Frequent “Heading” In Soccer Can Lead To Brain Injury And Cognitive Impairment

On November 29, 2011, in Brain Imaging, Traumatic Injury, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
children playing soccer

Using advanced imaging techniques and cognitive tests, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for Einstein, have shown that repeatedly heading a soccer ball increases the risk for brain injury and cognitive impairment. The imaging portion of the findings was presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago. Included in this report is a video summary of the study results.

Psychological Traumas Experienced Over Lifetime Linked To Adult Irritable Bowel Syndrome

On October 31, 2011, in Disease | Disorders, Mental Health, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
red fire truck

The psychological and emotional traumas experienced over a lifetime–such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disaster, house fire or car accident, physical or mental abuse—may contribute to adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to the results of a study unveiled today at the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) 76th Annual Scientific meeting in Washington, DC.

Brain Cap Technology Turns Thought Into Motion With Potential To Bring Life-Changing Technology To People With Mobile Impairments

On July 29, 2011, in Brain Imaging, Cognition, Traumatic Injury, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
Researcher Harsha Agashe

“Brain cap” technology being developed at the University of Maryland allows users to turn their thoughts into motion. Associate Professor of Kinesiology José ‘Pepe’ L. Contreras-Vidal and his team have created a non-invasive, sensor-lined cap with neural interface software that soon could be used to control computers, robotic prosthetic limbs, motorized wheelchairs and even digital avatars. Included in this report is a video interview with several of the researchers involved in this interesting line of research.

Single Traumatic Brain Injury May Prompt Long-Term Neurodegeneration

On July 19, 2011, in Traumatic Injury, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
Douglas Smith, MD

Years after a single traumatic brain injury (TBI), survivors still show changes in their brains. In a new study, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania suggest that Alzheimer’s disease-like neurodegeneration may be initiated or accelerated following a single traumatic brain injury, even in young adults. The study appears online in Brain Pathology.

8-Question Survey Helps Predict Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

On July 19, 2011, in Assessment, PTSD, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
test results

A simple eight-question survey administered soon after injury can help predict which of the 30 million Americans seeking hospital treatment for injuries each year may develop depression or post-traumatic stress, report Therese S. Richmond, PhD, CRNP, associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, and her colleagues in General Hospital Psychiatry.

Researchers Restore Breathing After Spinal Cord Injury In Rodent

On July 13, 2011, in Traumatic Injury, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
man in wheelchair

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine bridged a spinal cord injury and biologically regenerated lost nerve connections to the diaphragm, restoring breathing in an adult rodent model of spinal cord injury. The work, which restored 80 to more than 100 percent of breathing function, will be published in the online issue of the journal Nature July 14. The scientists say that more testing is necessary, but are hopeful their technique will quickly be used in clinical trials. Included in this report is a video interview with the lead researcher who discusses this potentially groundbreaking technique for people with spinal cord injuries.

Potential Life Saving, Simple Injection For Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

On July 1, 2011, in Medication, Traumatic Injury, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
a doctor providing medical care for a patient in the hospital

New research has suggested that tranexamic acid has the potential to prevent people dying from head injuries. The CRASH-2 Intracranial Bleeding Study highlights the potential of the cheap, off-patent drug to help people suffering from brain trauma, also known as traumatic brain injury (TBI). The results are now published online in the BMJ.

Future Actions Decoded And Predicted In The Human Brain

On June 30, 2011, in Brain Imaging, Cognition, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
a participant in the study

Bringing the real world into the brain scanner, researchers at The University of Western Ontario from The Centre for Brain and Mind can now determine the action a person was planning, mere moments before that action is actually executed. Included in this report is several videos – one that shows FMRI data and another that contains interviews with the two lead researchers.

Scientists Restore Memory And Repair Damaged Brains

On June 17, 2011, in Cognition, Neuroscience, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
a rat task

Scientists have developed a way to turn memories on and off — literally with the flip of a switch. Using an electronic system that duplicates the neural signals associated with memory, they managed to replicate the brain function in rats associated with long-term learned behavior, even when the rats had been drugged to forget. “Flip the switch on, and the rats remember. Flip it off, and the rats forget,” said Theodore Berger of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Emergency Personnel Need Special Training For Treating Patients With Autism

On May 12, 2011, in Autism, submitted by Christopher Fisher, PhD
a hospital ambulance

Indiana University of Pennsylvania faculty members Dr. Joann Migyanka, Dr. Susan Glor-Scheib, and Dr. Jeff Fratangeli wrote and produced the first in a series of training modules designed for first responders assisting persons with autism in emergency and crisis situations. The project was supported by an external award of $27,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

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