coma

A severe brain injury can leave patients unresponsive to stimuli, but they may be more aware than we realize. A new study of brain activity has shown that up to a quarter of unresponsive patients may exhibit “hidden consciousness.”

Five years ago, we heard how a team at UCLA had used ultrasound to seemingly "jump start" a patient out of a coma. At the time, the scientists wondered if such results could be repeated. They have now done it two more times.

A landmark study has described a new method to detect signs of consciousness in unresponsive brain-injured patients using a simple EEG scan​. The research also suggests the EEG data can predict which patients have a high chance of regaining consciousness and recovering.

After 15 years in a vegetative state with no signs of consciousness a man is now showing minimal signs of "waking" following the implantation of an experimental nerve stimulation device into his chest.

​Researchers at UCLA have used an ultrasound treatment to stimulate neurons in the thalamus of a coma patient, leading to a marked improvement in his condition. Once verified with other patients, it’s possible that the method could provide a low-cost treatment for severe brain injuries.

Astronomers have discovered large quantities of alcohol and sugar, as well as the presence of complex organic particles, on the comet Lovejoy.

Reaching 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko with Rosetta was an incredible feat of science and engineering which has revolutionized how we understand comets. Join us as we take a look at what can be expected as Rosetta travels ever closer to the Sun.