International team discovers gene associated with epilepsy
November 18, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
A University of Iowa-led international research team has found a new gene associated with the brain disorder epilepsy. While the PRICKLE1 gene mutation was specific to a rare form of epilepsy, the study results could help lead to new ideas for overall epilepsy treatment.
‘Super’ aged brains reveal first secrets of sharp memory in old age
November 17, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Maybe you have an 85-year-old grandfather who still whips through the newspaper crossword puzzle every morning or a 94-year-old aunt who never forgets a name or a face. They don’t seem to suffer the ravages of memory that beset most people as they age.
Neuroinformatics special issue spotlights the Neuroscience Information Framework
November 14, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
A landmark special issue of Springers Humana Press journal Neuroinformatics describes the new Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF), a dynamic inventory of web-based neurosciences data, resources and tools that scientists and students can access via any computer connected to the Internet. An initiative of the National Institutes of Health Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, the NIF will advance neuroscience research by enabling discovery and access to public research data and tools worldwide through an open source, networked environment. The entire issue of Neuroinformatics is available free on Springers online information platform at http://www.springerlink.com/content/120559.
Study shows pine bark (Pycnogenol) reduces jetlag
November 6, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Pycnogenol cut jetlag symptoms in half for passengers taking 7- to 9-hour flights
A new study published in the journal of Minerva Cardioangiologica reveals Pycnogenol, pine bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, reduces jetlag in passengers by nearly 50 percent. The two-part study, consisting of a brain CT scan and a scoring system, showed Pycnogenol lowered symptoms of jetlag such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia and brain edema (swelling) in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients. Passengers also experienced minimal lower leg edema, a common condition associated with long flights.
Common epilepsy drug could prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease
October 27, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
The team led by UBC Psychiatry Prof. Weihong Song, who is also the Jack Brown and Family Professor and Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease at UBC, found that if Valproic Acid (VPA) is used as a treatment in early stages of AD memory deficit is reversed.
Scientists develop drug delivery system for brain cancers, other diseases
October 22, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Geneva, Switzerland: Scientists have developed a new drug delivery system that is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to reach and kill cancer cells in the brain, according to research presented at the 20th EORTC-NCI-AACR [1] Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Geneva today (Wednesday 22 October). Following successful preclinical studies, the technology is being evaluated in two phase I clinical trials in patients with malignant glioma and brain metastases.
Research team discovers brain pathway responsible for obesity
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers, for the first time, have found a messaging system in the brain that directly affects food intake and body weight.
Reported in the Oct. 3, 2008 issue of Cell, the findings–from a study in mice–point to a completely new approach to treating and preventing obesity in humans. The discovery also offers hope for new ways to treat related disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases–the most prevalent health problems in the United States and the rest of the developed world.
Genome analysis used to decode brain cancer
September 6, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
US scientists have unveiled the most complete genetic profile ever attempted of glioblastoma, a common and deadly form of the brain cancer that US Senator Edward Kennedy is battling.
The research uncovered a host of genetic alterations linked to the disease, including three previously unknown mutations found in at least three-quarters of tumour samples analysed.
Nerve cells derived from stem cells and transplanted into mice may lead to improved brain treatments
June 25, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have, for the first time, genetically programmed embryonic stem (ES) cells to become nerve cells when transplanted into the brain, according to a study published today in The Journal of Neuroscience. The research, an important step toward developing new treatments for stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions showed that mice afflicted by stroke showed tangible therapeutic improvement following transplantation of these cells. None of the mice formed tumors, which had been a major setback in prior attempts at stem cell transplantation.
Brain stem cells can be awakened?
June 6, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Study findings promise to help in treatment of brain diseases
Boston, MA-Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have identified specific molecules in the brain that are responsible for awakening and putting to sleep brain stem cells, which, when activated, can transform into neurons (nerve cells) and repair damaged brain tissue. Their findings are published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).
