Articles tagged with Gray Matter
A new University of Cincinnati study found that binge drinking among adolescents and young adults can cause cortical-thinning in the pre-frontal cortex, leading to impaired executive functioning. The research also suggests that greater number of drinks per binge is associated with reduced gray matter thickness.
A recent brain imaging study suggests that men with a history of violent behavior may have greater gray matter volume in certain brain areas, whereas those with substance use disorders may have reduced volume in other areas. The study found associations between increased gray matter volume and higher scores for psychopathy and lifelong...
Recent analysis of children and adolescents with FASD reveals significant volume reductions in deep gray matter structures. These findings suggest that the brain's relay stations, responsible for efficient communication between regions, are disproportionately affected by alcohol exposure during fetal development.
Research suggests sleep apnea patients experience structural brain abnormalities in regions susceptible to hypoxemia, which may be partially or fully reversible with early detection and treatment. Cognitive challenges such as executive function impairments and daytime sleepiness are linked to specific brain areas affected by OSA.
A new study found that menstrual cramps can cause alterations in the brain's gray matter, even when pain is not present. Researchers discovered abnormal changes in specific brain areas involved in pain transmission and regulation, suggesting that the adolescent brain may be vulnerable to menstrual pain.
Research shows that IBS is associated with both decreases and increases in grey matter density in key brain areas involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain inhibition. These findings suggest a 'brain-gut disorder' component and move beyond the traditional view of IBS as a functional syndrome.
Researchers used MRI scans to investigate the neurological basis for performance on vocational guidance tests, finding that gray matter correlates differ between broad and narrow test types. This study provides a basis for investigating whether brain scans can provide unique information for vocational choice.
A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found that adults with anorexia can regain brain volume after weight gain through specialist treatment. Brain volume deficits among underweight patients with Anorexia Nervosa were reversed within several weeks of weight restoration.
A new study combines two analytical techniques to provide a more accurate picture of the autistic brain, revealing regional differences in grey matter and potential markers for early therapy. The research provides critical insight into autism, shedding light on structural brain differences that may be related to enhanced perception abi...
Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients. Aerobic fitness has a protective effect on parts of the brain most affected by MS, leading to better performance on tasks that measure processing speed.
Patients with severe OSA show decreased gray matter concentration in multiple brain areas, including limbic structures and prefrontal cortices. The study suggests that OSA may lead to memory impairment, cardiovascular disturbances, and executive dysfunctions.
A UCLA study found that meditation increases gray matter in areas of the brain regulating emotions, leading to improved emotional stability and mindful behavior. Long-term meditators showed significantly larger volumes in regions such as the hippocampus and orbito-frontal cortex.
Multiple sclerosis researchers discover that the immune system targets gray matter in addition to myelin, damaging nerve cell bodies and leading to irreversible destruction of axons. The newly identified protein Contactin-2 plays a critical role in this process.
Researchers used MRI scans to detect gray matter damage in MS patients, finding that unnatural darkness was linked to higher risk of disability progression. This new marker shows closer correlations with clinical status than other established markers.
A study of nine world-class mountain climbers found a reduction in white and grey matter in the brain involved in motor activity after high-altitude expeditions to Everest and K2. Despite this, cognitive abilities remained unaffected.
A new study has identified several specific white matter regions and deep gray matter areas of the brain sensitive to prenatal alcohol exposure in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to map brain structure, revealing widespread diffusion abnormalities beyond the corpus callosum.
Researchers used a novel imaging technique to study autistic children and found increased gray matter in brain areas governing social processing and learning by observation. The study revealed that increased gray matter does not correspond to IQ levels, indicating dysfunctional mirror neuron system function.
Researchers at UCLA used a novel brain imaging technique to show that lithium increases gray matter in the brains of people with bipolar disorder, particularly in areas critical for attention and emotional control. The findings suggest that existing gray matter in these regions may be underused or dysfunctional.
Researchers found that high long-chain omega-3 intake is associated with increased grey matter volume in areas of the brain related to emotional arousal and regulation. This study suggests that omega-3s may promote structural improvements in brain regions linked to mood disorders.
Researchers found that newborn brain regions controlling vision and sensory information grew significantly faster than those controlling abstract thinking. Gray matter, which contains most of the neurons, grew by 40% in the first months after birth, leading to potential implications for autism research.
A study found that monitoring grey matter density over time using brain scans could help early detection of individuals at risk for schizophrenia. The results showed a correlation between reduced grey matter density and increased risk of developing the condition.
Researchers propose that brain regions like cerebral cortex and spinal cord are designed with low conduction delays in mind, allowing for efficient signal transmission. The study provides a mathematical framework for understanding the segregation of gray and white matter in the brain.
Researchers discovered sequence variations in the DISC1 gene that predict schizophrenia, neurocognitive deficits, and brain structure abnormalities. The study's findings offer hope for developing a treatment that can prevent or fix the protein's function.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that pathological liars have a surplus of white matter and a deficit of gray matter in their brains. This suggests they have more tools to lie but fewer moral restraints than normal people.
A new study found that an atypical antipsychotic drug can prevent brain loss in patients with schizophrenia when started early. The study, led by Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, measured brain volume and cognitive changes in 263 first-episode schizophrenia patients and 58 non-schizophrenic volunteers over a two-year period.
A study found that atypical antipsychotic medication olanzapine reduced gray matter volume less than conventional haloperidol, while healthy volunteers showed no significant changes. These differences were associated with varying improvements in neurocognitive functioning and behavioral pathology.
A new UCI study finds that men and women use different brain areas to achieve similar IQ results, with women having more white matter and men having more gray matter related to intellectual skill. The study suggests that human evolution has created two different types of brains designed for equally intelligent behavior.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that chronic back pain is associated with a significant decrease in gray matter volume in the brain, particularly in regions involved in processing information and memory. This suggests that proper treatment may reverse some of the brain changes caused by chronic pain.
Reduced gray matter volume, particularly in language centers, is associated with dyslexia. The study supports the effectiveness of intensive reading remediation therapy.
A comprehensive brain-scan study of intelligence has identified certain brain regions and their gray matter volume as key determinants of general human intelligence. The research reveals that multiple brain areas are related to IQ scores, with only about 6% of all gray matter appearing crucial for intelligence.
A decade-long brain development study using MRI scans shows that higher-order brain centers, such as the prefrontal cortex, mature later in life. Gray matter wanes in a back-to-front wave as neural connections are pruned, with areas performing basic functions maturing earlier.
Researchers used post-mortem spinal cord tissue to identify a unique gene expression profile in ALS patients, revealing distinct changes underlying the terminal stages of the disease. The study distinguishes between familial and sporadic ALS forms, providing insights into the molecular pathophysiology of neurodegeneration.
Researchers used computer-assisted MRI technology to visualize gray matter structures in the brain of MS patients, finding T2 hypointensity associated with iron deposits. The study found correlations between T2 hypointensity and impaired walking ability and cognitive impairment, suggesting a new potential target for treatment.
A new study found significant gray matter loss in the insular cortex and basal ganglia of advanced heart failure patients. The insular cortex was affected on both sides, with greater loss on the right side, while basal ganglia damage was also observed.
Researchers found that halting COPD treatment with inhaled corticosteroids increases exacerbation risk and worsens quality of life. Men are more prone to pharyngeal collapse due to longer airways, which may contribute to their higher obstructive sleep apnea risk. Additionally, patients with OSA showed reduced brain gray matter volume, ...
A study published in Biochemistry found significant alterations in white matter tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a potential initiating step for the disease. White matter degeneration may be caused by a disease of oligodendrocytes, leading to axon damage and cognitive impairments.
Researchers found less gray matter in select brain regions of chronic cocaine users compared to controls. This decrease may contribute to behaviors such as impulsive decision-making and risk-taking. Understanding these effects can help develop strategies to reverse and restore normal brain function.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center are providing new insights into multiple sclerosis using advanced MRI brain imaging methods. They have found that the brain's gray matter, where higher functioning is centered, is involved in MS and has identified a potential target for treatment.