Articles tagged with Neuroimaging
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a brain development index from MRI scans that captures normal brain maturation patterns. The study shows a relationship between cognitive development and physical changes in the developing young brain, allowing for early detection of subtle developmental abnormalities.
The NIH has selected eight projects to study the long-term effects of repeated head injuries and develop more accurate concussion diagnoses. The partnership between the NIH and the NFL aims to reduce the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in athletes and military personnel.
A new study from CAMH found that people carrying the SORL1 gene for Alzheimer's disease show brain changes beginning in childhood. These changes are linked to an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's, a condition that typically appears decades later.
A study by Aron Barbey and colleagues identified a network of brain areas in the frontal and parietal cortex essential for discourse comprehension. The researchers used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping to create a collective map of the cerebral cortex, revealing that executive control is critical for integrating language with prior k...
The hospital achieved excellence through strategies such as reducing overhead paging and establishing daily hospital huddles to prioritize patient needs. UT Southwestern's neurology and neurosurgery programs are nationally ranked.
Studies show that concussions can lead to brain abnormalities four months after symptoms have resolved, with memory and behavioral issues improving more quickly than physical injuries. These findings suggest that healing from concussions may be similar to recovering from burns, with tissue scabs forming before the body is fully healed.
The new journal will cover a range of topics including microscopic methods, optogenetics, and computational methods relevant to understanding brain function. It aims to foster greater awareness and interaction among the photonics, neuroscience, and clinical communities.
Researchers analyzed 36 cases of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor in the spinal cord, finding that patchy reinforcement on MRI and inflammatory cell infiltration are key features. The study aims to reduce misdiagnosis rate and improve patient quality of life by providing accurate imaging and clinical properties.
Researchers found increased iron deposits in deep gray matter of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a precursor to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study also revealed subtle brain damage and lack of correlation between iron deposits and jugular vein diameter, casting doubt on the Zamboni hypothesis.
A study of 70 elderly adults found that shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality were associated with greater beta-amyloid buildup in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that optimizing sleep may help prevent or slow AD progression.
A new Pain and Interoception Imaging Network (PAIN) will feature hundreds of brain scans and clinical information to tease out similarities and differences between chronic-pain conditions. The database aims to improve research and treatment development for conditions like migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A team of researchers led by LA BioMed's Patricia Dickson will use state-of-the-art brain imaging to study the brains of disease models with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), a genetic disease causing cognitive deterioration, memory loss and dementia. The goal is to gain greater understanding of MPS brain disease and develop new treatments.
Researchers have created a new map of bird brains based on a decade-long exploration of gene expression across eight species. The findings suggest that bird brains have commonalities with human brains, including columnar organization and forebrain regions similar to mammals.
Scientists have developed a high-speed imaging technique with single-neuron resolution that can record the activity of 70% of nerve cells in a worm's head. This breakthrough allows for detailed maps of how neurons are wired up in the brain and information on how networks interact in real time.
Researchers at MIT and Boston Children's Hospital found a correlation between poor pre-reading skills in kindergartners and the size of a brain structure that connects language-processing areas. This study aims to identify children with dyslexia earlier, allowing for early intervention.
A team of scientists has mapped the complex neural connectivity in a fly's brain essential for vision, revealing new insights into how flies detect motion. The researchers used a high-throughput approach to chart neuronal connections involved in motion detection, identifying 379 cells and 8,637 connections between them.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that altering cortical layout can produce significant changes in connected brain regions, potentially underlying neural developmental problems. This discovery provides insights into the development of autism and other neural disorders.
A team of researchers from Imperial College London has developed a map of a typical bird brain, showing how different regions are connected to process information. They discovered that areas important for high-level cognition, such as long-term memory and problem-solving, have similar wiring patterns to those in human brains.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found that women with mild cognitive impairment experience higher rates of cognitive decline than men, while all women exhibit greater regional brain loss over time. The study's authors suggest that hormonal differences may play a role in these findings.
The BigBrain atlas provides nearly cellular resolution, allowing researchers to see details close to the level of individual cells. This high-resolution model can be used for various applications such as computational modeling, simulating brain functions and analyzing data from MRIs and PET scans.
The BigBrain project presents a landmark three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the human brain with a spatial resolution of 20 microns. This allows for unprecedented exploration of brain microstructure and cellular level details, facilitating new insights into neurobiology, cognition, and aging.
A pioneering study demonstrates the benefit of MRI in identifying mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. The advanced imaging technique was able to correctly distinguish patients from healthy individuals with a high degree of accuracy, promising a new approach to diagnosis.
A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that meditation can significantly reduce normal everyday anxiety in healthy individuals. The study used arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activity before and after four 20-minute mindfulness meditation sessions.
Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain cells create maps of the world, revealing that environmental cues such as smell and sound play a major role in activating these cells. The findings provide new insights into how the brain learns and makes memories.
Researchers at UCLA found that individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have abnormal brain connections, which may impair information processing. The study suggests that these patterns in the brain relate to impaired symptoms, particularly compulsive behaviors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a minimally invasive procedure that uses a stent to alleviate symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri by expanding narrowed veins and relieving fluid pressure. The study shows promising results, with 10 out of 12 patients experiencing complete and lasting recovery.
A UCLA-led study found that clot-removal devices do not improve recovery from clot-caused strokes. However, a new generation of devices shows better results and may offer improved outcomes.
A study found that brain imaging after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion can detect microbleed lesions and tube-shaped linear lesions, which may be associated with vascular injury. These lesions could potentially provide a target for treating people with mTBI.
Heavy drinkers show greater and faster acetate uptake and metabolism in the brain compared to light drinkers. Acetate can serve as an alternative energy source, potentially alleviating withdrawal symptoms during detoxification.
Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute found that cold reasoning and hot feelings are intimately connected in the brain. The study used a fairness probe called the ultimatum game, which showed that feelings about offers tracked well-defined computations, indicating no clean separation between rational decision-making ...
Researchers found that brain regions responsible for making decisions continue to be active even when the conscious brain is distracted, leading to better decision-making. The study suggests that our brains unconsciously process decision information in ways that improve effective problem-solving and decision-making.
Researchers found that excess alpha-synuclein protein disrupts vital recycling processes in neurons, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The study provides a structural and mechanistic explanation for the progression of Parkinson's disease, shedding light on its causes and mechanisms.
Researchers at University of Toronto Scarborough identified overactive negative emotion processing and underactive emotional regulation in people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This study provides valuable evidence for improving BPD diagnosis and treatment through brain imaging.
A new study reveals that fetal alcohol exposure alters brain structure and metabolism in children, with MRI techniques showing statistically significant thinning of the corpus callosum. Diffusion weighted imaging also detected increased diffusion, indicative of neurological disorders or brain damage.
A new study found that newborn rats' whisker twitches are linked to bursts of brain activity, suggesting a crucial role in developing sensorimotor systems. The discovery sheds light on the importance of involuntary movements during sleep in infant brain development.
A study by Indiana University found that neuroimaging can predict the course of substance addiction treatment. Individuals with reduced self-regulatory control over behavior tend to have lower brain activity, which may indicate a higher risk of relapse.
The Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy has led to increased brain scans and targeted patient care for stroke patients. Researchers found a 18% increase in swallowing screen usage and a 27% rise in designated stroke unit care, resulting in fewer health complications.
A set of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines has been established to guide the diagnosis and treatment of low-back pain in the US. The guidelines recommend careful observation, over-the-counter pain medication, and targeted physical activity for most patients, while reserving imaging and surgery for specific cases with red flags.
Researchers have discovered how chemical agents bind to and detect amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain, enabling quicker diagnosis and earlier treatment. The study's findings will speed the development of new imaging agents, providing potential benefits for patients with early Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers used MRI to scan brains of 885 people and identified 231 biomarkers that capture age differences well, surpassing previous biological measures. The findings suggest a 'developmental clock' in the brain, tightly controlling certain anatomical aspects of development.
At EuroPCR 2012, expert panel discussions highlighted the potential for interventional cardiologists to support stroke patients with mechanical thrombectomy. Keynote speakers emphasized the need for education and training in interventional neuroradiology to ensure timely care for these patients.
A new study found that only 41.7% of stroke patients underwent brain imaging within the recommended 25 minutes of their arrival at a hospital, leading to potential delays in treatment. Certain individuals, including those with diabetes or certain cardiac conditions, were less likely to receive timely scans.
Researchers have discovered a new, non-invasive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using advanced brain imaging technology. The technique analyzes specific brain chemical changes in the hippocampal region of the brain, providing a signature of early AD stages.
A study of over 21,000 participants found new genes that boost or lessen the risk of brain atrophy, mental illness, and Alzheimer's disease. The research also uncovered genetic variants associated with individual differences in brain size and intelligence.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created a new neural imaging system that allows for more complex maps of brain functions with just one camera and imaging system. This technology uses vertical cavity surface emitting lasers to classify veins and arteries simultaneously.
Researchers developed a noninvasive imaging technique using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect 2-hydroxyglutarate, a chemical produced by some brain tumors' warped metabolism. The technique can predict the presence of IDH1/2 mutations with 98% accuracy and may help doctors tailor treatment plans.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research presented a new model of olfaction, suggesting that the brain maps odors in a tunotopic manner. This approach enables the system to recognize and encode any smell, regardless of its chemical structure.
Princeton scientists have identified unique neural activity sequences in the brain's posterior parietal cortex that help form short-term memories used for decision-making. These sequences correspond to whether a mouse turns left or right in a maze, allowing researchers to predict its future actions.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that most stroke patients undergo both MRI and CT scans, resulting in unnecessary redundancy and increased costs. This practice contributes to the growing burden of healthcare expenses nationwide.
A powerful new imaging technique called High Definition Fiber Tracking (HDFT) has been developed to clearly see for the first time neural connections broken by traumatic brain injury. HDFT scans have identified disruptions in neural pathways, allowing researchers to pinpoint breaks in the cables and quantify the proportion of fibers lost.
Imaging amino acid transporters with PET/CT has significantly altered management plans for 41% of patients with brain tumors, according to research. The imaging modality has improved detection of primary and recurrent high- and low-grade brain tumors, leading to changes in treatment from 'watch and wait' to chemotherapy or vice versa.
A $300,000 grant from the US Department of Defense is being used to study the mental and physical discomfort experienced by patients undergoing limb loss or congenital absence. The goal is to develop more effective rehabilitation strategies by understanding changes in brain organization and behavior.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that people's internal mental maps are oriented towards the north, improving accuracy in spatial tasks. The study found that participants performed best when facing north and drew differently oriented maps, but only used their memorized map as a reliable source of spatial information.
The new technology, called Serial Two-Photon Tomography, allows for high-throughput fluorescence imaging of whole mouse brains, facilitating systematic comparisons between different mouse models. This enables the study of neuroanatomy in mouse models of human brain disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.
Scientists have developed an imaging agent that binds to signs of Alzheimer's disease, including ß-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The agent, called FPPDB, has shown promise for early diagnosis in laboratory tests.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism in the brain that controls spatial resolution, allowing for precise navigation and memory. By disabling ion channels in grid cells, they found that the brain's maps become coarser, affecting spatial memory and navigation.
The Allen Institute for Brain Science has launched a new brain atlas resource, the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, which provides a three-dimensional map of neural connections throughout the mouse brain. The Atlas will help scientists understand how the brain is wired and what goes awry in brain diseases and disorders.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that high school football and hockey players showed subtle brain injuries after routine head hits, even without concussions. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to detect changes in white matter, which are similar to axonal injury at the cellular level.
Researchers used a unique brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and tau tangles in older adults with severe depression. The study found higher protein levels in critical brain regions, suggesting a link between depression and possible dementia later in life.
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can analyze brain scans to predict the severity of future psychotic episodes. The study found that the algorithm was able to differentiate between patients who would develop continuous psychosis and those with more benign forms in seven out of ten cases.