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The human brain is the center of the human nervous system and is a highly complex organ. Enclosed in the cranium, it has the same general structure as the brains of other mammals, but is over three times as large as the brain of a typical mammal with an equivalent body size.

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals announces results from Phase II study of antipsychotic in Alzheimer's disease psychosis

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced the presentation of data from the Phase II -019 Study of pimavanserin in Alzheimer's disease psychosis at the 10th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease meeting in Boston.

3 Nov 2017

Study: Diverse autism symptoms may stem from malfunction in communication among brain cells

A defective gene linked to autism influences how neurons connect and communicate with each other in the brain, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Rodents that lack the gene form too many connections between brain neurons and have difficulty learning.

3 Nov 2017

New research reveals possible therapeutic target for controlling inflammation in the brain

New research published online in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology showed for the first time that mature monocytes (a specific type of white blood cell) express the CXCR7 receptor on their surface.

3 Nov 2017

New optical microscopy technique reveals dimerization of ‘toll-like receptors’

The surface of every cell contains receptors that react to external signals similar to a "gate". In this way, the cells of the innate immune system can differentiate between friend and foe partly through their "toll-like receptors" (TLRs).

3 Nov 2017

Study shows link between individual circadian preference and sleep spindle activity

A new Finnish study shows that individual circadian preference is associated with brain activity patterns during the night.

3 Nov 2017

Environmental toxin exposure may disrupt function of circadian clock, research shows

Can environmental toxins disrupt circadian rhythms - the biological "clock" whose disturbance is linked to chronic inflammation and a host of human disorders? Research showing a link between circadian disruption and plankton that have adapted to road salt pollution puts the question squarely on the table.

3 Nov 2017

Study demonstrates for the first-time neurons moving in postnatal neurogenesis

A study published recently in the Journal of Cell Biology has described how newborn precursor neurons, termed neuroblasts, which originated in a permanent pocket of stem cells in an area of the brain called the V-SVZ—traveled from their birthplace to a target destination in the olfactory bulb via a special tunnel called the RMS.

3 Nov 2017

OHSU study shows better clinical outcomes for deep brain stimulation while patients are asleep

Deep brain stimulation is a long-established surgical procedure that eases the effects of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor through pulses from tiny electrodes implanted in the brain. Currently, most surgeons around the world conduct this surgery while the patient is awake.

3 Nov 2017

Scientists identify new brain process that allows us to suppress unwanted thoughts

Scientists have identified a key chemical within the 'memory' region of the brain that allows us to suppress unwanted thoughts, helping explain why people who suffer from disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and schizophrenia often experience persistent intrusive thoughts when these circuits go awry.

3 Nov 2017

Brain connectivity pattern demonstrates familial and heritable relationships, study reveals

Every person has a distinct pattern of functional brain connectivity known as a connectotype, or brain fingerprint. A new study conducted at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, concludes that while individually unique, each connectotype demonstrates both familial and heritable relationships. The results published today in Network Neuroscience.

3 Nov 2017

Nicotine alters gut microbiome differently in males and females, mice study shows

Many people who smoke or chew tobacco can't seem to escape nicotine's addictive properties. Studies show that women in particular seem to have a harder time quitting, even with assistance, when compared to men.

3 Nov 2017

Researchers identify neural circuitry responsible for rousing the brain during sleep apnea

A common and potentially serious sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea affects at least one-quarter of U.S. adults and is linked to increased risk of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. In a paper published today in the journal Neuron, researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified specific neural circuitry responsible for rousing the brain of mice in simulated apnea conditions.

2 Nov 2017

UW study shows link between toxic air and psychological distress

There is little debate over the link between air pollution and the human respiratory system: Research shows that dirty air can impair breathing and aggravate various lung diseases. Other potential effects are being investigated, too, as scientists examine connections between toxic air and obesity, diabetes and dementia.

2 Nov 2017

Children, adolescents mainly vulnerable to sleep-disrupting effects of screen time

With their brains, sleep patterns, and eyes still developing, children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the sleep-disrupting effects of screen time, according to a sweeping review of the literature published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics.

2 Nov 2017

Computers can alert doctors of acute kidney injury earlier to help save lives

Embedding a decision support tool in the hospital electronic health record increases detection of acute kidney injury, reducing its severity and improving survival, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC.

2 Nov 2017

Low oxygen, not blood flow, may contribute to major disturbances in the brain of preterm infants

Premature infants are at risk for a broad spectrum of life-long cognitive and learning disabilities. Historically, these conditions were believed to be the result of lack of blood flow to the brain.

2 Nov 2017

Targeting blood-clotting protein may help treat multiple sclerosis and other diseases

Picture a bare wire, without its regular plastic coating. It's exposed to the elements and risks being degraded. And, without insulation, it may not conduct electricity as well as a coated wire. Now, imagine this wire is inside your brain.

2 Nov 2017

Preclinical studies show effectiveness of targeted therapy for glioblastoma

The targeted therapy onalespib has shown effectiveness in preclinical studies of glioblastoma by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

2 Nov 2017

Inflammation in mid-life may be linked to brain shrinkage decades later

People who have biomarkers tied to inflammation in their blood in their 40s and 50s may have more brain shrinkage decades later than people without the biomarkers, according to a study published in the November 1, 2017, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The brain cell loss was found especially in areas of the brain that are affected by Alzheimer's disease.

2 Nov 2017

Maintaining positive friendships may be key to slower memory decline

Maintaining positive, warm and trusting friendships might be the key to a slower decline in memory and cognitive functioning, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study.

2 Nov 2017

Brain News and Research

Further Reading

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals announces results from Phase II study of antipsychotic in Alzheimer's disease psychosis

Study: Diverse autism symptoms may stem from malfunction in communication among brain cells

New research reveals possible therapeutic target for controlling inflammation in the brain

New optical microscopy technique reveals dimerization of ‘toll-like receptors’

Study shows link between individual circadian preference and sleep spindle activity

Environmental toxin exposure may disrupt function of circadian clock, research shows

Study demonstrates for the first-time neurons moving in postnatal neurogenesis

OHSU study shows better clinical outcomes for deep brain stimulation while patients are asleep

Scientists identify new brain process that allows us to suppress unwanted thoughts

Brain connectivity pattern demonstrates familial and heritable relationships, study reveals

Nicotine alters gut microbiome differently in males and females, mice study shows

Researchers identify neural circuitry responsible for rousing the brain during sleep apnea

UW study shows link between toxic air and psychological distress

Children, adolescents mainly vulnerable to sleep-disrupting effects of screen time

Computers can alert doctors of acute kidney injury earlier to help save lives

Low oxygen, not blood flow, may contribute to major disturbances in the brain of preterm infants

Targeting blood-clotting protein may help treat multiple sclerosis and other diseases

Preclinical studies show effectiveness of targeted therapy for glioblastoma

Inflammation in mid-life may be linked to brain shrinkage decades later

Maintaining positive friendships may be key to slower memory decline

Industry Focus eBook - Neurology/Neuroscience - 2nd edition eBook

Bringing real-time analytics to downstream bioprocess monitoring

Designing fluidic architecture for scalable diagnostic platforms

Evaluating new approaches for rare disease genomics

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