Latest

Featured

The image shows two soldiers performing a computer test,

·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 3D model of the structure of serotonin.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 13, 2013·4 min read

Rewiring the Serotonin System

Researchers discover a new way to influence the serotonin signaling system. The findings could lead to more effective medications with fewer side effects.

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 11 year old pianist, Danny Barenboim playing at a concert in 1956.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 12, 2013·3 min read

Early Music Lessons Boost Brain Development

A new study suggests early musical training has a significant effect on the development of the brain. Practicing instruments before the age of seven boosts the normal maturation of connections between motor and sensory regions of the brain, researchers suggest.

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.

This is a photo of lead researcher Josef Bless.

Featured Psychology

·February 8, 2013·2 min read

Smartphone App Offers New Possibilities For Psychological Research

Researchers show that the iDichotic smartphone app can be successfully used for psychological testing. A new version of this app has been specially developed for schizophrenic patients suffering from auditory hallucinations.