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One of the world's only two complete dodo skulls reveals new clues about the extinct bird

Researchers digitally reconstructed a dodo brain cavity to understand its sensory abilities, finding it may have had a flexible daily activity pattern and enhanced sense of smell. The study provides new clues on how the dodo foraged and interacted with its environment before disappearing in the late 17th century.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 5, 2026

The latest in science and medical advancement in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery to be presented at AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting

The AAO-HNSF 2023 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience will feature groundbreaking clinical research and professional development emerging within otolaryngology. The meeting will showcase the latest scientific oral presentations on various topics, including Otology, Laryngology, Endocrine Surgery, and more.

Warmer brain-irrigation fluid in surgery more efficacious

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that using warmer brain irrigation fluid can halve the number of repeat operations needed to remedy bleeding under the cranium. This method involves replacing room temperature irrigation fluid with body temperature fluid, resulting in a significant reduction in surgical interventions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 22, 2022

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga reveal new data on the evolution of the hominid cranium

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga have found that humans uniquely combine increased brain size with a juvenile cranial shape. The analysis of four new hominid fossils and modern great ape samples shows changes in cranial development, including a negative growth of the neurocranium and a positive growth of the splanchnocranium.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Presentation of the first personalized virtual planning and navigation system for craniosynostosis surgery

Researchers at Hospital Gregorio Marañón and UC3M developed a navigation system combining surgical navigation, three-dimensional photography, and augmented reality to estimate bone fragment positions during surgery. This system has been used on 7 patients with optimal results, reducing dependency on surgeons' experience.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateDec 2, 2021

Giant fossil's 'bird-brain'

Researchers examine brain structures of extinct giant birds, finding similarities with modern chickens and ducks. The analysis reveals that these ancient birds had well-developed stereoscopic vision and a diet of soft leaves and fruit.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDiversity·DateMar 23, 2021

New clues emerge in how early tetrapods learned to live -- and eat -- on land

A team of researchers discovered that Tiktaalik roseae, a transitional fossil between fish and tetrapods, exhibited sliding joints in its skull that allowed for cranial kinesis, enabling the animal to expand its mouth and create suction. This adaptation is thought to have evolved in aquatic species before being adapted for use on land.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2021

The brain does not follow the head

Researchers found that human brains evolved independently of changes to the braincase, despite both being affected by bipedalism. The study used CT and MRI data to quantify spatial relationships between brain structures and cranial structures.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

The future of bone healing

Researchers at UTA are developing a groundbreaking treatment to accelerate the healing of cranial injuries using live 3D printing and regenerative antioxidant materials. The approach has the potential to shorten healing time and make treatment more accessible for patients.

Neuroimaging essential for Zika cases

A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2019

3D reconstruction of craniums elucidates the evolution of New World monkeys

The study used CT scans and 3D imaging to analyze cranium fossils of two extinct species, identifying adaptations and relationships with extant platyrrhine species. The results showed that C. bambuiorum is closely related to Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix, contradicting its initial classification.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJun 17, 2019

Holes in the head

Researchers compared ancient Peruvian trepanation outcomes to those during the American Civil War and found a significant difference in mortality rates. The study suggests ancient Peruvians may have prevented infection through unknown methods, leading to better survival rates over time.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateJun 8, 2018

Exit through the lymphatic system

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified that cerebrospinal fluid exits the cranial cavity through lymph vessels in mice, rewriting anatomy textbooks. The study found that this pathway is responsible for flushing out unwanted substances and may offer a starting point for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2017