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The image shows a person undergoing a deep brain stimulation implant surgery.

·February 12, 2013·4 min read

In Some Dystonia Cases, Deep Brain Therapy Benefits may Linger After Device is Turned Off

According to a new report, two patients with Dystonia were freed from the severe debilitating effects of the disease through deep brain stimulation therapy, continued to have symptom relief for months after their devices accidentally were fully or partly turned off.

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

Featured Neurology

·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 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 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.

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.

The image is The Fruit Vendor by painter J W Godward. The image shows a woman sleeping next to a statue of a lion and a table of fruit.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 6, 2013·4 min read

Eat to Dream: Study Shows Dietary Nutrients Associated with Certain Sleep Patterns

A study shows for the first time that certain nutrients may play an underlying role in short and long sleep duration and that people who report eating a large variety of foods; an indicator of an overall healthy diet, had the healthiest sleep patterns.

The image shows the structure of protein LRRK2.

Featured Genetics

·February 6, 2013·4 min read

Study Points to Possible Cause and Treatment for Non-familial Parkinson’s

Researchers identify a protein trafficking defect within brain cells that may underlie common non-familial forms of Parkinson’s disease. The study implicates two genetic variants that disrupt protein sorting in neurons.