to positive therapeutic outcomes for ischemic stroke patients who may have missed the limited 3-hour tPA window.
Researchers found that alpha-B-crystallin reduces brain lesion size and inflammation in mice after a stroke, even when administered 12 hours post-event. The protein acts as a brake on the immune system, lowering levels of inflammatory molecules.
Researchers discovered that damage to a small area of the right hemisphere can lead to widespread impact on remote parts of the cortex, challenging traditional assumptions about visual neuroscience. The study found that multiple areas of the brain underlie object recognition, and neural plasticity is possible even in adulthood.
Researchers examined the brain of a person with object agnosia, revealing that damage to a specific area can affect distant cortical regions. The study suggests that neural plasticity is possible even when the brain is damaged in adulthood.
A new study found that preventive use of tocotrienol, a form of natural vitamin E, reduced brain tissue damage and preserved neural connections in dogs after they suffered strokes. The research suggests that this natural supplement may be beneficial for people at high risk of stroke, such as those who have had a previous ministroke.
A Johns Hopkins team has identified a newly discovered protein called Iduna that protects the brain against stroke and neurologic disorders. The protein works by interrupting a cascade of molecular events that result in cell death, and its presence increases three- to four-fold in preconditioned mouse brain tissue.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified the ventromedial frontal cortex as the brain region responsible for making everyday decisions about value. The study, led by Joseph Kable, found that people with damage to this area are less consistent in their choices and unable to assign a value to certain items.
Researchers have identified a protective molecule in the brain that can rescue damaged cells and prevent further damage. By artificially increasing levels of this compound, KCC2, scientists hope to develop new treatments for conditions like stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered that wearing body armor fully protected mice brains from axonal nerve cell damage in critical parts of the brain. Body armor shielded mice from over 80% of axonal damage observed in the brain's visual pathways.
Researchers observed a 5.1% increase in brain tissue thickness after brain bypass surgery, reversing loss and improving neurocognitive function in patients with impaired blood flow. The study offers hope for treating chronic cerebrovascular disease and its associated neurocognitive impairment.
A McGill biologist's findings raise doubts about the Differential Adhesion Hypothesis, proposing that repulsive cues may drive tissue formation instead of adhesion. The study reveals a cycle of adhesion followed by repulsion at embryonic cell boundaries.
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine successfully blocked harmful immune cells from entering the brain in mice with a condition similar to multiple sclerosis. The breakthrough discovery, made using an anti-cancer drug, prevents symptoms and provides early evidence for a potential new treatment.
Researchers found that PARIS protein accumulates in brain cells with mutated parkin gene, leading to decreased PGC-1alpha levels and neurodegeneration. This discovery offers promising new drug targets to slow or stop Parkinson's disease progression.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a 2-in-1 vaccine that repairs vascular damage in the brain, protecting against both Alzheimer's and stroke. The vaccine activates macrophages to clear away damaging amyloid proteins, preventing further damage and promoting repair.
Damage to a specific area of the brain and decreased noradrenaline levels are linked to multiple sclerosis progression. The study found that noradrenaline plays a crucial role in preventing inflammation and preserving blood-brain barrier integrity.
A study using MRI techniques found that over 80 patients with unclear-onset strokes could safely receive clot-busting therapy, resulting in 45% having a good clinical outcome and 29% an excellent one. However, female patients and those with severe initial assessments fared poorly with treatment.
Patients with schizophrenia who take antipsychotics for extended periods may experience a measurable decrease in brain tissue over time. The study suggests that long-term antipsychotic use can contribute to progressive changes in brain volume, even after controlling for other factors.
A new study sheds light on the complex process of recovery from aphasia after a stroke, finding that inter-hemispheric coordination plays a crucial role. The research suggests that the involvement of both hemispheres in language functions is not as binary as previously thought.
This special issue of Biological Psychiatry highlights the benefits and challenges of postmortem research in studying psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders. Advances in science and technology have expanded the scope of postmortem work, allowing for more detailed studies of brain structure and function.
Researchers are working to identify factors that cause neural implants to fail, which can occur within six to eight weeks. A team led by the University of Houston is using advanced software and imaging techniques to analyze brain cell responses to implants, aiming to improve prosthetic limbs for amputees.
Researchers at MIT have created computer models that show a face shield can significantly reduce traumatic brain injury by impeding direct transmission of blast waves to the face. The study's findings offer a potential solution for preventing head injuries sustained by US troops during explosions.
Reduced pericyte levels have been found to disrupt blood flow and worsen the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, allowing toxic substances to reach brain tissue. This can lead to structural damage to neurons, impaired learning and memory, and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Scientists discovered that blocking a molecule's function decreased bone hardness, causing hearing loss, while reactivating it restored the bone's hardness and hearing. The study reveals a molecular pathway regulating bone matrix properties, which may explain rare hearing disorders and connect to conditions like osteoporosis.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a molecular program that drives brain cell connections after stroke, activating genes to form new connections. The program differs between young and aged adults, with older brains slowing down recovery through simultaneous activation of repair and collapse genes.
A study by LSU Health Sciences Center researchers found that Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fish oil component, can protect brain tissue and promote recovery in acute ischemic stroke even when treatment is delayed. DHA treatment reduced swelling and facilitated neurobehavioral recovery.
Researchers found that patients with occupations requiring high verbal skills had greater tissue loss on the right side of the brain, while those with low verbal skills had greater loss on the left. This effect was most pronounced in the temporal lobes of the brain.
Scientists have identified powerful antibiotic properties in cockroach and locust brains, effective against MRSA and E. coli without harming human cells. These novel molecules could lead to new treatments for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.
A new study has uncovered the genetic mechanisms controlling the growth of collateral circulation, which can provide oxygen to starved tissues in the event of a heart attack or stroke. The researchers identified a section of DNA involved in variation in collateral vessel density and diameter.
A study at the American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting found that intensity modulated arc therapy can effectively treat brain tumors while reducing damage to surrounding sensitive tissues, such as ears and parts of the brain. This technique uses continuous rotation of X-ray sources around a patient during treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a compound in dark chocolate may protect the brain after a stroke by increasing cellular signals. The study found that mice who ingested epicatechin suffered significantly less brain damage than those who did not.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that resveratrol increases levels of an enzyme shielding nerve cells in the brain from damage, protecting against ischemic stroke. The study suggests that moderate wine consumption may have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly half of US adults with European ancestry carry the FTO gene variant, which is associated with weight gain but also linked to brain tissue loss. The findings suggest that individuals carrying this gene allele are at risk for a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's and dementia.
A new brain implant made from silk has been developed to monitor and control seizures, as well as transmit signals past damaged spinal cord areas. The ultrathin flexible implants can record brain activity more faithfully than thicker devices, with potential applications in epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders.
Researchers are exploring the role of beta defensins in chronic inflammation within the aging human brain, including Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary findings suggest that beta defensins may contribute to neuronal cell death due to compromised immunomodulation.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Christopher Fasano successfully derived floor plate tissue from human embryonic stem cells, a crucial signaling center in brain development. This achievement paves the way for better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers link differences in brain network harm to impairment in stroke patients, offering a new predictive tool for clinicians. This approach, known as resting-state functional connectivity, may help determine treatment and assess its effects.
Researchers have found a potential way to reduce brain damage caused by strokes using a simple blood-pressure cuff. By applying brief periods of high pressure to the arm, the goal is to prepare the brain for reduced blood flow without lasting damage.
Researchers found a new genetic risk factor, TMEM106B, associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration, a subtype of early-onset dementia. The study suggests that alterations in this protein may contribute to the development of FTLD.
A toxic form of the neural protein Elk-1 is linked to three degenerative brain disorders: Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease. The study found that this modified form of Elk-1 strongly associates with pathological markers present in diseased tissue from these diseases.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are associated with a significant decrease in Alzheimer's disease and dementia occurrence. Patients taking ARBs had up to a 50% lower chance of developing dementia compared to those on other medications.
Scientists have recorded spontaneous epileptic activity in human brain tissue for the first time, revealing that electrical connections between nerve cells cause the disease. This discovery offers real hope for finding new treatments for epilepsy, which affects 45 million people worldwide.
Researchers found that naked mole rat brain tissue can survive for over half an hour without oxygen, which could lead to new treatment options for brain injuries caused by heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. This adaptation may also provide insights into how to prevent permanent human brain damage after temporary loss of oxygen.
Researchers discovered that Drosophila's brain circadian clock neurons require information from peripheral tissues to synchronize with temperature cycles. Disruption of key gene nocte in peripheral cells interferes with temperature synchronization, highlighting the chordotonal organs as crucial temperature receptors.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found that giving supplemental oxygen to animals during a stroke can reduce damage to brain tissue surrounding the clot. The timing of delivery is critical to achieving this benefit, and using pure oxygen delivered by mask was also effective.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered specific immune cells that attract corrupted proteins, increasing the risk of variant CJD in younger individuals. This finding may lead to better diagnosis methods and potential vaccine development.
Researchers identified semaphorin 5A, a gene involved in neuronal contact and communication, as a potential biological target for pharmaceutical intervention in individuals with autism. The study utilizes genome-wide association studies and extends prior research findings to brain tissue samples.
A Clemson University bioengineer has developed an injectable biomaterial gel that promotes the growth of neural stem cells at the site of a traumatic brain injury, structurally repairing damaged brain tissue. The procedure shows promise for treating head injuries caused by car accidents, falls, and gunshot wounds.
Studies show that prototype helmets can improve blunt-impact protection for ground troops without compromising ballistic protection. A survey also reveals high incidence of driving-related anxieties among post-deployment soldiers, highlighting the need for better tools for diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in the civili...
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have shown that a single gene mutation can cause a transmissible neurodegenerative disease in mice, similar to human fatal familial insomnia. The study demonstrates that mutations associated with prion diseases are sufficient to cause the disease and the spontaneous generation of transmissible prions.
Researchers from UCLA and Pittsburgh found that obese individuals have a 8% less brain tissue than those with normal weight, while overweight individuals have 4% less tissue. This increased risk is linked to severe brain degeneration and cognitive decline.
A study has found that divers who hold their breath for several minutes have elevated levels of the protein S100B, which can signal brain damage. However, these levels are temporary and it remains unclear whether prolonged apnea can cause long-term brain damage.
A unique case study found that first and second languages are represented in different places in the bilingual brain. Damage to one language was more severe than the other, with Hebrew skills impaired more significantly.
A UCLA study found that miniscule levels of carbon monoxide during pregnancy cause permanent brain damage in fetuses. The exposure level was established as safe by Cal/OSHA but still led to oxidative stress and protein loss.