MSFT Content

tinnitus Activates​ Body’s Threat Response, Even to ⁢Pleasant Sounds, New research Reveals

BOSTON, MA – Individuals with tinnitus experiance a heightened “fight ⁣or flight” response to all sounds, even those ⁢generally considered pleasant, according to a study published in Science Translational medicine. Researchers at Massachusetts ⁤General Hospital have identified measurable physiological markers – reduced facial expressions and exaggerated pupil dilation – that correlate with the ⁣severity of tinnitus symptoms.

The study involved participants exposed to a range of sounds, from soothing melodies to jarring​ noises like⁢ “screeching metal, sirens, and alarms.” While a control group without tinnitus displayed expected emotional responses – smiles for​ pleasant sounds, frowns for unpleasant ones -⁣ those with tinnitus showed substantially diminished facial⁣ expression regardless of the sound. Simultaneously, their pupils dilated ​excessively to​ all sounds, a response typically reserved for loud, threatening stimuli‌ in the control group.

“These biomarkers​ get to the root ​of the distress,” explained researcher Dr. Phillip Polley.”While⁢ imaging might show hyperactive brain regions ⁣in tinnitus patients, these biomarkers reveal body-wide threat evaluation systems that are operating‍ outside‍ of their normal range, leading to the ⁢distressful symptoms they experience.”

The findings challenge existing‍ theories about ‍tinnitus, which often⁤ center on the brain “turning up” auditory pathways to compensate for hearing loss – a mechanism that​ doesn’t fully explain symptom severity. Chronic tinnitus is understood to be a complex condition, and⁣ this research suggests a broader neurological impact involving the body’s⁢ threat assessment systems.

The identified ⁢biomarkers could pave ⁤the way for more accurate diagnostic testing and targeted treatments for the condition,which affects millions worldwide.

Supercomputer Simulation Maps Mouse ⁣Brain with Unprecedented Detail

TOKYO ⁤ -⁣ Scientists have created ⁤one of the⁢ most detailed‍ virtual brain simulations ever achieved, mapping the neural circuitry of ⁤a mouse brain with remarkable accuracy. The breakthrough, presented at the SC25 supercomputing conference, utilized Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer and builds upon existing cell databases and charts.

The team developed new software to efficiently process ​brain activity and ​minimize unnecessary⁢ calculations, enabling the complex ⁢simulation. “Fugaku is used for research in a ⁣wide range of computational science fields, such as⁣ astronomy, meteorology, and drug discovery, contributing to the resolution of many​ societal problems,” explains computer scientist Tadashi Yamazaki, from the University ⁤of Electro-Communications. “On this occasion,we utilized Fugaku for a neural circuit simulation.”

The simulation is poised to revolutionize brain research, offering crucial insights into how the organ functions and malfunctions. Studies of virtual brain maps‌ and mini-brain ⁢structures are increasingly vital for⁢ understanding brain health and aging. Researchers have already used the model to⁣ make discoveries regarding brain wave⁢ synchronization and inter-hemispheric communication in the mouse brain.

“Our⁤ long-term goal is to build whole-brain models, eventually even human models, using all the‌ biological details‍ our‌ Institute is uncovering,” says researcher Arkhipov. “We’re now moving from modeling single brain areas to simulating the entire brain ⁢of the mouse.”

The⁢ research is available online: https://doi.org/10.1145/3712285.3759819.

Appendix Cancer Cases ​Rising‌ Sharply in‍ Young Adults, New research Shows

Nashville, TN -​ A concerning trend ⁤is⁢ emerging: appendix cancer is increasing ⁤at ⁤an alarming rate‌ among individuals​ under 50, according to recent studies published in Gastroenterology and teh Annals of Internal ​Medicine. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre have documented a notable rise in diagnoses, prompting examination into⁤ potential causes.

The studies reveal‍ that the ‍incidence of appendix cancer has been steadily climbing for decades, with a particularly noticeable surge in ⁢recent years. Data indicates that between 2000 and 2018, the rate of appendix cancer ⁤diagnoses increased by 2.35% annually in the United States. ⁣This rise mirrors a broader trend‌ of increasing cancer rates​ in​ younger adults, with overall cancer diagnoses in those⁤ under 50 jumping nearly 80⁢ percent ‍in three decades, according to a 2023 global study.

“I certainly⁤ see patients in their 20s and 30s who have advanced appendix tumors that ‌we take care of,” said Steven Ahrendt, a surgical ⁢oncologist at the University of colorado, who was not involved in the Vanderbilt research. He noted the increase aligns with rising rates of colon‍ cancer‌ in ⁣young adults, suggesting​ similar underlying factors might potentially​ be at play.

While the exact​ reasons⁣ for ⁤this surge remain unclear, ⁢experts are exploring a‍ range of potential contributors. Diet and sleep patterns ‍are under scrutiny, with ultra-processed foods and alcohol consumption identified as⁣ possibly ⁢significant risk factors. an international review in⁣ 2022 pinpointed ‍gastrointestinal ⁣cancers ​-⁣ including those of⁣ the bowel, appendix, bile duct, ‌and pancreas – as ‌showing the most ample increases.

Environmental factors are also being investigated,including exposure to ‍”forever chemicals” ⁢contaminating⁢ drinking water and the potential‍ impact of microplastics. Vanderbilt researcher Nitya ⁤Holowatyj‍ and ​her team are ⁢continuing to study risk factors and the underlying causes of this rare cancer.

“As a rare cancer, appendix cancer garners limited attention,” Holowatyj stated on her Vanderbilt lab website. “Our team is passionately⁢ committed to driving marked advances in our understanding of this disease for our patients.”

Shingles Vaccine ⁣Linked to Reduced Dementia ‌Risk and Mortality, ‌New Study Finds

Stanford, ‍CA – A new analysis ⁢of data from a large-scale​ vaccination‍ programme in Wales suggests the shingles vaccine may significantly reduce⁢ the ⁤risk of ⁤dementia and lower mortality rates in those diagnosed with the condition. The research, published‌ in Cell,‌ indicates vaccination against shingles was associated with a nearly 30 percent reduction in death risk within nine years.

Researchers⁤ found vaccinated‍ participants were also less likely to develop mild cognitive ‌impairment,a common precursor to⁢ dementia,and may experiance slower progression of the condition.‌ This builds on previous findings demonstrating​ the vaccine reduces the overall ⁤risk of developing⁤ dementia.

“The most exciting part is that this really suggests the ​shingles vaccine doesn’t have only preventive, delaying ⁣benefits for dementia, but also therapeutic potential for those who‍ already⁢ have dementia,” said biomedical scientist Pascal Geldsetzer​ from stanford University.

The study leveraged the serendipitous design of the Welsh vaccination program, but researchers acknowledge ‌the​ data doesn’t definitively ​prove cause and effect, only a significant connection warranting further investigation.

Scientists⁤ are‍ now exploring potential mechanisms behind the link, ‌focusing on the nervous and immune systems. Viruses affecting the nervous system have been linked to the ⁤toxic protein build-up characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease in animal models.‍

Future ​research‌ will focus on ⁤larger,more diverse populations and the impact of the ⁢newer Shingrix ⁢vaccine,which replaced the earlier⁢ version⁤ used in the 2013 ‍welsh program.

“At least ‌investing⁣ a subset of our resources into investigating ⁣these pathways‌ could lead to breakthroughs in terms of treatment and​ prevention,” Geldsetzer added.

Driving ‍Habits‍ May offer early Warning ⁤Signs of Cognitive ‍Decline

BOSTON, MA – ‌Subtle changes in driving​ behavior -⁤ including reduced frequency, simpler ⁤routes, and decreased speeding – could indicate the early stages of Mild⁤ Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a precursor to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study published in​ Neurology. ‌Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital​ found their analysis of driving data correctly identified individuals⁤ with MCI 82⁤ percent of the time.

The​ study compared ⁣the⁤ driving patterns ‍of‌ 203 individuals with ⁤MCI to those of⁢ 242 cognitively‌ healthy ⁤people of similar demographics,⁢ with an average ⁤age of 75 across⁢ all participants. Data was automatically logged by the volunteers’ vehicles over a⁢ period of up to 40 months and correlated with results from standard cognitive⁤ tests assessing memory, attention, and executive⁢ function.

Even after accounting for age, education, and genetic risk factors ⁢for ⁤Alzheimer’s, the MCI group exhibited noticeable differences ⁢in their ⁢driving habits‍ over time. They drove less ⁣often,​ traveled to fewer destinations, ‍and favored simpler routes, ‍while also demonstrating​ a reduction in speeding.

“Looking at people’s daily driving behavior is a relatively low-burden, unobtrusive way to monitor ⁤people’s cognitive ‍skills and ability to function,” said study author Dr. Natasha Babulal.

Researchers acknowledge that some driving changes are ⁤typical with age, attributing them to self-regulation. However, they believe the observed patterns hold promise as an early indicator of cognitive decline. The team plans to expand the study to include larger, ⁣more ⁣diverse populations and incorporate‍ additional data⁤ points like vehicle type,⁣ geographical location, and other​ medical conditions.

“This could help identify⁢ drivers who are at‌ risk ⁣earlier for ​early intervention, before they‍ have a crash or near-miss, which is often what‍ happens now,” Babulal added, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations regarding autonomy, privacy, and informed‍ decision-making.