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Mesh-like network of arteries adjusts to restore blood flow to stroke-injured brain

Researchers discovered that small arteries at the brain's surface redirect and widen to maintain a constant blood supply after a stroke. The mesh-like vascular network enables the arteries to compensate for reduced blood cell velocity by increasing diameter, ensuring steady delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJan 30, 2009

Where optics meets medicine

Researchers have developed an animal model to study the effect of small strokes on nearby neurons, finding that blockages can cause significant decreases in blood flow and death of neurons. A potential new tool for brain surgeons is being developed using optical measurements to detect and protect critical areas during surgery.

SourceOptica·DateOct 9, 2008

Tsunami in the brain

Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that depolarization waves in the brain spread through adjacent areas after a stroke, leading to further cell death. The study's findings may enable the translation of decades-long experimental research into clinical applications.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJun 12, 2008

When your memories can no longer be trusted

A new study by Dr. Martha Turner and colleagues found that patients with confabulation, a condition where memories are distorted after brain damage, all shared damage to the inferior medial prefrontal cortex. This discovery sheds light on how the human brain controls memory and distinguishes true from false recollections.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMay 28, 2008

Harvard researchers publish MRI images of genes in action in the living brain

Researchers at Harvard have developed gene probe eye drops that enable non-invasive monitoring of brain activity in living organisms. The technology uses MRI to detect tissue repair and has potential applications in treating neurological diseases, diagnosing conditions, and delivering therapeutic agents to the brain.

Researchers use light to detect Alzheimer's

Researchers have developed a method using near-infrared light to identify microscopic changes in brain tissue associated with Alzheimer's disease. This technique can potentially detect the disease earlier than current methods, which rely on clinical symptoms or imaging tests.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 14, 2008

Study suggests some brain injuries reduce the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder

A new study found that certain brain injuries, such as damage to the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, may reduce the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat-exposed veterans. The findings suggest that drugs or pacemaker-like devices targeting these areas might be effective treatments for PTSD.

Rosemary chicken protects your brain from free radicals

Researchers discover mechanism by which rosemary's carnosic acid fights off free radical damage in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. The active compound activates a novel signaling pathway, providing a 'pathological-activated therapeutic' approach with reduced side effects.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateOct 30, 2007

Study links manic depression with brain tissue loss

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that people with bipolar disorder experience accelerated brain tissue loss, particularly in areas controlling memory, face recognition, and coordination. The study shows that repeated episodes of illness can lead to greater brain loss and decline in mental ability.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 19, 2007

Study advances vCJD prion detection

Scientists have developed a method to amplify vCJD prions from human brain tissue extracts, enabling recognition by existing detection methods. This breakthrough could aid in confirming whether someone is infected with variant CJD, crucial for preventing further disease spread through infected blood donations.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJul 5, 2007