News & Social Media
News
Circadian gene may be a key to humans’ unique cognitive abilities
The CLOCK gene, which serves as a master controller of circadian rhythms, may play a key role in the extraordinary cognitive abilities of humans as well as neuropsychiatric disorders that afflict them, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers report.
Cognitive impairment common after cardiogenic shock, study shows
Many survivors of cardiogenic shock showed evidence of new cognitive impairment after leaving the hospital, according to a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers. The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, highlight a need to screen survivors and provide referrals to neuropsychology experts, the authors said.
Study reveals disparities in mental health care for Texas youth
Young patients from lower-income households in Texas may not be getting the most effective treatment for severe depression and suicidal thoughts, based on findings from researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Guidelines target high cardiometabolic risk among South Asians
People of South Asian descent make up one-quarter of the world’s population, but they account for 60% of cardiovascular disease cases. To help reduce the elevated risk of heart disease among South Asians living in North America, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers joined global colleagues in developing comprehensive recommendations, published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, for health care providers, patients, community members, and policymakers.
Scientists identify protein that heightens neurodegenerative disease
UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists have identified a gene that appears to act as a master control switch for reactive gliosis, a prominent feature of many neurodegenerative diseases that is thought to contribute to their pathology.
Electrical stimulation offers hope for treating spinal injuries
A grid of electrodes placed on the backs of study participants delivered enough low-voltage electrical stimulation through the skin to change the short-term function of spinal cord neurons, a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers showed.
Common analgesic gas aids in opening of blood-brain barrier
Nitrous oxide, a commonly used analgesic gas, improved temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gene therapy delivery in mouse models using focused ultrasound (FUS), UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers report in a new study.
Lifelong physical activity may slow cognitive decline
High levels of physical activity may mitigate brain loss in adults and help maintain long-term cognitive health, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center report in a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
Immune protein STING key for repairing, generating lysosomes
– The STING protein, known for helping cells fight viral infections by generating inflammation, also appears to function as a quality control sensor for organelles that serve as cellular waste disposal systems, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found. Their study, published in Molecular Cell, helps explain critical features of diseases called lysosomal storage disorders and could eventually lead to new treatments for these and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers create ‘wiring diagram’ for key songbird brain region
Much like human beings, songbirds learn how to vocalize from their parents. Males imitate songs from their fathers and then sing to attract mates. Although the circuits that generate human speech are more complicated to decipher, the brains of songbirds offer a viable model for better understanding how humans learn to speak and what goes wrong in communication disorders such as autism.