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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.

Study investigates onset of spinocerebellar ataxia associated with loss of motor coordination

A European research alliance tracks the onset of ataxias "Spinocerebellar ataxias" are diseases of the nervous system associated with a loss of motor coordination.

19 Aug 2020

Scientists create miniature human heart model in the lab

A team of researchers from Michigan State University has created a miniature human heart model in the laboratory. For the first time in history, this mode is complete with all primary heart cell types and a functioning structure of chambers and vascular tissue.

19 Aug 2020

People can make better decisions when trying to avoid harm to others

People are better at learning and decision-making when trying to avoid harm to others, according to new research published in JNeurosci.

19 Aug 2020

Experts create three-part plan to help doctors better care for comatose patients

Leading coma experts have created an ambitious plan to help doctors better care for comatose patients and answer that most awful question: “Will my loved one wake up?”

19 Aug 2020

Study fills crucial knowledge gaps on myasthenia gravis

A study of 181 patients at 16 sites across the country who test negative for two antibodies long known to cause muscle-weakening myasthenia gravis, found that about 15% test positive for one of two newly discovered antibodies that also attack the point of communication between nerves and muscle.

19 Aug 2020

Antidepressants are not designed for dementia, shows study

Nearly three-quarters of older adults with dementia have filled prescriptions for medicines that act on their brain and nervous system, but aren't designed for dementia, a new study shows.

19 Aug 2020

Study elucidates brain circuit mechanism that causes spatial memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most serious diseases in an aging society, yet the cause is often unclear and there is no appropriate treatment method.

19 Aug 2020

Research shows how smell loss linked to Covid-19 differs from the common cold

New research from a European group of smell disorder experts, including Prof Philpott at the University of East Anglia, shows how smell loss associated with Covid-19 infection differs from what you typically might experience with a bad cold or flu.

18 Aug 2020

Nano and microplastics found in all human organs and tissues

Recently, a team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered micro and nanoplastics in human tissues and organs. The study was presented at the American Chemical Society's virtual expo.

18 Aug 2020

Study: Cold weather is responsible for almost all temperature-related deaths

With the number of extreme weather days rising around the globe in recent years due to global warming, it is no surprise that there has been an upward trend in hospital visits and admissions for injuries caused by high heat over the last several years.

18 Aug 2020

New insights into the relationship between stress and pain following TBI

Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability. Post-injury distress is common, with many individuals experiencing chronic anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as chronic pain.

18 Aug 2020

Green apple vape flavorant enhances nicotine reward, heightens drug-seeking behavior

A common green apple vape flavor enhances nicotine reward, which could heighten reward and drug-seeking behavior, according to researchers at Marshall University.

18 Aug 2020

Manipulating cancer cell metabolism may help combat DIPGs and other brain tumors

Every year, 150 to 300 children in the United States are diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs), aggressive and lethal tumors that grow deep inside the brain, for which there are no cures.

18 Aug 2020

Portland State awarded $901,000 NSF funding to study neural systems

Portland State University will join eight institutions as part of a new National Science Foundation-backed research team tasked with investigating how brains interact with their surrounding environment.

18 Aug 2020

Calcified plaque in the arteries better predicts future heart attacks than strokes

The amount of calcified plaque in the heart's arteries is a better predictor of future heart attacks than of strokes, with similar findings across sex and racial groups, according to new research from UT Southwestern.

18 Aug 2020

Diabetes blood markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease pathology, shows study

A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease provides insight into the association of blood markers of diabetes with brain beta-amyloid accumulation among older people at risk of dementia.

18 Aug 2020

Identifying Alzheimer’s risk factors in young people

News-Medical speaks to the Alzheimer's association about their research which looked at risk factors that could aid in the early detection of Alzheimer's.

18 Aug 2020

Researchers identify shared molecular roots between lipid dysfunction and autism

Researchers at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northwestern University have identified a subtype of autism arising from a cluster of genes that regulate cholesterol metabolism and brain development.

18 Aug 2020

Researchers identify new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are advancing understanding of a potential Alzheimer's disease treatment.

18 Aug 2020

Individual frequency can be used to control brain activity

Individual frequency can be used to specifically influence certain areas of the brain and thus the abilities processed in them - solely by electrical stimulation on the scalp, without any surgical intervention.

17 Aug 2020