Newsline — Thursday, March 21, 2013 13:00
TV Icon Diagnosed with Terminal Brain Cancer
New Imaging Method Unveils Alzheimer’s Risk Gene
Thursday, March 21, 2013 9:00
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, have found a new genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease by monitoring people’s DNA and then visualizing their brain connections through an advanced scanning method. By identifying the genetic abnormalities that increase Alzheimer’s risk and switching them off with a new imaging method, Alzheimer’s could be stopped in its tracks or have its onset delayed by many years. For more information, click here to read the full article.
Portion of Hippocampus Found to Play Role in Reducing Anxiety
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 12:50
A study conducted at the Columbia University Medical Center has revealed that the selective activation of a portion of the hippocampus, which plays a role in long-term and short-term memory, can lessen anxiety without affecting learning ability. The findings suggest that treatment for this region of the brain could address certain anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, with nominal cognitive side effects. For more information, click here to read the full article.
Study Hints at Causes of Peripheral Nerve Damage
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 9:00
Anyone who has experienced a hand or foot “falling asleep” has a sense of the numbness and tingling associated with peripheral nerve damage. The condition, which affects about 20 million Americans, can cause a number of other symptoms, including chronic pain, stinging, burning, itching and sensitivity to touch. The underlying causes of such peripheral neuropathies are not understood completely, but researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that toxic buildup in Schwann cells can lead to the same type of nerve damage found in patients with neuropathies. This finding may lead to toxin-blocking drugs and new treatments for the condition. For more information, click here to read the full article.
MS-Related Cognitive Issues Linked to Extensive Brain Damage
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 13:00
According to a study published in the online issue of Neurology, individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who suffer from cognitive issues and have trouble with memory, attention and concentration have more damage in areas of the brain pertaining to cognitive processes than those with MS who do not have cognitive problems. The study used an MRI brain scan called diffusion tensor imaging, and researchers believe that the technology confirms that cognitive symptoms in MS have biological roots. The study evaluated 20 people with MS who had cognitive troubles, 35 MS patients without cognitive problems and 30 healthy individuals. In those with MS-related cognitive problems, white matter dysfunction was discovered in the thalamus and other areas for cognitive skills. Researchers hope that such imaging will help monitor the effectiveness of new treatments in addressing all aspects of the condition. For more information, click here to read the full story.
Brain Can Experience Fatigue During Exercise
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:10
The National Academy of Sciences reports that the brain may play a role in a person’s physical fatigue during exercise. Known as “central fatigue”, the brain’s braking mechanism is said to affect the brain and nervous system instead of affecting the muscles. Researchers hope that mapping out the mechanism could likely identify methods to control serotonin, which is said to trigger the brain’s braking mechanism. For more information, click here to read the full story.
Brain Activity Map Project Hopes to Unlock Keys to Mental Disorders
Monday, March 18, 2013 13:27
Neuroscientists are advocating a project that would map brain activity and potentially highlight the causes of mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia. The Brain Activity Map project (BAM) will include the efforts of six scientists and aims to “really get to the nitty-gritty of brain circuits,” says Rafael Yuste, co-director of the Kavli Institute for Brain Circuits at Columbia University. For more information, click here to read the full article.
Study: Deep Brain Stimulation Promising for Treatment-Resistant Eating Disorder
Monday, March 18, 2013 9:57
As published in The Lancet, researchers have discovered that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help patients with severe, treatment-resistant anorexia nervosa gain improvements in body weight, mood and anxiety levels. After treatment, a number of study participants (who had been battling anorexia for an average of 18 years) had achieved long periods of sustained weight gain since the illness’ onset, experienced mood changes and had completed inpatient eating disorder programs for the first time ever. For more information, click here to read the full article.
Increased Stroke Risk Among Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Friday, March 15, 2013 13:00
Here’s a reason to clock seven to nine hours of nightly shut eye: It can decrease your stroke risk. According to a report from the Huffington Post, adults who sleep for fewer than six hours a night were four times as likely to exhibit stroke symptoms. Other sleep deprivation risks include memory loss and diabetes. Click here for the full article.
Mice Get Smarter After Human Brain Cell Transplant, Study Reveals
Friday, March 15, 2013 9:00
A study published in the March 7 edition of Cell Stem Cell reveals that transplanting human brain cells into mice can make mice smarter. Researchers implanted human glial progenitor cells into the brains of newborn mice. In addition to revealing how cell transplants may assist in treatment of neurological ailment in humans, the study determined that mice with human astrocytes fared better on a set of tests assessing learning and memory skills. Click here to read more.