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Diffusion dynamics play an essential role in regulating stem cells and tissue development

New research highlights the importance of diffusion gradients in regulating stem cells and tissue development. The study explores how gas and nutrient concentrations influence stem cell potency, differentiation, and metabolism. It also introduces novel models for understanding diffusion processes in three-dimensional tissue constructs.

SourceInstitute of Neural Regeneration & Tissue Engineering·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 26, 2017

Concussion effects detailed on microscopic level

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered rapid microscopic swelling along the axons of rodent brain tissue after laboratory-induced mild traumatic brain injury. The study found that these swellings are reversible and disappear within minutes, which could lead to improved treatment for concussions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 13, 2017

New biomarkers of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis

A novel study has identified new biomarkers of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, revealing a central role for interferon gamma in brain inflammation. The research found that high serum interferon gamma levels activate astrocytes, triggering an inflammatory response and promoting the migration of autoreactive T lymphocytes into the brain.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 19, 2017

Penn State study shows aphasia may not solely be a language disorder

A recent Penn State study suggests that aphasia may be a broader cognitive disorder affecting not just language, but also hearing, vision, motor processing, attention, and executive functions. The findings imply that treating aphasia requires a more holistic approach, considering these interconnected brain networks.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 29, 2017

The lasting effects of ministrokes may contribute to dementia

Recent preclinical research suggests microinfarcts can induce prolonged dysfunction in brain areas estimated 12-times larger than the visible injury site, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. The study used a mouse model to examine the effects of individual cortical microinfarcts on surrounding tissue function in vivo.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2017

Rejuvenating the brain's disposal system

A new tissue culture system has revealed that microglia from aged brains are engulfing amyloid plaques on site, with young microglia secreting factors to rejuvenate older cells. The discovery highlights a potential strategy for removing amyloid plaques and improving cognition in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 21, 2016

Building a better brain

Scientists at the Salk Institute have developed a 3D mini-brain model grown from human stem cells, which is structurally and functionally more similar to real brains than existing 2D models. This breakthrough model may help understand brain development and neurological diseases like Alzheimer's or schizophrenia.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 20, 2016

How brain tissue recovers after injury

Astrocytes play a crucial role in brain tissue recovery after injury, with the Ror2 protein promoting their proliferation. The research team discovered that Ror2 is activated by basic fibroblast growth factor, which enables astrocytes to start proliferating and minimizing inflammation around damaged neurons.

SourceKobe University·JournalGlia·DateDec 15, 2016

Composite biomaterial scaffolds enable patterning of tissue architecture and cell identity

Researchers have developed new biomaterial scaffolds that incorporate patterned architectures and regional compartments of signaling factors to control tissue development. This technology enables the formation of complex cellular structures and miniature organoid tissues, mimicking natural developmental processes.

SourceInstitute of Neural Regeneration & Tissue Engineering·JournalJournal of Tissue Engineering·DateOct 10, 2016

Researchers image brain cells' reactions to concussive trauma

A Brown University study used a custom-built device to compress neurons in 3-D cell cultures and observed their reaction to traumatic brain injury. The findings suggest that there may be a window for therapeutic intervention aimed at minimizing further damage, with irreparable structural damage occurring after approximately six hours.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 2, 2016

Imaging the brain at multiple size scales

A new technique called magnified analysis of proteome (MAP) allows scientists to image brain tissue at multiple scales, preserving proteins within cells and connectivity between neurons. The method enables high-resolution imaging with a resolution as high as 60 nanometers, tracing connections in the human brain more accurately.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 26, 2016

Watching the luminescent gene switch

Researchers from Hokkaido University developed a new method to track the switching on and off of circadian genes in freely moving mice, enabling the monitoring of gene expression patterns in specific tissues. This technique has significant implications for understanding clock gene function and its effects on mouse behavior.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2016

The Lancet Neurology: Scientists discover unique pattern of hidden brain damage in male soldiers exposed to high explosive blasts

Researchers found a distinctive pattern of injury in the brains of deceased military personnel who survived high explosive attacks, suggesting a link between blast exposure and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study's findings highlight the need for further research to understand the underlying pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 9, 2016

Super-clear synapses at super resolutions

A new process for making brain tissue transparent has been developed at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, allowing for the creation of super-resolution 3-D images of delicate structures deep in the brain. This breakthrough enables researchers to visualize synaptic changes and neural structures with unprecedented detail.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 10, 2016

Post-Ebola syndrome in Sierra Leone

Researchers found that 70% of Ebola survivors reported musculoskeletal pain, while 48% experienced headaches and 14% had vision problems. The study highlights the need for further research into Post-Ebola Syndrome to understand its causes and consequences.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

Zika virus linked to stillbirth, other symptoms in Brazil

A pregnant Brazilian woman infected with the Zika virus had a stillborn baby with severe tissue swelling and central nervous system defects. The case provides evidence that congenital Zika infection may be linked to hydrops fetalis, hydranencephaly, and fetal demise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016