University of Iowa biologists have advanced the knowledge of human neurodevelopmental disorders by finding that a lack of a particular group of cell adhesion molecules in the cerebral cortex — the outermost layer of the brain where language, thought and other higher functions take place — disrupts the formation of neural circuitry.
Development
Bilingualism fine-tunes hearing, enhances attention
A Northwestern University study that will be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) provides the first biological evidence that bilinguals’ rich experience with language in essence “fine-tunes” their auditory nervous system and helps them juggle linguistic input in ways that enhance attention and working memory.
A new drug to manage resistant chronic pain
Neuropathic pain, caused by nerve or tissue damage, is the culprit behind many cases of chronic pain. It can be the result of an accident or caused by a variety of medical conditions and diseases such as tumors, lupus, and diabetes. Typically resistant to common types of pain management including ibuprofen and even morphine, neuropathic pain can lead to lifelong disability for many sufferers.
Scientists identify brain circuitry associated with addictive, depressive behaviors
(Medical Xpress) — Scientists at the UCSF-affiliated Gladstone Institutes have determined how specific circuitry in the brain controls not only body movement, but also motivation and learning, providing new insight into neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinsons disease and psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression.
Overlooked nighttime spikes on EEGs may reflect an underlying brain injury
Children with developmental delay or autism may have unrecognized epilepsy-like brain activity during sleep, report researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital. These nighttime electrical spikes, detectable only on EEGs, occur even in some children without known epilepsy and appear to result from early strokes or other early life injuries to the developing brain, the study found. Results were published online April 25 by the journal Neurology.