Articles tagged with Brain
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has developed a clinical practice guideline for the radiotherapeutic and surgical management of newly diagnosed brain metastases. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for choosing treatment modalities based on tumor factors and prognosis.
Researchers found that the brain decodes left or right hand without mental gymnastics, using processes called binding to bind seen and felt hands. The study's results have implications for understanding experiences of amputees and sensory processing.
Researchers at McGill University discovered how the brain processes visual information to detect motion and collisions. Using mathematical models and recording techniques, they found that specific neurons in the brain's visual cortex respond selectively to motion patterns.
The company will use the grant to develop a novel therapeutic for Parkinson's disease, targeting dopaminergic neurons with GDNF delivery. The goal is to improve patients' lives by treating or reversing the progression of the disease.
Researchers found that visual working memory follows a more general pattern of brain activity than previously thought, activating a wider area in the front of the brain for all types of visual stimuli. This study provides support for current models of memory as being located in distributed networks rather than specific brain modules.
A new stent procedure has shown remarkably positive results in how patients recover from strokes, with 56% of participants experiencing an excellent neurological outcome compared to 33% with traditional methods. The study also found a significant reduction in mortality rates among those who underwent the new procedure.
The SOLITAIRE Flow Restoration Device outperformed the standard mechanical treatment in removing blood clots from blocked brain arteries in stroke patients. The new device resulted in a 61% success rate compared to 24% for the older device, leading to better survival rates and reduced mortality.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that certain proteins, called extremely long-lived proteins (ELLPs), last a lifetime without being replaced. Damage to these proteins weakens the ability of transport channels to safeguard the cell's nucleus from toxins, leading to cellular aging.
Researchers identified 27 genetic variants in 19 genes associated with brain aneurysms, including collagen 5-A2 linked to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Whole exome sequencing allowed for targeted screening of affected families, offering potential for personalized risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that decaffeinated coffee improves glucose utilization in the brain, reducing the risk of neurocognitive problems associated with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that decaffeinated coffee may have preventive benefits for cognitive decline caused by aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
A study published in Neurology found that high levels of beta-amyloid in the brain are associated with subtle changes in memory and mental function in healthy adults. The study, which involved 137 participants aged 30-89, also linked higher amounts of beta-amyloid to lower test scores in working memory, reasoning, and processing speed.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research found that oligomers of a synapse protein are essential for forming long-term memory. The discovery supports a new theory about memory and may have implications for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's and prion diseases.
Researchers have identified differences in brain function that may predict future autism symptoms in infants as young as six months old. The study found that these early brain responses associate with a later diagnosis of autism, suggesting direct measures of brain functioning could aid in predicting the development of autism symptoms.
Researchers at Caltech explored the brains of insects to understand how sensory connections form new and specific memories. They identified a mechanism involving transient synchronization between pairs of connected neurons, known as spike-timing dependent plasticity, which makes connections sensitive to internal rewards.
Researchers discovered a novel intracellular signaling pathway controlling stress-induced CRH gene expression, revealing a key role for Orthopedia protein in stress adaptation. This regulation is critical for neuronal adaptation and failure to activate or terminate the CRH response can lead to chronic pathological conditions.
Researchers at Temple University have discovered a protein that regulates amyloid beta production and controls a biochemical chain reaction linked to Alzheimer's development. The protein, 12/15-Lipoxygenase, targets Beta secretase (BACE-1), an enzyme key to amyloid plaque formation.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered a protein called RGS4 that contributes to Parkinson's disease symptoms by disrupting brain circuits. Removing RGS4 can prevent these symptoms, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments like Levodopa.
A new study by Kessler Foundation found that memory retraining using the modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) increases cerebral activation in patients with multiple sclerosis. This suggests that behavioral interventions can positively affect brain function in MS, validating the clinical utility of cognitive rehabilitation.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that fruit flies use polarization patterns of natural skylight to maintain their heading while traveling. This finding suggests that many insects possess a navigational system, which could be studied using genetics research.
Researchers found increases in brain areas compensating for the injured side and decreases in areas not being used due to the cast or sling. This study supports current trauma surgery guidelines recommending immobilization 'as short as possible, as long as necessary',
A brain training computer game called Brain Age can improve executive functions and processing speeds, but does not affect global cognitive status or attention. The study suggests that it may be possible to improve some cognitive functions quite rapidly with a relatively short training period.
Researchers have successfully penetrated fruit flies' brains with ORMOSIL nanoparticles, which hold promise as a potential vehicle for targeted drug delivery. The particles can be filled with helpful chemical compounds or gene therapies to target neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UCLA have identified dihydromyricetin as a potential treatment for acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms. The compound blocks the action of alcohol on the brain's GABAA receptors, reducing voluntary consumption without major side effects.
Research suggests that people's gut feelings are not entirely disregarded logic, but rather an intuitive sense of conflict. Wim De Neys' study found that brain activity indicates a 'sense of something fishy' when people make decisions, highlighting the importance of logical intuitions in decision-making.
A study found that people with diets high in omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins had lower brain shrinkage and better mental thinking test scores compared to those with low nutrient intake. The study also showed that trans fats, commonly found in processed foods, were linked to increased brain shrinkage.
Research found that elderly individuals with high levels of vitamins B, C, D, E, and healthy oils from fish performed better on mental acuity tests and had less brain shrinkage. Conversely, those consuming 'junk food' diets showed decreased cognitive performance.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston used Aplysia californica sea snails to test an innovative learning strategy that improved memory in the brain. The study identified optimal times for learning and showed a significant increase in memory when sessions were scheduled during these peak periods.
Biologists have developed a fluorescent reporter to track ADAR's RNA editing activity in living animals, showing surprising individual variation in fruit flies. The tool reveals ADAR's role in gene expression and disease, offering new insights into RNA editing errors.
A novel mouse model shows that peripheral viral infections can cause CNS disease through inflammation-induced neuropathology. Co-infection with two viruses led to symptoms and death in mice, shedding light on the phenomenon of 'mis-recruitment' of immune cells.
A Tel Aviv University study found that anxious people are less stimulated by fear-inducing images than non-anxious individuals, suggesting an under-reaction to subtle threatening stimuli. This leads to a 'surprise' reaction to fearful stimuli that non-anxious individuals have already subconsciously noticed and evaluated.
Researchers found that changes in one part of the skull were linked to changes throughout, challenging the idea of independent evolutionary events. The study used genealogical data and simulated shifts in skull shape associated with human evolution milestones.
Italian scientists at Catholic University of Rome discovered a molecule called CREB1 triggered by low-calorie diets, activating genes linked to longevity and brain functioning. Caloric restriction has been shown to extend life and prevent brain diseases in mice.
Repeated head trauma in hockey players causes irreversible brain damage and a condition called CTE. Experts urge a ban on intentional head trauma and severe deterrent penalties to protect player health.
Researchers found that infants retain an 'inkling' of object existence without remembering its shape. The study's findings shed light on brain mechanisms supporting memory in infancy and beyond.
Humans exploit correlation between signal temporal structures to decide which signals to combine. Multisensory integration occurs when auditory and visual streams have similar temporal patterns, resulting in improved precision and accuracy. This research highlights a key organizational principle for multisensory perceptual grouping.
Researchers used functional MRI to assess cerebral activity in doctors while they diagnosed lesions. The results showed that the brain areas active during this task were strikingly similar to those activated while naming line drawings of animals.
A new study found that magnetic stimulation can improve visual-spatial abilities in people with hemispatial neglect, a common condition after a right-sided stroke. The treatment, which uses transcranial magnetic stimulation, also restored balance to the brain's circuits and improved cognitive and movement abilities.
Researchers found that heart problems in Rett syndrome originate from the loss of the Rett gene (MeCP2) in nerve cells, not heart muscle cells. Abnormalities in brain activity can lead to cardiac malfunctions and death.
A study found that high tau protein levels in fluid bathing the brain are linked to poor recovery after head trauma. Patients with higher initial tau levels had worse outcomes six to 12 months later.
Experts discuss how advances in neuroscience affect the judicial system, from challenging legal policies to aiding in diagnoses of psychological conditions. Brain maturity is a critical issue in assessing teenage crimes, while addiction affects sentencing decisions.
Researchers found that as spider size decreases, brain size increases proportionally, with even the smallest spiders able to weave webs and perform complex behaviors.
Researchers found that swarms of bees can inhibit rival nest sites through a 'stop signal' behavior, preventing indecision and promoting efficient nesting choices. This behavior is similar to how humans make decisions, with individual bees targeting their stop signals only at rivals within the colony.
New research published in The FASEB Journal found that EPO increases blood pressure by constricting arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. This contradicts earlier evidence suggesting EPO may be a viable early treatment for stroke victims.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a memory-enhancing drug by inhibiting PKR activity, which boosts excitability and enhances learning and memory. In mice, PKR inhibition led to increased synaptic activity caused by gamma interferon, mimicking the effect of a 'memory pill'.
Researchers will scan 25 children using a four-time stronger MRI machine to validate initial evidence about brain damage and disease progression. The findings could lead to significant new approaches to prevent or minimize cerebral malaria's destructive effects.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that an optical illusion captures attention more strongly than other visual tests due to reflexive brain processing. The study suggests that the brain rapidly processes visual clues to guide where eyes look, influencing what we see.
Researchers created visual illusions to stimulate nerve cells in the visual cortex, revealing their role in estimating 3D shape. The study found that the brain uses complex cells to measure local orientation of patterns in the retinal image.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough using century-old brain samples to detect mental illness. The goal is to create a simple blood test for conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD, which could lead to faster diagnoses and improved patient care.
Researchers found that brain activity and visual perception of local and global motion differ significantly. Humans rely on a second mechanism for global motion, while neuronal activity is controlled by local motion in the stimulus.
A new study published in Journal of Molecular Neuroscience emphasizes the significance of identifying 'overlap syndrome' between ALS and FTD, which can impact patient survival. The research also explores clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and screening strategies for this syndrome.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that 3-year-old boys with regressive autism have larger brains than their healthy counterparts, while girls with autism do not show abnormal brain growth. Brain enlargement was consistently observed only in the subset of children diagnosed with regressive autism.
Research led by Dr. Paul Harch found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved function and quality of life for veterans with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatment showed improvements in symptoms, cognitive testing, quality of life measurements, and PTSD symptoms.
A new study found that conscious awareness influences information processing during decision making, leading to non-linear integration strategies. Participants who were aware of the evidence weighted new information based on their existing knowledge.
New research reveals that Toll-like receptors play a major role in brain damage risk for newborns, contributing to conditions like cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies, such as blocking special TLRs to reduce brain damage following hypoxia.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision increases our understanding of how the brain processes facial structure and recognizes family resemblance. Researchers found that people can pick out family members despite underlying differences, such as gender or age, by comparing faces to an average face for that gender.
A study published in The Journal of Cell Biology found that poor recycling of the BACE1 enzyme could promote Alzheimer's disease. Reduced levels of the retromer component VPS35 led to enhanced BACE1 activity and increased Abeta protein formation, contributing to disease progression.
A team of scientists has unraveled how the brain processes complex sensory signals, using a relatively simple computation performed by single nerve cells. The study confirms and extends a computational theory developed earlier, predicting that neurons fire in a manner predicted by a weighted summation rule.
Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. The goal is to define biomarkers for PTSD and TBI, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
A new national plan aims to improve care for patients with delirium, a poorly understood condition that affects millions of Americans. The plan outlines four goals: improving clinical care, educating healthcare providers, investing in research, and developing a network of delirium professionals.
Researchers found that nude bodies are processed more efficiently by the brain than clothed bodies, even at an early stage of visual processing. This effect is strongest for pictures of nude female bodies, and may play a role in reproduction.