Archive for the ‘neuroscience’ category: Page 371
Jan 10, 2023
Newly discovered anatomy shields and monitors brain
Posted by Saúl Morales Rodriguéz in categories: biotech/medical, neuroscience, robotics/AI
From the complexity of neural networks to basic biological functions and structures, the human brain only reluctantly reveals its secrets. Advances in neuro-imaging and molecular biology have only recently enabled scientists to study the living brain at level of detail not previously achievable, unlocking many of its mysteries. The latest discovery, described today in the journal Science, is a previously unknown component of brain anatomy that acts as both a protective barrier and platform from which immune cells monitor the brain for infection and inflammation.
The new study comes from the labs of Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at University of Rochester and the University of Copenhagen and Kjeld Møllgård, M.D., a professor of neuroanatomy at the University of Copenhagen. Nedergaard and her colleagues have transformed our understanding of the fundamental mechanics of the human brain and made significant findings to the field of neuroscience, including detailing the many critical functions of previously overlooked cells in the brain called glia and the brain’s unique process of waste removal, which the lab named the glymphatic system.
“The discovery of a new anatomic structure that segregates and helps control the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in and around the brain now provides us much greater appreciation of the sophisticated role that CSF plays not only in transporting and removing waste from the brain, but also in supporting its immune defenses,” said Nedergaard.
Jan 10, 2023
Fruit flies help researchers decode genetic link to Alzheimer’s disease
Posted by Shubham Ghosh Roy in categories: biotech/medical, genetics, neuroscience
Researchers have used fruit flies to decipher an unexplained connection between Alzheimer’s disease and a genetic variation, revealing that it causes neurons to die.
The findings from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)-led team uncover a possible cause of neurodegeneration in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and open the door for the future development of new treatments for cognitive diseases.
The study, “An increase in mitochondrial TOM activates apoptosis to drive retinal neurodegeneration,” with collaborators from Australian National University, is published in Scientific Reports.
Jan 9, 2023
A phase 2 trial of inhaled nitrous oxide for treatment-resistant major depression
Posted by Omuterema Akhahenda in categories: biotech/medical, neuroscience
About one-third of individuals suffering from depression are at risk for treatment resistance. Whereas inhaled 50% nitrous oxide has early antidepressant effects on individuals with treatment-resistant major depression (TRMD), adverse effects can occur at this concentration. In this phase 2 clinical trial, Nagele et al. studied the effects of a single 1-hour treatment with 25% nitrous oxide on depression symptoms in those with TRMD, finding that this lower concentration had comparable efficacy to 50% nitrous oxide over several weeks but was associated with significantly fewer adverse effects. These results highlight that lower concentrations of nitrous oxide may be a useful treatment for TRMD.
Twenty-five percent inhaled nitrous oxide improves symptoms of treatment-resistant major depression with fewer adverse effects than the 50% concentration.
Jan 9, 2023
Dr. Richard Burt MD — Pioneering Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants (HSCT) For Autoimmune Disorders
Posted by Ira S. Pastor in categories: biotech/medical, health, neuroscience
Pioneering Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants (HSCT) For Autoimmune Disorders — Dr. Richard K. Burt
Dr. Richard K. Burt MD (https://astemcelljourney.com/about/drrichardburt/) is a Fulbright Scholar, Professor of Medicine at Scripps Health Care, tenured retired Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University where he served as Chief of Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Diseases, and CEO of Genani Biotechnology.
Jan 9, 2023
Human and Neanderthal brains have a surprising ‘youthful’ quality in common, new research finds
Posted by Nicholi Avery in category: neuroscience
Modern humans have a youthful brain, and this “Peter Pan syndrome” is also seen in Neanderthals.
Many believe our particularly large brain is what makes us human — but is there more to it? The brain’s shape, as well as the shapes of its component parts (lobes) may also be important.
Jan 9, 2023
The Universe in 90 minutes: Time, free will, God, & more | Sean Carroll
Posted by Dan Breeden in categories: cosmology, neuroscience, quantum physics
Everything you ever wanted to know about parallel universes, time, entropy, free will and more, explained by physicist Sean Carroll.
Up next, Michio Kaku: The Universe in a nutshell (Full Presentation) ► https://youtu.be/0NbBjNiw4tk.
Continue reading “The Universe in 90 minutes: Time, free will, God, & more | Sean Carroll” »
Jan 9, 2023
Scientists implant human brains in mice and make breakthrough discovery
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: innovation, neuroscience
A team of researchers has implanted human brains in mice in an experiment to measure the test subjects’ responses to sight, smell, and touch.
Jan 9, 2023
Humans’ big-brain genes may have come from ‘junk DNA’
Posted by Shubham Ghosh Roy in categories: biotech/medical, neuroscience
Jan 9, 2023
Where is intelligence in the brain?
Posted by Shubham Ghosh Roy in category: neuroscience
The specific regions responsible for “smartness” are still unknown. It is clear that there is no single site of intelligence.