Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Pharmacology: Venomous crustacean from Mayan underwater caves provides new drug candidates

A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Tailoring radiation therapy for brain cancer treatment: a personal investigation

Researchers have developed a novel platform for testing radiation therapy effects on brain cells, providing insights into how the brain reacts to cancer treatment. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding the impact of radiation on neural circuits, ultimately leading to personalized care for patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

The nervous system’s matchmaker

A new algorithm, inspired by the nervous system's matchmaker, pairs drivers with riders in a way that maximizes everyone's happiness. The algorithm creates near-optimal pairings while preserving privacy, making it suitable for everyday applications.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2024

Defining chronic pain for high-performance athletes with disabilities

A new UBC Okanagan study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing neuropathic pain in high-performance athletes with spinal cord injuries. The research stresses the need for sports medicine clinicians and trainers to use standardized assessment tools, including symptom-based questionnaires, to better understand and communi...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

Pink elephants in the brain?

A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

Breakthrough in tremor treatment: Robotic therapy developed by GIST researchers improves daily activities

Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

UMA scientists have modified the configuration parameters of “phantom sensations” so that they are perceived by individuals

Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed an instruction manual to understand the operating limits of phantom motion, allowing for cost-effective and lighter haptic devices. The study found that individuals can perceive phantom sensation when a vibrating point travels at least 20% of the separation between actuators.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalDisplays·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Older brain cells linger unexpectedly before their death

Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Challenging the traditional views on how the brain processes movement and sensation

A study by Fujita Health University researchers unveiled novel insights into the brain's processing of movement and sensation. The findings suggest that signals from motor cortices do not primarily modulate sensory responses in primary sensory cortices, but rather pathways from secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) and sensory thalamus (...

SourceFujita Health University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024

Extreme sports: How body and mind interact

A study published by Vienna University of Technology analyzed the effects of extreme physical and mental stress on a rowing athlete's body. The research found that the variability in heart rate, sleep quality, and regeneration during sleep phases were closely related to the athlete's psychological condition.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeCase study·DateOct 10, 2023

Pumped for frigid weather: study pinpoints cold adaptations in nervous system of Antarctic octopus

Researchers have pinpointed the crucial changes in a membrane protein that allow Antarctic octopuses to function normally in freezing temperatures. By swapping specific amino acids, scientists discovered three key modifications that together enable the pump to work efficiently, allowing the octopus's nervous system to adapt and thrive.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Research led by the US and IBiS identifies a new cell type that is key in the development of memory and learning

Researchers have identified a new cell type, ARG1+ microglia, involved in brain development and function during early postnatal stages. This discovery sheds light on the role of microglia in neural systems and their potential link to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2023

Nerve cells in the brain can halt all movement in the body – even breathing

Researchers have discovered a group of nerve cells in the midbrain that can completely stop all forms of movement and slow down breathing and heart rate when stimulated. The study provides valuable insight into how the nervous system controls movement and may help understand Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

A Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study presents consensus on the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus is a complex syndrome that can lead to cognitive impairment and neurological damage. The new consensus guideline recommends standard-of-care approaches, including history review, head CT scans, and medications or surgical interventions to manage excessive intracranial pressure.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 12, 2023

Socialness is in the eye of the beholder

A new Dartmouth study uses a subjective approach to investigate how people perceive social interactions. The results show that the brain responds more strongly to information interpreted as social versus non-social, highlighting humans' tendency to see social connections.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

New blood test can detect ‘toxic’ protein years before Alzheimer’s symptoms emerge, study shows

A new laboratory test can measure levels of amyloid beta oligomers in blood samples, detecting toxic proteins up to years before cognitive impairment. The test, SOBA, has shown promising results in identifying individuals at risk or incubating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

Unraveling the reward behavior: mechanisms underlying the dopamine signaling pathway

A team of researchers identified a protein kinase substrate downstream of the dopamine signaling pathway regulating brain reward behavior. The study found that phosphorylation of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 2 (KCNQ2) decreases its channel activity, increasing neuronal excitability and promoting reward behavior.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Into the brain of comb jellies: Scientists explore the evolution of neurons

A new study reveals key clues about the form of the most ancestral nervous system and how it first evolved. Researchers found that neurons, possibly the most complicated cell type ever to evolve, share similar structures with comb jellies and other ancient animal lineages.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

An effective new treatment for chronic back pain targets the nervous system

A new treatment has shown clinically meaningful effects on pain intensity and disability, with participants reporting improved quality of life and long-term benefits. The sensorimotor retraining approach alters how people think about their body in pain and normalizes communication between the back and brain.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 2, 2022