Branch Out Neurological Foundation

It's that time of year 📚🧠. . . . #backtoschool #brainquote #brain #neuroscience #branchoutnf #newdiscoveries

We're excited to support Nicholina Boutros at Sunnybrook Research Institute in her groundbreaking study on whether cannabis can help relieve Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This condition causes painful leg sensations that disrupt sleep and quality of life. Nicholina's research, the first of its kind, involved 30 participants receiving either cannabis or a placebo for 8 weeks to assess the impact on sleep and quality of life. Current RLS treatments often lose effectiveness or cause side effects, leaving many without relief. Nicholina's study could offer a new, safer, and more affordable treatment option for RLS, potentially improving the lives of those affected. . . . #restlesslegssyndrome #RLS #undergradgrant #neuroCAM #branchoutnf #neuroresearch Sunnybrook @nicholinaboutros

We're thrilled to have funded Kshef Kamran this summer for her research at the University of Calgary. Kshef explored the potential of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a treatment option for neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries. With approximately 86,000 Canadians living with spinal cord injuries, many face chronic neuropathic pain that significantly reduces their quality of life. Traditional treatments often come with adverse side effects, leading to a need for alternative solutions. Kshef's work investigated whether TMS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can effectively reduce pain and improve the lives of those affected. Kshef concluded that TMS does show potential as a treatment for neuropathic pain but larger research studies are needed. We are incredibly proud to support Kshef in this vital research. . . . #spinalcordinjury #tms #neuopathicpain #ugradgrant #neuroresearch #branchoutnf

It's true! Brain development begins from the back of the brain and works its way to the front. As a result, your frontal lobes, which control planning and reasoning, are the last to strengthen and structure connections. . . . #didyouknow #DYK #brainfacts #branchoutnf #braindevelopment

We are so proud to be a part of Alessia Apa's Alzheimer's research this summer at Sunnybrook! Way to go, Alessia!!

We're thrilled to fund Ashley de Witte's research this summer at the University of Toronto, where she will be exploring sex differences in butyric acid treatment for stroke. Stroke, the third leading cause of death in Canada and a leading cause of adult disability worldwide, is a critical area of research. Notably, stroke risk, pathology, and recovery differ significantly between males and females, yet sex-specific factors are often understudied. Ashley’s project delves into these differences, focusing on butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by gut bacteria that has shown potential in improving stroke recovery, particularly in male models. Her research will examine why female models do not experience the same recovery benefits and aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms. By investigating these sex-specific responses, Ashley’s work could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments for stroke, making a significant impact on how we approach this devastating condition. . . . University of Toronto Ashley de Witte #stroke #strokeresearch #neuroresearch #ugradgrant #branchoutnf #fattyacids #microbiome #guthealth #gutbrainaxis 

Did you know Branch Out offers community-focused grants? Do you have a cool idea for how your research could go beyond the lab? Our Impact Grants support the application of your neuroCAM research beyond the lab where it can make a real impact in the community. Our grants are up to $5,000 and are awarded throughout the year. Applications are open! More info --> https://lnkd.in/gYPtw9es . . . #communitygrants #impactgrant #neuroCAM #fromlabtocommunity #applynow #branchoutnf

We are thrilled to fund Cassia Culo at the University of Alberta this summer for her project exploring an emerging technology and its impact on spinal cord injuries. She will be uncovering if the frequency of spinal stimulation matters in improving paralysis. tSCS is a cutting-edge technology applied over the skin of the spinal cord to electrically stimulate neural pathways within the body. This innovative approach could revolutionize how electrical stimulation is delivered, potentially improving treatment and rehabilitation methods for individuals experiencing paralysis. By examining how neurons respond to different frequencies of stimulation, Cassia will further understand neuron properties and synaptic communication. Cassia's research aims to identify the optimal frequency of tSCS to maximize muscular contractions in those with paralysis, offering hope for increased movement and quality of life for this community. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking project! . . . Cassia Culo University of Alberta #undergradgrant #paralysis #spinalstimulation #spinalcordinjury #spinalinjuries #neuroCAM #branchoutnf #neurogrant #ResearchSpotlight

We are thrilled to announce our funding of Sukhman Chahal at the University of Calgary this summer! This exciting project will explore whether concussion education can benefit individuals post-injury. Participants will receive educational resources to help them understand their injury, with the goal of increasing their knowledge about concussions and proper care. After two weeks, they'll provide feedback and be quizzed on their understanding. The study aims to determine if better awareness correlates with reduced symptoms, promoting quicker recovery. This research is part of the larger RACE study, which seeks to develop a blood test for diagnosing concussions and evaluating prognostic factors. We're eager to see the impact of this innovative work! . . . University of Calgary #undergraduategrant #concussion #postconcussion #RACEstudy #ER #neuroCAM #neuroresearch #neurogrant #researchspotlight #branchoutnf

Congratulations to our leader, Aleia Robin, on her well-deserved promotion—excited for the great things ahead!