Exposure to higher levels of light can help people feel more awake and increase cognitive performance, according to new research. The study, published in eLife, is described by the editors as of fundamental importance, and represents a key advancement to our understanding of how different levels of light affect human behaviour. The strength of evidence is praised as compelling, supporting the authors’ analyses of the complex interplay between light exposure, hypothalamic activity, and cognitive function. With further research, the findings could be used to inform various light therapy treatmen ..read more

Welcome to your daily round up of everything happening in the world of neurorehab. This article is for NR Times subscribers only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post NR daily update: Friday 26th April first appeared on Neuro Rehab Times ..read more

Researchers are due to present new findings on the potential benefits of ‘looking inwards’ through meditation and mindfulness for cognitive enhancement. Neuroscientists are increasingly studying how looking inward via mindfulness training can affect everything from depression and memory to stress levels and ageing. As researchers work to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying these brain changes, they hope to elucidate best practices for people who want to incorporate mindfulness in their lives. Neuroscientists are set to present their latest findings at the Cognitive Neuroscience Society (C ..read more

Cleveland Clinic researchers are using artificial intelligence to uncover the link between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. Previous studies showed that Alzheimer’s disease patients have changes in their gut bacteria as the disease develops. The newly published Cell Reports study outlines a computational method to determine how bacterial byproducts called metabolites interact with receptors on cells and contribute to Alzheimer’s. The study ranks metabolites and receptors by the likelihood they will interact with each other, and the likelihood that the pair will influence A ..read more

A leading charity focused on spinal cord injury, Spinal Research, is driving a major new initiative aimed at unlocking the UK’s potential for cutting edge research into spinal cord injury. This article is for NR Times subscribers only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post New network aims to unlock UK research into spinal cord injury first appeared on Neuro Rehab Times ..read more

Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehab. Research Research shows “profound” link between dietary choices and brain health New research has highlighted the profound…... This article is for NR Times subscribers only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post NR daily update: Thursday 25th April first appeared on Neuro Rehab Times ..read more

New research has shed light on the alarming rates of paediatric traumatic brain injuries resulting from mechanical bull riding. The study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Children’s Health (LLUCH) highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and regulations. The findings were published in the journal Children’s Health Care and revealed that mechanical bull riding poses a significant risk to children, with traumatic brain injuries being the most common outcome.   LLUCH has identified up to 35 cases over seven years, each resulting in severe injuries ..read more

A new study has identified signs of repeated blast-related brain injury in active-duty United States Special Operations Forces—and now researchers want to develop the first diagnostic test for these injuries. United States (US) Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel are frequently exposed to explosive blasts during training and combat. However, the effects of repeated blast exposure on the brain health of SOF personnel are unclear, and there is currently no diagnostic test that can detect brain injury caused by the cumulative effects of sub-concussive blast exposure. As a result, SOF person ..read more

Image: L-R, Claudia Laird, Sabrina Lawlor, Maxine Hayden, Matthew Hayden, Aaron Lees, Louise Bird, Hayley Jones, Ky Porter, Will Curvis Young brain injury survivors and their families can secure financial support to help with crucial aspects of rebuilding their lives through a new grant-making initiative from a specialist charity.  After Matters, a charity created to increase the support available to young people after brain injury, is offering survivors living in the Greater Manchester area assistance with meeting the costs of their rehabilitation and recovery.  The charity is offer ..read more

A 21-year-old man who suffered a horrific brain injury in a road traffic accident says Calvert Reconnections’ new approach to rehabilitation has transformed his life. Nick, from Birmingham, was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle when it was struck by a speeding car in December 2017. Nick was in a coma for 11 days and spent 2 months in Birmingham Children’s Hospital. On two occasions his parents were told that he wouldn’t survive his injuries. Nick said: “I was thrown 60 yards through the air and nearly died as a result of my injuries. “After being discharged from hospital, I couldn ..read more