Articles tagged with Neuroimaging
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania is developing a critical tool for imaging the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease. They plan to use a special type of PET scan to detect the disease early on and provide detailed information about its progression.
Researchers found significantly reduced mu-opioid receptor levels in schizophrenia patients' brains, contributing to negative feelings. This discovery provides a promising new lead for developing treatments for the condition.
Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have mapped over 1,000 neurons in the mouse brain, tracing their branching routes to understand how messages travel through it. The preliminary data reveal new clues about the mouse brain's wiring diagram, including clusters of neurons and regions where they can't be easily delineated.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found that blindfolding a patient with spatial neglect improved her posture and gaze, reducing postural asymmetry. This study suggests eliminating visual input could increase spatial awareness on the contralesional side.
A new study suggests that exercise can improve cognitive functions and working memory in some older individuals after just one session. The researchers found increased connectivity between brain regions involved in cognition and memory, leading to better performance on memory tests.
Researchers developed a new method using frequency domain measurement in functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), improving image quality and spatial resolution. This innovation enables enhanced brain imaging with greater depth sensitivity, paving the way for more accurate neuroimaging applications.
A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.
Boston University researchers found specialized brain cells in rats that provide personal maps of their surroundings. These cells could help create smarter autonomous vehicles by allowing them to navigate complex environments like humans do.
A meta-analysis of 61 neuroimaging studies involving 1,850 participants found no correlation between biological sex and brain responses to visual sexual stimuli. The findings contradict previous assumptions about sex-dependent differences in men's and women's reactions to visual erotic stimuli.
Researchers found that vividly imagining helping scenes predicts overall willingness to help others and that activity in the medial temporal lobe subsystem is associated with a greater ease of imagination, leading to increased prosocial action.
A whole brain imaging study found that excess grey matter in the brain can predict escalating drinking behavior in teens. Teens with more grey matter in certain regions were more likely to increase their drinking habits over time.
A researcher has received funding to develop new models that use brain imaging and genomic data to predict mental health disorders. The goal is to improve diagnosis accuracy by analyzing a patient's genetics and brain activity.
A novel imaging technique using scorpion venom-derived protein BLZ-100 has shown promise in detecting and removing brain tumors. The agent binds to tumor cells and glows under near-infrared laser stimulation, enhancing surgical visualization. Clinical trials demonstrate the imaging system's safety and effectiveness.
The Center for Translation Neurotrauma Imaging (CTNI) aims to pioneer biomarkers, diagnostics, and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. The facility will create novel brain imaging techniques to track subtle changes in the brain after neurotrauma.
Researchers found that humans can learn to navigate through a two-dimensional environment using odor information, with brain activity resembling grid-cell models previously discovered in animals. The study used a unique 'smellscape' of pine and banana scents to guide participants' mental navigation.
A neuroimaging study identified unique brain activity patterns that predict poorer responses to talk therapy in patients with PTSD. Patients with impaired verbal memory and VAN function had poorer outcomes after psychotherapy, while those with intact verbal memory or normal VAN function were more responsive.
A study of 11,400 patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment found that amyloid PET imaging was associated with changes in clinical management within 90 days. The use of this imaging technique was reported in 55% of MCI patients and 70% of those with dementia.
Grid cells in rat brain provide a 'treasure map' for goal-directed navigation by carrying information about goals, not just space. Their activity fields shift to follow the location of hidden rewards.
Diattenuation Imaging enables precise investigation of brain tissue by measuring polarization-dependent attenuation of light. The method distinguishes between regions with thin and thick nerve fibers, aiding in the study of neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a novel platform to classify neurons in a mouse brain based on shape, connectivity, and location. This comprehensive approach enables precise identification of neuronal subtypes, such as axo-axonic cells, and sheds light on their unique characteristics.
Researchers suggest that impacts on the side of the head cause vibrations in a structure connected to the corpus callosum, potentially leading to concussion symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed possible damage to the corpus callosum in athletes with concussions.
A new MRI method measures iron content to monitor recovery from stroke-related damage and track neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. Higher iron levels are associated with worse long-term outcomes and potential therapies may slow or stop degeneration.
A new study has created a 3D reconstruction of a marmoset brain and mapped neuronal connectivity across the entire brain with unparalleled detail. The resulting data set may offer insights into human neural connectivity and potentially lead to therapeutic advances for human diseases.
Researchers used machine learning to identify clusters of relationships in medical data that could predict Alzheimer's disease, including cardiovascular health and immune system response. This approach may lead to earlier diagnosis and better prognosis with new blood tests.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have developed new methods for 3D microscopy, including ALMOST, which provides unprecedented imaging of reflective opaque objects. Additionally, a modernized Golgi staining technique has been optimized to study neurons in more detail, preserving ultrastructural details.
A new study published in JNeurosci used neuroimaging data from smokers to predict the influence of an anti-smoking media campaign on likely smokers. The approach identified a neural pathway that predicted campaign success, and may help improve informational materials.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying the use of neuroimaging to pinpoint the risk factors of stroke recurrence, which affects nearly 800,000 people annually in the US. The study aims to identify patients at higher risk for recurrent strokes by assessing imaging for signs of small vessel disease in the brain.
A meta-analysis of 242 studies reveals common neurocognitive network alterations across psychiatric disorders, including reduced gray matter and disrupted functional connectivity. These findings suggest that neuroimaging may be providing a measure of symptom-related pathology, rather than directly related to the disease process.
A longitudinal neuroimaging study of over 600 healthy young people found positive associations between socioeconomic status and the size and surface area of brain regions involved in cognitive functions. Greater childhood SES was associated with larger volumes of subcortical regions, extending previous research on SES and cortical morp...
People with radical political views tend to overestimate their certainty on incorrect answers, but struggle with recognizing when they're wrong. The study found no difference in task performance between moderates and radicals, despite radicals' higher confidence ratings.
Researchers found that isolating symptoms to a single brain area resulted in low reproducibility rates, but analyzing symptom-specific circuitry within brain networks led to 100% reproducibility. This new approach aims to shed light on therapy development by identifying common symptom-localization patterns across different diseases.
Researchers found significant problems in 7/112 children with eye abnormalities, 6/49 with hearing issues, and 11/94 with severe delays in language, motor skills, or cognitive function.
Researchers used brain scans to identify patterns that distinguish individuals with DID from healthy controls, achieving an accuracy of 73%. The study provides the first evidence of a biological basis for diagnosing DID, potentially preventing unnecessary suffering through earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
The Center for Central Nervous System Function at Brown University has been awarded a $12 million grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health's COBRE program. The funding will support five new research projects and develop new analysis tools to advance brain science.
A new study published in Child Development found that a short-term family-centered prevention program can have enduring effects on brain network connections into young adulthood. The program improved self-regulation skills and parental emotional support, leading to fewer disruptive behavioral problems.
A study published in PNAS identifies two distinct brain networks involved in the perception of free will: the anterior cingulate cortex for volition and the precuneus cortex for agency. These findings suggest that damage to these regions can lead to impaired motivation and sensation of ownership over movements.
Researchers used lesion network mapping to analyze how brain injuries disrupt volition and agency, finding that symptoms localize to interconnected brain networks. The study suggests that targeting these networks through brain stimulation may lead to new approaches for treating disrupted free will in neurological and psychiatric patients.
The Child Mind Institute and international researchers have released open-source non-human primate brain imaging data sets. These aggregated datasets will help accelerate the development of 'wiring diagrams' that may improve understanding of brain disorders. The goal is to advance research on mental health and learning disorders.
Researchers found that both internal models are necessary for precise movement: learning to move and where to move. This discovery may lead to the development of new clinical tests and training methods for athletes, particularly those with cerebellar ataxia.
Dr. Boukrina is investigating the role of reading deficits in aphasia rehabilitation, developing benchmarks for identifying high-risk patients and exploring effective treatment options. Her research aims to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes for individuals with neurological disabilities caused by stroke.
Computer simulation models how toxic proteins spread through the brain to reproduce patterns of atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. The model reveals that biochemistry and connectivity play key roles in mediating disease progression.
PySight improves rapid 2D and 3D imaging of the brain with high spatiotemporal resolution, enabling scientists to better understand brain dynamics and discover new treatments. The open-source software integrates with state-of-the-art hardware, overcoming technical barriers to continuous 3D imaging.
International neurointerventional societies have released new guidelines outlining the criteria for Level 1, 2 and 3 stroke centers. The standards specify requirements for treating a minimum number of stroke patients and performing specific procedures annually.
Researchers will use mice to create detailed maps of young and aging brains' blood vessels, hoping to understand healthy brain development and disease progression. The project aims to lay the groundwork for studying pathological conditions like strokes and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from OIST have developed a novel technique to record the activity of single neurons in awake animals, allowing for the detection of even the smallest changes in voltage. This breakthrough enables the study of how neurons function in living organisms, providing insights into brain function and behavior.
Research identified four simple checks on brain scans that can help doctors predict patients at risk of further bleeding after a brain hemorrhage. These checks can be applied during routine care to monitor patients and improve survival rates, especially in low- or middle-income countries where access to advanced CT angiography is limited.
Researchers created a map of over a billion brain cell connections to understand how memories are formed and recalled. The study revealed diverse patterns of synapses that may be key to recalling information, potentially helping scientists understand memory problems.
A new study finds that taking responsibility for others is a key trait of leaders, separating them from followers. Most people exhibit 'responsibility aversion', making decisions that impact others' welfare despite personal preferences.
For adults with non-index seizures, ED neuroimaging is associated with a 3% change in patient management. Clinical factors like acute head trauma, prolonged consciousness, and focal neurological examination increase the yield of imaging tests.
Researchers developed an algorithm that accelerates the registration of 3D medical images by learning from previous registrations, reducing processing time to minutes or seconds. The 'VoxelMorph' algorithm uses convolutional neural networks and achieves comparable accuracy to state-of-the-art systems.
A new study found that rheumatoid arthritis inflammation alters brain connectivity and structure, contributing to cognitive symptoms. Higher levels of peripheral inflammation were associated with changes in the inferior parietal lobule and medial prefrontal cortex.
A team of scientists has created a comprehensive map of gene expression in individual brain cells during aging, using fruit fly models and AI to analyze vast amounts of data. This breakthrough atlas provides unprecedented insights into brain function and may lead to early diagnosis and personalized treatments for diseases.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a technique to engineer graphene electrodes with low impedance and transparency. This allows for simultaneous recording of neuronal activity and high-quality imaging of brain cell activity in transgenic mice. The technology brings graphene electrodes closer to being adapted into next-generation bra...
Research reveals that impaired neural mechanisms in six large-scale brain networks contribute to human drug addiction behaviors, affecting cognition, emotional processing, and decision-making. The study identifies consistent impairments in brain function across these networks, which can inform the development of targeted treatment inte...
A team of scientists has created a map of the molecular network in the aging brain, revealing two new Alzheimer's disease target genes that can be deleted or modified to treat the disease. The study provides a unique resource linking molecular changes in nearly 500 older brains to cognition and brain pathology.
A study by UTHealth found that simple imaging on a non-contrast CT scan can be sufficient to determine thrombectomy treatment in stroke patients, achieving identical clinical outcomes as advanced imaging. This basic technique may broaden access to life-saving surgery for more patients, especially in remote areas.
Middle-aged adults with lower socioeconomic status exhibit less organized functional brain networks and reduced cortical gray matter thickness compared to those with higher SES. The study suggests that SES influences brain anatomy and network organization across adulthood, playing a role in age-related brain decline.
A new study has identified a mismatch between two MRI methods that can signify early stroke status, allowing the use of 'clot busting' drug tPA in patients with unwitnessed strokes. The study found similar outcomes to those previously reported for patients receiving tPA within 4.5 hours of witnessed strokes.
A new computer programme assesses whole brain deterioration and predicts cognitive function after stroke up to ten times more accurately than current methods. The 'brain health index' can quantify visible brain injury from cerebral small vessel disease and brain atrophy, giving early warning of risk of future cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel 'Tic-tac-toe' RF coil system for high-resolution brain imaging, addressing technical difficulties associated with ultrahigh field human MRI. The technology enables better understanding of neurological diseases such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.