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.

Personalized brain circuit scores define six depression and anxiety biotypes

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging data on brain circuit function to derive interpretable, personalized brain circuit dysfunction scores for patients with anxiety and depression.

19 Jun 2024

1 in 4 parents say their young child can’t go to sleep because of being worried or anxious, report reveals

The findings indicate that while the majority of parents have bedtime routines in place for their children, many children experience anxiety or disturbances at bedtime and that one in five children is given melatonin to help them sleep.

19 Jun 2024

Targeting DUSP6 protein to prevent breast cancer recurrence

Treatment outcomes for breast cancer have become better over the years, but proportion of breast cancers still recur even after long periods without signs of cancer remaining dormant in the body.

19 Jun 2024

Researchers investigate the gene-brain-behavior link in autism using generative machine learning

Researchers used 3D transport-based morphometry to visualize brain changes linked to 16p11.2 CNV, achieving high prediction accuracy and advancing autism precision medicine.

18 Jun 2024

Angiotensin receptor blockers found to lower epilepsy risk, new study reveals

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology shows that angiotensin receptor blockers, a class of blood pressure drugs, reduce the risk of developing epilepsy, especially in older adults and stroke survivors.

18 Jun 2024

Sound stimulation targets alpha rhythms to improve sleep in dementia patients

Using sound to stimulate certain brain waves has the potential to help those with dementia or cognitive decline sleep better, reveals a new study.

18 Jun 2024

Blood test identifies specific pathologies in frontotemporal dementia, ALS, and PSP

In a study with 991 adults, scientists at DZNE show that the most common forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) as well as the neurological diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) can be recognized by blood testing.

18 Jun 2024

Existing cancer drug shows promise in blocking alpha-synuclein spread in Parkinson's mice

In studies with genetically engineered mice, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers say they have identified a potentially new biological target involving Aplp1, a cell surface protein that drives the spread of Parkinson's disease-causing alpha-synuclein.

18 Jun 2024

Older women are different than older men. Their health is woefully understudied.

Medical research has shortchanged women for decades. This is particularly true of older women, leaving physicians without critically important information about how to best manage their health.

18 Jun 2024

New research explores maternal influence on brain biomarkers

A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham suggests that whether a person inherits risk of Alzheimer's disease from their mother or father influences risk of biological changes in the brain that lead to disease. By evaluating 4,400 cognitively unimpaired adults ages 65-85, the team found those with a history of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on either their mother's side or both parents' sides had increased amyloid in their brains. Their results are published in JAMA Neurology.

18 Jun 2024

AI technology offers hope for faster stroke detection

Strokes, which affect millions of people globally, occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, which prevent brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. A few minutes of delay can result in permanent damage to the brain cells.

18 Jun 2024

Rapid test detects brain cancer mutations in cerebrospinal fluid

A test that looks for genetic hallmarks of brain cancers in samples of cerebrospinal fluid can decrease the time to diagnosis and eliminate the need for invasive brain biopsies for some patients.

17 Jun 2024

9/11 first responders face increased midlife dementia risk from severe dust exposure

Severe dust exposure among World Trade Center responders is linked to higher rates of dementia before age 65, highlighting long-term cognitive risks from 9/11.

17 Jun 2024

How ketone bodies contribute to brain health and memory preservation

The ketogenic diet has its fanatics and detractors among dieters, but either way, the diet has a scientifically documented impact on memory in mice.

17 Jun 2024

Research finds link between fatty foods and anxiety

When stressed out, many of us turn to junk food for solace. But new University of Colorado Boulder research suggests this strategy may backfire.

17 Jun 2024

Stanford study identifies six depression biotypes for personalized treatment

In the not-too-distant future, a screening assessment for depression could include a quick brain scan to identify the best treatment.

17 Jun 2024

Finnish researchers discover mechanism behind breast cancer cell reactivation

Treatment outcomes for breast cancer have become better over the years, but proportion of breast cancers still recur even after long periods without signs of cancer remaining dormant in the body.

17 Jun 2024

Study reveals diverse risk factors for healthy aging in Latin America

A pioneering study published today in the journal Nature Aging has unveiled significant heterogeneity in the risk factors affecting healthy aging in Latin America and emphasized the limitations of current models of brain health, which are primarily based on data from high-income countries.

17 Jun 2024

Montana creates emergency ‘drive-thru’ blood pickup service for rural ambulances

Crystal Hiwalker wonders if her heart and lungs would have kept working if the ambulance crew had been able to give her a transfusion as the blood drained from her body during a stormy, 100-mile ride.

17 Jun 2024

Global Omega-3 Index map update reveals persistent data gaps and low levels

A study in Progress in Lipid Research updated the global Omega-3 Index map, revealing improvements in some regions but highlighting significant data gaps and low levels in many countries, stressing the need for global intervention.

16 Jun 2024