Spaceflight Brain Differences Men vs Women Study

Spaceflight Study Reveals S*x Determined Differences in Astronaut Brain and Vision Responses

Edited by FSNews365

New Research Highlights How Men and Women Experience Spaceflight Differently

A groundbreaking study has revealed striking differences in how the human brain and vision respond to spaceflight according to s*x, offering vital insights for safeguarding astronaut health during long-term missions to the Moon and Mars.

Researchers found that female astronauts experienced a more pronounced reduction in fluid surrounding the uppermost region of the brain compared to their male counterparts—a finding that could reshape astronaut medical screening and training.

The study, led by Dr Rachael D. Seidler, director of the University of Florida's Astraeus Space Institute and professor of applied physiology and kinesiology, is among the first investigations to identify s*x-specific effects of microgravity on the human nervous system.

Read more space science reports on FSNews365

Female Astronauts Show Greater Brain Fluid Shifts in Space

According to the research team, female astronauts exhibited a stronger reduction in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the uppermost parts of the brain — a region crucial for maintaining balance, spatial orientation and neural stability.

"There is limited data on s*x-specific responses to spaceflight due to the historically small number of female astronauts," explained Dr Seidler. "Although women made up only about a quarter of our sample, the dataset's overall size allowed us to meaningfully assess these differences."

These findings come at a time when NASA and Global space agencies are planning for longer crewed missions including extended stays aboard Gateway, the lunar-orbiting station and eventual expeditions to Mars. Understanding how spaceflight affects different physiological systems is therefore essential for designing health countermeasures and spacecraft environments suited to all crew members.

Explore related content: How Space Radiation Affects Human Cells

The Hidden Challenge—Spaceflight-Associated Vision Changes

Globe Flattening: The Most Common Ocular Issue in Space

Beyond brain fluid redistribution, the team observed a consistent and concerning ocular effect known as globe flattening—a slight indentation at the back of the eye that can impair vision.

"Globe flattening was by far the most common eye alteration we observed, indicating it should be the main focus for ocular health monitoring," said Dr Seidler. "Interestingly, such eye changes more frequent in men than in women."

This structural deformation is a defining feature of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), a medical condition documented in astronauts since long-duration missions began aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

While the change may sound subtle, it can cause blurred vision, hyperopic shifts, and difficulty with depth perception—issues that could prove hazardous during critical operations on the Moon or Mars.

Brain and Eye Changes May Arise from Separate Mechanisms

One of the most intriguing aspects of the study is that brain fluid alterations and eye deformations appear unrelated.

"Curiously, we found no strong correlation between structural brain changes and eye alterations," the authors wrote, suggesting that each arises from distinct physiological pathways.

This challenges earlier theories that reduced fluid drainage or intracranial pressure was solely responsible for vision problems in space. Instead, the study points to multiple, overlapping effects of microgravity on the body's fluid regulation and vascular systems.

Such insights are vital as space agencies refine countermeasures like lower-body negative pressure suits and artificial gravity habitats designed to redistribute fluids more naturally during long missions.

How the Study Was Conducted

Leveraging Data from Multiple Space Agencies

The University of Florida team analyzed data from astronauts who had flown on various international missions, combining brain imaging, optical measurements and health data collected before and after flight.

Their analysis focused on changes in brain fluid dynamics, intracranial volume and ocular morphology, assessing how these shifts differed between men and women.

"We employed advanced neuroimaging and statistical modelling to isolate s*x-based differences while controlling for age, flight duration and other factors," said Dr Seidler.

Powered by AI and Supercomputing

The study's large-scale data processing was made possible by UF's HiPerGator computing cluster, one of the most powerful university-owned supercomputers in the world.

"Our analysis was powered by HiPerGator, which enabled us to process data at remarkable speeds," Dr Seidler noted. "This level of computational performance was essential for identifying subtle structural changes across multiple biological systems."

Implications for Future Space Exploration

The discovery of s*x-specific brain and vision changes holds major implications for future crewed space missions.

For NASA's Artemis programme and international Mars initiatives, such findings could inform:

• Customized health countermeasures for male and female astronauts.
• Refined training protocols to address individual fluid-regulation differences.
• Personalized mission assignments based on physiological resilience to microgravity.

As more women join astronaut corps worldwide, understanding these nuances will be critical for mission safety, visual health and cognitive performance in deep space.

(See related reading: How Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Affect Astronaut Health)

The University of Florida's Growing Role in Space Health Science

The Astraeus Space Institute at the University of Florida has emerged as a leading centre for space neuroscience and physiology research, connecting experts across fields such as biomedical engineering, physics and kinesiology.

Under Dr Rachael Seidler's leadership, the institute conducts projects aimed at understanding how microgravity, radiation and isolation affect human biology.

The UF team is collaborating with NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and other research partners to build predictive models for astronaut health—from brain plasticity to ocular adaptation and vestibular function.

Looking Ahead—Preparing for Mars and Beyond

The study's findings underscore the importance of personalized medical monitoring in space. As missions extend beyond low-Earth orbit, understanding individual responses will help scientists design environments reduce health risks for all astronauts.

Dr Seidler and her colleagues plan to expand their research to include astronauts on longer-duration missions and to test countermeasures that might prevent fluid shifts altogether.

Their goal is clear: to ensure that humanity's next steps into deep space are guided by data-driven health science that protects every member of the crew.

The Next Frontier of Space Medicine

This landmark study marks a new phase in space biomedical research, shedding light on how microgravity uniquely reshapes the human brain and vision—and how these effects differ by s*x.

For mission planners, it's a reminder that spaceflight is not one-size-fits-all. For scientists, it opens a promising avenue toward precision medicine in space exploration.

As Dr Seidler concludes, "Understanding how men and women respond differently to spaceflight is key to enabling safe, successful and inclusive exploration beyond Earth."

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Deep Sleep Brain Cleaning RIKEN study

Deep Sleep Found to Power the Brain's Cleaning System, Reveals Japanese Study

Scientists Discover a Link Between Deep Sleep and Brain Fluid Activity

In a remarkable discovery, researchers under the leadership of Masako Tamaki at the RIKEN Centre for Brain Science in Japan have uncovered a compelling link between deep sleep and the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

According to findings published in PNAS (Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences), MRI data reveal that cerebrospinal fluid activity is tightly synchronized with slow brain oscillations and other neural events occurring during sleep.

These findings mark a significant advance in our understanding of why deep, uninterrupted sleep is vital for maintaining healthy brain function, particularly in the areas responsible for learning, memory consolidation and cognitive processing.

This research aligns with ongoing investigations featured on FSNews365, where scientists explore how sleep, memory and neurological health are deeply interconnected.

Why Deep Sleep Matters More Than We Think

For decades, scientists have known that sleep is not merely rest, but a dynamic process essential to the brain's health. During sleep, neurons engage in a complex exchange of signals that help consolidate new memories, strengthen neural pathways and clear out metabolic waste accumulated during waking hours.

This "cleaning" process is thought to occur through cerebrospinal fluid circulation, which flushes away potentially harmful by-products, such as amyloid-beta—a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease.

However, the precise mechanism by which deep sleep regulates CSF flow has long remained elusive. The brain moves through several distinct stages each night—from light sleep and REM sleep to deep non-REM (slow-wave) sleep—each with its own pattern of neural activity and biological effects.

Tamaki's team set out to determine exactly how cerebrospinal fluid behaves across these stages, and whether deep sleep holds a special role in supporting brain health.

Overcoming a Decades-Old Challenge in Sleep Research

One of the greatest difficulties in studying sleep inside an MRI machine lies in the noise. Standard functional MRI (fMRI) scanners produce loud, continuous sounds that make it nearly impossible for participants to fall into deep sleep, much less remain there long enough to collect meaningful data.

To overcome this, Tamaki's team developed a breakthrough approach using "sparse fMRI", a technique that takes scans intermittently instead of continuously.

By capturing brain images every three seconds, the scanner provided brief silent gaps that allowed participants to drift into genuine deep sleep. During these quiet intervals, researchers also monitored electroencephalogram (EEG) readings to track slow-wave brain activity, which is believed to drive cerebrospinal fluid movement.

This innovative method provided an unprecedented window into how sleep stages, brain oscillations and CSF flow interact in real time.

Mapping the Brain's Fluid Rhythms

Deep Sleep Triggers Rhythmic Surges of Brain Fluid

The study revealed striking differences in the fMRI signals originating from fluid-filled regions of the brain across various sleep stages.

During deep non-REM sleep, when slow brain waves dominate, researchers observed frequent, moderate surges in cerebrospinal fluid signals occurring roughly every eight seconds. These rhythmic pulses may represent the brain's natural cleaning cycles in motion.

In contrast, during light sleep or brief awakenings, the patterns shifted—slow waves triggered less frequent and slower surges, suggesting reduced CSF flow.

Even REM sleep, characterized by vivid dreams and high brain activity, produced only minor fluctuations in fluid signals, unfolding over nearly thirty seconds.

This dynamic interplay between sleep depth and fluid motion underscores deep sleep's vital role in maintaining neural detoxification and cognitive restoration—a connection also highlighted in related neurophysiology discussions on Human Health Issues updates.

Brain Regions Linked to Memory Work Hardest During Deep Sleep

Further analysis showed that distinct brain networks were active at different stages of sleep. Compared with light sleep, regions associated with learning and memory, such as the hippocampus and frontal cortex, displayed heightened synchronized activity during slow-wave sleep.

This suggests that when the brain's memory network is engaged, slow brain oscillations exert a unique influence on cerebrospinal fluid signals—an effect not present during other stages, dominated by emotional or sensory neural activity.

In other words, while we sleep, the brain may be flushing out waste from the very circuits that handle information processing and memory storage.

The Mystery Behind the Signals

What Produces the MRI Signals in Brain Fluid?

The origin of the fMRI signal detected in the brain's lateral ventricles remains a mystery. Typically, fMRI measures changes in blood oxygenation, relying on the magnetic properties of haemoglobin—but cerebrospinal fluid contains none.

Therefore, the observed signals likely arise from a combination of mechanical flow, pressure changes and electromagnetic variations linked to neuronal activity.

This opens new questions about how neural rhythms influence not only electrical activity but also fluid dynamics within the brain—a growing field of study intersecting physics, medicine and neuroscience.

Deep Sleep May Be the Brain's Cleansing Mechanism

Tamaki explained that the rapid but moderate surges in cerebrospinal fluid during deep sleep may be crucial for eliminating toxic by-products produced during waking hours.

"Our results show that deep sleep influences cerebrospinal fluid signals differently from light sleep, REM sleep, or wakeful arousal," said Tamaki.

"These rapid but moderate signal increases may represent a mechanism essential for eliminating waste products that accumulate in the brain's learning and memory circuits during waking hours."

Implications for Brain Health and Disease Prevention

The implications of this discovery reach far beyond understanding sleep itself. If deep sleep truly enhances cerebrospinal fluid flow, it could illuminate why disrupted sleep contributes to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia—conditions marked by the buildup of toxic proteins.

Improving deep sleep quality might therefore represent a non-invasive way to enhance brain clearance and preserve cognitive health.

This aligns with emerging global health perspectives that emphasize restorative sleep as a cornerstone of mental and neurological resilience—a topic explored in detail on Human Health Issues Updates, where studies link poor sleep to impaired immune responses, hormonal imbalances and mood disorders.

The Road Ahead for Sleep Science

While the results are promising, Tamaki and her colleagues caution that the findings are only the beginning. More work is needed to confirm whether the observed CSF patterns directly represent waste clearance or are part of a broader physiological rhythm.

Future experiments aim to combine advanced MRI, neural imaging and molecular tracing techniques to identify exactly how and when cerebrospinal fluid removes waste—and which substances are being cleared during specific sleep phases.

If proven, this could transform our approach to treating neurological disorders, by targeting the brain's self-cleaning system through sleep therapy and lifestyle-based interventions.

A New Frontier in Understanding the Sleeping Brain

This research represents a bold step towards decoding one of biology's deepest mysteries—how sleep renews the mind. The team's innovative use of sparse MRI and multi-model recording has opened new avenues to explore the interplay between neural activity, fluid mechanics and memory formation.

It also reinforces a central truth: deep sleep is not a luxury—it is a necessity for long-term brain health.

As scientists continue to untangle the hidden workings of our sleeping minds, one thing becomes clear — the rhythms of sleep and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid are intricately bound in maintaining our most vital organ.

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Dendritic Nanotubes Alzheimers Discovery 2025

Dendritic Nanotubes: New Brain Bridges Linked to Early Alzheimer's Clues

Edited by: Fasi Uddin

Snapshot

Scientists have identified a novel form of microscopic bridge in the brain—dendritic nanotubes (DNTs)—that may help explain how Alzheimer's-related proteins spread between neurons. The discovery, reported in Science, combines advanced imaging, machine learning and computational modelling to suggest DNTs could be an early driver of amyloid-beta accumulation and neurodegeneration.

Neuronal communication and nanotube context

Neurons in the brain communicate through synapses—tiny junctions that transmit electrical and chemical signals. In contrast, some non-neuronal cells exchange materials directly using microscopic nanotube bridges. Among these, tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) are known to facilitate the transfer of substances between certain cell types. While TNTs have been observed in isolated brain neurons, their role and existence within fully developed brain tissue have remained uncertain.

Discovery of Dendritic Nanotubes (DNTs)

A team of researchers has discovered a new kind of nanotube that seems to function as a bridge, transferring materials between dendrites—the branching extensions of neurons. Reported in Science, the study introduces "dendritic nanotubes" (DNTs) and explores their potential link to the build-up of amyloid-beta (Aβ), a peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Imaging and Confirmation

The scientists identified these actin-rich DNTs in both mouse and human brain tissue using advanced superresolution (dSRRF) and electron microscopy. The nanotubes were observed linking dendrites within the cortex and their identity was confirmed through specialized imaging combined with machine learning analysis.

Structural Uniqueness and Dynamics

According to the researchers, machine learning-based classification confirmed that the shape of these nanotubes was unlike any known synaptic structure. "In cultured neurons, we observed these nanotubes forming dynamically and identified a unique internal composition that clearly distinguishes them from other neuronal extensions," the authors explained.

Sealed Architecture and Transport

Unlike the well-documented tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), these newly discovered dendritic nanotubes (DNTs) behaved quite differently. Their ends were sealed rather than open, preventing tunnelling activity. Despite this, the DNTs still managed to transfer essential materials such as calcium ions and small molecules between neurons.

Experimental Transfer of Amyloid-Beta

The researchers sought to determine whether these dendritic nanotubes (DNTs) could transport amyloid-beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. By introducing amyloid-beta into neurons within mouse brain slices, they observed that DNTs transferred the peptides to neighbouring cells. When nanotube formation was inhibited, the spread diminished significantly.

Computational Simulations and Timing

Computer simulations revealed that DNT density increased prior to amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's model mice, indicating a potential role in teh disease's early stages.

Modelling Links DNTs to Disease Progression

"We discovered that the nanotube network undergoes significant alterations early in Alzheimer's disease—well before amyloid plaques, its defining feature, begin to form," the authors noted. "Our computational model suggests that excessive nanotube activity may hasten toxic amyloid build-up in certain neurons, linking these structural changes to disease progression."

Future Directions and Implications

Although many questions remain, future studies could uncover further roles these dendritic nanotubes play in healthy and diseased brains. The findings illuminate a potential mechanism by which Alzheimer's pathology spreads, pointing to promising paths for early therapeutic intervention.

Why This Discovery Matters

The discovery of DNTs bridges an important gap between cellular observations and disease dynamics. Scientists have long debated how misfolded proteins such as amyloid-beta traverse neural circuits to seed plaques in distant brain regions. An anatomical conduit—present before overt plaque formation—provides a feasible route for early propagation, which could help explain the stealthy onset of Alzheimer's symptoms. For readers seeking broader context on neuroscience and imaging advances, see FSNews365.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential

If DNTs prove to be consistent features of early Alzheimer's, they could enable earlier diagnosis through imaging biomarkers or fluid tests indicating altered intercellular transfer. Therapeutically, strategies that reduce excessive nanotube formation or block peptide passage may offer a window to slow progression before neurons are irreversibly lost. Such approaches would complement ongoing trials that target amyloid clearance and tau pathology. For reports and clinical context on Alzheimer's research and translational work, consult Human Health Issues.

Multidisciplinary Methods Power the Finding

The work highlights a growing trend in neuroscience: integrating high-resolution optical imaging, electron microscopy and machine-learning classification to detect and validate subtle brain structures. These methods reduce the risk that findings are imaging artefacts and allow automated recognition of shapes across large datasets. For related interdisciplinary coverage that connects imaging, climate and human health perspectives, see Earth Day Harsh Reality.

Open Questions and Next Steps

Researchers caution that these findings mark the start of a longer research pathway. Key priorities include validating DNT prevalence across brain areas and patient populations, performing live-cell imaging to capture transport dynamics in real time and determining whether interventions that tamper with DNTs alter cognitive decline in animal models. Importantly, scientists must distinguish between normal physiological roles for dendritic contacts and pathological overactivity linked to toxic spread.

Broader Implications for Neurodegenerative Disease

Beyond Alzheimer's, DNTs could be relevant to conditions where protein propagation is implicated—such as Parkinson's disease and certain frontotemporal dementias. If nanotube-like bridges facilitate spread more generally, then targeting intercellular conduits could represent a novel, cross-disease therapeutic approach. For public-health and translational perspectives, readers may explore Human Health Issues and interdisciplinary analyses at Earth Day Harsh Realty.

Translating Discovery into Clinical Action

Translational science will require replication of DNT observations in larger human cohorts, biomarker discovery and validation, safety testing of candidate inhibitors and ultimately carefully designed clinical trails. Funding agencies and interdisciplinary consortia will be crucial in moving this discovery from microscopy to medicine. For contextual science coverage and policy discussion, FSNews365 maintains updates on imaging, AI and translational research.

Ethical Considerations and Caution

Modulating intercellular structures in the brain carries risk: DNTs may also play roles in healthy neuronal communication and plasticity. Any therapy targeting these bridges must avoid disrupting normal brain function. Ethical review, staged preclinical testing and broad stakeholder engagement will be essential steps as the field progresses.

Conclusion

This study adds a new layer to our understanding of how pathological proteins might move through the brain. Dendritic nanotubes are a promising anatomical concept that could explain early protein spread, and they open avenues for diagnostics and interventions targeted at a stage when therapies are most likely to succeed. Continued collaboration across imaging, computational and clinical teams will be crucial to translate this discovery into patient-care gains.

Further Reading & Resources

Source

Original Science report (Journal).

FSNews365 - imaging and neuroscience coverage: https://fsnews365.blogspot.com

Earth Day Harsh Reality - Interdisciplinary science: https://earthdayharshreality.blogspot.com

Human Health Issues Updates - Alzheimer's and clinical research: https://human-health-issues.blogspot.com

deepinminiscope real time mouse brain

Groundbreaking DeepInMiniscope Revolutionizes Real-Time Mouse Brain Imaging

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, have unveiled a groundbreaking compact microscope designed to enable high-resolution, noninvasive monitoring of mouse brain activity in real time. This breakthrough marks a significant step forward in neuroscience, promising to reshape how scientists study brain function and behaviour and opening the door to new treatments for brain disorders.

"Our aim is to develop technology that can image brain activity in freely moving, naturally behaving mice, thereby expanding the behavioural research paradigm," explained Weijian Yang, professor of electrical and computer engineering. "The goal is to build a device that enables real-time study of how brain activity influences behaviour and perception."

This pioneering imaging system, named DeepInMiniscope, was published in a Science Advances Study on 12 September 2025 and highlights major technological advances in brain imaging.

A Leap Forward in Neuroscience Imaging Technology

Overcoming Limitations of Traditional Microscopes

DeepInMiniscope builds upon Professor Yang's prior research, advancing the field of miniature imaging systems. Traditional imaging technologies struggled with imaging biological samples due to light scattering in living tissue, poor signal contrast and computational challenges in reconstructing 3D features across large volumes.

By incorporating over 100 miniature high-resolution lenslets in an innovative mask design, the DeepInMiniscope solves these issues. A sophisticated neural network processes the images from each lenslet, enabling seamless 3D reconstruction with remarkable speed and accuracy.

Neural Network Drive Deep Insights

The neural network merges several machine learning techniques to form an unrolled neural network architecture that performs high-speed, high-resolution image reconstruction from limited training data.

"Our algorithm strikes a balance between interpretability, efficiency, scalability and precision," explained Feng Tian, a postdoctoral researcher in Yang's lab and first author of the study. "It can robustly process large datasets at remarkable speed."

This innovation enables scientists to capture neuronal activity in real time as mice behave naturally, a milestone that could not only transform lab research but also pave the way for future innovations in brain disorder treatments.

Compact, Wearable and Lightweight Design: A Researcher's Dream

DeepInMiniscope's compact design is a game-changer. Weighing only 10 grams and measuring 3 square centimeters--roughly the size of a grape--this miniature microscope is optimized for live, mobile animals. Unlike bulky imaging devices, it is a slim circuit board with an image sensor, minimizing weight and maximizing comfort for the test subjects.

Vision for the Future

Weijian Yang's ultimate goal is even more ambitious: a cordless device measuring just 2 square centimeters, comparable to a small hat for a mouse. This would enable long-term, untethered studies of brain activity in freely moving mice under natural conditions.

"By allowing real-time observation of brain activity in freely behaving mice, this technology enhances our understanding of how the brain processes information and governs behaviour, while also aiding research into brain disorders and future treatments for humans," said Yang.

Explore more about how artificial intelligence is transforming biomedical research.

Implications for Human Brain Disorder Research

The DeepInMiniscope represents more than an engineering marvel--it could profoundly impact medical science. By enabling the study of neural circuits in motion, this technology opens up new possibilities for understanding diseases such as Alzheimer's Parkinson's epilepsy and mental health disorders.

"This device allows researchers to track neuronal activity patterns over time, giving critical insight into how these disorders develop and how therapeutic interventions can be fine-tuned," noted Feng Tian.

Learn about cutting-edge research linking genetics and neurological diseases.

Pioneering a Paradigm Shift in Behavioral Science

This development aligns with a broader effort to study behaviour under naturalistic conditions, addressing the limitations of traditional lab-based experiments.

An exciting parallel development is found in how quantum physics innovations are influencing material science and medical research, highlighting the convergence of multiple cutting-edge disciplines in pursuit of knowledge.

Researchers hope that future iterations of the DeepInMiniscope will allow deeper exploration of how brain activity influences behaviour and perception in more complex environments, moving from mice to larger models and eventually to human applications.

Global Collaborative Efforts and Open Science

The success of DeepInMiniscope was made possible by a collaborative effort involving multidisciplinary teams of engineers, neuroscientists and computational experts. Such global collaborations are increasingly essential in driving breakthroughs.

Read more about how interstellar research inspires scientific discoveries.

A Step Toward Noninvasive Brain Monitoring in Humans

While the DeepInMiniscope is designed for small animals, it symbolizes a critical step toward noninvasive, high-resolution brain monitoring technologies for humans. The prospect of future wearable brain scanners, capable of tracking neural activity in real time, is now much closer to reality.

These devices could be revolutionary for diagnosing and managing neurological disorders, especially in natural environments outside hospitals.

Future Research and Innovations

Professor Yang and his team are already planning the next steps: optimizing the device to be wireless and miniaturized further, ensuring ease of use and broader adoption by researchers globally.

This work complements related research into revolutionary artificial intelligence models uncovering life's genetic secrets.

Conclusion: A New Era in Neuroscience and Medicine

The DeepInMiniscope represents a landmark achievement in neuroscience, redefining the way researchers observe and understand brain function. By fusing advanced optical engineering, deep learning and innovative miniaturization techniques, this technology empowers scientists to study the brain's complexity in real time without invasive measures.

"Our vision is to empower the scientific community with tools that reveal the brain's mysteries, while advancing treatments for debilitating neurological conditions," said Weijian Yang.

Explore more about cutting-edge sustainability initiatives and technological breakthroughs.

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ai computer vision seeme detects consciousness coma

AI Tool SeeMe Detects Hidden Consciousness in Coma Patients Days Before Doctors

A Groundbreaking Advance in Brain Injury Diagnosis

A team of scientists at Stony Brook University has unveiled and artificial Intelligence (AI) tool named SeeMe, capable of detecting subtle signs of consciousness in comatose brain injury patients days before traditional clinical methods. The research, published in Communications Medicine, demonstrates how SeeMe leverages computer vision to track micro facial movements--movements that are invisible to the human eye--providing clinicians with an earlier and more accurate picture of patient responsiveness.

This finding has far-reaching implications for critical care, rehabilitation strategies, and ethical decision-making in intensive care unit.

The Challenge of Detecting Consciousness in Coma Patients

When patients suffer acute brain injuries, doctors and families are often faced with agonizing uncertainty. Standard diagnostic methods, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) or the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), rely on visible signs of responsiveness like eye-opening or limb movement. However, these responses may appear days or even weeks after the brain begins to regain awareness.

While advanced imaging technologies such as EEG (electroencephalography) and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) can reveal hidden consciousness, they are expensive, not universally available, and impractical for repeated bedside monitoring. As a result, subtle or covert signs of consciousness often go unnoticed in the early stages of recovery.

This gap inspired researchers to design a low-cost, portable AI-based tool that could pick up on signs invisible to even experienced neurologists.

How SeeMe Works: Computer Vision at the Bedside

The SeeMe system uses high-resolution facial mapping, tracking pore-level movements at a scale of just ~0.2 millimeters. Patients are given simple verbal instructions such as:

• "Open your eyes."
• "Smile."
• "Stick out your tongue."

The AI then analyses subtle movement vectors--tiny changes in muscle activity--that may indicate a conscious response. Importantly, the tool was designed not to replace doctors but to complement clinical observations by adding a layer of measurable, objective analysis.

Study Design and Participants

• 37 coma patients aged 18-85 with severe brain injuries (GCS ≤ 8) were recruited at Stony Brook University Hospital.
• 16 healthy controls were also included for baseline comparisons.
• Video sessions were recorded after sedation pauses deemed medically safe.
• Responses were measured against standard scales: GCS eye score and CRS-R auditory score.

Two blinded raters evaluated each trial independently, applying strict screening rules to rule out artefacts. Non-parametric statistical methods, including the Kruskal-Wallis test and chi-square analyses, confirmed the robustness of the results.

Key Findings: Earlier and More Accurate Detection

The results revealed that SeeMe consistently detected signs of consciousness earlier than clinical examinations.

Eye-Opening Advantage

• SeeMe: Detected eye-opening at an average of 9.1 (± 5.5) days post-injury.

• Clinicians: Detected at an average of 13.2 (± 11.4) days post-injury.

• Result: A 4.1-day lead time, which can make a critical difference in decision-making.

SeeMe detected eye-opening in 85.7% of patients (30 out of 36) compared to 71.4% with clinical exams (25 out of 36).

Mouth Movements and Tongue Responses

• For patients without obstructing endotracheal tubes, SeeMe detected mouth movements in 16 of 17 cases (94.1%).

• In seven patients where both SeeMe and clinical testing were possible, SeeMe identified consistent mouth responses 8.3 days earlier on average.

Neural Network Analysis

The team also trained a deep neural network on SeeMe-positive cases:

• 81% accuracy in detecting command-specific eye-opening.
• 65% overall accuracy across tasks.
• Lower performance tongue protrusion (37%) and smiling (47%), showing that eye-opening is the strongest and most reliable indicator of consciousness.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early recognition of covert consciousness could dramatically reshape treatment pathways and ethical decisions in intensive care.

Supporting Families in Critical Decisions

Families often face life-or-death choices about continuing life support. If tools like SeeMe confirm early signs of awareness, they may feel more confident in pursuing rehabilitations instead of withdrawing care.

Improving Rehabilitation Outcomes

Rehabilitation is most effective when started early. By spotting responsiveness days in advance, SeeMe can help clinicians initiate therapies sooner, maximizing the patient's chances of recovery.

Complementing Clinical Practice

The researchers stress that SeeMe is not a replacement for traditional exams. Instead, it serves as a quantitative and objective partner, reducing the risk of overlooking subtle but meaningful responses.

Expert Insights

Lead investigators highlight the transformative potential of SeeMe.

According to the study authors:

"Patients with acute brain injury may display low-amplitude, stimulus-driven facial movements before visible responses appear. SeeMe demonstrates that some covertly conscious individuals show motor activity overlooked by clinicians."

This reinforces the importance of not underestimating early signals of life that traditional methods may miss.

The Future of Ai in Neurology

The SeeMe project marks an early step in the integration of AI-powered tools into bedside neurological care. Future developments could extend its application into:

• Continuous ICU monitoring systems that alert doctors when hidden responses appear.

• AI-assisted rehabilitation programs, tailoring therapy to subtle improvements.

• Communication interfaces for patients who are conscious but unable to move or speak.

By bridging the gap between human observation and machine precision, AI  transform how we understand consciousness itself.

Giving a Voice to the Silent

The discovery of SeeMe effectiveness provides new hope for patients, families and clinicians navigating the uncertainty of coma care. By detecting responses invisible to the naked eye, this AI tool not only shortens the timeline for recognition of consciousness but also opens doors to earlier intervention, improved outcomes and more compassionate decision-making.

As AI technologies continue to merge with medicine, SeeMe highlights the powerful role of innovation in answering one of healthcare's most difficult questions: is anyone still there?

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adult hippocampal neurogenesis study

Human Brains Keep Growing New Neurons to Age 78, Karolinska Study Finds

Groundbreaking Study from Karolinska Institutet

A study from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet, published in Science, reveals that neuron formation in the hippocamus persists into late adulthood-offering critical insight into the enduring adaptability of the human brain.

Historical Insight into Neurogenesis Research

The Role of the Hippocampus in Brain Function

the hippocampus, a region of the brain central to learning, memory and emotional regulation, has long intrigued scientists.

The 2013 Landmark Study

In 2013, Jonas Frisén's group at Karolinska Institutet published a landmark study demonstrating that new neurons can form in the adult human hippocampus. They achieved this by measuring carbon-14 levels in DNA extracted from brain tissue, allowing them to estimate the age of the cells.

Determining the Cells of Origin

Nevertheless, the degree and importance of adult neurogenesis remain subjects of scientific debate. Conclusive evidence has yet to confirm whether neural progenitor cells-the precursors to new neurons-exist and divide in adult humans.

"We have now succeeded in identifying the cells of origin, confirming that neuron formation continues in the adult hippocampus," says Professor Jonas Frisén, who led the study at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Cell and Molecular Biology.

From Birth Through to the Age of 78

In their latest investigation, the team harnessed an array of advanced techniques to study brain tissue from donors aged between birth and 78, collected from international biobanks.

Techniques and Tools Used

Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing to profile gene activity within individual nuclei, alongside flow cytometry to assess cellular characteristics, they then applied machine-learning tools to chart every stage of neuronal development-from stem cells to dividing immature neurons.

Spatial Gene Mapping with RNAscope and Xenium

To pinpoint the cell's whereabouts, the researchers employed RNAscope and Xenium-two techniques that reveal spatial patterns of gene activity. Both confirmed that the newly generated cells reside within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory formation, learning and cognitive flexibility.

Prospects for Novel Therapies

Results indicate that the precursors to adult neurons in human are broadly comparable to those in mice, pigs and monkeys, albeit with some variation in gene expression. Additionally, individual differences were marked: some adults possessed numerous progenitor cells, others scarcely any.

"This provides a vital piece of the puzzle in understanding the working of the human brain and how it changes over a lifetime," explains Frisén. "Our findings may also inform the development of regenerative therapies aimed at promoting neurogenesis in psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions."

Collaborative Effort and Institutional Involvement

The study was carried out in close collaboration with Ionut Dumitru, Marta Paterlini and fellow researchers at Karolinska Institutet, alongside colleagues from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.

Source

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