Brain News and Research

RSS

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.

Progenics, Salix enter exclusive worldwide license agreement for RELISTOR

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. today announced that they have entered into an exclusive worldwide (except Japan) agreement by which Salix has licensed rights to RELISTOR® (methylnaltrexone bromide).

7 Feb 2011

Toshiba's Aquilion ONE dynamic volume CT system to improve stroke diagnosis, treatment

Containing costs while delivering high-quality, effective care is a directive of healthcare reform. Episode-based care is part of the reform mandate and is a payment approach that reimburses on expected costs for clinically defined episodes rather than fee-for-service.

7 Feb 2011

Allergies appear to reduce glioma risk

The more allergies one has, the lower the risk of developing low- and high-grade glioma, according to data published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

7 Feb 2011

Positive results from EpiCept NP-1 Phase IIb trial in patients with CPN

EpiCept Corporation today announced positive results from a Phase IIb trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of EpiCept NP-1 in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. EpiCept NP-1 is a topical analgesic cream containing two FDA-approved drugs, amitriptyline and ketamine, in development for the relief of pain from various peripheral neuropathies.

7 Feb 2011

Genomic study identifies link between Native American ancestry, relapse in young leukemia patients

The first genome-wide study to demonstrate an inherited genetic basis for racial and ethnic disparities in cancer survival linked Native American ancestry with an increased risk of relapse in young leukemia patients. The work was done by investigators at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Children's Oncology Group.

6 Feb 2011

New research: Binge drinking in rural areas is more of a problem than previously thought

Binge drinking is often considered to be a problem of towns and cities but new research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Public Health shows that binge drinking in rural areas is more of a problem than previously thought.

6 Feb 2011

Blood test for screening mad cow disease to come soon: Study

UK scientists have developed a new blood test that can diagnose cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), a rare, fatal brain disease caused by proteins known as prions. These prions are also responsible for the mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This test could in near future be used to identify contaminated blood and prevent transmission of the disease during blood transfusions, the researchers said.

6 Feb 2011

Technique that cleared mouse of HIV-like virus sparks hope for new therapy

In a breakthrough, Australian researchers have developed a method to boost the immune system. This technique is seen to be capable of clearing an “HIV-like” infection from a mouse. This could in future lead to a cure for HIV and other chronic viral infections in humans. The findings from Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute are centred on a naturally occurring cell signalling hormone called interleukin-7 (IL-7).

6 Feb 2011

Vascular birthmarks can cause concern for parents: Dermatologists

Vascular birthmarks, which occur in nearly 10 percent of all infants at birth or within the first few weeks of life, can cause concern for parents particularly if they are large or in a cosmetically important area. The decision to treat a birthmark is one that parents should make with a dermatologist, who can determine the type of birthmark and whether or not it poses any potential risks in the future.

5 Feb 2011

VA announces first Ai2 awards under Industry Innovation Competition

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki officially announced today the first VA Innovation Initiative awards under the agency's Industry Innovation Competition, its third competition since it began in early 2010. These four projects will use innovative new technologies in VA facilities to improve the quality of patient care for Veterans. They represent the first of nearly two-dozen more awards to be made in the coming months.

5 Feb 2011

WINCS device can detect and measure serotonin levels in brain: Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic researchers have concluded that, through deep brain stimulation, a Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration System can detect and measure serotonin levels in the brain. The findings suggest that in the future such measurements of serotonin may help establish a therapeutic mechanism of deep brain stimulation for psychiatric disease.

5 Feb 2011

Canisius College professor explains long-term benefits of leisure

According to leisure expert Dr. E. Christine Moll, "play" is as important to a person's health as keeping cholesterol levels in check and getting regular exercise. Moll, a professional counselor and professor of counseling and human services at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, explains that leisure is like medicine.

5 Feb 2011

NOCSAE warns athletes and parents not to rely solely on marketing, promotional materials

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment issued a warning to athletes and parents of athletes to get the facts about football helmets and concussion protection – and not rely solely on marketing and promotional materials.

5 Feb 2011

Researchers trace scent signals from nose to higher centers of mouse brain

Mice know fear. And they know to fear the scent of a predator. But how do their brains quickly figure out with a sniff that a cat is nearby?

5 Feb 2011

Research provides new clues to understand link between deficits of AGPO-3, depression

The link between deficits of omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids and the onset of depressive disorders is not new in the medical field. However, what has not been known until now is the brain mechanism by which diet can condition mental health to a certain extent.

5 Feb 2011

Waismann Method examines link between chronic pain and Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia

Results from a recent study issued by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration revealed that treatment admissions for prescription painkiller abuse rose 345 percent over a 10 year period extending from 1998 to 2008.

5 Feb 2011

North Shore-LIJ begins patient enrollment in epilepsy research study

In the United States, epilepsy affects nearly one million women of childbearing potential and whether there is increased infertility in women with epilepsy is presently unknown. People with epilepsy have been reported to have fewer children, however, the specific factors contributing to this lower birth rate are unknown.

5 Feb 2011