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Thoughts translate to actions

Miguel Nicolelis and colleagues present results from long-term studies in monkeys, showing that the same set of brain cells can control two distinct movements using a brain-machine interface. This finding has important practical implications for spinal-cord patients, offering flexibility in introducing electrodes or functional enhancem...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 13, 2003

Imaging technique tracks nerve growth and repair

A new imaging technique, using second harmonic generation microscopy, allows for the observation of microtubule polarity in living brain tissue. This enables researchers to study neuronal development and repair, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2003

Columbia Univ. researchers identify possible new culprit in Alzheimer's disease plaque formation

Researchers at Columbia University have found that astrocytes can degrade beta-amyloid proteins, a key component of Alzheimer's plaques, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for the disease. The study suggests activating astrocyte activity may be beneficial in reducing plaque buildup and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 7, 2003

Experimental microbeam radiation therapy may offer improvement over traditional radiation treatments

Researchers have developed a new radiation therapy technique that shows significant improvement over traditional methods in treating brain tumors in infants. The treatment uses high-intensity synchrotron sources to confine x-rays to extremely narrow slices, resulting in reduced damage to surrounding tissue.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCellular and Molecular Biology·DateJul 2, 2001

Rewiring The Brain

A protein called osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) may speed the recovery of stroke patients by rewiring damaged brain cells. The experiment used rats and showed that OP-1 helped them recover lost movement in their limbs quickly, outperforming those in a control group.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 17, 1998