Articles tagged with Gray Matter
A study among WTC responders with chronic PTSD found measurable physical changes in their brain structure, including cortical changes and imbalance of myelinated to unmyelinated neurons. These changes were most strongly associated with re-experiencing symptoms in individuals with PTSD.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
A study analyzing the brains of women during pregnancy for the first time reveals that 94% of grey matter undergoes changes, particularly in social cognition regions. The research shows a reduction and partial recovery of brain volume, associated with steroid hormone fluctuations and maternal well-being.
The study found that female infants had significantly more grey matter than male infants, while male infants had more white matter. These sex differences are average and do not imply better or worse brains, but rather reflect biological sex differences during prenatal brain development.
Researchers have identified structural grey matter differences in the brains of women with a history of peripartum depression compared to those without. The study found that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and childbirth may be key to understanding this condition.
Researchers identify modifiable determinants of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) in older adults. A higher BMI was associated with lower CBF and longer ATT, while cardiorespiratory fitness linked to longer ATT in specific brain regions.
Researchers have created the first map of a human brain over the course of pregnancy, documenting changes in gray and white matter. These findings suggest that the adult brain is capable of undergoing extended periods of neuroplasticity, which may support behavioral adaptations tied to parenting.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have investigated a range of contributing risk factors for suicide in a large-scale study. The study identified biological and behavioral predictors, including elevated white blood cells, neuroticism, childhood experiences, and reduced grey matter in the brain.
A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.
A large brain imaging study discovered reduced grey matter volume across nearly all brain regions in individuals with Early Onset Psychosis, a critical period of brain development. The study provides unprecedented levels of detail about the illness and may assist in future diagnosis and track treatment effects.
A recent study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that physical fitness since childhood is associated with increased cerebellar grey matter volume in adolescents. Those with better neuromuscular fitness had larger Crus I grey matter volume, while those with cardiorespiratory fitness had smaller to...
Exposure to plasticizers during pregnancy has been linked to smaller total gray matter in the brains of children at age 10. Additionally, maternal exposure to certain phthalates is associated with lower child IQ at age 14. The relationship between exposure and lower IQ is partially influenced by total gray matter volumes.
A study found that teenage smokers have less grey matter in their left frontal lobe, associated with decision-making and rule-breaking. This loss of grey matter may lead to increased impulsivity and a desire for smoking, as well as weaken control over nicotine use.
Rice University scientists have developed a tiny, flexible spinal probe system that can record high-quality data from spinal cord neurons and provide localized stimulation. The new tool aims to improve our understanding of spinal cord function and potentially bring new hope to patients with injuries or conditions.
A mouse model of multiple sclerosis reveals evidence of inflammatory gene expression spilling over from the brain's barrier to grey matter. The study uses spatial transcriptomics to show a gradient of immune genes and inflammatory markers from meninges to surrounding brain tissue.
Researchers developed an innovative imaging approach using two-photon microscopy to analyze retinal microcirculation, revealing significant changes in blood flow that may indicate brain diseases. The study suggests that microcirculation in the retina could serve as a promising predictor of cerebrovascular diseases.
Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.
Researchers found changes in grey matter volume in pain-processing areas of the brain, with decreased volume in regions responsible for inhibiting pain. The study also revealed altered signal transmission in the thalamus and correlations between brain structure and perceptional characteristics.
Researchers found that formalin fixation does not significantly alter the polarimetric properties of brain tissue, making it suitable for training machine-learning models. The study suggests that formalin-fixed brain tissue specimens can provide high-quality data for rapid and accurate diagnostic imaging in surgery.
A study found that practicing music and active listening can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by promoting brain plasticity. The researchers discovered an increase in grey matter volume in four brain regions involved in high-level cognitive functioning.
A new study links shorter telomeres to multiple changes in the brain associated with dementia, including reduced grey matter volume and a thicker cerebral cortex. Longer telomeres were found to be protective, reducing the risk of dementia but not stroke or Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that Black children experienced more childhood adversity than White children, leading to differential changes in brain regions linked to psychiatric disease. The study suggests that structural racism may play a significant role in these differences.
Researchers identified a common brain network underlying several psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. The transdiagnostic network shows gray matter decreases in specific brain regions across most studies.
Researchers at USC found significant differences in gray matter density between boys and girls with binge eating disorder, suggesting unique brain structures and potentially different treatments. The study underscores the need to include males in future research on eating disorders.
A study from UniSA researchers found associations between metabolic profiles and adverse brain findings, including lower hippocampal and grey matter volumes. People with metabolic profiles linked to obesity were more likely to have higher accumulation of iron in the brain.
A recent study highlights the importance of physical exercise, social relationships, and passion in maintaining brain health. By adopting these three factors, individuals can improve their cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related decline.
A study at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that war-zone related stress can alter the brain's limbic gray matter regions, affecting basic emotions and drives. These structural changes are associated with cognitive functioning, including improved verbal short-term memory and processing speed.
A large study found associations between steroid use and structural changes in brain white and grey matter, which may explain neuropsychiatric side effects. Steroid use was associated with reduced white matter structure and altered brain structures involved in cognitive and emotional processing.
Research published in JNeurosci found that Gulf War veterans with chronic pain have changes in brain structure involved in pain processing, including larger frontal cortex areas and smaller insular cortices. These structural differences may contribute to the development of effective treatments for Gulf War Illness.
A major study of nearly 2,000 brain scans found significant reductions in cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, and cortical surface area in individuals with anorexia. Early treatment and weight gain were shown to positively impact brain structure, suggesting the potential for long-term recovery.
Researchers analyzed brain volumes of 37 Parkinson’s patients and 27 controls over 8.8 years, finding accelerated grey matter decline in temporal and occipital lobes. The study’s findings support Braak's disease stage scheme and provide new insights into Parkinson’s progression.
A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...
Research identifies genetic variants associated with reduced grey matter volume in brain regions linked to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests a potential new target for treating severe mental illnesses by targeting the IL-6 gene.
A USC-led study reveals that children with binge eating disorder show abnormalities in gray matter density compared to unaffected peers, indicating a possible link between the disorder and brain development. The findings suggest that treatment may need to address underlying brain abnormalities.
Researchers found increased myelination in areas associated with emotions and memory in individuals with anxiety and PTSD, correlating with specific symptoms. This study provides a possible explanation for individual variation in stress response and may lead to targeted treatments.
A new study suggests that greater cumulative estrogen exposure in life may counter the brain-shrinking effect of menopause. Women with longer reproductive years, more children, and hormone therapy showed increased gray matter volume in certain brain areas. This protective effect may help reduce Alzheimer's risk in women.
A large study found that education and income have varying relationships with brain volume and cognitive scores across different populations. The associations were strongest in childhood development, suggesting socioeconomic status may not specifically protect the brain from aging effects.
A new study has found that harmful body fat can increase the risk of dementia and stroke, with grey matter atrophy being a key indicator. The research used genetic data from over 336,000 individuals to establish a link between obesity and declining brain health.
Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.
Research suggests that spending moderate amounts of time watching television during midlife is associated with greater cognitive decline and lower brain volume. This could be due to prolonged sedentary behavior affecting brain health, which may impact overall well-being in later life.
A new study found reduced gray matter volume in Covid-19 patients' frontal-temporal network associated with higher disability levels and fever. Gray matter changes may underlie mood disturbances in Covid-19 patients.
A new study challenges the idea that gray matter is more important than white matter for cognitive health. Damage to dense structural connections in the brain was found to be a better predictor of poor outcomes than damage to functional hubs.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that regular caffeine intake can change the gray matter of the brain, but these effects are temporary. The study involved 20 healthy young individuals who were given caffeine or placebo tablets for two 10-day periods, with no sleep disruption observed.
A massive study of brain scan and genetic data from over 12,000 people reveals how a genetic disposition toward risky behavior is embodied in the brain. The research found associations between risk-taking and lower levels of gray matter in many brain regions, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum.
Researchers discovered that MS immune cells destroy excitatory synapses, impairing neural activity. However, the destruction is reversible upon inflammation resolution, offering new therapeutic approaches to slow disease progression.
A large multi-site study has found a link between brain connectivity and grey matter atrophy caused by certain types of epilepsy. The study used big data analysis to accurately predict damage to grey matter over time.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that genetic variants of the ROBO1 gene in young children are associated with grey matter volume in the right parietal cortex, predicting mathematical test scores. The research suggests that genetic variability may shape mathematical ability by influencing early brain development.
A new study found that bilingual children and adolescents had less shrinkage in grey matter compared to monolingual peers during brain development. This suggests that bilingualism may have long-term cognitive benefits. The study also revealed increased white matter, indicating more efficient brain communication.
A new pre-clinical study identified genes linked with the development of brain folds in the grey matter of the brain. The research found differences in genetic expression and neuron shape during the folding process, which can lead to cognitive deficits and neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
A new study found significant early childhood exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with reduced gray matter volume and cortical thickness by age 12. Researchers estimated exposure using an air sampling network and used magnetic resonance imaging to obtain anatomical brain images from 147 12-year-olds.
A new study found that cardiorespiratory exercise is associated with increased gray matter volume and decelerated cognitive decline. Regular exercise of moderate intensity, such as walking or biking, may contribute to improved brain health.
New research challenges traditional idea about relationship between alcohol use and brain size, suggesting that reduced brain volume may represent a genetically-conferred predispositional risk factor for heavier alcohol consumption. Longitudinal and family data from three independent brain imaging studies confirm this association.
Researchers found that children's brains are becoming more myelinated, which could affect estimates of cortical thickness. This discovery challenges previous hypotheses on brain development and has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.
A whole brain imaging study found that excess grey matter in the brain can predict escalating drinking behavior in teens. Teens with more grey matter in certain regions were more likely to increase their drinking habits over time.
A novel PET tracer has been used to detect abnormal inflammation in the grey matter of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, linked to physical disability and brain atrophy. The study provides a new tool for assessing disease progression and predicting treatment effects.
A new study by Cardiff University reveals that aging damages white matter cells, which can affect grey matter in the hippocampus and cognitive function. Researchers found that damage to support cells in white matter may lead to tissue health issues in the hippocampus, a region important for memory and involved in Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that people with blood pressure above normal were more likely to have loss of volume in the gray matter in certain areas of the brain than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure was linked to reduced gray matter volumes, particularly in the left inferior frontal gyrus.
A new study finds that even a small amount of cannabis use by teenagers is linked to differences in their brains, including increased gray matter volume in areas involved in emotion and memory development. The researchers also ruled out pre-existing brain differences or personality traits as possible explanations for the findings.
A large-scale study published in Neurology found a significant link between excessive body fat around the middle and reduced brain volume, specifically lower gray matter volumes. Researchers measured BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and overall body fat in 9,652 participants and found those with higher ratios had lower brain volume.
A new study suggests that playing a season of contact sports like youth football can affect normal gray matter pruning in the brain. Researchers found significant increases in power and gray matter volume in the frontal default mode network in high-impact players.