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This is a pencil drawing of a cardinal singing.

·February 21, 2013·5 min read

How Human Language Could Have Evolved from Birdsong

Linguistics and biology researchers propose a new theory on the deep roots of human speech. A new study suggests human language is a grafting of two communication forms found elsewhere in the animal kingdom: first, the elaborate songs of birds, and second, the more utilitarian, information-bearing types of expression seen in a diversity of other animals.

The image shows the robotic bat wing and a real bat.

Featured

·February 21, 2013·5 min read

Researchers Build Robotic Bat Wing

Building a robotic bat wing, researchers have uncovered flight secrets of real bats: the function of ligaments, the elasticity of skin, the structural support of musculature, skeletal flexibility, upstroke and downstroke.

The image shows a computerized flight time table with numerous cities and flight times.

Featured Psychology

·February 21, 2013·2 min read

Scientists Make Older Adults Less Forgetful in Memory Tests

Researchers have found compelling evidence that older adults can eliminate forgetfulness and perform as well as younger adults on memory tests. The findings have intriguing implications for designing learning strategies for older adults.

The image shows a computerized image of the brain with the basal ganglia, thalamus and frontal lobe highlighted.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 19, 2013·5 min read

Engineering Control Theory Helps Create Dynamic Brain Models

Models of the human brain, patterned on engineering control theory, could assist researchers control neurological diseases, according researcher who is using mathematical models of neuron networks from which more complex brain models emerge.

The image is a pencil drawing of the hippocampus.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 19, 2013·3 min read

Reading the Minds of Mice

Researchers recently developed a system for observing real-time brain activity in a live mouse. The device could prove useful in studying new treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Memory Appears Susceptible to Eradication of Fear Responses

Fear responses can only be erased when people learn something new while retrieving the fear memory according to a new study.

The image shows a participant sitting in the motorized chair, as described in the article.

Featured Neurology

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Our Primitive Reflexes May be More Sophisticated Than They Appear

Our "primitive" reflexes could involve more sophisticated brain function that originally thought, according to a new study.

The image shows the different areas of Boston on a map. Blocked in red are the worst effected areas of crime.

Featured

·February 18, 2013·4 min read

Could a Computer on the Police Beat Prevent Violence?

New research shows how police forces might be able to target efforts to reduce violence and raise officer attention to dangerous areas with the help of high-powered computers. Using real police data, researchers were able to demonstrate the promise of computer models for targeting violent areas.

The image shows a participant undergoing an eye tracking experiment.

Featured Psychology

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Eye Movements Reveal Impaired Reading in Schizophrenia

A new study which looked at eye movement in patients with Schizophrenia provides evidence of difficulties in reading fluency. The findings could help to provide early identification of the mental illness for some individuals.

The image is a drawing which outlines what happens to the brain when concussion occurs.

Featured Neurology

·February 18, 2013·3 min read

Evidence Shows Concussions Require Long-Term Follow-up for Players

New research into concussions sustained during sports shows damage to the brain can persist for decades after an original or head trauma. The long-term consequences of concussions include memory loss, attention deficits and motor control problems.

The image shows lead researcher Paolo Macciarini performing surgery.

Featured Genetics

·February 18, 2013·2 min read

Stem Cell Based Bioartificial Tissues and Organs

Known for successfully transplanting a bioengineered stem cell-based trachea, surgeon Paolo Macchiarini plans to use his technique to recreate more complex tissue. He has recently made attempts to regenerate brain tissue in rats and mice.

The image shows the MS-OISI images of the cortical surface. The caption best explains the image.

Featured Neurology

·February 18, 2013·5 min read

Shedding New Light on Infant Brain Development

Researchers find the infant brain does not control its blood flow in the same way as the adult brain. The findings could change the way researchers study brain development in infants and children.