New research reveals the complex orchestration of neurons in the brain that turns raw noise — the compression of airwaves and pressure on the inner ear — into the ability to, for instance, understand speech, enjoy music and discern train whistles from car horns. Laurence Trussell, Ph.D., says, “Our ability to understand the meaning of sounds depends on the ability of the brain to represent whether the sound is high- or low-pitched, loud or soft, near or far. All of that requires very specialized neurocircuitry and highly specialized types of neurons in the brain.”

New research reveals the complex orchestration of neurons in the brain that turns raw noise — the compression of airwaves and pressure on the inner ear — into the ability to, for instance, understand speech, enjoy music and discern train whistles from car horns. Laurence Trussell, Ph.D., says, “Our ability to understand the meaning of sounds depends on the ability of the brain to represent whether the sound is high- or low-pitched, loud or soft, near or far. All of that requires very specialized neurocircuitry and highly specialized types of neurons in the brain.”

OHSU study led by Andrew Seaman, M.D., shows how peers with lived experience can help address hepatitis C.

An OHSU study focused on rural residents finds a promising method for eliminating hepatitis C, a common and potentially fatal disease that afflicts many drug users. Andrew Seaman, M.D., says, “We have life-saving medications to treat hepatitis C. This study shows that finding unique ways to improve access to treatment — beyond traditional health care settings — is crucial for supporting people who use drugs.”

In an Axios Portland story about a 65% increase in participation in an OHSU program to improve addiction medicine training among health care professionals and law enforcement officers statewide, Dan Hoover, M.D., says, “What I want to see happen is that there’s no wrong door that a patient with substance use disorder could come into.”

“What I want to see happen is that there’s no wrong door that a patient with substance use disorder could come into.”

“There seems to be a window of opportunity within two months,” Laurie King, senior study author and professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University, said in a news release.

In stories about the severity of this flu season, Dawn Nolt, M.D., notes that there has been a rapid rise in flu cases locally and nationally, and gives advice on how to stay healthy. Among other things, she says, “After you recover from flu, there are a lot of other respiratory germs out there, so really wash your hands meticulously.”

“There seems to be a window of opportunity within two months,” Laurie King, a professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine and the study’s senior author, said in a news release. “After that point, the brain compensates in a way that’s not good.”

The Washington Post covers new OHSU research that suggests people with continuing symptoms of concussion should seek physical therapy as soon as possible. Laurie King, Ph.D., says, “There seems to be a window of opportunity within two months. After that point, the brain compensates in a way that’s not good.”