A new study challenges the idea that gray matter is more important than white matter for cognitive health. Damage to dense structural connections in the brain was found to be a better predictor of poor outcomes than damage to functional hubs.
Scientists identify apoE protein's role in regulating immune-response molecules within neurons, leading to selective neurodegeneration. High levels of apoE trigger the expression of MHC-I genes, marking neurons for destruction and contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression.
Researchers at McGill University developed a novel approach using silicone and sugar to create the softest brain implant yet. The new implants have shown reduced inflammation and higher neuronal density compared to traditional hard implants.
Damage to densely-packed white matter regions is strongly associated with cognitive impairment compared to gray matter regions; this suggests that white matter hubs are crucial for cognition. The study's findings provide insights into how brain damage affects cognitive abilities and may help explain differences in cognitive decline.
Researchers developed a miniature light-sheet generator that can be implanted into a living animal's brain, enabling high-speed and high-contrast imaging of brain activity. The technology uses nanophotonic technology to create ultrathin silicon-based photonic neural probes that emit multiple addressable thin sheets of light.
A new study found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19 patients' brains, despite significant pathological changes and neurological effects. Inflammation triggered by the virus may cause damage to the brain's blood vessels and lead to 'brain fog' in mild cases.
David C. Martin, a University of Delaware professor, is advancing novel polymeric materials to integrate electronics with human brain tissue. He has been named a Materials Research Society Fellow for his work on conjugated polymers for interfacing electronic biomedical devices with living tissue.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a hydrogel, known as 'brain glue,' that mimics the composition and mechanics of the brain. The gel has been shown to protect against loss of brain tissue after severe TBI and may aid in functional neural repair.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a new role for the protein drebrin in controlling scar formation and astrocyte reactivity following brain injury. This mechanism, which regulates membrane trafficking, may hold promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
A new study has found that people with cerebral small vessel disease who have blood-brain barrier leakage have more brain tissue damage over two years than those with less leakage. The study also found a higher leakage rate at the start of the study resulted in more loss of tissue microstructure around brain lesions.
Researchers found that certain genes in inflammatory cells called glial cells increased their activity and grew longer appendages after death. This discovery challenges current understanding of post-mortem gene expression and cell activity, which may impact research on disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.
A new toolkit developed by researchers at the University of Houston, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, enables rapid drug development for brain diseases and injuries. The toolkit uses high-resolution imaging to analyze unhealthy brain tissue, revealing multiple biological processes at once.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a technology called tissue nanotransfection (TNT) that reprograms skin cells into vascular cells to repair damaged brain tissue. In a mouse study, cells treated with this innovative cell therapy regained 90% of their motor function, showing promise for treating stroke patients.
Flat brain organoids grown on 3D-printed scaffolds show intrinsic gyrification, increasing size and surface-to-volume ratio and offering potential for biologically relevant systems. The results overcome shape limitations of previous spherical models, enabling consistent formation of neuroepithelial folding.
The new NINDS Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome provide a standardized approach to diagnose CTE's clinical manifestations during life. These criteria require substantial exposure to repetitive head impacts and progressive cognitive impairment or neurobehavioral dysregulation.
Researchers have developed an automated silicon-substrate ultra-microtome to improve the speed and quality of brain neural connection reconstruction. The device reduces manual collection skill requirement and ensures high-quality imaging without post-processing operations.
Researchers at UTA are investigating smart protective helmets that can sense head and brain injuries, allowing for rapid medical treatment. The project aims to improve the well-being of soldiers in combat by detecting brain trauma and preventing further damage.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is studying the mechanics of blast-like events and their impact on brain cells. He aims to track bubble formation and its effects on brain tissue, with a goal of preventing traumatic brain injuries. The study will also explore the role of glial cells as shields against trauma.
A new study identifies a potential link between blast exposure and Alzheimer's disease in soldiers. Researchers found that even healthy neurons with subtle synaptic pathology may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's-type pathogenesis.
Researchers at OHSU have developed a new method to quickly map single-cell genomes and clarify spatial cell positions within complex tissues. This technique has the potential to precisely identify and target cells in diseases like cancer or stroke, allowing for novel therapies.
Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) treatment may improve recovery from intracerebral hemorrhage, the deadliest type of stroke. RIC reduces inflammation and promotes new blood vessel growth, accelerating functional recovery.
Scientists used X-ray technology to compare brain tissues of schizophrenia patients with those of healthy individuals, revealing unique structural differences. The findings suggest a link between these differences and the onset of the disease, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Researchers at KAUST have developed custom polymer dots that emit ultrabright light in the shortwave infrared region, allowing for high-resolution imaging of structures deep within biological tissues. This breakthrough enables detection of nano-sized particles and single molecules with single-molecule sensitivity.
Scientists have developed a technology that allows pinpointing millions of RNA molecules mapped inside tissues with nanoscale resolution. This breakthrough enables researchers to advance treatment of complex diseases and Alzheimer's research by analyzing RNA molecules in 3D tissue samples.
Researchers find that using metformin can restore a healthier balance between immune cell subtypes, inhibiting chronic inflammation and improving outcomes in traumatic brain injury patients. The study suggests a potential new therapy approach to reduce TBI damage and promote recovery.
Researchers from Osaka University developed a new method for analyzing brain tissue with mass spectrometry imaging, enabling the identification of biochemicals at high spatial resolution. This technique may help diagnose brain diseases such as cancer by providing molecular information in high-resolution images.
Researchers discover new cog in the circadian clock - a genome-wide regulatory layer made up of small chains of non-coding nucleotides known as microRNAs. The study found that 110-120 miRNAs modulate circadian rhythms, with tissue-specific impacts on human health.
Researchers found microvascular blood vessel damage and inflammation in brains of patients who died from COVID-19, suggesting a non-infectious response. The study suggests that the body's inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 may cause brain damage.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have determined the development stages of Aβ fibrils, which form the basis of Alzheimer's disease plaques. The study provides new insights into the formation of oligomers, potentially harmful structures that contribute to the toxic effect of Aβ.
A post-mortem analysis of brain tissue from people with PTSD reveals distinct differences in gene expression patterns between those with and without the disorder. These changes affect two cell types - interneurons and microglia - which may contribute to impaired stress response, particularly in women.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study brain functioning in patients with minor strokes and found diminished neural processing, indicating a disruption of network dynamics. The study suggests that post-stroke acute dysexecutive syndrome is the result of global connectivity dysfunction.
A study by UC Santa Cruz professor Terrie Williams explores how marine mammals' physiological adaptations can help understand the effects of COVID-19. Marine mammals have evolved mechanisms to protect critical organs during low-oxygen conditions, which may inform strategies for humans to mitigate long-term damage from oxygen deprivation.
A new protein marker, neurofilament light protein (NFL), has been found to predict stroke severity and long-term outcomes. The levels of NFL in blood correlate with more severe brain damage and poorer survival rates after stroke.
Researchers observed that brain ventricles expanded in MS patients during inflammation, but then shrunk back to normal size after symptoms subsided. This finding suggests that ventricle volume fluctuations may be reversible and have clinical relevance for monitoring disease progression.
A new tissue screening assay for human cerebral organoids identified 25 additional candidate genes for microcephaly, nearly doubling the number of currently known genes linked to the rare neurological condition. The CRISPR-LICHT technology revealed these genes associated with both known and previously unknown microcephaly-driving pathw...
Researchers developed a new technique, CRISPR-LICHT, allowing for the analysis of hundreds of genes in human tissue using cerebral organoids. The method identified a specific mechanism controlling brain size and pinpointed microcephaly genes, shedding light on a genetic disorder.
Researchers at Ohio State and the University of Michigan discovered a new type of immune cell that rescues damaged nerve cells from death and partially reverses nerve fiber damage. The unique cell subset promotes nervous system repair and has been identified in human immune cells with similar characteristics.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a protein called DUSP4 that may help prevent or treat epilepsy. Boosting levels of DUSP4 could potentially block the spread of epileptic centers in the brain and reduce seizure activity.
Researchers have created a stretchable conductive hydrogel that can help restore lost tissue in damaged nerves. The material, containing polyaniline and polyacrylamide, allows nerve cells to enter and adhere, helping to improve nerve conduction and recovery.
A new study reveals that nanoparticles can damage human cells when combined, even if individual types do not cause harm. Researchers call for more studies on the effects of lifelong exposure to nanoparticles, which are used in various products and manufacturing processes.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has identified new biomarkers in the blood that can indicate damage to brain tissue, which could help emergency clinicians quickly recognize minor strokes. The discovery has the potential to reduce delays in treatment and improve patient outcomes.
A team of researchers has created a patient-specific approach to customizing muscular and neural implants for restoring motor and autonomic functions. The NeuroPrint hybrid 3D printing technology allows for rapid production in just 24 hours, making it faster and cheaper than traditional methods.
Researchers have developed a new method that pairs functional mapping in live mice with distinguishing structural information, providing unprecedented insights into the coupling of visual areas in the mouse brain. This technique enables scientists to distinguish borders and contents of regions more precisely, shedding light on how stru...
A new study reveals that telomere length in whole blood cells can serve as a reliable proxy for other tissues, with 15 out of 23 tissues showing positive correlation. The findings help clarify conflicting results on relationships between individual traits and telomere length.
Researchers have discovered that pure prions do not exhibit neurotoxicity, but instead cause disease through a distinct species. Brain tissue from symptomatic prion-infected mice is found to be toxic to healthy neurons, highlighting the complexity of prion-induced neurodegeneration.
Researchers used magnetic resonance elastography to detect changes in the hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, which is resistant to medication. The study found that MRE can improve early detection and characterization of the disease.
In adult fruit flies, accumulating extra genome copies in brain cells may help prevent cell death caused by DNA damage. This novel anti-aging defence could also shed light on human age-related brain diseases.
Researchers at West Virginia University discovered that blood substitution therapy can rescue the brains of mice from ischemic damage and improve outcomes. The study found that replacing 20% of the blood reduces damage to the brain, and the technique may be administered beyond the current three-hour window for stroke treatment.
A study found that reducing TET2 activity protects neurons from inflammatory insults and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The research suggests calming TET2 activity could be a powerful preventative measure to delay or prevent symptom onset.
Washington University researchers are developing a method to diagnose brain tumors without incisions, using ultrasonic energy to target tumors deep in the brain. The technique involves injecting microbubbles that rupture, releasing biomarkers from the tumor into the blood for testing with a blood draw, called a liquid biopsy.
Researchers developed a coaxial cable-inspired needle-electrode for multichannel and local-differential recordings of neuronal activity. This innovation achieved high-quality neuronal signal acquisition with a high signal-to-noise ratio, while reducing tissue damage compared to conventional electrodes.
A new study has uncovered 12 proteins linked to both tau and Alzheimer's disease, expanding understanding of the molecular interactions driving neurodegeneration. The research analyzed donated brain tissue samples from individuals with Alzheimer's, revealing dozens of other proteins associated with the disease.
Researchers at Iowa State University studied the impact of microbubbles on brain cells during traumatic brain injuries. They found that cavitation causes cell shrinkage, surface roughening, and increased inflammatory genes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed new MRI techniques to more precisely target brain structures linked to Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These methods, including diffusion tractography, aim to reduce adverse effects associated with previous treatments.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that synapse type shifts with age in unique patterns across different brain areas. This shift helps explain why genes cause synapse damage at set ages and in set brain areas.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina report that adding a compound to reduce inflammation improves learning, memory and motor recovery after stroke. The treatment may also extend the treatment window by reducing risk of hemorrhage.
A new method dubbed 'DEEP-Clear' allows researchers to visualize individual cells and their extensions in complex tissues like the brain. This approach enables scientists to capture 3D images of cells and tissues without sectioning, opening up new avenues for studying neural stem cell biology.
Researchers developed a new technology to monitor cholesterol in brain tissue, revealing major locations of cholesterol and its metabolites. This breakthrough could lead to the discovery of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new technique to quantify lipids in rat brain tissue, providing more information than previous methods. The technique allows for the localization and amount of ceramides to be determined, which are important in learning and memory.
A team of MIT researchers has developed ELAST technology, which provides a fast way to fluorescently label cells, proteins, and molecules in brain and other large tissues. The technology enables fully reversible tissue shape transformation while preserving structural and molecular information.