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BU researchers identify brain marker indicating future suicide risk

Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.

SourceBoston University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 17, 2023

Mass General Brigham investigators identify new genetic variant protective against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered a new genetic variant in the Reelin gene that provides protection from Alzheimer's disease. The variant was identified through clinical assessments, genetic and molecular studies, and neuropathological analysis of two patients with a similar genetic predisposition to developing early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Data compression scheme facilitates measurement of blood flow to the brain

Researchers develop innovative data compression scheme to facilitate multispeckle diffuse correlation spectroscopy with high pixel resolutions, enabling non-invasive measurement of brain blood flow. The scheme uses field-programmable gate array compression to alleviate computational burdens and expand the use of SPAD cameras in biomedi...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 9, 2023

Pioneering MRI imaging method captures brain glucose metabolism without the need for administration of radioactive substances

A new MRI approach uses harmless glucose solution to map brain glucose metabolism, generating reliable results and potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and deploy this less-invasive method for patients.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 28, 2023

Keeping a tighter rein on blood pressure in adults over 50 is desirable for brain health

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that intensive blood pressure treatment significantly reduces the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events such as stroke. Participants with hypertension who received intensive treatment showed reduced white matter lesions and improved blood flow, indicating better overall brain health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Brain images just got 64 million times sharper

Researchers at Duke University have successfully improved the resolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), capturing images of a mouse brain with unprecedented sharpness. The breakthrough allows for the visualization of microscopic details within the brain, enabling new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's an...

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

A new breakthrough in Alzheimer disease research - visualizing reactive astrocyte-neuron interaction

Researchers developed a new imaging technique that visualizes the interaction between reactive astrocytes and neurons in the brain, revealing a potential breakthrough in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment. The study found that acetate promotes reactive astrogliosis, leading to dementia, and offers a new target for AD treatment.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2023

Early menopause, later start to hormone therapy may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Molecular imaging offers insight into chemo-brain

A literature review published by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging reveals how nuclear medicine brain imaging can help evaluate biological changes causing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. The findings confirmed the impact of chemotherapy drugs on cognitive function and highlighted the utility of various SP...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

World first: Researchers identify specific regions of the brain that are damaged by high blood pressure and are involved in a decline in mental processes and dementia

High blood pressure damages specific brain regions, including the putamen and white matter areas, leading to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. The study uses a combination of MRI, genetic analyses, and observational data to identify these affected regions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

How the brain's 'internal compass' works

A new study has uncovered the brain's internal compass, which helps it navigate changing environments. The research found that the brain uses a mechanism called 'network gain' to reorient itself after being disoriented, allowing for rapid recovery of its sense of direction.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

How neuroimaging can be better utilized to yield diagnostic information about individuals

Researchers from Dartmouth and University Medicine Essen found that strong links between brain measures and traits can be obtained when machine learning algorithms are utilized. This approach allows for high-powered results from moderate sample sizes, opening up studies of many traits and clinical conditions previously inaccessible.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2023

Meta-analysis shows association between autism in children and cardiometabolic diseases

A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 10, 2023

Mapping unknown territory

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft created an interactive atlas of gene expression in the zebrafish brain, revealing hundreds of genes with single-cell resolution. The new map integrates seamlessly with existing data, providing new insights into neural structure and function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

New Cleveland Clinic-developed screening tool can assess cognition issues in older adults

A new screening tool developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can effectively detect mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's disease, and other related dementias in older adults. The tool has been shown to identify 90% of patients with mild cognitive impairment, offering a potential solution for early detection and prevention.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateMar 1, 2023

Dynamic expression of brain serotonin receptors across the menstrual cycle provides clues about premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Researchers discovered a significant increase in serotonin transporter density in the midbrain of patients with PMDD during the periovulatory phase, which was associated with increased depressed mood. The study suggests that taking SSRIs at specific times during the menstrual cycle may help target these changes and alleviate symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Charting a course in the brainy frontier

Kyoto University researchers have created a map comparing circuit structure with neural activity in mammals, revealing a new mechanism behind visual cortex activities. This discovery sheds light on the hidden connections between neurons and could provide directions for constructing power-efficient deep neural networks.

SourceKyoto University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

New dual-phase imaging protocol reduces costs and radiation exposure for cognitively impaired patients

A novel nuclear medicine imaging protocol, dual-phase amyloid PET, can assess both amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration with a single tracer injection, cutting costs and radiation exposure. The protocol was shown to be comparable in distinguishing patients with neurodegenerative diseases from controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2023

Brain structural differences observed in children with conduct disorder with and without childhood maltreatment

A new study found that children with conduct disorder who experienced childhood maltreatment have more extensive brain structural changes compared to those without maltreatment. The study highlights the unique contribution of childhood maltreatment to these changes and provides neurobiological insights into the heterogeneity of CD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Researchers unveil new collection of human brain atlases that chart postnatal development

Researchers created monthly infant brain atlases to track normative trends in brain development. The atlases reveal changes in brain structure, cortical geometry, and tissue contrast, shedding light on conditions like ADHD and dyslexia. The study aims to facilitate discovery of new insights into child cognition and social behavior.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 26, 2023

New brain map reveals secrets of camouflage

Researchers from the University of Queensland created a detailed outline of the cuttlefish brain structure and neuronal network, shedding light on their camouflage abilities. The study reveals that the cuttlefish's brain adaptations reflect their daily life requirements and ecology.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023

Decoding brain arteriovenous malformations in the Asian population: a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study

A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023

Do the negative ways that others treat us contribute to later self-harm?

A new longitudinal study examines neural-based correlates and risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. The study found that greater amygdala reactivity during anticipation of social punishment predicted NSSI engagement one year later, particularly in those with lower peer-nominated social preference.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023