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New video test for Parkinson’s uses AI to track how the disease is progressing

A new video-processing technique developed at the University of Florida uses artificial intelligence to track Parkinson's disease progression in patients, allowing neurologists to better monitor their condition and quality of life. The system analyzes video recordings of patients performing the finger-tapping test, a standard test for ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks·DateJul 23, 2024

How our brains learn new athletic skills fast

A new study from University of Florida researchers found that quick learners rely on the visual cortex in their brains when acquiring new motor skills. The study used brain-monitoring electrodes to analyze how people learn to walk at different speeds, revealing a clear difference between fast and slow learners.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Breakthrough in tremor treatment: Robotic therapy developed by GIST researchers improves daily activities

Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Temperature estimation: permanent magnet temperature estimation for condition monitoring of PMSMs

Researchers developed a novel approach to estimate permanent magnet temperature (PMT) directly from measurements, simplifying implementation and improving accuracy. The method is computation-efficient, non-invasive, and independent from winding temperature rise and inverter distortion.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2024

Developmental supports crucial for young victims of child abuse

A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

A new approach to fine motor skills assessment: EIT-based tactile sensor breakthrough

A groundbreaking system utilizing a flexible tactile sensor based on electrical impedance tomography (EIT) offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility and sensitivity compared to conventional methods. The system achieved high classification accuracies, with reconstructed images and measured voltage vectors.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Illuminating neuro-vascular dynamics throughout the body: 3D-printed implants and bioluminescence duet shed light on brain–spinal interactions

A team of visionaries at the Carney Institute developed 3D-printed brain and spinal cord implants, revolutionizing surgical implantations and optical access. Bioluminescence imaging overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent microscopy, providing unprecedented observation of neural and vascular activity.

Chimps learn and improve tool-using skills even as adults

A study found that adult chimpanzees continue to learn and refine their tool-using skills well into adulthood, suggesting a prolonged learning capacity is key to the evolution of complex tool use in chimps and humans. Chimpanzees developed motor skills for handling sticks by age six, but continued to hone techniques until age 15.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 7, 2024

Study finds COVID-19 pandemic led to some, but not many, developmental milestone delays in infants and young children

A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that the COVID-19 pandemic caused modest delays in developmental milestones for infants and young children. The researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 0-5 years and found small decreases in communication, problem-solving, and personal-social skills.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 22, 2024

Prolonged eye patching does not have negative impact on family stress levels or child’s development according to first if its kind study

Extended periods of patching for children with unilateral congenital cataracts do not negatively impact parenting stress, child motor development, behavior, or self-perception. A new study found that continuing to patch throughout preschool years is crucial in preventing blindness and promoting healthy vision.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 18, 2024

Maternal health support critical in the development of children born to mothers with pre-existing diabetes

A meta-analysis by Associate Professor Diana Arabiat found that children born to mothers with pre-existing diabetes have lower mental and psychomotor development scores compared to those without previous exposure. This delay in psychomotor development can be related to numerous risk factors, including premature birth or intrauterine gr...

SourceEdith Cowan University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Revolutionary brain stimulation technique shows promise for treating brain disorders

A new brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) has been developed by researchers at the Institute for Basic Science. This non-invasive method uses ultrasound to induce long-lasting changes in brain function and has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Artificial muscles – lighter, safer, more robust

Researchers have created artificial muscles that contract in response to electrical impulses, using a liquid-filled pouch with electrodes. The HALVE actuators can store energy well, lift weights, and are now waterproof and more robust than previous models.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Major climate benefits with electric aircraft

Researchers found that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower climate impact – up to 60 percent less – and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fuelled aircraft. The study also highlights the need for longer battery lifetimes and improved energy storage capacity to minimize mineral resource scarcity.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

Physical exercise boosts motor learning – and remembering what one has learned

New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that physical exercise improves ability to learn and remember motor skills, such as riding a bike or driving a car. Exercise before or after practicing new skills can lead to up to 10% improvement in memory, with enhanced effects when done both times.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory·DateJan 18, 2024

Discovery: One of the deleted genes linked to Williams syndrome is responsible for mitochondrial function and regulation in the brain’s nerve cells

Researchers found that the deletion of the Gtf2i gene impairs mitochondrial organelle formation and function, leading to abnormal cell behavior and neurodevelopmental pathologies. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by cognitive and social impairments.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 10, 2024

Breakthrough study shows exercise improves cognitive health for people with Down syndrome

A breakthrough study found that light exercise can improve cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome, leading to improved information processing and attention. After just eight weeks of walking, participants showed significant increases in physical fitness and reductions in errors during cognitive assessments.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 29, 2023

Study finds motorist disorientation syndrome is not only caused by vestibular dysfunction

A recent study published in Journal of Vestibular Research found that Motorist Disorientation Syndrome (MDS) is not solely caused by vestibular dysfunction, but also related to visual dependency and anxiety. The research identified 18 patients with severe symptoms, leading to changes in driving habits for 17 of them.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vestibular Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2023

Study aims to assess impact of physical activity intervention on cognitive development of young children in low socioeconomic areas

A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.

Cognitive rescue in aging through prior training

A new study published in Aging (Albany NY) suggests that prior training can rescue cognitive decline in aging by improving task performance and strengthening memory processes. The research, conducted on rats, found that prior training enhanced short-term and intermediate memory, while also enabling encoding-boosted long-term memory.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Innovative gene therapy may help treat a severe and fatal developmental epilepsy syndrome that affects children

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative gene therapy that shows promise in treating Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epilepsy affecting children. The treatment was found to be effective in improving epilepsy, protecting against early death, and enhancing cognitive abilities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2023

Older bats do suffer from hearing loss

A new study at Tel Aviv University found that older bats do indeed suffer from age-related hearing loss, but at a relatively slow rate compared to humans. The researchers believe that bats have developed special adaptations to cope with their noisy environment, which could provide insights into human hearing loss.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateJun 18, 2023

How neurons compete to lose their link

The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Experts assess state of the art in the treatment and management of cerebral palsy

A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores the treatment and management of cerebral palsy, including spasticity management and pain relief. The articles discuss various approaches to managing spasticity, such as enteral baclofen use and botulinum neurotoxinA injections, aiming to improve care and quali...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Motorically skilled children succeed at the beginning of the school path

Children with superior motor skills outperform peers in reading and mathematics by the end of third grade. Early diverse movement supports motor development, but physical activity doesn't predict academic or motor skill success. Dr. Eero Haapala's study highlights the importance of motor skills as an academic booster.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 25, 2023