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Alzheimer's Therapy: A Bus Stop to Nowhere
Research has yet to definitively establish the cause (or, more likely, causes) of Alzheimer’s Disease, an ailment plaguing roughly 5.3 million people in America alone. In its later stages, Alzheimer’s does not only disturb patients’ lives, but also weighs heavily on caregivers. Whether a family member; friend; or often, retirement home employee; a caregiver will […]
When an alarm isn't enough, try a dopamine agonist instead?
After a serious accident, victims can sustain grave injuries, such as severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in focal lesions and/or diffuse axonal injury. This can result in a coma that can develop into a Vegetative State (VS) or Minimally Conscious State (MCS), wherein the victim regains arousal, but with low awareness. Studies of these […]
“Memristors” to replace your neurons? Thanks, but no thanks.
Researchers at the Hewlett-Packard laboratories in California have produced tiny electronic switches called memristors (shortening of memory-resistor) that have the potential to revolutionize computing. Traditional electronic devices use small switches called transistors as the elements of information storage and transfer. A typical computer may have millions of transistors, which may be on the scale of […]
Stressed? It may be in your genes…
With finals around the corner, the stress factor on campus is bound to rise in the next few weeks. Individual students have their own way of coping with stress, such as TV, video games, music, power naps at Mugar Library (the cubbies are quite comfortable) or a marathon visit to FitRec. Regardless of the method, […]
Diplomacy Robots soon to be in production!
Engineers at Frankfuter Univeristy, Germany have joined with a team of American neuroscientists to create robots “capable of facilitating peaceful negotiations even in the most tension filled of atmospheres.” These robots were designed to mimic behaviors that humans “find irresistibly attractive and calming” in order to diffuse anger and pave the wave for fruitful exchange. […]
Hey there!
Due to difficulties with technology, I was not able to get this post up on Monday. BUT, I have a video for you all. Lately, I have been researching the American military’s relationship with neuroscience, and I came across Mind Wars by Jonathan Moreno, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Here he is discussing his […]
Evolutionary Neurobehavior Laboratory
Cool Link: The Evolutionary Neurobehavior Laboratory takes an evolutionary approach to understanding neurobehavioral traits and systems in human beings. They study a variety of topics, particularly sleep, Parkinson’s Disease, and religion. Read more here.
Erasing Memories
New research on memory function shows that memories can be selectively edited or erased. Read more here: Brain Researchers Open Door to Editing Memory Memories Selectively and Safely Erased In Mice
Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience:
Encouraging Innovation in Undergraduate Neuroscience Education by Supporting Student Research and Faculty Development Jean C. Hardwick,* Michael Kerchner,† Barbara Lom,corresponding author‡ Julio J. Ramirez,§ and Eric P. Wiertelak‖ The organization Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN; www.funfaculty.org) was established in 1991 by a group of neuroscientists dedicated to innovation and excellence in undergraduate neuroscience education and […]
Hello world!
Welcome to The Nerve Blog. This is an extension of the undergraduate neuroscience journal at BU, The Nerve. The Nerve is edited and managed by members of the BU Organization for the Mind and Brain Sciences. The first issue is due Fall 2009. As the blog’s subtitle suggests, posts here will be reflections on the […]