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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.

Biological pathways in PTSD revealed: Study

Up to 20% of the population exposed to a horror of a war, trauma or abuse may go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD, as it is better known, is a debilitating psychiatric disorder marked by flashbacks and nightmares. Till date the biological basis for PTSD was unclear. But a new study offers clues about why some people rebound from horrific events while others relive them, and may lead to predictive tests and even treatments.

23 Feb 2011

Versatile ultra-low power biomedical signal processor

At today’s International Solid-State Circuit Conference (ISSCC2011), imec, Holst Centre and NXP present a versatile ultra-low power biomedical signal processor, CoolBioTM, meeting the requirements of future wearable biomedical sensor systems. The biomedical signal processor consumes only 13pJ/cycle when running a complex ECG (electrocardiogram) algorithm at 1MHz and 0.4V operating voltage. This C-programmable chip is voltage and performance scalable supporting a frequency range of 1MHz up to 100MHz with an operating voltage from 0.4 to 1.2V.

23 Feb 2011

Brain reward center responds to good and bad experiences

The so-called reward center of the brain may need a new name, say scientists who have shown it responds to good and bad experiences. The finding, published in PLoS One, may help explain the "thrill" of thrill-seeking behavior or maybe just the thrill of surviving it, according to scientists at Georgia Health Sciences University and East China Normal University.

23 Feb 2011

USC School of Medicine professor to present keynote on prevention of SBS at Texas conference

On February 28th, Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP, Assistant Professor at the USC School of Medicine, will present the keynote address on the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome at the 25th Annual Conference of Prevent Child Abuse Texas, in Dallas.

23 Feb 2011

New study: Portion of brain responsible for reading doesn't require vision at all

The portion of the brain responsible for visual reading doesn't require vision at all, according to a new study by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and France.

23 Feb 2011

ETH scientists warn about impact of cell phone radiation in brain of healthy adults

Expert scientists working with Environmental Health Trust, a nonprofit research and educational group, say that new studies showing that cell phone radiation excites the brain strengthen the need for a major research program on cell phones and health, revamping approaches to setting standards, and putting warnings on cell phones.

23 Feb 2011

Stripe of Gennari in the blind may play greater role in processing tactile stimuli

The Stripe of Gennari develops even in those who are blind from birth and does not degenerate, despite a lack of visual input. This was discovered by Robert Trampel and colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences using magnetic resonance imaging. This bundle of nerve fibers, which is approximately 0.3 mm thick, is not exclusively responsible for optic information.

23 Feb 2011

New study: Cannabis ingredient can improve appetites and sense of taste in cancer patients

The active ingredient in cannabis can improve the appetites and sense of taste in cancer patients, according to a new study published online in the cancer journal, Annals of Oncology today.

23 Feb 2011

Study: Cannabis use may negatively impact male sexual performance

Rany Shamloul's recent review of the medical literature on cannabis use and sexual health has revealed that cannabis use may negatively impact male sexual performance.

23 Feb 2011

Nanoparticle therapy may improve survival after life-threatening blood loss

In an advance that could improve battlefield and trauma care, scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have used tiny particles called nanoparticles to improve survival after life-threatening blood loss.

23 Feb 2011

UCI study details benefits of physical activity, diet, relationships, fun and spirituality

Getting more exercise, spending time outdoors and helping others are among the activities that can be as effective as drugs or counseling in treating an array of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety, according to a UC Irvine study.

23 Feb 2011

Researchers discover biological pathway that alters normal cells into aggressive tumors

A biological pathway that transforms normal cells into aggressive tumors has been discovered by researchers at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute.

23 Feb 2011

CVS condemns Supreme Court's decision to preempt all vaccine design defect lawsuits

The Coalition for Vaccine Safety condemns the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth to preempt all vaccine design defect lawsuits in state and federal civil court. Quoting Justice Sotomayor's dissent, the majority "imposes its own bare policy preference over the considered judgment of Congress."

23 Feb 2011

Researchers to explore genomes of childhood cancers

In a project supported by Genome BC, a Vancouver pediatric pathologist at the BC Cancer Agency/University of British Columbia is leading the team that will explore the genomes of four of the most challenging childhood cancers known.

23 Feb 2011

Positive results from Harbor BioSciences' Triolex initial preclinical study for treatment of PD

Harbor BioSciences, Inc., which is investigating the use the company's proprietary compound Triolex as a treatment for Parkinson's disease with funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation, announced positive results in initial preclinical studies.

23 Feb 2011

Human umbilical cord blood-derived EPCs accelerate wound healing in diabetics

Transplanting human umbilical cord blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been found to "significantly accelerate" wound closure in diabetic mouse models, said a team of Korean researchers publishing in the current issue of Cell Transplantation.

23 Feb 2011

Brain News and Research

Further Reading

Biological pathways in PTSD revealed: Study

Versatile ultra-low power biomedical signal processor

Brain reward center responds to good and bad experiences

USC School of Medicine professor to present keynote on prevention of SBS at Texas conference

New study: Portion of brain responsible for reading doesn't require vision at all

ETH scientists warn about impact of cell phone radiation in brain of healthy adults

Stripe of Gennari in the blind may play greater role in processing tactile stimuli

New study: Cannabis ingredient can improve appetites and sense of taste in cancer patients

Study: Cannabis use may negatively impact male sexual performance

Nanoparticle therapy may improve survival after life-threatening blood loss

UCI study details benefits of physical activity, diet, relationships, fun and spirituality

Researchers discover biological pathway that alters normal cells into aggressive tumors

CVS condemns Supreme Court's decision to preempt all vaccine design defect lawsuits

Researchers to explore genomes of childhood cancers

Positive results from Harbor BioSciences' Triolex initial preclinical study for treatment of PD

Human umbilical cord blood-derived EPCs accelerate wound healing in diabetics

Breakthrough in Huntington's disease may give patients hope for cure

New study provides insight into brain activity of depressed women responding to crying infants

Speaking more languages may lower risk of developing memory problems

CAMH introduces mobile research lab to study mental health, addictions in communities across Ontario

Discover how SciY empowers scientists

Why use light scattering to analyze proteins and viral vectors?

Changing the landscape of R&D to build clinical success from the ground up

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