New compound prevents neurodegeneration caused by blast injury and protects brain function By: Jennifer Brown | 2014.09.11 | 11:00 AM A new class of compounds has now been shown to protect brain cells from the type of damage caused by blast-mediated traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice that were treated with these compounds 24-36 hours after experiencing TBI from a blast injury were protected from...

New epilepsy pathway was previously shown to be involved in Alzheimer’s By: John Riehl | 2014.07.22 | 11:10 AM A recent scientific discovery showed that mutations in prickle genes cause epilepsy, which in humans is a brain disorder characterized by repeated seizures over time. However, the mechanism responsible for generating prickle-associated seizures was unknown. A new University of Iowa study...

Aerobic exercise improves physical and mental symptoms of Parkinson's disease By: UI Health Care Marketing and Communications | 2014.07.02 | 03:00 PM A new study led by University of Iowa researchers suggests that brisk walking may improve the physical and mental symptoms of patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The study found that regular walking improved motor function, mood...

New form of brain signaling affects addiction-related behaviorBy: Jennifer Brown | 2014.06.25 | 02:18 PMUniversity of Iowa researchers have discovered a new form of neurotransmission that influences the long-lasting memory created by addictive drugs, like cocaine and opioids, and the subsequent craving for these drugs of abuse. Loss of this type of neurotransmission creates changes in brains cells...

Professor is only the second faculty member in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to ever receive this award By: Nic Arp | 2014.06.23 | 10:34 AM Mark Blumberg, F. Wendell Miller Distinguished Professor in the University of Iowa Department of Psychology, has been honored with a MERIT Award from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) for his research on the...

BY: AMY MATTSON | 2014.06.17 | 04:03 PMA new study at the University of Iowa reports a potential link between stress hormones and short-term memory loss in older adults.The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, reveals that having high levels of cortisol—a natural hormone in our body whose levels surge when we are stressed—can lead to memory lapses as we age.Short-term increases in...

UI study pinpoints brain region associated with auditory memory By: John Riehl | 2014.05.28 | 10:39 AM Ever had one of those moments? You’re joyfully humming along to a song, but you can't remember its name. Why is the title slipping your mind?A University of Iowa study suggests that it could be more than simple forgetfulness. It could be due to damage to the brain’s left temporal pole. Damage to...

UI study shows hippocampus is involved in language processing, may help treat Alzheimer's By: John Riehl | 2014.05.27 | 10:17 AM The hippocampus is no longer just for memory.University of Iowa researchers show that this brain region is involved in language processing as well, possibly providing additional insight into the accompanying deficits in memory and language in patients with Alzheimer’s...

Aging brains on the jobUI neuroscientist Steven Anderson offers perspective on Iowa’s aging workforceBy: Mary Geraghty Kenyon | 2014.04.18 | 07:00 AMTwo demographic trends in Iowa—an aging population and workers staying on the job later in life—will have a significant impact for employers and employees in the years ahead. University of Iowa neuroscientist Steven Anderson will offer his perspective...

Protecting new neurons reduces depression caused by stressNew class of neuroprotective molecules may lead to improved treatments for depression.By: Jennifer Brown | 2014.04.22 | 11:54 AMScientists probing the link between depression and a hormone that controls hunger have found that the hormone's antidepressant activity is due to its ability to protect newborn neurons in a part of the brain that...