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.

FDG-PET safe and accurate in detecting dementia, Alzheimer's

In a new review of imaging studies spanning more than ten years, scientists find that a method of positron emission tomography (PET) safely and accurately detects dementia, including the most common and devastating form among the elderly, Alzheimer's disease.

7 Jan 2012

Scripps professor receives pair of notable grants to study kinesin

Sathyanaryanan Puthanveettil, an assistant professor on the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute, has been awarded a pair of notable grants to study a critical component of long-term memory formation.

6 Jan 2012

New information about how early ESCs develop and form primate species

Newly published research by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University provides significant new information about how early embryonic stem cells develop and take part in formation of the primate species.

6 Jan 2012

Study shows how Epstein-Barr virus triggers MS

A new study from researchers at Queen Mary, University of London shows how a particular virus tricks the immune system into triggering inflammation and nerve cell damage in the brain, which is known to cause MS.

6 Jan 2012

Oxytocin can make rhesus macaques pay more attention to each other

Oxytocin, the "love hormone" that builds mother-baby bonds and may help us feel more connected toward one another, can also make surly monkeys treat each other a little more kindly.

6 Jan 2012

Scientists identify how dihydromyricetin counteracts acute alcohol intoxication

UCLA researchers have identified how a component of an ancient Chinese herbal anti-hangover medicine called dihydromyricetin, isolated from the plant Hovenia, counteracts acute alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.

6 Jan 2012

Researchers discover that flatworm lacks centrosome

A tiny, freshwater flatworm found in ponds and rivers around the world that has long intrigued scientists for its remarkable ability to regenerate has now added a new wrinkle to biology.

6 Jan 2012

Wake Forest Baptist participates in novel brain tumor vaccine clinical trial

A national clinical trial testing the efficacy of a novel brain tumor vaccine has begun at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, the only facility in the Southeast to participate.

6 Jan 2012

New laboratory approach could aid brain recovery

In humans, active periods of the debilitating disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can last for mere minutes or extend to weeks at a time. They're caused by lesions in the brain that develop, partly heal, and then recur. Research into a cure has been difficult, because to date scientists have not been able to replicate these brain recurring symptoms in laboratory mice. That's frustrating because these lab animals, known as animal "models," are the primary tool for research into the mechanisms and potential treatments for MS.

6 Jan 2012

FSU, First Signs and Autism Speaks introduce new treatment section of Video Glossary

Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism science and advocacy organization, together with First Signs, a leader in educating parents and professionals about the early signs of autism and related disorders, and Florida State University's Autism Institute today announced the launch of a new treatment section of its acclaimed online Autism Video Glossary, giving parents an important new tool as they work to determine the best treatment options for their child.

6 Jan 2012

AstraZeneca plans to progress Targacept's AZD1446 as treatment for AD

Targacept, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel NNR Therapeutics, today announced that AstraZeneca has informed the company that it plans to progress the development of Targacept's product candidate AZD1446 as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

5 Jan 2012

RegeneRx's RGN-259 safe, well tolerated in patients with dry eye syndrome

RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it has received the clinical study report for its recently completed Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating RGN-259 for the treatment of dry eye syndrome.

5 Jan 2012

Ipsen, Oncodesign partner to discover and develop LRRK2 kinase inhibitors against PD

Oncodesign, a Drug Discovery company and Oncology pharmacology service provider, and Ipsen, a global specialty-driven pharmaceutical company, announced today that the two companies have entered into a research collaboration to discover and develop innovative LRRK2 kinase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents against Parkinson's Disease and for potential additional uses in other therapeutic areas.

5 Jan 2012

Special issue explores military applications of acupuncture

The current issue of Medical Acupuncture, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., explores how the U.S. military is incorporating medical acupuncture to assist in the medical care of military personnel serving in the war zones and the efforts underway to explore military applications of acupuncture.

5 Jan 2012

Article focuses on new optical tools that use laser beams to peer painlessly below the skin

A hand-held scanner, reminiscent of the fictional Star Trek medical Tricorder, images blood vessels through the skin and projects a map onto the skin showing nurses exactly where to insert a needle.

5 Jan 2012

Doctors may need to adjust seizure drug doses for people with HIV/AIDS: New AAN guideline

A new guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology recommends doctors use caution when choosing seizure drugs for people with HIV/AIDS to avoid potential drug interactions.

5 Jan 2012

Working Group recommends use of biomarkers in AD clinical trials

A group of thought leaders in Alzheimer's disease says the science is solid and the time has come for more widespread use of biomarkers in Alzheimer disease (AD) clinical trials, to speed the identification of effective disease-modifying treatments for this incurable disorder.

5 Jan 2012

JHTR, COMBI introduce 'Tools for Clinical Use'

Starting this month, The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR)—in partnership with The Center For Outcome Measurement in Brain Injury (COMBI)—introduces a new feature designed to support effective and informed use of standardized assessments for evaluation of brain injury.

5 Jan 2012

RGS9-2 gene plays a role in regulating body weight

Abraham Kovoor was studying a brain protein, called RGS9 2, that he had previously related to the involuntary, random and repetitive body movements that are side effects of drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

5 Jan 2012

First study to elucidate how statins reduce activation of abnormal blood clotting

People with high cholesterol are at risk of heart attack and stroke because atherosclerotic plaques within their arteries can rupture triggering the formation of a blood clot called an occlusive thrombus that cuts off the blood supply to their heart or brain.

5 Jan 2012