News
A research team led by Udai Pandey, PhD, identified a protein that may protect against cell death seen in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The work appears in the journal Acta Neuropathologica. Learn More
The magazine analyzes the state of federal support for academic research, and what Art Levine and other medical school deans have to say about it. Learn More
Psychiatry grad student Jennifer Forsyth and her Pitt mentor Peter Bachman, PhD, show in PNAS that enhancing a certain receptor might improve learning and brain plasticity in healthy adults. Learn More
The book about repetitive brain injury in football players is 10th in paperback nonfiction. "Concussion" chronicles the findings of pathologist Bennet Omalu and several Pitt scientists. Learn More
Researchers have seen promising results from tests to reduce a brain protein called alpha-synuclein to slow the progression of some types of Parkinson's disease. Learn More
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 3, with funeral on Monday for the charitable entrepreneur, in whose name his wife has supported Alzheimer's research at Pitt. Learn More
A second set of genes for circadian rhythm appears to kick in like a backup clock, when the main one runs down. This finding could lead to better treatment of certain late-life diseases. Learn More
Examination of thousands of genes from nearly 150 human brains shows the circadian rhythm of gene activity changes with aging, says Colleen McClung, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry. Learn More
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Dr.Bennet Omalu and Giannina Scott, a producer of the feature film “Concussion,” are working with Pitt neuroscientists to "supercharge" research about brain trauma. Learn More
Deadline for Pitt faculty to submit letters of intent for a NeuroDiscovery grant related to Parkinson's disease is Jan. 11. Learn More
"The book, the GQ article and the movie have helped crystallize people's attention ... in a really profound way," says Brain Institute Deputy Director Nathan Urban. Learn More
A look back at Neil Alexander's years as ALS activist and philanthropist, through the lens of Pittsburgh photographer Duane Rieder. Learn More
Read excerpts of Concussion, the new book by Jeanne Marie Laskas that chronicles studies of degenerated brains in former NFL players, including Mike Webster of the Steelers. Learn More
Penguin Random House has timed the book Concussion to be on store shelves during the weeks before the Christmas Day release of the Ridley Scott movie of the same name. Learn More
New technology in the form of a mini-microscope lets Susanne Ahmari, MD, PhD, watch hundreds of neurons in real time, to examine a model of obsessive compulsive disorder. Learn More
Ben Handen, Ph.D., will lead a multi-center study to track Alzheimer's-related changes in the brains of adults with Down syndrome. Learn More
In two studies, scientists will use two-photon, live-animal imaging to examine the cellular response around electrode implant sites and will focus on damage to the brain caused by implanted probes. Learn More
Mechanical engineers at Pitt aim to harness patients' own muscle power with electrical stimulation, and combine that technique with an exoskeleton to allow the paralyzed to walk on their own. Learn More
A 10-center study led by Pitt psychologist Eric C. Donny shows that cutting nicotine levels leads to major health benefits for smokers, says Nora Volkow, head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Learn More
NPR features the author of Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear (Public Affairs; $26.99). Learn More