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motor control

·January 23, 2013·3 min read

New Brain Circuit Sheds Light on Development of Voluntary Movements

A research team describes the entire network of brain cells that are connected to specific motor neurons controlling whisker muscles in newborn mice. A better understanding of such motor control circuits could help inform how human brains develop, potentially leading to new ways of restoring movement in people who suffer paralysis from brain injuries, or to the development of better prosthetics for limb replacement.

Featured Neurology

·August 20, 2012·4 min read

Stroke Disrupts How Brain Controls Muscle Synergies

A new study finds that after a stroke, muscle synergies are activated in altered ways. Furthermore, those disruptions follow specific patterns depending on the severity of the stroke and the amount of time that has passed since the stroke. Distinctive patterns could allow doctors to develop better rehab programs for stroke patients.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·August 2, 2012·3 min read

Researchers Find Genetic Cause for Body Tremors

Scientists knew that mutations in the FUS gene (Fused in Sarcoma) cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. The researchers were successful in identifying mutations in this gene that cause Essential Tremor, and proved that the disease mechanisms for ET and ALS FUS mutations are different.