FeaturedNeuroscience·February 19, 2013·5 min readEngineering Control Theory Helps Create Dynamic Brain ModelsModels 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.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 19, 2013·3 min readReading the Minds of MiceResearchers 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.Read More
Featured·February 18, 2013·4 min readCould 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.Read More
FeaturedGenetics·February 18, 2013·2 min readStem Cell Based Bioartificial Tissues and OrgansKnown 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.Read More
Featured·February 15, 2013·2 min readNanomachines for Bionic ProteinsResearchers developed nanomachines which recreate principal activities of proteins. They present the first versatile and modular example of a fully artificial protein-mimetic model system.Read More
Featured·February 12, 2013·5 min readNeuroprosthesis Gives Rats the Ability to ‘Touch’ Infrared LightResearchers have given rats the ability to "touch" infrared light by fitting them with an infrared detector wired to microscopic electrodes implanted in the part of the mammalian brain that processes tactile information. The study demonstrated that a novel sensory input could be processed by a cortical region specialized in another sense without "hijacking" the function of this brain area.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·February 11, 2013·4 min readSimulations Show how Blood Vessels Regroup after StrokeBy simulating patterns of microvasculature cell growth and compare the results with real networks grown in lab, researchers hope to direct how they grow into the tiny blood vessels that feed the brain and help people regain functions lost to stroke and disease.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·February 8, 2013·2 min readSmartphone App Offers New Possibilities For Psychological ResearchResearchers show that the iDichotic smartphone app can be successfully used for psychological testing. A new version of this app has been specially developed for schizophrenic patients suffering from auditory hallucinations.Read More
Featured·February 8, 2013·3 min readResearchers Describe Technology that Lets Spinal Cord Injured Man Control Robot Arm with ThoughtsResearchers describe how an electrode array sitting on top of the brain enabled a 30-year-old paralyzed man to control the movement of a character on a computer screen in three dimensions with just his thoughts. It also enabled him to move a robot arm to touch a friend’s hand for the first time in the seven years.Read More
ElectrophysiologyFeaturedNeurology·February 5, 2013·5 min readReflex Control Could Improve Walking After Incomplete Spinal InjuriesA training regimen to adjust the body's motor reflexes may help improve mobility for some people with incomplete spinal cord injuries. During training, the participants were instructed to suppress a knee jerk-like reflex elicited by a small shock to the leg. Those able to calm hyperactive reflexes saw improvements in their walking.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience Business·January 30, 2013·3 min readIBM’s Watson to Join Research Team at Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRensselaer becomes the first university of receive a version of IBM's Watson system. Rensselaer hopes to find new uses for Watson and develop its cognitive capabilities, as well as using the system for Big Data research.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·January 30, 2013·3 min readTwo Brothers with Muscular Dystrophy Live with Heart Pumps that Help Keep them AliveDoctors implant left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help stop the progression of heart disease and improve the quality of life in brothers with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy.Read More
