Articles tagged with Inner Ear
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Researchers have developed a new AI tool called VASCilia that provides unprecedented 3D views of cochlear hair cells. The tool accelerates the imaging process by 50-fold, allowing scientists to analyze cells with greater precision and accuracy. This advancement offers new insights into hearing loss caused by damaged inner ear hair cells.
Researchers adapted optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize tiny structures in the human inner ear, correlating fluid levels with a patient's degree of hearing loss. The findings may help clinicians diagnose and treat hearing loss more quickly and effectively.
Researchers have created a more efficient and controlled method to produce lab-grown inner ear hair cells, offering new hope for hearing loss research. The innovative approach uses a doxycycline-inducible transcription factor system, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing time compared to existing methods.
A study published in Neurobiology of Disease found that melanin degradation is impaired in genetically engineered mice lacking the SLC26A4 gene, leading to chronic inflammation and macrophage activation. The researchers propose a novel pathological cascade where melanin accumulation exacerbates hearing loss in pigmented individuals.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique sound stimulation technology that alleviates motion sickness, reducing symptoms by up to a minute of stimulation. The device stimulates the inner ear with a specific wavelength of sound, activating the vestibular system and improving balance.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to track the development of cells in the nervous system and inner ear. The technique, known as ectoderm barcoding, reveals that cells in the inner ear develop from two main types of stem cells.
A USC Stem Cell mouse study has identified shared genes involved in regenerating cells in the ear and eye, which could lead to new treatments for hearing and vision loss. The researchers discovered that inhibiting a specific protein, p27Kip1, can encourage regeneration in both organs.
A new study found that Neanderthals experienced a drastic loss of genetic variation approximately 110,000 years ago, leading to their eventual extinction. The research measured the morphological diversity in semicircular canals, which revealed lower diversity in classic Neanderthals compared to pre-Neanderthals and early Neanderthals.
A study led by Alessandro Urciuoli and Mercedes Conde-Valverde found that the morphological diversity of Neanderthals' semicircular canals is lower than previously thought, suggesting a bottleneck event. This challenges the theory that Neanderthals originated after a significant genetic diversity loss.
Researchers found that adding audio to a moving subway scene increased balance challenges for people with vestibular problems. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that sounds can be a disruptive factor for those with vestibular hypofunction, a condition resulting in impaired balance.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people who receive physical therapy earlier after a concussion tend to have better balance control and reduced reaction times. This can lead to improved outcomes and reduced risk of re-injury. Early intervention may enable the brain to return to a more normal state, compens...
A USC Stem Cell study has identified key gene regulators that enable some deafened animals, including fish and lizards, to naturally regenerate their hearing. The researchers found a class of DNA control elements known as 'enhancers' that amplify the production of a protein called ATOH1, which induces sensory cells in the inner ear.
Researchers aim to shed light on how hearing impairment affects auditory perception, particularly in complex environments. They will use animal models to examine neural mechanisms contributing to difficulties in sound localization.
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.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing a new technology using magnetic nanoparticles to deliver medications directly to the inner ear, where hearing loss occurs. The goal is to create an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for various types of hearing loss.
Researchers found that middle fossa craniotomy significantly improved hearing preservation and quality of life for patients after removing an acoustic neuroma. The study showed excellent facial nerve outcomes in 94% of patients, while 68% preserved their hearing.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a molecular mechanism behind noise-induced hearing loss, which affects millions of Americans. They found that excess zinc in the inner ear causes cellular damage and disrupts normal cell communication, leading to hearing loss.
A new study of a 7–8-million-year-old extinct fossil ape from China, Lufengpithecus, offers new insights into the evolution of human bipedalism. The researchers found that early apes shared a locomotor repertoire ancestral to human bipedalism, and their analysis suggests a three-step evolution of human bipedalism.
A recent study on the fossil ape Lufengpithecus offers insights into the origins of human bipedalism. By analyzing the inner ear region, researchers discovered a three-step evolution process that led to human walking, with early apes using tree-like locomotion and later developing a combination of climbing and terrestrial quadrupedalism.
A new mechanism of vestibular neuritis has been discovered, linking it to autoimmunity and the presence of anti-GQ1b antibodies. The study found that these antibodies were associated with bilateral vestibular damage in 33% of patients, and improved upon conversion to negative, suggesting a potential for immunotherapy.
Researchers have identified a gene that links deafness to cell death in the inner ear, creating new opportunities for preventing hearing loss. The discovery suggests that UPR-blocking drugs could prevent deafness caused by loud noise exposure or aging.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and MED-EL have created a complete computer model of the ear, allowing for detailed simulation of sound conversion and hearing processes. This model may help improve cochlear implants and better compensate hearing impairments.
Researchers found that phytosterols can reverse age-related hearing loss in mice by replenishing cholesterol in sensory cells. The study suggests that these plant-based compounds could be a convenient way to combat age-related hearing loss.
Researchers found that epigenetic silencing shuts off key genes required for sensory cell conversion. Enzyme TET can remove methyl groups to reverse gene silencing and restore hearing capability. Progenitor cells in deaf ears may already be primed to convert into sensory hearing cells.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a novel mechanism by which hair cells can repair themselves after damage. This breakthrough understanding has the potential to develop new treatments for age-related hearing loss and other conditions.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that deaf mice develop normal auditory circuitry until the ear canal opens and hearing begins. This spontaneous activity is necessary for training the auditory system to respond correctly to sounds of different frequencies, potentially preparing it for cochlear prostheses.
A Brazilian study compared treatments for idiopathic and refractory tinnitus, finding low-level laser therapy with photobiomodulation to be the most effective. The treatment had lasting therapeutic effects when combined with other therapies.
Researchers have created a drug-like cocktail that successfully regenerated hair cells in a mouse model by reprogramming genetic pathways within the inner ear. The approach could lead to clinical trials for a gene therapy that can be administered to people with hearing loss, potentially treating up to 90% of cases.
Researchers developed a testing model to understand cognitive challenges of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), a rare condition causing sound-induced dizziness and hearing abnormalities. The Mongolian gerbil model shows promise for accelerating recovery with reversible diagnostic findings characteristic of patients with SSCD.
Researchers have discovered a unique, fast synapse in the inner ear that processes signals faster than any other in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for vertigo and balance disorders affecting millions of Americans over 40.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers discovered hearing impairment in a novel preclinical model of autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory organs and their interactions with the brain in understanding ASD.
Researchers at OHSU have revealed the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, a long-standing mystery. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hearing impairments affecting over 460 million people worldwide.
Research by Kirill Kavokin found that around 100 hair cells in an animal's inner ear can act as effective biological compass needles, allowing them to detect the magnetic field. This discovery could bring biologists closer to understanding the origins of magnetoreception and identifying mechanisms responsible.
Researchers at IISc identified a way to estimate ancient seawater temperature by analyzing otoliths from fish ears, which hold clues to water type and age. By correlating calcium isotope ratios with seawater temperatures, they found a powerful tracer of water temperature that can be applied to fossilized samples.
Researchers discovered that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) reduces the stiffness of the gating spring, decreasing channel sensitivity. This provides an opportunity to develop new drugs preserving auditory sensitivity from damage.
A team of international scientists found that endothermy appeared in mammalian ancestors about 233 million years ago, well before the origin of mammals. Fossils from South Africa's Karoo region played a key role in this discovery, providing an unbroken record of life's evolution.
Researchers developed a word-score model to estimate the amount of hidden hearing loss, or cochlear nerve damage, in humans. The model uses average speech scores as a function of age from nearly 96,000 ears examined at Mass Eye and Ear.
A new study reveals anatomic differences in the inner ear structures of two major bat groups, influencing the evolution of diverse echolocation and foraging forms. The absence of Rosenthal's canal in Yangochiropterans allowed for unique behavioral adaptations.
A study on Ankylosaurus austriacus, a nodosaurid dinosaur from Austria, found that its brain was similar to those of its relatives, but with a small flocculus indicating poor balance. The dinosaur's auditory capacities were also limited due to a short lagena, suggesting an exceptionally sluggish lifestyle.
A novel gene delivery technique has successfully restored hearing in mice with a mutated STRC gene, which is the second most common genetic cause of hearing loss. The approach could be used to deliver other large genes and may provide a broad window of opportunity for treatment from babies to adults.
Researchers develop cellular models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection of the inner ear, finding that the virus can infect hair cells and Schwann cells. The pattern of infection matches symptoms observed in a study of 10 Covid-19 patients with ear-related issues.
A new implant has improved balance, movement and quality of life for patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH), a condition that affects 1.8 million adults worldwide. The device, which stimulates the vestibular nerve, has been shown to reduce dizziness and improve walking ability.
Researchers studied the brain and inner ear cavity of Brindabellaspis stensioi, discovering an ancient placoderm with features resembling modern jawed vertebrates. The fossil challenges existing theories on platyoderm relationships and sheds light on the evolution of jawed vertebrates.
A team of scientists used virtual anatomy techniques to examine a 400-million-year-old fossil, discovering an unexpectedly modern inner ear structure that challenges previous assumptions about placoderm evolution. The findings suggest a possible link between ancient platypus fish and modern jawed vertebrates.
The study explores inner ear morphology to understand hominid evolution and relationships among apes, monkeys, and humans. Volumetric proportions of semicircular canals in extinct apes resemble those of extant great apes and humans.
Researchers used advanced imaging and 3-D modeling to digitally rebuild the brain of Thecodontosaurus, finding it may have eaten meat and walked on two legs. The study also suggests the dinosaur was relatively agile and had a high hearing frequency, indicating social complexity.
A study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus challenges a decades-old hypothesis on adaptation in the inner ear's sensory cells. The researchers found that adaptation does not involve a mechanical change in the hair bundle, contrary to existing models.
A study of thalattosuchians' inner ear morphology reveals a strikingly compact and reduced bony labyrinth reminiscent of whales. The evolutionary transition from land to water occurred after a prolonged semiaquatic phase, distinct from whales' rapid adaptation.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully recreate human skin with hair, nerves, and fat using a novel culture technique. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize wound treatment, burn care, and cosmetics testing, as well as aid in the development of new treatments for diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma.
Researchers at Uppsala University used synchrotron X-rays to study the organ of balance and surrounding blood vessels. The discovery of a drainage system may improve understanding of how Ménière's disease arises from fluid accumulation in the inner ear.
Researchers used 3D imaging to analyze the shape of apes' inner ears, revealing features that support the evolution of hominoids. The study suggests that these structures hold clues to our species' evolutionary relationships with extinct ape species.
Researchers discovered a way to reprogram mature inner ear cells to proliferate and regenerate hair-cell-like cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of treatments to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. The study provides hope for regrowing sensory hair cells and other important inner ear cell types.
A new study suggests that chronic conductive hearing loss due to middle-ear infections can lead to neural deficits and difficulties in noisy environments. Researchers found patients with longstanding conductive hearing impairment had lower speech-recognition scores on the affected side, even when speech was audible.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found a way to regenerate hair cells in the inner ears of mice, allowing them to recover vestibular function. The technique shows promise for treating vestibular disorders, such as dizziness and balance problems caused by damaged or lost hair cells.
Researchers discovered that dopamine decreases hair cell sensitivity in female fish's inner ear, but reduces inhibition via D2a receptors during summer, increasing hearing sensitivity. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms of acoustic communication in vertebrates.
Analysis of prehistoric dog skulls and comparisons with modern animals have uncovered the hunting methods used by the world's first dogs, 40 million years ago. The study found that these early canines pounced on prey in a similar way to modern species like foxes and coyotes.
The study of hagfish inner ear development sheds light on the evolutionary process. The team found that key genes controlling development are expressed similarly across vertebrates, including lampreys and hagfish.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created the first map of methylation that reflects the functioning of the inner ear, revealing critical genes for hearing development. The discovery may lead to new therapeutics by modifying epigenetic signals to allow regeneration of hair cells.
Researchers discovered that afferent nerves from transplanted otic placodes form functional connections with the brainstem, allowing them to reach their target cells. The study found that these neurons rely on diffusible molecules and other guidance mechanisms to navigate the hindbrain.
University of Utah engineers uncover the reasons behind vertigo caused by specific sounds, linking it to a thinning of the bone enclosing the inner ear. The study reveals pathological fluid mechanical waves in the semicircular canals as the culprit, causing incorrect signals sent to the brain.