In animals, the brain (enkephale) (Greek for “in the skull”), is the control center of the central nervous system, responsible for behavior. The brain is located in the head, protected by the skull and close to the primary sensory apparatus of vision, hearing, equilibrioception (balance), sense of taste, and olfaction (smell).
Changing the way organ donation requests are made could prevent relatives denying consent – Timing and whether a transplant coordinator makes the request are key factors in whether relatives consent to organ donation, according to a study published on bmj.com today.
Caffeine appears to be beneficial in males?but not females?with Lou Gehrig?s Disease – Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease that damages key neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The disease causes progressive paralysis of voluntary muscles and often death within five years of symptoms.
Scorpion venom’s Chlorotoxin with nanoparticles slows spread of brain cancer – a highly invasive tumor. – By combining nanoparticles with a scorpion venom compound already being investigated for treating brain cancer, University of Washington researchers found they could cut the spread of cancerous cells by 98 percent, compared to 45 percent for the scorpion venom alone.
Prenatal meth exposure linked to abnormal brain development. – A first of its kind study examining the effects of methamphetamine use during pregnancy has found the drug appears to cause abnormal brain development in children.
Scientists discover genetic variant tied to increased stroke risk – First study to identify common variant influencing susceptibility in US. – Scientists have identified a previously unknown connection between two genetic variants and an increased risk of stroke, providing strong evidence for the existence of specific genes that help explain the genetic component of stroke.
Research led by Professor Mark Pepys FRS has identified a protein known as serum amyloid P component (SAP) as a possible therapeutic target in Alzheimer?s disease. – New therapeutic approaches in Alzheimer’s disease are urgently needed. Work led by Professor Mark Pepys FRS over more than 20 years has identified a protein known as serum amyloid P component (SAP) as a possible therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease.
Exercise studies have suggested that the presence of carbohydrate in the human mouth activates regions of the brain that can enhance exercise performance. – Runners clutching bottles of energy drink are a common sight, and it has long been known that sugary drinks and sweets can significantly improve athletes’ performance in endurance events. The question is how?
Low Blood Sugar Events Increase Dementia Risk in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Kaiser Permanente Study Finds. – Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes that require a visit to the hospital are associated with increased risk of dementia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Presence of sex-biases in brain disorders suggests that the subtle differences between the brains of males and females alter the course and/or presentation of brain diseases. – University of Otago researchers have discovered a new mechanism which contributes to subtle differences between male and female brains and behaviours.
Milkshakes Are Medicine for Anorexic Teens in Family-Based Outpatient Therapy. NIH-Funded Study at NewYork-Presbyterian/Westchester Compares Maudsley Approach With Family Systems Therapy. – Getting your teenager to drink a chocolate milkshake isn’t something most parents need to worry about. But this is just the approach used in one treatment for anorexia nervosa.
Asperger Syndrome could be linked to levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggests new research led by the University of Bath. – Some of the symptoms of the autistic condition Asperger Syndrome, such as a need for routine and resistance to change, could be linked to levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggests new research led by the University of Bath.
New research shows lower educational outcomes for survivors of childhood cancer – New research funded by the Canadian Cancer Society has discovered poor educational achievement and learning difficulties for some childhood cancer survivors, especially those diagnosed with brain tumours.
