Mechanisms of Change
The malleable, adaptive nature of our biopsycho selves
Neurons
Engineering control theory helps create dynamic brain models
BOSTON — Models of the human brain, patterned on engineering control theory, may some day help researchers control such neurological diseases as epilepsy, Parkinson’s and migraines, according to a Penn State researcher who is using mathematical models of neuron networks from which more complex brain models emerge. “The dual concepts of observability and controlability have [...]
Spatial Awareness Secrets Unlocked
by Linda Maa Have you ever wondered how you can navigate your bedroom in pitch darkness? Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that cells in the brain communicate with each other in a peculiar way to actívate this “sixth sense.”The study examined mice neurons and identified the connections involved in spatial awareness. The findings were [...]
Tags: Neurons
Receptors on Neurons Help Shape Worm Development
Animal development relies on signals that trigger or inhibit growth and differentiation in precise places and at precise times, so that a new organ, say, forms “right here” instead of “over there.” The outline of that signaling process has been known for some time, with diffusible molecules released from various sites establishing a set [...]
Neurons from a fetal animal growing in tissue culture.
Neurons from a fetal animal growing in tissue culture. Time lapse microscopy. 20xmagnification onto approx 3/4 inch chip – maybe 200x mag onto screen. 15 min between images shown at 32fps = 8 hours per second. The neural cells each contain a bright spot, which is a nucleus. And they seem in every case to [...]
Adult neurogenesis: What can new neurons do for you? And what can you do for your new neurons?
Once thought to be restricted to early mammalian development or to nonmammalian vertebrates like reptiles, adult neurogenesis is now known to occur in mammals, including humans. This lecture will explain how researchers are trying to harness this remarkable neuroregenerative potential to repair the injured or diseased brain, and improve prediction, prevention, and treatment of brain [...]
VS Ramachandran: The neurons that shaped civilization
http://www.ted.com Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it. TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s [...]
Wiring Up the Newest Part of the Cortex
The most common type of cell in the neocortex, the center of higher mental function in humans, is the pyramidal neuron. The dendrites of these neurons are the structures that receive signals from other neurons, and they form specific shapes called arbors. Disruptions in the shape and complexity of these dendritic arbors are seen in [...]
Alzheimer’s Disease (Understanding Disease: Neurology)
Get the facts on Alzheimer’s disease with this 100%-accurate animated video. Part of Focus Apps’ Understanding Disease: Neurology series, the Alzheimer’s Disease app explains the function, anatomy, and disease of the brain. It also describes in detail the various forms of the disease, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options. It also lists patient-care guidelines for caretakers [...]
ATHENE’S THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Chiren Boumaaza, aka Athene, is an extravagant Internet celebrity, with over 240 million upload views, and a professional gamer. If you haven’t heard of him, he’s a record holder in World of Warcraft and online poker, and plays the main character in a series of videos on a popular YouTube channel with well over 340,000 [...]
