Articles tagged with Spinal Column
A gene duplication, occurring 2.4 million years ago, allowed maturing neurons to migrate farther and develop more connections. This extra copy of the SRGAP2 gene interfered with its original function, effectively giving neurons more time to wire themselves into a bigger brain.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that patients with simple assault or ground-level falls without pre-existing spinal conditions do not need cervical spine CT scans. This reduction in unnecessary exams can help decrease radiation exposure to sensitive areas, such as the eyes and thyroid, and lower healthcare costs.
Scientists trim fruit fly males' spines using precision laser surgery and monitor mating success, finding spines aid reproduction before sex. The study sheds light on the evolution of male genital traits, suggesting a similar process to secondary sexual traits.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with cerebral palsy experienced the highest blood loss during corrective spine surgery, while those with idiopathic scoliosis had the least. The study analyzed 617 cases of children aged 10-18 and revealed a link between underlying conditions and blood loss.
New connections between brain cells form in clusters as animals learn to perform a new task, according to a study published in Nature. The researchers found that clustered synapses are more likely to persist through the learning sessions and after training stopped.
A new therapeutic strategy using a single injection of fibronectin has shown potential to improve patient outcomes in treating chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. This approach inhibits the development of mechanical allodynia, a common type of chronic pain experienced by spinal cord injury patients.
Researchers at the Rothman Institute found that epidural steroid injections do not improve outcomes for patients with lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Patients who received ESI had a higher rate of crossover to surgery, poorer physical function, and more bodily pain compared to those who did not receive ESI.
A new study published by Kaiser Permanente found that older women who lose more than two inches in height face a higher risk of fractures and death. The research suggests that clinicians should consider bone density testing, counseling, and treatment to help prevent fractures. Women who lost more than two inches in height were 50% more...
A study found that physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment refer more patients for unnecessary MRI exams, leading to increased healthcare costs. The study revealed a higher rate of negative scans and younger patients among those referred by financially interested physicians.
The study found a significant increase in knee injuries among children, with ACL and meniscus tears increasing by 11% and 14% respectively. The researchers suggest that injury patterns are changing, leading to an increased true incidence of these injuries.
Neuroscientists at the University of Leicester discovered a protein called lipocalin-2 that helps regulate dendritic spine formation and maturation, reducing future anxiety associated with stressful events. The study found that mice without this protein were more anxious and had stronger memories of stressful events.
A new study found that CT fluoroscopy for spine injections can reduce radiation exposure when the planning CT scan is optimized. The study suggests that reducing the coverage of the planning CT to only areas of interest and adjusting tube current or peak kilovoltage can lower the dose.
Researchers at IBEC used a computational model to study the effect of external loading on two important cell solutes related to disc metabolism: oxygen and lactate. They found that the effect of loading was greater when compressing a healthy disc than a degenerated one, promoting fluctuations in solute concentration.
Researchers have captured groundbreaking biomechanical data on cervical spine injuries in a healthy young athlete, providing real-world insights into the effects of head-down tackles. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has significant implications for youth sports safety and equipment standards.
A study by Group Health Research Institute found that oral contraceptives can slow down bone gain in young women, especially those taking higher hormone doses. The study measured bone densities in 301 teen and 305 young adult women who used oral contraceptives, compared to similar women who did not use this method.
A landmark editorial in The Spine Journal denounces flawed clinical research in bone growth products and inadequate disclosure of industry relationships. Financial ties between physicians and medical device industries have led to biased and corrupted research, harming patients, according to the editors.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that physical exercise stimulates cell proliferation in intervertebral discs, suggesting a potential preventive effect against back pain and disc degeneration. The research team plans to investigate further with this animal model.
The March of Dimes suggests fortifying corn masa flour with folic acid to lower the rate of neural tube defects among Hispanics. Studies show that folic acid supplements before conception and early pregnancy can prevent these birth defects.
A new sealant gel has been found to be effective in closing spinal wounds following surgery, achieving a watertight seal 100% of the time. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel sealant plugs miniscule leaks in the spinal column's sheath, reducing the risk of infection and meningitis.
A study of 1,030 patients with celiac disease found they were 4.5 times more likely to develop osteoporosis compared to healthy individuals. The bone mineral density loss was significantly pronounced in the lumbar spine but not the femoral neck.
Researchers found that nerve cells' long journey to extremities leads to dysfunctional mitochondria, causing pain and tingling. This discovery may lead to new ways to treat neuropathy, often accompanying diseases like HIV/AIDS and diabetes.
A new clinical prediction rule has been developed to predict a patient's chances of walking independently after a spinal cord injury, with accuracy exceeding 95%. The model uses a combination of age and four neurological test results, providing a simple yet effective tool for physicians to counsel patients and their families.
The $22.5 million study found that prenatal surgery greatly reduced the need to divert fluid away from the brain, increasing chances of children walking without crutches. Infants and mothers who underwent the procedure had better outcomes than those with post-birth surgery.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that motorcycle helmets are associated with a lower risk of cervical spine injury. The study found that helmeted riders were 22% less likely to suffer spinal injuries compared to those without helmets.
A large-scale study found a significant genetic component in the development of symptomatic lumbar disc disease, with individuals with the condition more likely to have family members with disc disease. The study's findings support a genetic basis for the disease, although shared environmental risks cannot be ruled out.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that 80% of NFL linemen who underwent disc surgery were able to return to play many games, suggesting that average people can also resume their active lives. After proper recovery and rehabilitation, patients can safely lift weights and engage in strenuous activities without long-term risks.
Researchers found that pterygotid sea scorpions' claws were too weak to penetrate the armor of medium-sized horseshoe crabs, making them less likely to be fearsome predators. The study suggests they may have been scavengers or vegetarians instead.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that a nurse practitioner-led spinal clinic achieved 100% agreement on clinical diagnosis and 96% patient satisfaction. Patients waited an average of 12 weeks to see the nurse practitioner, significantly shorter than conventional clinics.
A new report highlights the severe impact of spinal fractures, which can lead to stooped back, acute and chronic back pain, loss of height, and premature death. The IOF calls on health professionals to recognize signs of these fractures in their patients.
A genetic analysis of 24 spiny frog species reveals their evolutionary history, which correlates with the rise of the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. The study supports a minority theory of the India-Asia collision, suggesting that Southeast Asia was pushed aside towards the Pacific Ocean.
Researchers developed lists of physical features to aid in early detection of Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. These lists are reliable without imaging tests and can help doctors spot the disorders during a physical exam.
Leading respiratory specialists call for a new approach to TB screening for newly arrived immigrants from high-risk countries. They argue that the current system is fundamentally flawed and fails to address the growing number of TB cases in the UK. The authors propose screening new arrivals in community services, rather than relying on...
ATV accidents result in severe head and spine trauma, costing $3.24 billion annually, with children under 20 years old accounting for 42% of these injuries. The study highlights the need for improved ATV stability, increased helmet use, and rider training to reduce the risk of such accidents.
A top-down approach to radiography evaluation reduced unnecessary cervical spine X-rays by 83% at a large academic medical center. The policy was implemented through the medical director's office and resulted in significant cost savings and improved efficiency.
A new CT technique eliminates the need for X-rays in trauma patients with possible spinal fractures, lowering cost and radiation exposure. The study found that 19% of patients with reformatted CT data also had unnecessary X-rays, resulting in a significant additional radiation dose and cost.
Researchers found that moderate physical loading, such as carrying one's own body weight, may actually delay disc degeneration and reduce severe back symptoms. The study contradicts the long-held assumption that routine lifting is bad for your back.
Researchers track changes to individual dendritic spines in juvenile male songbirds' brains as they learn from adult tutors. The study finds that hearing a tutor song rapidly stabilizes previously dynamic synapses, providing a foundation for learning new behaviors.
A multicenter clinical trial of 224 postmenopausal women found no significant effect of soy isoflavone tablets on lumbar spine or total hip bone mineral density. However, a small protective effect was observed at the femoral neck among those taking the highest dosage.
UC researcher Michal Polak confirms one of Darwin's theories by showing that the spines on Drosophila bipectinata males assist them in copulation. The study found that removing these spines resulted in drastic reductions in ability to copulate and compete for mates.
Researchers used a classic staining method to observe how semaphorin regulates the creation of synapses and their distribution in the brain involved in conscious thought. The discovery could have an impact on understanding early origins of neurological disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
A study by researchers at the University of California - San Diego has found that amyloid beta reduces plasticity in dendritic spines, affecting synapse transmission and memory storage. Continuous release of Aβ is required to prevent this effect.
A new study reveals that at least 1,250 and possibly more venomous catfish species exist, with North American species using their venom mainly to defend against predatory fish. The research also sheds light on the evolutionary origins of catfish venom glands.
A new approach to understanding and treating lower back pain has been introduced by MSU researcher N. Peter Reeves, focusing on the interaction of parts within complex systems. The approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of spinal control and diagnose treat conditions more effectively.
Researchers discovered that the brain integrates new information by forming and eliminating neural connections, maintaining a balance between old and new memories. This dynamic process allows humans to learn and adapt without losing existing memories.
A retrospective study found that 52.1% of overweight adolescents had spine abnormalities, with most occurring within the discs. The study suggests a strong relationship between increased BMI in children and the incidence of lumbar disc disease.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery suggests that women over 50 with a wrist fracture are less likely to be evaluated and treated for osteoporosis compared to those with hip or spine fractures. The study highlights barriers to evaluation, including clinical inertia, cost concerns, and lack of clarity on responsib...
A new study published in CMAJ found that hip and back fractures in people aged 50 and older significantly increase mortality rates. Approximately 25% of individuals who develop a hip fracture and 16% who develop a spine fracture will die within 5 years.
The first study of a rare egg-laying mammal, the long-beaked echidna, reveals elusive habits and provides new data on nocturnal foraging behaviors and home-range sizes. The research, published in Journal of Mammalogy, informs conservation strategies for the species threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
Scientists have identified distinct genes responsible for the evolution of pelvis and body armor loss in two species of stickleback fish. The study, published in Current Biology, shows that different genes can have similar effects on evolutionary change, contradicting earlier research.
A study on stickleback fish found that two related species evolved to lose their pelvises using different genes, contradicting earlier research. This discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms of evolutionary diversity and limb loss in nature.
Researchers developed an animal model for sciatica, a painful nerve condition characterized by numbness, pain, and leg difficulties. The study found that immune system activation contributes to symptoms, with elevated IL-17 levels linked to physical symptoms.
A new study finds that X-ray-guided spinal tap procedures fail in about 60% of young infant cases and cause bleeding in 25% of infant cases. For patients over 80, the risk of bleeding doubles, but can be reduced by inserting the needle in the middle of the lower back.
BioSET and Brookhaven Lab have patented a synthetic peptide, B2A, that enhances bone growth in spine fusion surgeries. The peptide is used in a combination medical device called AMPLEX, which has shown promising results in preclinical studies.
The James Webb Space Telescope's Backplane, a critical component supporting the 21-foot primary mirror, is being assembled with unprecedented thermal stability performance. This structure will maintain motionlessness to enable precise focusing of telescope optics and instruments, crucial for discovering the first stars and galaxies.
Prolonged loop diuretic use was linked to increased fracture risk in postmenopausal women, but not to bone mineral density changes or falls. The study suggests that fracture prevention measures may be necessary for women on loop diuretic therapy.
A new spinal deformity classification system has been developed to define the range of normalcy for spine alignment. The system, published in Neurosurgery, uses a systematic approach to define neutral upright spinal alignment across different age groups.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology find that transmitter terminals play an active role in synapse assembly and disintegration, contributing to brain adaptability. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that only the receiver side of a synapse is involved in reorganization.
Scientists have found evidence that turtle shells are bony extensions of their backbones and ribs. The oldest known turtle fossil, Odontochelys semitestacea, has a partial shell extending from its backbone and widening of ribs, suggesting it was a water dweller.
A 12,000-year-old Natufian shaman's skeleton has been discovered in northern Israel with a unique burial ritual. The grave contained 50 complete tortoise shells, the pelvis of a leopard, and a human foot, indicating a high social status and close relationship with animal spirits.
Researchers found that patients with high Patient Activation Measure (PAM) scores are more likely to attend physical therapy and engage in rehabilitation. The PAM questionnaire assesses a patient's ability to play an active role in their healthcare, and high scores can predict improved adherence to treatment.