News and Features

Failure of Dimebon Raises Questions about Alzheimer’s Trials

Mar 11, 2010

After the drug that showed strong positive results in small trial shows none in larger-scale study, researchers consider if method was flawed—or timing.

Carbon Dioxide 'Alarm System' Might Help Explain Anxiety Disorders

Mar 10, 2010

Increases in blood acidity, such as those caused by being in an enclosed space, might activate ion channels that cause fear responses and fear memories, scientists have found.

New Clues to Causes of Epileptic ‘Sudden Death’ Syndrome

Mar 04, 2010

New research, including findings in a colony of epilepsy-prone baboons, suggest that unexplained deaths in epileptic patients may be initiated by breathing problems.

Building a Vision of the Networks of the Brain

Mar 02, 2010

Bolstered by $30 million in funding, research to describe the “connectome,” a map of the circuits of the brain, is starting to show promising insights.

Neuroscience Stars During DC Regional Brain Bee

Feb 26, 2010

Students from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia tested their knowledge of the brain and its behavior this week.

Alzheimer’s Drug May Also Treat Huntington’s

Feb 19, 2010

Memantine’s ability to block certain brain receptors may help harness protective pathways that could help stay the devastating effects of Huntington’s disease, suggests new research.

Tracing Permanent Memories

Feb 17, 2010

At a recent symposium, famed researcher Brenda Milner and others described how decades of research and new technologies have changed our understanding of long-term memory.

Two Queens Students Tie for First at NYC Regional Brain Bee

Feb 16, 2010

A record 41 students from 23 high schools competed in the 2010 New York City Regional Brain Bee. For the first time in the Bee’s nine-year history, two students from the same high school tied for first place and will advance to the National Brain Bee during Brain Awareness Week in March.

Seized by Ecstasy

Feb 12, 2010

An occasional side effect of epilepsy—a surge of euphoria—might have a different and more interesting origin than researchers once thought.

Renowned journal retracts controversial autism/vaccine paper

Feb 10, 2010

After 12 years of controversy, the Lancet retracts the 1998 paper that first suggested a link between the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and autism.

Ramped-up Inflammation Clears Protein Plaques in Alzheimer’s Mice

Feb 03, 2010

An unexpected result obtained by introducing an immune-boosting chemical may help researchers better understand how Alzheimer’s affects the brain.

Dana’s Chairman Looks to the Future

Feb 02, 2010

Edward Rover was elected by the Dana Foundation's Board of Directors as chairman. The following is a brief interview with the new chairman about Dana’s direction.

For Teaching Artists, Children with Disabilities Offer Challenges and Great Reward

Jan 31, 2010

Teaching the arts to children with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities requires perseverance and extensive preparation—but may reach them in ways no other subject can. A panel of educators in Austin describe methods artists can use to teach in today’s mixed classrooms.  

Your Brain On ... line

Jan 21, 2010

Research into video games, brain-training programs and Internet searching suggests how our digital technology alters brain networks.

Mapping the Neural Pathways of Feelings

Jan 19, 2010

The sense of interoception includes a range of bodily feelings, from thirst and pain to sensual pleasure and the need to breathe. Though it is one of the least understood of the senses, neuroscientists are beginning to think that interoception may be the most important.

Sounds by Night Can Strengthen Memory by Day

Jan 13, 2010

Memory consolidation during sleep is highly specific and can be cued by sound as well as scent, a recent study suggests.

Column: Essential Tremor: A Common Problem, Inadequately Studied

Jan 11, 2010

Essential tremor—not to be confused with the tremor of Parkinson's disease—is now considered a neurodegenerative disorder, which has led to new research approaches.

Gene Therapy for Parkinson’s Shows Promise

Jan 11, 2010

A potential gene therapy for Parkinson's disease can correct motor problems in monkeys without causing the jerky, involuntary movements that often accompany long-term treatments. Preliminary testing in human patients has shown promising signs.

Harnessing the Restorative Power of Music

Jan 07, 2010

Advances in brain imaging and research are helping scientist understand why some music therapies work—and, perhaps, how they can be improved.

Cocaine Vaccine May Offer Alternative Therapy to Addicts

Jan 04, 2010

An experimental vaccine created enough of an immune response in some subjects that they cut their drug use, researchers report.
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BOOK FROM DANA PRESS

Cerebrum 2010: Emerging Ideas in Brain Science 

Cerebrum 2010 Cover
This fourth annual collection brings together the foremost experts in brain science. Jay Giedd, Michael Posner, Mariale Hardiman, David Kupfer and Paul McHugh present their research – and their take – on such cutting-edge topics as the development of the teen brain, how arts education affects intelligence, the limitations of brain imaging, and how to bring more certainty and flexibility to diagnosis in the next edition of the psychiatric bible, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).