Brain ‘noise’ may hold the keys to psychiatric treatment efficacy

Published: Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:12:27 EDT

It remains a central challenge in psychiatry to reliably judge whether a patient will respond to treatment. Researchers now show that moment-to-moment fluctuations in brain activity can reliably predict whether patients with social anxiety disorder will be receptive to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

White matter integrity disrupted in people with Alzheimer’s gene mutation

Published: Tue, 12 Oct 2021 10:26:49 EDT

The structural integrity of the brain's white matter as measured with an advanced MRI technique is lower in cognitively normal people who carry a genetic mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease than it is in non-carriers, according to a new study. Researchers said the findings show the promise of widely available imaging techniques in helping to understand early structural changes in the brain before symptoms of dementia become apparent.

Early accumulation of tau in the brain predicts memory decline in Alzheimer’s disease

Published: Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:36:52 EDT

Researchers have compared how well different Alzheimer's biomarkers predict the progression of the disease and its effect on the memory. They found that early accumulation of tau proteins in the brain as measured by PET scanner was more effective at predicting memory impairment than biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid or amyloid plaque in the brain.

Safer treatment for deep-seated tumors

Published: Thu, 30 Sep 2021 14:07:22 EDT

Scientists have detailed the effects of copper cysteamine, a next-generation cancer photo-drug.

Cell labelling method from microscopy adapted for use in whole-body imaging

Published: Thu, 30 Sep 2021 10:48:37 EDT

Scientist have utilized so-called SNAP-tag technology to radioactively label cells in living organisms. In a proof-of-principle study they developed a SNAP-tag substrate equipped with the radioactive signal emitter fluorine-18 and used it to make tumor cells in the bodies of mice visible in PET images. The labeling method, already established in microscopy, opens up the prospect of studying cells with different imaging techniques and at different temporal stages -- for example, when inflammation begins, continues and resolves again. This may help reveal more about how the functions of individual cells and entire organs are interconnected.

Scientists find vital link to identify people at risk of aneurysms

Published: Wed, 29 Sep 2021 10:19:00 EDT

A new study has measured a link between variations in size of the brain's arteries and the likelihood of a cerebral aneurysm, providing scientists with a new screening tool to monitor people at risk.

Modern simulations could improve MRIs

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 11:30:18 EDT

Rice University engineers improve simulations that analyze gadolinium-based contrast agents used in clinical magnetic resonance imaging. More efficient simulations could help make better compounds for imaging technologies.

Brain microstructural damage related to cognitive dysfunction and steroid medication in lupus patients

Published: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:12:06 EDT

Researchers attempted to unravel such mechanisms by adopting non-invasive diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the brains of SLE patients, particularly the white matter, coupled with computerized neuropsychological assessment. White matter lies beneath the grey matter cortex in the human brain and comprises millions of bundles of nerve fibers that transmit signals to different brain regions.

Researchers improve optical tissue clearing method to diagnose cancer

Published: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:34:42 EDT

The ability to visualize cancerous tumors and metastatic tissue three dimensionally (3D) can help clinicians diagnose the precise type and stage of cancer, while also informing the best treatment methods. To obtain an even clearer tissue for imaging, a research team based in Japan has tested the effectiveness of specialized hydrogels. Acting as a 3D molecular network, these hydrogels can rapidly remove fats from tissues, which are a factor in tissue opacification, without losing their structure. The material is used in several biomedical devices, including contact lenses.

New method enables 3D microscopy of human organs

Published: Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:57:04 EDT

Researchers have now demonstrated a method by which specific cell types in human organs can be studied with micrometer precision. The method can be used to reveal previously unrecognized alterations in the pancreas, but it can also be used to study other human organs and diseases.