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True colors are in the brain of the beholder
August 10, 2006
Pictures of brain waves that reveal our ability to see colour could provide a new objective way to diagnose and monitor diseases that affect human colour perception. The research finding by a Universiy of New South Wales PhD student, Ms Mei Ying Boon, has earned her a nomination in this year's Fresh Science Awards.
"Eye diseases such as glaucoma can alter people's ability to accurately see colour," says Ms Boon. "Therefore, studying brain activity could be a useful way to diagnose and monitor diseases and conditions that affect colour vision pathways in the brain."
Ms Boon and her UNSW colleagues measured the brain waves of 22 adult volunteers while the volunteers viewed computer patterns composed of two different shades. The two colours ranged from very different (red and green) to very similar. If the viewer couldn't distinguish the colours, then the pattern was invisible to them.
When the volunteers could see the pattern, their brain waves included a distinctively patterned wave. The researchers measured this signal three different ways and found it could be used to reveal the finest colour discriminations that individuals can make. The result: a potential visual health test.
"People's natural ability to make fine distinctions between colours varies in the population," says Ms Boon who published her findings in Vision Science with her UNSW co-authors, Dr Catherine Suttle and Associate Professor Bruce Henry.
"For example, we've all met people who are unaware that they mix up colours, or wear colours that clash. For most of us, this isn't a big deal but for those with poor colour discrimination it can make apparently simple tasks difficult. For example, our ability to see colours affects our ability to carry out daily tasks such as food preparation (which is the ripe tomato?) and interpret signals like traffic lights," says Ms Boon.
"More seriously, poor colour vision can be a serious impediment to safety when working in some occupations, such as fire-fighting and electrical wiring. The ability to test objectively people's natural perception of fine colour discrimination could provide them with valuable information about their natural ability," says Ms Boon.
University of New South Wales
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
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Related Brain Current Events and Brain News Articles Brain Current Events and Brain News RSS Genetically engineered mice yield clues to 'knocking out' cancer Deleting two genes in mice responsible for repairing DNA strands damaged by oxidation leads to several types of tumors, providing additional evidence that such stress contributes to the development of cancer.
Both good/bad movie characters who smoke influence teens to do the same Dartmouth researchers have determined that movie characters who smoke, regardless of whether they are "good guys" or "bad guys," influence teens to try smoking.
UCLA collaboration identifies immune system link to schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disease, thought to be caused by the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors.
Blood stem cell growth factor reverses memory decline in mice A human growth factor that stimulates blood stem cells to proliferate in the bone marrow reverses memory impairment in mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the University of South Florida and James A. Haley Hospital found.
Discovery may provide new treatments for alcohol dependence Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, have discovered a new brain mechanism involved in alcohol addiction involving the stomach hormone ghrelin.
Brain Section Multitasks, Handling Phonetics and Decision-Making A front portion of the brain that handles tasks like decision-making also helps decipher different phonetic sounds, according to new Brown University research.
Rutgers Research: Parkinson's Disease Alters Patient's Ability to Learn from Rewards while Treatment Affects Ability to Learn from Negative Outcomes A new neuropsychological memory test is helping to uncover how Parkinson's disease can alter people's ability to learn about the consequences of the choices they make.
Clue to normal-tension glaucoma; herpes infection and corneal transplants The July issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, includes two studies that may influence clinical treatment of serious eye conditions.
Study identifies biomarker that safely monitors tumor response to new brain cancer treatment A specific biomarker, a protein released by dying tumor cells, has been identified as an effective tool in an animal model to gauge the response to a novel gene therapy treatment for glioblastoma mulitforme.
A young brain for an old bee We are all familiar with the fact that cognitive function declines as we get older. Moreover, recent studies have shown that the specific kind of daily activities we engage in during the course of our lives appears to influence the extent of this decline. More Brain Current Events and Brain News Articles
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The Brain
Starring: ~ Directed By: Richard Vagg
THE BRAIN is an astonishing voyage of discovery into our last biological frontier. Although today s computers can make calculations in one-100th of a second and technology can transport us outside the bonds of Earth, only now are we beginning to understand the most complex machine in the universe.
Using simple analogies, real-life case studies, and state-of-the-art CGI, this special shows how the brain works, explains the frequent battle between instinct and reason, and unravels the mysteries of memory and decision-making. It takes us inside the mind of a soldier under fire to see how decisions are made in extreme situations, examines how an autistic person like Rain Man develops remarkable skills, and takes on the age-old question of what makes one person good and another...
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The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books)
by Norman Doidge (Author)
An astonishing new science called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. In this revolutionary look at the brain, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, M.D., provides an introduction to both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they’ve transformed. From stroke patients learning to speak again to the remarkable case of a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, The Brain That Changes Itself will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential.
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Brain Anatomy Model
by Learning Resources
Human Brain model on a display stand, easy to assemble, brain components assemble together to learn the different parts of the brain. Packaged in a retail box with guide that includes facts and assembly instructions.
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Brain Spa
by Ubisoft
In the 1960's, several experiments proved that a stimulating environment helped improve cognitive concepts such as memory and reasoning. Evidence was shown to illustrate that the thinking areas of the brain were actually improving. Over the years, tests and games were developed to help exercise your brain and its power. Brain Spa from Ubisoft is a collection of games and puzzles to help stimulate varied brain processes. While there is no clinical proof to cite this software for improving mental abilities, you'll find these games and exercises challenging and exciting. This is a spa for your brain and you'll enjoy visiting the Brain Spa as often as possible. Some may find it beneficial. All will find it fun. Daily tests can assess your overall Brain Power.
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Budget Brain With Arteries Model
by Anatomical Chart
Budget Brain With Arteries Model
Item #: C20C
An educational economy model of the brain. Color markings illustrate arteries (red) and cranial nerves (yellow). Dissects into 8 parts. Life-size, on base. Size: 5" x 6" x 6".
Choking Hazard: Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
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Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness
by Daniel G. Amen (Author)
BRAIN PRESCRIPTIONS THAT REALLY WORK In this breakthrough bestseller, you'll see scientific evidence that your anxiety, depression, anger, obsessiveness, or impulsiveness could be related to how specific structures in your brain work. You're not stuck with the brain you're born with. Here are just a few of neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen's surprising--and effective--"brain prescriptions" that can help heal your brain and change your life: To Quell Anxiety and Panic: ¸ Use simple breathing techniques to immediately calm inner turmoil To Fight Depression: ¸ Learn how to kill ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) To Curb Anger: ¸ Follow the Amen anti-anger diet and learn the nutrients that calm rage To Conquer Impulsiveness and Learn to Focus: ¸ ...
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NOVA: Secrets of the Mind
Starring: V.S. Ramachandran Directed By: Alan Ritsko, Christopher Rawlence
Studio: Wgbh Wholesale Release Date: 01/09/2007 Run time: 60 minutes
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Learning Resources Cross Section Human Brain Model
by Learning Resources
Teaching your child about the complexities of the human brain is easy with this labeled cross-section model. One half is labeled with the parts of the brain and the other has with letters only for testing purposes. An Activity Guide is included with detailed information on the human brain and how it functions. Model measures 5 in diameter.
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Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves
by Sharon Begley (Author)
In this fascinating and far-reaching book, Newsweek science writer Sharon Begley reports on how cutting-edge science and the ancient wisdom of Buddhism have come together to reveal that, contrary to popular belief, we have the power to literally change our brains by changing our minds. Recent pioneering experiments in neuroplasticity–the ability of the brain to change in response to experience–reveal that the brain is capable of altering its structure and function, and even of generating new neurons, a power we retain well into old age. The brain can adapt, heal, renew itself after trauma, compensate for disabilities, rewire itself to overcome dyslexia, and break cycles of depression and OCD. And as scientists are learning from studies performed on Buddhist monks, it is not only the...
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Brainiversity
by Brighter Minds
To stay fit and healthy, we should regularly exercise our bodies, and the brain is no different. Brainiversity is a game designed to stimulate your brain with 16 different activities covering Language, Memory, Math and Analysis. You can track your progress with daily exams and compare your results with your friends and family. Best of all, Brainiversity is fun!
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