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New discovery about the brain's water system may prove beneficial in stroke

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism for transporting water to the brain, challenging the long-held belief that osmosis is responsible. The co-transporter process could potentially be targeted with medicine to treat conditions like brain haemorrhage and hydrocephalus.

Dementia can be caused by hypertension

Researchers found that patients with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing dementia and show early signs of brain damage on MRI scans. These changes can be detected before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent further deterioration.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJun 13, 2018

A new way to watch brain activity in action

New technology tracks brain cell interactions in mice, shedding light on neuronal activity and potential insights into brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. The device captures three-dimensional images of neurons flashing on and off as they communicate with each other.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 7, 2018

Stanford researchers probe the complex nature of concussion

Researchers found that concussions occur when a deep area of the brain shakes rapidly and intensely, straining surrounding tissues. The study's findings suggest a complex relationship between head impacts and brain motion, highlighting the need for further research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of concussions.

SourceStanford University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2018

New method increases life span of donated brain tissue

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method that extends the viability of donated brain tissue from people with epilepsy to 48 hours. This allows them to study gene therapy treatment and acquire more data from a small number of patients, bringing treatments closer to the patient without direct testing.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

A look at the space between mouse brain cells

Researchers have developed a new imaging paradigm to study the extracellular space between brain cells, revealing its complex and dynamic nature. The technique, called SUSHI, provides high-quality 3D reconstructions of brain tissue and has the potential to improve drug delivery within the brain.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 22, 2018

Brain-scan guided emergency stroke treatment can save more lives

A new study by the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for the Ischemic Stroke (DEFUSE 3) trial demonstrated that brain-scan guided emergency stroke treatment can be effective up to 16 hours after symptom onset. The treatment led to improved outcomes, including increased functional independence and survival rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018

Mild traumatic brain injury causes long-term damage in mice

Researchers found that mild traumatic brain injury can lead to lifelong degenerative changes, including learning and working memory impairment. Studies on mice revealed ongoing neuroinflammation and neuron projection degeneration after a single or repetitive TBI, with some animals showing motor deficits.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateDec 14, 2017

NIH scientists and collaborators find prion protein in skin of CJD patients

Researchers detected abnormal prion protein in the skin of nearly two dozen CJD patients and found that healthy mice infected with skin extracts developed prion disease. The study raises questions about potential surgical instrument contamination and the use of skin samples as a diagnostic test for human and animal prion diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 22, 2017

Deciphering biological meaning from an atlas of gene expression across 42 tissue types

A new study published in Nature and Nature Genetics describes a comprehensive atlas of gene expression across 42 tissue types, providing insights into the molecular origins of human disease. The study's findings allow researchers to identify genetic factors that cause changes in gene expression and relate them to human disease risk.