Published: Mon, 20 May 2013 19:42:42 GMT
Researchers have for the first time used a novel form of MRI to identify crucial developmental processes in the brain that are vulnerable to the effects of premature birth. This new study shows that disruption of these specific processes can have an impact on cognitive function.
Published: Sat, 18 May 2013 19:32:32 GMT
Chronic trauma can inflict lasting damage to brain regions associated with fear and anxiety. Previous imaging studies of people with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, have shown that these brain regions can over-or under-react in response to stressful tasks.
Published: Fri, 17 May 2013 01:54:54 GMT
A recent study on 5-day old human blastocysts shows that those with an abnormal chromosomal composition can be identified by the rate at which they have developed to blastocysts, thereby classifying the risk of genetic abnormality without a biopsy. Now, researchers have undertaken a retrospective study, using their predictive model to assess the likelihood of any embryo transferred resulting in a successful pregnancy, with very encouraging outcomes.
Published: Thu, 16 May 2013 16:39:39 GMT
In our interaction with our environment we constantly refer to past experiences stored as memories to guide behavioral decisions. But how memories are formed, stored and then retrieved to assist decision-making remains a mystery. By observing whole-brain activity in live zebrafish, researchers have visualized for the first time how information stored as long-term memory in the cerebral cortex is processed to guide behavioral choices.
Published: Wed, 15 May 2013 19:14:14 GMT
Metal-on-metal hip implants can cause inflammation of the joint lining long before symptoms appear, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to identify this inflammation, according to a new study.
Published: Wed, 15 May 2013 13:48:48 GMT
Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques aimed at mental and neurological conditions include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression, and transcranial direct current (electrical) stimulation (tDCS), have been shown to improve memory. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has also shown promise.
Published: Wed, 15 May 2013 01:29:29 GMT
A new study offers an in-depth look at hospitals nationwide in the United States and admissions to intensive care units (ICU). The study finds a sharp increase—nearly 50 percent—in ICU admissions coming from U.S. emergency departments.
Published: Tue, 14 May 2013 12:50:50 GMT
In a first-of-its-kind effort to illuminate the biochemical impact of trauma, researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a connection between the quantity of cannabinoid receptors in the human brain, known as CB1 receptors, and post-traumatic stress disorder, the chronic, disabling condition that can plague trauma victims with flashbacks, nightmares and emotional instability.
Published: Sun, 12 May 2013 14:55:55 GMT
From microscopes to MRI scanners, imaging technology is growing ever more vital in the world's hospitals, whether for the diagnosis of illness or for research into new cures. Imaging technology requires dyes or contrast agents of some sort. Current contrast agents and dyes are expensive, difficult to work with and far from ideal. Now, chemists have discovered a new dye and proved its worth against any of the dyes currently available.
Published: Tue, 07 May 2013 17:44:44 GMT
For nearly a decade, doctors have used implanted electronic stimulators to treat severe depression in people who don't respond to standard antidepressant treatments. Now, preliminary brain scan studies are revealing that vagus nerve stimulation brings about changes in brain metabolism weeks or even months before patients begin to feel better.
