Science Is Her True Love
Artificial Uterus Sheds Light on Embryos
Pioneering work by a leading Univ. of Nottingham scientist has helped reveal for the first time a vital process in the development of the early mammalian embryo. A team led by professor of tissue engineering, Kevin Shakesheff, has created a new device in the form of a soft polymer bowl which mimics the soft tissue of the mammalian uterus in which the embryo implants. The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.
Read more: http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news-Artificial-Uterus-Sheds-Light-on-Embryos-030512.aspx
Prosthetic Breakthrough Might Fuse Nerves With Prosthetic Limbs
A replacement limb that moves, feels and responds just like flesh and blood. It’s the holy grail of prosthetics research. The Pentagon’s invested millions to make it happen. But it’s been elusive — until, quite possibly, now. The body’s own nerves are arguably the biggest barrier towards turning the dream of lifelike replacements into a reality. Peripheral nerves, severed by amputation, can no longer transmit or receive any of the myriad sensory signals we rely on every day. Trying to fuse them with robot limbs, to create a direct neural-prosthetic interface, is no easy task.
![psydoctor8:
“I believe connectomes are the meeting ground for nature and nurture. The gene controls how the brain wires up, but experiences also modify the connections of the brain.”- MIT Neuroscientist, Sabastian Seung [via]
Most of you have heard of the Human Connectome Project. If not, have a look.
Using “state-of-the-art diffusion-imaging scanner” images of neural pathways are collected via a MRI looking machine, which allows scienctists to view connections of the brain “by tracking the passage of water molecules through nerve fibers, giving a more accurate picture of the brain’s structure and its neuronal pathways”. [via] Eventually, the idea is to identify connectopathies (abnormal circuits) then treat with appropriate pharmacology targeted for that area.
Above: [via] “White matter fiber architecture of the brain. Measured from diffusion spectral imaging (DSI). The fibers are color-coded by direction: red = left-right, green = anterior-posterior, blue = through brain stem. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Randy Buckner, PhD and the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging.”](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m07ysdzodq1qan221o1_500.jpg)
“I believe connectomes are the meeting ground for nature and nurture. The gene controls how the brain wires up, but experiences also modify the connections of the brain.”- MIT Neuroscientist, Sabastian Seung [via]
Most of you have heard of the Human Connectome Project. If not, have a look.
Using “state-of-the-art diffusion-imaging scanner” images of neural pathways are collected via a MRI looking machine, which allows scienctists to view connections of the brain “by tracking the passage of water molecules through nerve fibers, giving a more accurate picture of the brain’s structure and its neuronal pathways”. [via] Eventually, the idea is to identify connectopathies (abnormal circuits) then treat with appropriate pharmacology targeted for that area.
Above: [via] “White matter fiber architecture of the brain. Measured from diffusion spectral imaging (DSI). The fibers are color-coded by direction: red = left-right, green = anterior-posterior, blue = through brain stem. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Randy Buckner, PhD and the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging.”
(via physicsphysics)
(via centralscience)
