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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.

Amorfix achieves 85% specificity and sensitivity with EP-AD CSF Diagnostic Test for AD

Amorfix Life Sciences, a product development company focused on diagnostics and therapeutics for misfolded protein diseases, today announced it has achieved 85 percent specificity and sensitivity with its EP-AD CSF Diagnostic Test.

1 Oct 2011

Research roundup: What older patients really prize; DOD and the ACA

DOD Health Care: Cost Impact Of Health Care Reform And The Extension Of Dependent Coverage -- This study, mandated by Congress, assesses the financial impact of the federal health law on the Defense Department's budget.

1 Oct 2011

CoreValve prosthesis shows promise against severe aortic stenosis

Among individuals 65 years and older, as many as 30 percent have aortic valve sclerosis or stenosis and as a result of their deteriorating health, cannot enjoy a normal lifestyle. "The aortic valve is a gatekeeper," says Marco Costa, MD, of University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical in Cleveland.

From Medtronic 1 Oct 2011

Gingrich unveils new 'Contract With America'

The updated "Contract" makes priorities out of repealing the federal health care law and replacing it with a market-based program that includes tax breaks for those who purchase insurance. Meanwhile, the health care records of GOP presidential hopefuls Rick Perry and Mitt Romney draw a new round of barbs -; from each other and the White House.

1 Oct 2011

Scientists discover that DNA modifications in brain cells change due to stimulated brain activity

Johns Hopkins scientists investigating chemical modifications across the genomes of adult mice have discovered that DNA modifications in non-dividing brain cells, thought to be inherently stable, instead underwent large-scale dynamic changes as a result of stimulated brain activity.

1 Oct 2011

Experts to discuss issues related to stroke at Canadian Stroke Congress

More than 900 of the top stroke researchers, clinicians and policy experts from across Canada and around the world are gathering at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Ottawa Oct. 3 and 4 to tackle issues related to stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in this country.

1 Oct 2011

Researchers discover new inherited disorder that causes mental retardation, liver dysfunction

Researchers at the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new inherited disorder that causes severe mental retardation and liver dysfunction. The disease, adenosine kinase deficiency, is caused by mutations in the ADK gene, which codes for the enzyme adenosine kinase.

1 Oct 2011

First Edition: September 30, 2011

Today's headlines include reports about how new and old health policy positions are playing on the campaign trail.

30 Sep 2011

Estradiol plays an important role in several metabolic diseases

Hormone researchers at the University of Houston (UH) have their sights set on providing long-term treatment options for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases by better understanding estradiol, the most potent naturally occurring estrogen.

30 Sep 2011

UCLA scientists create mouse model for autism

UCLA scientists have created a mouse model for autism that opens a window into the biological mechanisms that underlie the disease and offers a promising way to test new treatment approaches.

30 Sep 2011

Researchers use fMRI to examine patterns of brain activation in patients with chronic pain

Cognition is known to influence pain perception. As a result, several mind-body and psychological therapies are commonly used to treat chronic pain. A new study from the October issue of Anesthesiology analyzed whether two of the most commonly applied strategies involve different brain systems.

30 Sep 2011

MU researchers examine use of propranolol to improve primary traits linked with autism

Most drug therapy interventions for people with autism have targeted psychiatric problems, including aggression, anxiety and obsessive behavior. Now, University of Missouri researchers are examining the use of propranolol to improve the primary traits associated with autism - difficulty with normal social skills, language and repetitive behaviors.

30 Sep 2011

UNC professor wins 2011 PECASE award for research into alcohol addiction

During a White House ceremony next month, Thomas L. Kash, PhD, assistant professor in the department of pharmacology and the UNC Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine will receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

30 Sep 2011

Immune cells in brain linked with behavioural responses to alcohol

University of Adelaide researchers have found that immune cells in your brain may contribute to how you respond to alcohol.

30 Sep 2011

MRI-based technique allows researchers to follow neural stem cells in vivo

Carnegie Mellon University biologists have developed an MRI-based technique that allows researchers to non-invasively follow neural stem cells in vivo.

30 Sep 2011

Oral steroid users twice as likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency

People taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency, according to a study of more than 31,000 children and adults by scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

30 Sep 2011

Review of stroke treatment could save lives

Doctors are underutilising crucial medication to prevent deadly strokes in those with a common type of heart condition, new research says, leading to fresh calls for a review of current treatment strategies and more research into stroke prevention.

29 Sep 2011

Immune cells in brain may predict alcohol abuse effects

Adelaide University researchers say there's a growing body of evidence that alcohol triggers rapid changes in the immune system in the brain and this is behind responses like staggering and slurring. They claim that blocking part of the immune system might reduce alcohol abuse and help prevent drink driving accidents.

29 Sep 2011

Stroke risk increases with even small rises in blood pressure

Small rises of blood pressure may greatly increase a person's risk of stroke, according to new research. The study review, published in the journal Neurology, analyzed the results of 12 studies on blood pressure and stroke incidences among a total of 518,520 adults.

29 Sep 2011

Researchers reveal how motivation facilitates motor functional recovery in stroke, SCI patients

An effective recovery has been observed in stroke patients and those with spinal cord injuries who have strong vitality and motivation to rehabilitate in clinical practice. However, it was not really clear how motivation facilitates functional recovery in brain science.

29 Sep 2011