Brain News and Research

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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.

First evidence of neurotrophic factors improving status of degenerating dopamine neurons in Parkinson's brains

Ceregene, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, reported today that its scientists and collaborators have published new experimental findings in support of its Parkinson's disease program which appeared as the lead article in the current issue of Movement Disorders. The publication reports the first evidence that gene transfer can provide targeted expression of a neurotrophic factor, i.e., neurturin or NRTN, intended to restore and preserve dying neurons.

17 Feb 2011

Regional brain structural alterations associated with bipolar disorder

Lithium, introduced in the late 1940's, was the first "wonder drug" in psychiatry. It was the first medication treatment for the manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder and it remains among one of the most effective treatments for this disorder.

17 Feb 2011

Loss of 'twenty-four' gene makes it harder to wake up

Northwestern University scientists have discovered a new mechanism in the core gears of the circadian clock. They found the loss of a certain gene, dubbed "twenty-four," messes up the rhythm of the common fruit fly's sleep-wake cycle, making it harder for the flies to awaken.

17 Feb 2011

New computer application automatically detects subtle epileptic brain lesions in MRI scans

Researchers from the Department of Neurology at NYU Langone Medical Center identified potential benefits of a new computer application that automatically detects subtle brain lesions in MRI scans in patients with epilepsy. In a study published in the February 2011 issue of PLoS ONE, the authors discuss the software's potential to assist radiologists in better identifying and locating visually undetectable, operable lesions.

17 Feb 2011

Molecular explanation to higher tendency for autism among males

George Washington University researcher, Dr. Valerie Hu, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and her team at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, have found that male and female sex hormones regulate expression of an important gene in neuronal cell culture through a mechanism that could explain not only higher levels of testosterone observed in some individuals with autism, but also why males have a higher incidence of autism than females.

17 Feb 2011

Avesthagen completes development of microalgae based vegetarian DHA omega 3 essential fatty acid

Avesthagen Limited announced completion of a landmark project for the development of AvestaDHA(TM) - a vegetarian source of DHA (docohexanoic acid) omega 3 essential fatty acid based on an innovative approach using naturally occurring microalgae.

17 Feb 2011

Impaired brain insulin action may worsen type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a novel function of brain insulin, indicating that impaired brain insulin action may be the cause of the unrestrained lipolysis that initiates and worsens type 2 diabetes in humans. The research is published this month in the journal Cell Metabolism.

17 Feb 2011

WINCS detects and measures serotonin levels in brain through deep brain stimulation

Mayo Clinic researchers have concluded that, through deep brain stimulation, a Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration System (WINCS) 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.

16 Feb 2011

Deactivation of tau gene may help reverse memory loss in Alzheimer disease

Amyloid-beta and tau protein deposits in the brain are characteristic features of Alzheimer disease. The effect on the hippocampus, the area of the brain that plays a central role in learning and memory, is particularly severe. However, it appears that the toxic effect of tau protein is largely eliminated when the corresponding tau gene is switched off.

16 Feb 2011

UT Southwestern treats breast-cancer patient with Accuray CyberKnife System

Breast-cancer patient Kristin Wiginton is the first to be treated at UT Southwestern Medical Center with high-beam radiation using the Accuray CyberKnife System, which offers improved cosmetic results, less radiation exposure to surrounding tissue and a shorter treatment period.

16 Feb 2011

Study: RAPI tool more effective at predicting future alcohol dependence of teen-age drinkers

A widely used index for assessing adolescent drinking-related problems has been found to be effective at predicting the future alcohol dependence of teen-age drinkers, according to an Indiana University study which also found that the association was stronger for adolescent female drinkers.

16 Feb 2011

BCVI offers multidisciplinary approach to treat patients with atrial fibrillation

More than 2.6 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation —an erratic heartbeat. If left untreated, the condition can lead to stroke or heart failure. For three decades, 58 year old David Ryan was one of the millions of Americans suffering from the disease.

16 Feb 2011

Diet high in Omega 3 oils benefits at risk Alzheimer's disease patients

Scientists today agree that there are five molecules that are known to affect or cause Alzheimer's disease, which plagues an estimated five million Americans. The potency of these molecules is linked to environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle.

16 Feb 2011

Study: Native Hawaiians face high risk of hemorrhagic stroke and diabetes at younger age

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders may be at higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke at a younger age and more likely to have diabetes compared to other ethnicities, according to a study released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 63rd Annual Meeting in Honolulu April 9 to April 16, 2011.

16 Feb 2011

Study: Heart rate turbulence is linked with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease

Abnormal heart rate turbulence is associated with an increased risk of heart disease death in otherwise low-risk older individuals, according to a study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health.

15 Feb 2011

Food ingredients portfolio continues its geographical expansion

In 2011, the Food ingredients portfolio continues its geographical expansion and develops further with the industry it serves. Economic recovery, investment in emerging markets and focus on health characterise the industry this year.

15 Feb 2011

Raptor reopens enrollment in DR Cysteamine Phase 3 trial to treat patients with nephropathic cystinosis

Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp., today announced it has reopened enrollment in its Phase 3 clinical trial of its proprietary delayed-release oral formulation of cysteamine bitartrate in patients with nephropathic cystinosis.

15 Feb 2011

Nfocus Neuromedical's Luna AES receives CE Mark approval to treat brain aneurysms

Nfocus Neuromedical, Inc., an innovative medical device company with a focus on the next generation treatment for brain aneurysms, announced today that its Luna Aneurysm Embolization System received CE Mark for the treatment of patients with brain aneurysms.

15 Feb 2011

Research: MEF2D protein in mitochondria appears to contribute early steps in Parkinson's disease

For the last several years, neurologists have been probing a connection between Parkinson's disease and problems with mitochondria, the miniature power plants of the cell.

15 Feb 2011

Research: 75% of nonmilitary group medically evacuated for nonbattle injuries did not return to field

After analyzing data on 2,155 private contractors, diplomats and other civilians supporting war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan who were medically evacuated out of combat zones, researchers have found they are more likely to be evacuated for noncombat-related injuries, but more likely to return to work in-country after treatment for these conditions.

15 Feb 2011

Brain News and Research

Further Reading

First evidence of neurotrophic factors improving status of degenerating dopamine neurons in Parkinson's brains

Regional brain structural alterations associated with bipolar disorder

Loss of 'twenty-four' gene makes it harder to wake up

New computer application automatically detects subtle epileptic brain lesions in MRI scans

Molecular explanation to higher tendency for autism among males

Avesthagen completes development of microalgae based vegetarian DHA omega 3 essential fatty acid

Impaired brain insulin action may worsen type 2 diabetes

WINCS detects and measures serotonin levels in brain through deep brain stimulation

Deactivation of tau gene may help reverse memory loss in Alzheimer disease

UT Southwestern treats breast-cancer patient with Accuray CyberKnife System

Study: RAPI tool more effective at predicting future alcohol dependence of teen-age drinkers

BCVI offers multidisciplinary approach to treat patients with atrial fibrillation

Diet high in Omega 3 oils benefits at risk Alzheimer's disease patients

Study: Native Hawaiians face high risk of hemorrhagic stroke and diabetes at younger age

Study: Heart rate turbulence is linked with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease

Food ingredients portfolio continues its geographical expansion

Raptor reopens enrollment in DR Cysteamine Phase 3 trial to treat patients with nephropathic cystinosis

Nfocus Neuromedical's Luna AES receives CE Mark approval to treat brain aneurysms

Research: MEF2D protein in mitochondria appears to contribute early steps in Parkinson's disease

Research: 75% of nonmilitary group medically evacuated for nonbattle injuries did not return to field

Industry Focus eBook - Cell & Gene Therapy (1st Edition) eBook

Designing fluidic architecture for scalable diagnostic platforms

Evaluating new approaches for rare disease genomics

Expanding access to NMR with the Fourier 80 Duo

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