Mice with big brains provide insight into brain regeneration, developmental disorders

Scientists at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35% larger than normal. The research, led by Dr David Picketts and published in the prestigious journal Developmental Cell, could lead to new approaches to stimulate brain regeneration and may provide important insight into developmental disorders such as autism and Rett syndrome. 22 May 2012 10:51

Oxytocin improves brain function in children with autism

[Karen N. Peart] Preliminary results from an ongoing, large-scale study by Yale School of Medicine researchers shows that oxytocin - a naturally occurring substance produced in the brain and throughout the body - increased brain function in regions that are known to process social information in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 21 May 2012 00:42

Yale team discovers unexpected source of diabetic neuropathy pain

[Bill Hathaway] Nearly half of all diabetics suffer from neuropathic pain, an intractable, agonizing and still mysterious companion of the disease. Now Yale researchers have identified an unexpected source of the pain and a potential target to alleviate it. 16 May 2012 15:47

Sugar can make you dumb, US scientists warn

WASHINGTON, USA: Eating too much sugar can eat away at your brainpower, according to US scientists who published a study on Tuesday, 15 May 2012, showing how a steady diet of high-fructose corn syrup sapped lab rats' memories. 16 May 2012 15:31

Evolution's gift may also be at the root of a form of autism

[Bill Hathaway] A recently evolved pattern of gene activity in the language and decision-making centers of the human brain is missing in a disorder associated with autism and learning disabilities, a new study by Yale University researchers shows. 15 May 2012 12:00

Deep brain stimulation may hold promise for mild Alzheimer's Disease

A study on a handful of people with suspected mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggests that a device that sends continuous electrical impulses to specific "memory" regions of the brain appears to increase neuronal activity. Results of the study using deep brain stimulation, a therapy already used in some patients with Parkinson's disease and depression, may offer hope for at least some with AD, an intractable disease with no cure. 9 May 2012 15:43

New medication offers hope to patients with frequent, uncontrollable seizures

A new type of anti-epilepsy medication that selectively targets proteins in the brain that control excitability may significantly reduce seizure frequency in people whose recurrent seizures have been resistant to even the latest medications, new Johns Hopkins-led research suggests. 20 Apr 2012 15:53

Symptoms that mimic epilepsy linked to stress, poor coping skills

Based on their clinical experience and observations, a team of Johns Hopkins physicians and psychologists say that more than one-third of the patients admitted to The Johns Hopkins Hospital's inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit for treatment of intractable seizures have been discovered to have stress-triggered symptoms rather than a true seizure disorder. 19 Apr 2012 16:07

Rats as good at decision-making as humans

WASHINGTON, US: Rats are smart, that's a well known fact. But US researchers said on Tuesday a series of tests have shown they may be just as good as humans at juggling information in order to make the best decision. 15 Mar 2012 16:14

Research shows dyslexia not brain abnormality, can be overcome

New research has shown that there is no difference in the way children with dyslexia think while reading, when compared to children without reading difficulties. Edublox specialises in helping children with learning and reading problems overcome these difficulties. 1 Mar 2012 00:32

Molecular duo dictate weight and energy levels, Yale researchers find

[Bill Hathaway] Yale University researchers have discovered a key cellular mechanism that may help the brain control how much we eat, what we weigh, and how much energy we have. 29 Feb 2012 15:41

New technique successfully dissolves blood clots in brain, lowers risk of brain damage after stroke

Johns Hopkins neurologists report success with a new means of getting rid of potentially lethal blood clots in the brain safely without cutting through easily damaged brain tissue or removing large pieces of skull. The minimally invasive treatment, they report, increased the number of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who could function independently by 10 to 15% six months following the procedure. 13 Feb 2012 18:12

Brain size could determine whether you are good at maintaining friendships

Researchers are suggesting that there is a link between the number of friends you have and the size of the region of the brain - known as the orbital prefrontal cortex - that is found just above the eyes. A new study shows that this brain region is bigger in people who have a larger number of friendships. Their study is published on 1 February 2012 in the journal, Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 7 Feb 2012 14:33

Addicts' cravings have different roots in men and women

[Bill Hathaway] When it comes to addiction, sex matters. 1 Feb 2012 15:20