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Adaptive Image Receive (AIR) coil from GE shows promise for whole-brain imaging

A prototype 16-channel head AIR coil from GE Healthcare has been shown to perform better than a conventional 8-channel head coil for in vivo whole-brain imaging, but not as well as a 32-channel coil. The coil's lightweight and flexible design exhibits improved electrical characteristics that could lead to future design improvements.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 3, 2020

Leap forward for brain research

A new brain imaging technology, BrainPhys, has been developed to support optimal neuronal function and viability in live imaging experiments. This breakthrough could lead to better personalised medicine for brain disorders such as Parkinson's, brain cancer, and childhood dementia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2020

Awakening after a sleeping pill

A patient with akinetic mutism, a rare condition causing temporary paralysis and speech absence, experiences a remarkable recovery after taking a sleeping pill. Brain scans reveal overactive brain regions that can be suppressed by the medication, allowing for temporary speech and movement.

Brain-NET, a deep learning methodology, accurately predicts surgeon certification scores based on neuroimaging data

A new deep learning methodology called Brain-NET has been developed to accurately predict a person's level of expertise in surgical motor skills based solely on neuroimaging data. This technology has the potential to streamline the surgeon certification process, enabling real-time score feedback and remediation or training.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 11, 2020

Pre-brain surgery test protects language in some tumors

A pre-brain surgery test using navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) accurately maps language centers in patients with brain tumors not involved in these areas. The method's accuracy varies depending on tumor involvement, but it shows promise for improving surgical planning and patient outcomes.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2020

Rethinking visual awareness

Research on brain-damaged patients with distorted perception reveals neural processing can occur despite lack of awareness. The study's findings have significant implications for theories of human visual awareness and suggest a reevaluation of the relationship between complex cognitive processing and awareness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

A new high-resolution, 3D map of the whole mouse brain

A new high-resolution 3D map of the mouse brain has been published, providing a reference atlas for the neuroscience community. The map enables whole-brain studies and improves research by allowing researchers to precisely co-register different types of data, enabling bigger-picture views and comparisons.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2020

Why monkeys choose to drink alone

Researchers at Yale University found a unique brain signature associated with pro-social and anti-social decisions in monkeys. Monkeys prefer to drink alone when faced with the option of sharing fruit juice with another monkey.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 24, 2020

Both simple and advanced imaging can predict best stroke patients for thrombectomy

A multicenter study found that both simple and advanced computed tomography (CT) can accurately predict which stroke patients will benefit from endovascular thrombectomy. Patients with favorable imaging profiles on both CT and CT perfusion had higher odds of receiving endovascular therapy and improved functional independence rates.

Rejuvenating the brain

Scientists at TU Dresden used a method to stimulate neural stem cells, leading to increased neurons and improved cognitive function in old mice. This study suggests that boosting stem cells may be a promising approach to rejuvenate the brain and counteract aging-related cognitive impairments.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2020

A surprising new source of attention in the brain

Research at Rockefeller University discovered a new brain area, PITd, that steers attention and challenges the long-held concept of attention control. The finding suggests a rethinking of old concepts about attentional control and highlights the complexity of the brain's attention mechanisms.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2019