Brain Research: Luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function ♦ Using light to treat Alzheimer's disease ♦ Brain structure may be root of apathy

Parkinson's disease: A new tool for healthcare professionals aims to improve diagnosis and advance treatment A group of experts has developed a new tool for healthcare professionals that they hope will mark a significant advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease, especially in its early stages. The results of their study could also have a major impact on the quality of research on Parkinson's disease.

Brain structure may be root of apathy Scientists have found evidence of a biological basis for apathy in healthy people. Research could shed light on the way some people become pathologically apathetic, for example after a stroke or with Alzheimer's disease.

Using light to treat Alzheimer's disease Medical application of photoactive chemicals offers a promising therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Navy researchers recruit luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function Scientists are on pace to develop the next generation of functional materials that could enable the mapping of the complex neural connections in the brain. The ultimate goal is to better understand how the billions of neurons in the brain communicate with one another during normal brain function, or dysfunction, as result of injury or disease.

Brain Research: Thickness of grey matter predicts ability to recognize faces and objects ♦ Does alcohol consumption affect the risk for Parkinson's disease?

Thickness of grey matter predicts ability to recognize faces and objects The thickness of the cortex in a region of the brain that specializes in facial recognition can predict an individual's ability to recognize faces and other objects

Does alcohol consumption affect the risk for Parkinson's disease? For many years, researchers have been investigating whether there are any associations between Parkinson's disease (PD) and lifestyle choices such as smoking and coffee and alcohol consumption. In a new review, authors say that the literature concerning alcohol consumption presents conflicting information

Researchers open 'Golden Window' in deep brain imaging The neuroscience community is saluting the creation of a 'Golden Window' for deep brain imaging. This is a first for brain imaging, explain the authors of a new report on the topic

Adults with OCD can benefit from exposure therapy when common drug treatment options fail, study find Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can improve their symptoms significantly by adding exposure and response prevention therapy to their treatment regimen when common drug treatment options have failed..

Health Research: Crime-scene compound may be newest tool in fight against malaria ♦ First steps towards preventing suicide attempts by offenders

Study looks at Google Glass to bring toxicology specialists to remote emergency rooms Google Glass, a head-mounted streaming audio/video device, may be used to effectively extend bed-side toxicology consults to distant health care facilities such as community and rural hospitals to diagnose and manage poisoned patients.

Crime-scene compound may be newest tool in fight against malaria The compound that detectives spray at crime scenes to find trace amounts of blood may one day be used to kill the malaria parasite.

Study shows how aging cripples the immune system, suggesting benefits of antioxidants Scientists have shown how aging cripples the production of new immune cells, decreasing the immune system's response to vaccines and putting the elderly at risk of infection.

Promising drug for Parkinson's disease: Study supports fast track to clinical trials  A drug which has already been in use for decades to treat liver disease could be an effective treatment to slow down progression of Parkinson's disease.

First steps towards preventing suicide attempts by offenders While the risk of suicide by offenders in prison has been identified as a priority for action, understanding and preventing suicides among offenders after release has received far less attention.