Articles tagged with Cranium
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.
A biomaterial scaffold has been developed to recreate a skull stem cell niche, reducing craniosynostosis-related deformities and promoting normal skull growth. The triphasic scaffold maintained skeletal stem cells while supporting bone formation and tissue regeneration.
A team of researchers found that Gli2 and Gli3 function synergistically to regulate tooth root morphogenesis. Their study revealed a critical interaction between HH signaling and TGF-β signaling, which is essential for normal root development.
Intra-arterial tenecteplase significantly reduces the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality in patients with acute large vessel occlusion. The treatment also improves neurological outcomes at 90 days without increasing complications.
Researchers uncover how RUNX2 regulates cranial base growth by controlling chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation, and organization. The study provides fundamental insights into the complex interplay between RUNX2 and FGFR3, shedding light on novel therapeutic targets for craniofacial defects.
Virginia Tech researchers Pamela VandeVord and Gunnar Brolinson received a $2.17 million grant to investigate cranial osteopathic manual manipulation as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury symptoms, particularly headaches. The noninvasive technique aims to enhance brain fluid motion and balance the autonomic nervous system.
A study of Viking skulls using CT scans reveals a range of diseases including sinus and ear infections, osteoarthritis, and dental diseases. The results provide greater understanding of the health and wellbeing of the Viking population.
Researchers found that non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery significantly improves tumor control and reduces symptoms such as tinnitus, cranial nerve deterioration, and vestibular dysfunction. Early treatment can prevent tumors from growing over time and spare patients from irreversible problems.
A study published in JAMA finds that balloon angioplasty plus aggressive medical management reduces the risk of any stroke or death within 30 days. The treatment approach may be effective for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, but with consideration for increased stroke risk after balloon angioplasty.
A new study published in Science Advances documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neandertals, named 'Tina', and reveals that they provided extensive care for a young child with severe hearing loss. The discovery sheds light on the existence of true altruism among Neandertals.
Researchers developed 3D-printed flat-bone-mimetic bioceramic scaffolds to restore critical-sized cranial defects. The scaffolds, inspired by human cranial bones, promoted in vitro cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and angiogenic activities.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals the earliest known fossil of the modern European common hippopotamus, dating back to the Middle Pleistocene period. The analysis of a fossil skull from Italy confirms the identity of the species and provides insights into its dispersal history.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and KU Leuven identified 30 genetic regions associated with head shape, shedding light on the biological basis of craniosynostosis. The study also found that many genes play key roles in early head formation and bone development.
A 455-million-year-old fossil fish provides a new perspective on how vertebrates evolved to protect their brains. The ancient jawless fish has a unique skull with separate cartilages encasing the brain, filling a gap in the evolutionary history of the vertebrate skull.
Researchers found evidence of intentional post-mortem modifications to human remains, including fractures and scrapes, at a cave in southern Spain. These alterations suggest that the ancient humans reused and repurposed their own burial sites for practical purposes.
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.
A new fossil ape named Anadoluvius turkae, discovered in Türkiye, pushes the origin of African apes and humans from Europe to Asia. The findings suggest that hominines evolved in western and central Europe before migrating to Africa.
Researchers from Kyushu University discovered intentional cranial modification among the Hirota people on Tanegashima island, characterized by a flattened back of the skull. The practice, which predates written history, was likely used to signify group affiliation and preserve social status.
A new high-speed two-photon microscope was developed with an unprecedented line scanning frequency of 400 kHz, achieving up to 10,000 frames per second. This allowed for precise observations of complex biological processes in living tissues, including calcium signal propagation and blood flow measurements.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that two elite brothers from Late Bronze Megiddo, Israel, had access to trephination, a rare brain surgery procedure, around 1500 BC. The brothers' tomb contained evidence of chronic disease and advanced bone lesions, suggesting they survived due to their wealth and status.
A new study found that stroke patients experience a daily rhythm in cerebral blood flow regulation, with greater regulation during afternoon hours compared to morning and night times. This discovery may improve health outcomes by guiding daily activity and personal care during stroke recovery.
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.
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.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has selected top research presentations for its 2022 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience. These include groundbreaking studies in otology, laryngology, endocrine surgery, and head and neck surgery.
A team of UNLV-led researchers questions the hypothesis that modern humans experienced an evolutionary decrease in brain size during the transition to complex societies. They analyzed a dataset of early human fossil and museum specimens, finding no reduction in brain size over 30,000 years.
Researchers found that woodpeckers do not absorb the shock of their beak impacts with trees, which contradicts the long-held theory of shock absorption. Their smaller brains can withstand deceleration shocks exceeding the concussion threshold for humans and monkeys.
Researchers from the Crump Lab created a series of atlases to study the molecular decisions of cranial neural crest cells, identifying genetic signs that point to specific destinies. Their findings reveal a new approach to understanding head development and regeneration in vertebrates.
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.
The researchers will develop techniques to analyze the joint growth of the brain and cranium using MRI scans, helping clinicians better assess and diagnose developmental disorders. The project has the potential to provide invaluable insights into healthy child development, enabling early detection and effective treatment.
A CT scan of an ancient reptile skull found nearly identical to one from much older elasmosaurids, indicating minimal evolutionary change over 22 million years. The discovery challenges the notion that such species would undergo significant changes in their morphology over extended periods.
A newly discovered human species named Homo longi, or "Dragon Man", is redefining the history of human evolution. With a brain size comparable to modern humans and primitive features, the Harbin cranium suggests that Homo longi may have interacted with Homo sapiens in Asia.
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.
A single human cranium discovered in an Italian cave reveals evidence of ancient funerary treatment and transportation. The skull, dated to the Eneolithic period between 3630-3380 BC, shows signs of lesions indicating removal of soft tissues during a funeral ritual.
The study of Tiktaalik roseae reveals an intermediate stage in vertebrate evolution, shifting from suction-based to biting-based feeding strategies. The fossil's anatomy suggests a synergistic feeding strategy combining snapping and suction, potentially leading to the development of four-limbed animals.
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.
A bioceramic scaffold promotes bone regeneration and repair large bone defects without the need for bone grafts. The study found that the bioceramic converted into well-vascularized bone tissue with a structure similar to native bone.
Researchers discover avian predentary was covered by keratinous beak, mobile and proprioceptive, representing a unique feeding adaptation. The finding sheds light on the evolution of bird skull structure.
Skull shape differences were found among Asian and Asian-derived groups, enabling more nuanced ancestry estimations in forensic casework. The study provides population-specific methods for estimating biological profiles, aiding victim identification in mass disasters.
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.
A team of researchers has reevaluated a 430,000-year-old cranium, previously thought to be deaf, and found that the individual had normal hearing. The study used CT scans and virtual 3D models to analyze ear structures, revealing that the extra bony growths did not impact hearing abilities.
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.
A fossil study reconstructs the avian palate of Sapeornis chaoyangensis, shedding light on cranial kinesis. The research suggests that cranial kinesis may have facilitated the diversification and evolutionary success of Neognathae lineage.
Researchers discovered a remarkably complete 3.8-million-year-old cranium of Australopithecus anamensis in Ethiopia, revealing new insights into human evolution. The fossil finds contradict the long-held notion of a linear transition between A. anamensis and its descendant species A. afarensis.
Researchers uncover remarkably complete cranium of Australopithecus anamensis, a 3.8-million-year-old early human ancestor. The discovery contradicts long-held notions of human evolution, revealing that Lucy's species and its ancestor coexisted for at least 100,000 years.
Researchers discovered two male skeletons from ancient Croatia with artificially deformed skulls, indicating possible cultural distinctions among diverse European groups. Genetic analysis revealed distinct ancestries, hinting at the use of cranial modification to signify social status during the Great Migration Period.
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.
A collaboration of researchers from Oregon State University, University of Oxford, and Erasmus University discovered a genetic mutation causing craniosynostosis, a condition where skull bones fuse prematurely. This finding may lead to the prevention of the disorder and a better understanding of its effects on other organ systems.
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.
A genetic study has identified a risk factor for stroke among childhood cancer survivors who received cranial radiation therapy. Variants in the chromosomal region 5p15.33 increase the risk of stroke approximately five-fold among those treated with intermediate dose radiation.
Researchers found cranial shape variation within species reflects genetic diversity. Genetic drift and mutation processes underlying genetic diversity are likely drivers of this variation.
Researchers have scanned a four-million-year-old fossil cranium and found it shares similarities with that of modern humans. The study revealed the cranium's thick, spongy bone may indicate comparable blood flow to our brains, suggesting an important role in brain protection.
A new genus and species of gibbon has been identified in an ancient Chinese noble-woman's tomb, revealing a previously unknown extinct population of apes in eastern Asia. The findings suggest that human activity may have contributed to the gibbon's extinction.
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.
Homo naledi had a small endocranial volume, suggesting a small brain compared to other Homo species. The study found occipital lobe asymmetry and lunate sulcus morphology similar to that seen in modern humans.
Researchers found that cranial modifications in the ancient Andes were associated with group identity and increased social inequality. The practice, which involved binding and reshaping a baby's head, became more common between 1100-1450 AD, particularly among elite groups.
A bioarchaeological study of cranial modification practices in the Colca Valley found a significant increase in prevalence over time, with oblique modification becoming predominant. This suggests that modification contributed to the creation of a new collective identity and reinforced social inequality.
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.
Researchers analyzed ancient Roman skulls using state-of-the-art forensic techniques to identify significant cranial differences between coastal communities. The findings suggest that the area around Velia had a large Greek population, influencing local physical characteristics.
A new study reveals that cerebral veins play a crucial role in regulating the brain's blood flow by storing and releasing blood throughout the cardiac cycle. This finding has significant implications for understanding diseases such as vascular dementia and normal pressure hydrocephalus.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest fossil human cranium in Portugal, dating back 400,000 years. The cranium is significant because it is well-dated and associated with abundant faunal remains and stone tools, including bifaces.