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The image shows a coronal MRI scan of a patient with ALS.

·February 12, 2013·3 min read

Novel Protein May Help Detect Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Dementia

Researchers discover an abnormal protein that accumulates in the brains of patients affected with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The findings have uncovered a potentially new therapeutic target and biomarker that would allow clinicians to confirm diagnosis of the diseases.

Corticogenesis with six cortical layers is shown.

Autism Featured Genetics Neurology

·February 11, 2013·3 min read

Genes for Autism and Schizophrenia Only Active in Developing Brains

Genes linked to autism and schizophrenia are only switched on during the early stages of brain development, according to a study in mice led by researchers at the University of Oxford.

The image shows three surgeons conducting a surgical procedure.

Featured Neurology

·February 11, 2013·2 min read

Strokes Associated with Surgery can be Devastating

Prompt identification of perioperative strokes can improve the outcome, researchers suggest. Study suggests several therapies to treat perioperative strokes caused by blood clots.

The image shows Gage Crump, head research for this project.

Featured Genetics

·February 11, 2013·3 min read

Researchers Uncover Genetic Clues Which may Lead to Better Understanding of Organ Development and Birth Defects

Researchers have discovered clues to the development of the head at the cellular level, which could point scientists to a better understanding of how organs and birth defects form in humans.

The image shows a capillary regeneration model. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 11, 2013·4 min read

Simulations Show how Blood Vessels Regroup after Stroke

By simulating patterns of microvasculature cell growth and compare the results with real networks grown in lab, researchers hope to direct how they grow into the tiny blood vessels that feed the brain and help people regain functions lost to stroke and disease.

The photograph shows a bulldog with a sad looking face.

Featured Genetics

·February 8, 2013·2 min read

Putting our Heads Together: Canines may Hold Clues to Human Skull Development

Reviewing research on dog cranium development, scientists consider how the information garnered over the past eight years could help us understand human skull development.

The image shows a lego man acting as a gatekeeper for the brain activity to neuronal growth.

Featured Psychology

·February 7, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Uncover Key to Antidepressant Response

Researchers identify a protein that appears to be the target of both antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive therapy. The experimental results explain how these therapies likely work to relieve depression by stimulating stem cells in the brain to grow and mature.

The image shows Jacob with a female researcher.

Featured Genetics

·February 7, 2013·5 min read

Experimental Gene Therapy Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy offers Hope for Youngster

A nationwide clinical trial for a new type treatment that could offer help to those suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a devastating neuromuscular disease.

The image shows comparative brain scans of veterans with mild TBI and those without TBI.

Featured Neurology

·February 7, 2013·3 min read

Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury have White Matter Abnormalities

A new study found soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mild TBI have measurable abnormalities in white matter when compared to returning veterans who have not experienced TBI. These abnormalities appear to be related to the severity of the injury and are related to cognitive deficits.

The image shows an over-sized terminal forms a synapse with a dendritic spine. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Neurology

·February 7, 2013·3 min read

Excess Protein Linked to Development of Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers suggest the overexpression of a protein called alpha-synuclein appears to disrupt vital recycling processes in neurons. The study may have major implications for more fully understanding the causes and mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease.

The image shows Newborn neurons in the brain of a 3 month old mouse.

Featured Neurology

·February 7, 2013·3 min read

Dickkopf Makes Fountain of Youth in the Brain Run Dry

Scientists have discovered that significantly more neurons are generated in the brains of older animals if the signaling molecule Dickkopf-1 is turned off. The results give rise to the question whether the function of Dickkopf-1 may be turned off using drugs to prevent age related cognitive decline.

Featured Psychology

·February 6, 2013·2 min read

Induction of Mild Inflammation Leads to Cognitive Deficits Related to Schizophrenia

Researchers have identified an exceptional mouse model of schizophrenia. The study identified a mutant mouse lacking the Schnurri-2 protein (Shn-2 KO) that exhibits behavioral deficits and other brain features consistent with schizophrenia.