Latest news with #Denver
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ketamine may work by 'flattening the brain's hierarchies,' brain scans suggest
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. DENVER—A single dose of ketamine may subtly reshape how different regions of the brain communicate, a new study suggests. The research, presented June 19 at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference, is one of the first to investigate ketamine's impact on neuroplasticity — the ability to adapt to experiences by forming new connections and pathways — in the brains of living people. The findings have not been peer-reviewed yet. In recent years, clinical trials have demonstrated ketamine's effectiveness in treating depression within a few hours of a single dose. Animal studies suggest that ketamine almost immediately spurs the growth of new dendritic spines — tiny protrusions that form synapses, the connections between brain cells. But it's been hard to pin down how ketamine works in living humans. To answer that question, the researchers scanned the brains of 11 men using multiple techniques and then administered an intravenous dose of ketamine. One group of the people was re-scanned 24 hours after getting the single dose of the drug, and the other group was scanned again seven days later. Related: 1 psychedelic psilocybin dose eases depression for years, study reveals Normally, the brain processes sensory information via lower-level networks and then feeds that "up the chain" to higher-level networks that orchestrate larger brain processes. Higher level networks also send feedback to lower-order networks, but communication between high and low level networks is less than that within specific networks. In the new study, scientists used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures blood flow to different brain regions, to reveal how brain activity changed after treatment. When fMRI activity levels appear synchronized, it can imply the distinct areas are "communicating" with one another. Typically, regions that are part of a network consistently fire together when the brain is performing specific tasks or is in a certain mental state. After the participants took ketamine, however, activity in specific networks seemed to be desynchronized. The researchers also found an increase in communication between a higher-order network, the default mode network (DMN), and lower-order, sensory networks, such as the somatomotor network, which is linked to the perception of the physical self and bodily sensations. This means that brain regions usually involved in basic sensory processing started communicating more directly and extensively with higher-level regions responsible for complex thought and "orchestrating" brain processes. "Usually there is more segregation between these higher order and lower order networks," Claudio Agnorelli, a neuroscientist at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, told Live Science. "But after the ketamine, this hierarchy is kind of collapsed." The DMN is responsible for "mental time travel," or planning and daydreaming, rather than staying focused on particular tasks in the present. An overactive DMN has been linked to depression and rumination. The researchers also used positron emission tomography (PET) scans to measure levels of a protein called SV2A, which plays a role in the release of brain signaling molecules. Higher SV2A levels are thought to indicate more connections between brain cells, Agnorelli said. Although the researchers didn't identify a clear trend in global SVA2 levels after ketamine administration, one brain region tied to the DMN did show clear changes: the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). The PCC is part of the DMN, and it seems to orchestrate the flow of information in the brain. After ketamine administration, the PCC played a smaller role in orchestrating communication across the brain, even as synaptic connections increased within the PCC. RELATED STORIES —FDA approves ketamine-like nasal spray for depression — here's everything you need to know —'Hyper-synchronized' brain waves may explain why different psychedelics have similar effects, rat study reveals —How does ketamine work as an antidepressant? It's complicated. The finding of increased synaptic density in the DMN suggests ketamine isn't just creating new synapses — it's fundamentally reorganizing how brain networks communicate, Sam Mandel, CEO and co-founder of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, told Live Science in an email. "The 'flattening of cortical hierarchy' could explain why patients often report feeling less trapped in rigid thought patterns after treatment." The authors cautioned that their results are preliminary. The study had just 11 participants, all of whom were men with no underlying conditions, and there was no placebo group for comparison. Moreover, the imaging methods the team used are still being validated as reliable markers of brain changes. The study does, however, help bridge the gap between what is known about ketamine's impact on animals and how it may act in humans, Agnorelli said. "While we've long understood from animal studies that ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, actually visualizing these synaptic changes in living human brains using a PET tracer is a new development," Mandel said.
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Innovation Learning Launches The Innovation Learning Foundation to Expand Equitable Access to Education for All Children
Innovation Learning has launched The Innovation Learning Foundation to expand equitable education access by providing free meals, subsidized programs, and enrichment services for underserved children, aiming to close opportunity gaps and support whole-child development nationwide. Denver, Colorado, United States, June 20, 2025 -- According to UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report (2020), children who have access to quality education demonstrate up to 50% better literacy and numeracy skills—skills essential for lifelong learning, well-being, and opportunity. Recognizing the critical importance of equitable access, Innovation Learning, a nationally recognized provider of before and after-school, summer, enrichment, and academic recovery programs, proudly announces the launch of The Innovation Learning Foundation, a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) status pending) committed to removing barriers to transformative learning experiences for underserved children and families. Grounded in the belief that every child deserves an equitable chance to thrive, The Innovation Learning Foundation will raise philanthropic support to provide free meals, subsidized programming, and affordable educational services. These initiatives ensure that all children—regardless of income or background—have access to engaging, high-impact programs that promote academic growth and personal development. 'Throughout our work with school districts nationwide, we saw the growing need for a nonprofit partner that could help eliminate barriers to participation,' says Dr. Brett Prilik, CEO of Innovation Learning. 'The Innovation Learning Foundation allows us to deliver on that need—ensuring programs are accessible, flexible, and impactful for all families.' Though governed separately, Innovation Learning and The Innovation Learning Foundation are united by a shared mission and a commitment to the following core values: · Expanded Access to Learning – Every child deserves high-quality learning opportunities. These programs help close the opportunity gap and show that learning can be both meaningful and fun. · Open Doors to Innovation – Creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication are fostered to help students develop a future-ready mindset. · Advancing Equity Through Community – By working closely with underserved communities, the initiative co-creates programs that reflect each community's unique needs and strengths. · Championing Whole-Child Well-Being – Support is provided for each child's holistic development through nutritious food, physical activity, emotional wellness, and a safe, nurturing environment. Additionally, transformative programs supported by The Innovation Learning Foundation will include: · Before- and after-school care · Summer learning programs · Academic intervention and tutoring · Enrichment classes · In-school academic support By partnering with schools, districts, and local organizations, The Innovation Learning Foundation aims to reimagine what's possible in education—making it equitable, engaging, and enriching for every child. At the heart of this effort is a renewed vision for how community-based organizations can support school districts—not only by aligning with their goals, but by actively enhancing them. The Innovation Learning Foundation serves as a bridge, bringing additional time, energy, and resources to help ensure collective success. Working alongside schools, districts, educators, and families, the Foundation is helping to create a more connected and responsive system—one in which children and families benefit deeply from the strength of partnership and shared purpose. For more information, please visit About Innovation Learning Innovation Learning is a mission-driven organization dedicated to making high-quality education more accessible, engaging, and fun for all children. Through customized after-school, summer, and enrichment programs, it partners with schools and communities to deliver innovative, student-centered experiences that support academic growth, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. Founded and led by educators, Innovation Learning reinvests in program quality and works closely with districts to create responsive, locally tailored solutions that reflect the needs and strengths of each community. Contact Info: Name: Dr. Brett Prilik, Ed.D. Email: Send Email Organization: Innovation Learning Phone: 303-523-1543 Website: Release ID: 89162735 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. Ensuring accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
Associated Press
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Rockies play the Diamondbacks in first of 3-game series
Arizona Diamondbacks (37-37, fourth in the NL West) vs. Colorado Rockies (17-58, fifth in the NL West) Denver; Friday, 8:40 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (4-8, 5.19 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 81 strikeouts); Rockies: Austin Gomber (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, four strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Diamondbacks -189, Rockies +156; over/under is 12 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday to start a three-game series. Colorado has a 7-27 record at home and a 17-58 record overall. The Rockies have a 6-12 record in games when they hit at least two home runs. Arizona has a 37-37 record overall and a 17-19 record on the road. The Diamondbacks have gone 21-11 in games when they hit at least two home runs. The teams meet Friday for the fourth time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Hunter Goodman has 16 doubles, three triples and 14 home runs while hitting .285 for the Rockies. Ryan McMahon is 12 for 36 with three doubles and four home runs over the past 10 games. Corbin Carroll has 13 doubles, nine triples and 20 home runs for the Diamondbacks. Josh Naylor is 16 for 40 with three doubles, two home runs and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Rockies: 5-5, .270 batting average, 5.15 ERA, outscored opponents by two runs Diamondbacks: 6-4, .244 batting average, 4.34 ERA, outscored opponents by seven runs INJURIES: Rockies: Thairo Estrada: day-to-day (hand), Ryan Feltner: 60-Day IL (back), Kyle Freeland: 15-Day IL (back), Ezequiel Tovar: 10-Day IL (oblique), Tanner Gordon: 15-Day IL (oblique), Kris Bryant: 60-Day IL (lumbar), Jeff Criswell: 60-Day IL (elbow) Diamondbacks: Christian Montes De Oca: 60-Day IL (elbow), Gabriel Moreno: 10-Day IL (hand), Justin Martinez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Mena: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kendall Graveman: 15-Day IL (hip), Corbin Burnes: 60-Day IL (elbow), A.J. Puk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jordan Montgomery: 60-Day IL (elbow), Blake Walston: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockies play the Diamondbacks in first of 3-game series
Arizona Diamondbacks (37-37, fourth in the NL West) vs. Colorado Rockies (17-58, fifth in the NL West) Denver; Friday, 8:40 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (4-8, 5.19 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 81 strikeouts); Rockies: Austin Gomber (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, four strikeouts) Advertisement BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Diamondbacks -189, Rockies +156; over/under is 12 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Rockies host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday to start a three-game series. Colorado has a 7-27 record at home and a 17-58 record overall. The Rockies have a 6-12 record in games when they hit at least two home runs. Arizona has a 37-37 record overall and a 17-19 record on the road. The Diamondbacks have gone 21-11 in games when they hit at least two home runs. The teams meet Friday for the fourth time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Hunter Goodman has 16 doubles, three triples and 14 home runs while hitting .285 for the Rockies. Ryan McMahon is 12 for 36 with three doubles and four home runs over the past 10 games. Advertisement Corbin Carroll has 13 doubles, nine triples and 20 home runs for the Diamondbacks. Josh Naylor is 16 for 40 with three doubles, two home runs and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Rockies: 5-5, .270 batting average, 5.15 ERA, outscored opponents by two runs Diamondbacks: 6-4, .244 batting average, 4.34 ERA, outscored opponents by seven runs INJURIES: Rockies: Thairo Estrada: day-to-day (hand), Ryan Feltner: 60-Day IL (back), Kyle Freeland: 15-Day IL (back), Ezequiel Tovar: 10-Day IL (oblique), Tanner Gordon: 15-Day IL (oblique), Kris Bryant: 60-Day IL (lumbar), Jeff Criswell: 60-Day IL (elbow) Advertisement Diamondbacks: Christian Montes De Oca: 60-Day IL (elbow), Gabriel Moreno: 10-Day IL (hand), Justin Martinez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Mena: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kendall Graveman: 15-Day IL (hip), Corbin Burnes: 60-Day IL (elbow), A.J. Puk: 60-Day IL (elbow), Jordan Montgomery: 60-Day IL (elbow), Blake Walston: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issues 'fact check' about ICE Denver social media post
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office took to social media on Thursday to "fact check" a recent post by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Denver.
