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Neurology

The image shows a PET scan of a brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease.

·February 15, 2013·2 min read

Neuronal Activity Induces Tau Release from Healthy Neurons

Researchers discover neuronal activity can stimulate tau release from healthy neurons in the absence of cell death. The study shows treatment of neurons with known biological signaling molecules increases the release of tau into the culture medium.

The image shows a 3D schematic structure of IGF-1.

Featured Neurology

·February 14, 2013·3 min read

Low Protein Diet Slows Alzheimer’s in Mice

Researchers discovered that a low protein diet can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice. By cycling between a normal and protein restricted diet, researchers noted both improvement in memory and a slowing in the advancement of the disease.

The image shows a brain scan which shows cerebral white matter hyperintensities, lacuna and microbleeds.

Featured Neurology

·February 13, 2013·2 min read

Blood May Hold Clues to Risk of Memory Problems After Menopause

A new study suggests that blood may hold clues to whether post-menopausal women may have an increased risk for brain damage that can lead to memory problems and an increased risk of stroke.

The image shows the thermosensitve afferents of TRPM8.

Electrophysiology Featured

·February 13, 2013·2 min read

Scientists Turn Off the Ability to Feel Cold

Researchers have isolated chills at a cellular level, identifying the sensory network of neurons in the skin that relays the sensation of cold. By better understanding the specific ways in which we feel sensations, scientists hope to one day develop better pain treatments without knocking out all ability to feel for suffering patients.

The image shows two soldiers performing a computer test,

Featured Psychology

·February 13, 2013·3 min read

Gene Associated with High Anxiety Can Have Protective Effect on the Battlefield

Through a combination of genetic and psychological testing, researchers have identified factors that mitigate against PTSD. In combat, soldiers who avoided threats were more likely to develop PTSD as a result of traumatic experiences, the study found.

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

Featured Neurology

·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 the set up and output images for this research. The caption best explains the image.

Featured

·February 12, 2013·5 min read

Neuroprosthesis Gives Rats the Ability to ‘Touch’ Infrared Light

Researchers have given rats the ability to "touch" infrared light by fitting them with an infrared detector wired to microscopic electrodes implanted in the part of the mammalian brain that processes tactile information. The study demonstrated that a novel sensory input could be processed by a cortical region specialized in another sense without "hijacking" the function of this brain area.

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.

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 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 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 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.