Articles tagged with Motor Development
COP21 seeks a universal agreement on climate change, aiming for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases. The conference will focus on sustainable innovation, including biofuels research development, and encourage public awareness on climate change.
A new system developed by Disney Research and Carnegie Mellon University enables users to design customized walking robots using intuitive editing tools. The system ensures the robot moves as intended, allowing users to adjust its gait and behavior.
A new study found that mothers who experienced more stressful events during their pregnancies had children who scored lower on a test of movement competence. Children born to stressed mothers showed poorer fine and gross motor skills, which can lead to difficulties in everyday life.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a method for chemically separating rare earth elements, such as neodymium, dysprosium, and praseodymium, from the drive units of discarded electric and hybrid vehicles. This technology has the potential to reduce the United States' dependence on China for these vital materials.
Researchers developed a questionnaire to assess home affordances and found that toys, appliances, and even furniture can impact infant motor skills. The AHEMD-IS tool can help parents evaluate toys for motor skill development and improve their child's fine and gross motor skills.
A recent study by Aitana Lertxundi analyzed the effects of PM2.5 and NO2 pollution on pregnant women and their offspring. The research found an inverse relationship between exposure to air pollution and motor development in babies, with breastfed infants showing improved motor skills.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that increased stress in the endoplasmic reticulum is a key factor in the degeneration of upper motor neurons in ALS. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies aimed at improving the survival of these critical cells.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found a relationship between motor skill deficiencies and the severity of autism symptoms in very young children. Fine and gross motor skills development should be included in treatment plans for young children with autism.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, low N-acetylaspartate/choline and rising choline/creatine, that are significantly correlated with developmental delays in premature infants. These chemical ratios at birth can predict the likelihood of motor development problems one year later with 70 percent certainty.
Scientists have developed a system that can construct its own network of tracks, transport cargo, and dismantle the tracks using DNA and nano-scale motors. The system is powered by ATP fuel and uses motor proteins to control the movement of cargo across the network.
Researchers found that practice reduces metabolic activity in primary motor cortex for internally generated movements, but not visually guided tasks. The study suggests the motor cortex is plastic and can store motor skills.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Johanna Darrah found that babies' rolling abilities have not been impaired by the 'back to sleep' campaign. The study of 725 Canadian infants aged one week to eight months confirms that gross motor skills emerge in the same order and at the same ages as 20 years ago.
A recent fish study has identified a key hormone that enables zebrafish to replace damaged motor neurons, which could aid research into neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. This discovery also sheds light on the development of motor neurons in human embryonic stem cells.
Children with developmental coordination disorder can improve their fine motor skills through a unique virtual reality training program. The study, published in the Journal of Child Neurology, used a three-dimensional virtual reality device to help children with DCD overcome their motor skill impairments.
A study published in Autism found that 83% of children with autism spectrum disorder were below average in motor skills, while their siblings scored in the normal range. The researchers suggest that genes play a role in these impairments, potentially explaining the association between motor coordination and social responsiveness.
A new study found that providing infants with 'sticky mittens' enhances their interest in faces, indicating advanced social development. This suggests that early motor training can benefit infants at risk for autism spectrum disorders.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with decreased mental and motor development in preschoolers, as well as increased behavioral problems. The researchers measured metabolites of four phthalates in maternal urine and evaluated associations between prenatal exposures and child development at age 3.
Chemists at Tufts University have developed a single molecule electric motor, measuring 1 nanometer across and controlled by electricity. The motor's operation depends on temperatures around 5 Kelvin, which could lead to real-world applications in sensing devices and medical equipment.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that prenatal iron-folic acid supplementation boosted children's cognition in Nepal. The research showed a positive association between maternal supplementation and improved general intellectual ability, executive function, and fine motor control.
A new colonoscopy skills assessment tool, MCSAT, was developed to evaluate cognitive and motor skills in trainees. The tool provides a standardized method to assess individual progress and establish normal learning curves.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine discovered that the antioxidant protein Prdx1 controls the activity of GDE2, a critical protein for spinal cord neuron development. The study found that Prdx1 breaks a chemical bond between amino acids in GDE2, activating it to promote motor neuron differentiation.
A recent study by Dr. Duncan Irschick and colleagues found significant differences in hammering performance between men and women under varying light conditions. Men were more accurate when hammering in the dark, while women excelled in well-lit environments, regardless of target size.
Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that girls with ADHD experience fewer motor skill difficulties compared to their male peers. The study suggests that sex-related differences in children with ADHD extend beyond symptom presentation, and that girls may outgrow ADHD-related motor skill deficits before age 7.
Researchers at Montreal Neurological Institute discovered a critical gene, Runx1, that regulates motor neuron development and maintenance. This finding holds promise for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends botulinum toxin as an effective treatment for conditions such as cervical dystonia, spasticity, and excessive sweating. However, the toxin is not recommended for migraine or chronic tension-type headache treatment.
A recent Université Laval study reveals that omega-3 intake during the last months of pregnancy has a positive impact on an infant's sensory, cognitive, and motor development. The study found a strong correlation between DHA concentration in umbilical cord blood and infant visual acuity and cognitive development.
A team of biomedical engineers developed a computer model that uses Bayesian math to explain how the brain anticipates new motor skills. The model is based on similar learning patterns in humans and can predict the best ways to teach new movements, potentially helping stroke patients and designing physical therapy regimens.
Local exposure to traffic on freeways has serious adverse effects on children's lung development, with increased rates of asthma and respiratory diseases. Lung-function deficiency is related to residential exposure to traffic, particularly within 500m of a major road.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute discovered that a small number of molecular motors can pull cargo particles over long distances. By working together, the motors can overcome their individual limitations and achieve remarkable feats.
Rutgers-Newark researchers found that early movement provides critical information to the developing brain for proper sensory representation. This discovery may explain how the brain determines spatial awareness and distance perception.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a bio-nano motor using virus-based proteins that can perform linear opening and closing motion. The tiny motor is small enough to line up with human hair, enabling potential use in systems for sensing temperature or position.
The new flat motor can be configured in various formats, including a thin version that can drive changes in airplane wing camber or serve as the drive element in compact laptop computers. The prototype has reached high speeds and maximum torque of 0.4 Nm, with cost estimates as low as $10 for mass production.
Duke University psychologists found that infants who used 'sticky mittens' had more sophisticated abilities to explore objects and showed increased cross-sensory exploration. The study suggests that providing rich opportunities for infant learning is crucial for development.
Researchers developed a decision tree combining cause of injury with physical signs and symptoms to determine the appropriate type and level of care for children. The new triage tool aims to reduce under-triage in pediatric motor vehicle crashes, resulting in better outcomes.
A study published by Case Western Reserve University found that prenatal cocaine exposure affects child cognitive development, but not motor development. Tobacco exposure had negative effects on motor development in infants. The study controlled for various factors and used standardized assessments to determine developmental outcomes.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that prenatal and postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls is associated with lower mental and motor development scores in infants. Conversely, a stimulating home environment can counteract this adverse effect.
Researchers discovered that only two genes, BMP and Bozozok, regulate head formation in zebrafish embryos. The study suggests that these genes also play a role in limiting BMP function, allowing for proper organ development.
The US-funded Mag-train propulsion prototype, Seraphim, uses magnetic repulsion to push a vehicle forward and provide braking. It is expected to decrease environmental degradations and enable high-speed connections between cities in the western suburbs.
Researchers have demonstrated that human fetuses can hear by the eighth month of pregnancy, with cardiac and motor responses to computer-generated white noise detected at around 30 weeks. The study's findings suggest that the fetus's auditory system is developed enough to detect sound, but the exact nature and impact of this experience...
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing novel architectural and compiler concepts to reduce energy consumption in specific military applications by a factor of 100 times. This technology will also benefit civilian applications, enabling longer battery life and increased functionality in portable devices.
Miller's work enables magnets to be made at relatively low temperatures, reducing energy requirements and costs. His development of molecule-based magnets has the potential to integrate manufacture with device production, introducing new properties and applications.
The University of Illinois at Chicago's bioengineering department has received a $990,000 grant to strengthen its programs in interfacial molecular bioengineering. With the funding, UIC plans to develop new curriculum and prepare graduates with skills to understand both biology and science in emerging technologies.
Penn State engineers have developed a new manufacturing process that produces stronger and stiffer carbon fiber grids, which can be tailored to specific applications using computer simulations. The grids offer advantages over traditional steel reinforcing rods, including corrosion resistance and reduced weight.
A team of young researchers, mentored by Associate Professor Max Vercruyssen, are developing a computerized driving simulator to evaluate astronaut fitness for space travel. The simulator aims to determine alertness, judgment, and motor skills related to operating an automobile, similar to assessing fitness-for-duty in the space shuttle.
The Visualization of Information Tool (VisIT) graphically displays search results, allowing users to add, delete, and rearrange sites. This tool is expected to make searches more efficient and fruitful for anyone using the web, particularly teachers and students who can use it to organize knowledge in a more intuitive way.
Alaska's snowmobiles carry higher injury death rates than on-road motor vehicles, with factors like alcohol intoxication, lack of helmets, and trail limitations contributing to the high risk.
A study of over 400 premature and low birth-weight children found that early intensive intervention significantly improved short-term academic achievements. However, by age 9, the benefits of this intervention had faded, leaving further investigation into long-term outcomes needed.
Research shows preterm babies may exhibit mild behavioral and sensory response problems, but most develop normal motor and mental function. The study suggests that these differences are not indicative of long-term developmental issues.
A new study links cerebral palsy to elevated levels of cytokines and coagulation factors in full-term infants, suggesting potential causes and possible prevention methods.
A new study in Nature reveals that floor plate development occurs earlier and is driven by factors other than the notochord. This challenges the classic model of neural cell patterning, which posits a central role for Sonic hedgehog signaling.
The USDA has developed two innovative devices to help farmers control insects that devastate their crops. The Aerodynamic Transport Body (ATB) is a clay pigeon-like catapult that launches parasitic wasps at high speeds, while the Mite Meter is an insulated dispenser that keeps tiny mites immobile until they hit the ground. These device...
A partnership between Colorado State University and Michigan has made canola-based motor oil available to consumers, offering a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based oils. The oil reduces vehicle emissions by 30 percent and produces no hazardous waste.
A recent study found that premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at a higher risk of cognitive and motor development problems. By 3 years of age, about 21% of BPD patients showed signs of retardation compared to less than 10% without the condition.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have used glowing jellyfish protein to study how cells transform from embryos to larvae in fruit flies. The studies shed light on how cells cinch shut during dorsal closure, a process comparable to neural tube closure in developing mammalian fetuses.
The Ocutech VES AutoFocus Telescope is the world's first self-focusing telescopic glasses for the visually impaired, developed by Dr. Henry Greene and his team. The device can help several million people in the US alone, providing improved vision and recognition of faces and objects.