Articles tagged with Inner Ear
Researchers found a direct link between aldosterone levels and the ability to hear normally as people age. Lower blood levels of aldosterone are associated with severe hearing loss, suggesting that the hormone plays a role in maintaining good hearing.
Researchers discovered that reactive oxygen species are essential for the development of balance machinery in the inner ear. The study found that a specific mutation in the Noxo1 gene, which encodes an NADPH oxidase enzyme, led to impaired balance and altered posture in mice.
Researchers at OHSU developed a portable device that uses audio cues to assist individuals with balance disorders, such as those caused by vestibular loss or Parkinson's disease. The device has shown significant improvement in reducing sway area and increasing time spent within the safe zone during early testing.
Researchers have found TRPA1 to be present in stereocilia of hair cells, crucial for both sound detection and balance. This dual role suggests that TRPA1 may play a key role in pain sensation, particularly in response to noxious stimuli.
Researchers have discovered a long-sought protein called TRPA1 that converts sound into nerve impulses, transmitting to the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deafness and balance disorders in the next five to ten years.
Researchers aim to create implantable human hair cells that can grow and repair damaged hearing. The work involves expanding adult stem cells isolated from mouse inner ear, a step towards restoring hearing in humans. The collaboration between Corwin and Heller at the Marine Biological Laboratory is an important breakthrough.
A team of researchers developed a mathematical model to explain the 5-second delay between head motion and vertigo attacks, suggesting that tiny particles called otoconia may be responsible. The study used hydrodynamic models to show that loose otoconia can cause disruptions in the inner ear, leading to dizziness.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem causing spinning or whirling sensations when moving the head. A study found that performing modified Epley's and Semont maneuvers at home can lead to significant symptom relief for 95% of participants.
Stanford researchers discovered a type of molecular motor that provides the proper amount of tension in inner ear sensors to respond to sound. The motor anchors itself and maintains tension, implying its role in cellular organization, such as chromosome separation during cell division.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that human fetuses likely hear mostly low-frequency rather than high-frequency sounds, suggesting they hear vowels rather than consonants. The study's findings may have implications for premature babies exposed to a range of frequencies in their nursery environment.
Researchers have uncovered detailed insights into the brains of ancient flying reptiles, revealing a larger flocculus that enabled them to process sensory data from their wings. The study suggests that this neural center played a crucial role in the pterosaurs' ability to fly and hunt, allowing them to become highly adapted predators.
Researchers discovered that sensory cells in mouse inner ear develop rapidly between days 16 and 17 of gestation, mirroring human fetal development. Understanding this process is crucial for regenerating sensory hair cells in the human ear.
Space motion sickness affects 70% of first-time space travelers, causing nausea, vomiting, and cognitive impairment. Researchers are testing four drugs to find a safe alternative that reduces symptoms without affecting reaction time or memory.
A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting found that sudden falls among the elderly can be related to an overlooked inner ear disorder. Successful treatments are often available once the correct diagnosis is made, with excellent surgical success rates in older individuals.
Scientists have discovered the gene responsible for triggering embryonic cells in the inner ear to develop into sound- and motion-sensing hair cells. The Math1 gene signals precursor cells in the inner ear to become hair cells, which cover inner ear surfaces like wheat in a Kansas field.
Researchers found that echo-like sounds made by the inner ears of homosexual and bisexual women are weaker than those of heterosexual women, suggesting masculinization of brain structures responsible for sexual preference. The study indicates the potential value of non-invasive windows into brain development and sexual differentiation.