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motor control

·July 24, 2020·2 min read

Big Brains and Dexterous Hands

Primates with larger brains can solve much more complex tasks using their hands than smaller-brained primates. However, improved dexterity comes at a cost. In humans and other large-brained primates, it takes longer for infants to learn the simplest hand and finger movements than our smaller-brained counterparts.

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·April 28, 2020·3 min read

Rat spinal cords control neural function in biobots

Researchers combined intact neurons from a rat's spinal cord with a tissue-engineered 3D muscle system, creating a biohybrid robot, or biobot. After culturing the system for seven days, the motor neurons from the spinal cord produced electrical activity, causing contractions in the artificial muscles and mimicking the behavior of the peripheral nervous system. The findings could have positive implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders that affect motor control.

This is a chemical stick and ball model of dopamine

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Psychology

·December 27, 2019·4 min read

Dopamine fasting: an expert reviews the latest craze in Silicon Valley

The latest Silicon Valley crazy of dopamine fasting promises to "reset" the brain to be more effective and appreciate the smaller things in life more easily, but does it work? Researchers look at the effect of dopamine fasting on brain health.

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·July 30, 2019·4 min read

The surprising link between a babies’ weeble-wobble and the genetics of motor control

A new fruit fly study reveals a simple genetic system is behind complex movements. The finding sheds light on motor control issues associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

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·June 12, 2019·3 min read

Learning fine motor coordination changes the brain

Study identifies a population of neurons in an area of the midbrain, called the red nucleus, that alter when fine motor skills are learned. The more an action is practiced, the stronger the connections between these neurons become.

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·June 3, 2019·4 min read

Six fingers per hand: Polydactyly equals extra motor ability

Polydactyly, a condition where one is born with an extra finger, has significant benefits when it comes to motor skill and control. fMRI neuroimaging reveals those with extra fingers are able to move the digits independently of other fingers. The findings could help with the development of new prosthetics that extend motor abilities.

This shows a brain with bobbles and lines forming networks

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·April 26, 2019·4 min read

Brain’s support network may play key role in attention deficit, hyperactivity behaviors: Rodent study

Astrocytes can alter neurons to drive behaviors associated with ADHD. Researchers believe astrocytes may be used to develop targeted treatments for behavioral deficits associated with a range of mental illnesses.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2018·5 min read

Decoding How Brain Circuits Control Behavior

Researchers have identified how two types of neurons divide the labor to plan and initiate movements.

$a brain$

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·September 27, 2018·6 min read

Researchers Uncover the Mathematics of Brain Waves

Researchers have developed a new mathematical model, which incorporates EEG data and evolutionary game theory, that bridges the gap between waves and random fluctuations in the brain.

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·August 29, 2018·4 min read

Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Patients

Researchers report the adverse cognitive effects associated with DBS in Parkinson's patients are linked to a different neural pathway than the one responsible for the motor effects generated by the treatment.

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·March 15, 2018·4 min read

Alcohol Dampens Brain Waves Associated with Decision Making, But Not Motor Control

Researchers report drinking alcohol can impair brain waves associated with decision making, but not necessarily motor control.

Featured Neurology

·March 14, 2018·4 min read

A Way to Restore Movement Sensation in Upper Limb Amputation Patients

Researchers have developed a new method of restoring movement sensation for upper limb amputees. The researchers used small robots to vibrate muscles in order to 'turn on' movement sensations.