Category Archives: Neuroscience

Neuroscience

Meet the reformer: Sam Wang, a professor of fair redistricting math – The Fulcrum

Sam Wang is a professor of neuroscience at Princeton, where he's been on the faculty 14 years and focuses on how the brain processes sensory, cognitive and emotional information. But he's also part of the university's Program in Law and Public Affairs. He created the Princeton Election Consortium in 2008 to come up with statistical models for predicting presidential and Senate results based on polling. And after the last nationwide redistricting, in 2012, he created the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. Today he and his seven-member team run a website that permits voters to use mathematical models to decide if where they live is in an unfairly skewed legislative or congressional district. His answers have been edited for clarity and length.

What's the tweet-length description of your organization?

Combining data, tech and law to help citizens make district lines fairer and eliminate bugs from democracy.

Describe your very first civic engagement.

In 1978, when I was in sixth grade in California, I became very interested in two ballot propositions that would affect school funding. I loved school so these were important to me. The one that would have increased school funding, Proposition 8, failed. The other was Proposition 13, the first of many tax-cutting initiatives passed across the nation. After that, school funding was cut dramatically. So my side lost. But in politics you should never give up.

What was your biggest professional triumph?

In neuroscience it's a tie. First, figuring out how a brain structure, the cerebellum, which is mainly known for processing sensory information to help us move smoothly, could also guide higher function and when it goes off track lead to autism. Also, seeing the success of dozens of great students and scholars who have gone on to do all kinds of amazing things.

In redistricting it's another tie. First, seeing my team shape redistricting fairness in New Jersey by stopping a ballot initiative that would have biased districting, possibly helping with the wording of a fairer initiative and then getting an actual law passed to mandate transparency in precinct voting data so citizens can see what's being done to their district lines. Second, seeing Chief Justice John Roberts quote my words that there are good mathematical tests for identifying partisan gerrymandering

And your most disappointing setback?

Chief Justice Roberts again. He is not a math guy and he was not taking our side. Despite having no quarrel with our math, he wrote the majority opinion last year that wussed out and turfed the question of partisan gerrymandering back to the individual states to deal with. It was in my view an abdication of the Supreme Court's duty to stop a clear constitutional offense in the face of airtight mathematical and geometric approaches. The good news is that all our technical approaches can be used in the states and we are doing that in North Carolina, Virginia, Michigan and half a dozen others. So we get to stay in business for a while.

How does your identity influence the way you go about your work?

As a former physics guy from a relatively privileged demographic, I started thinking about districting fairness in simple terms for which we could establish a national standard: fairness between the parties and numerical tests for racial bias. After encountering the needs of real communities, I've now learned that the richness of communities across the nation deserve consideration. We're working on ways to present that effectively across many states. This probably fits well with my work as a biologist, part of which involves attending to a lot of details.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Create a new flavor for Ben & Jerry's.

Honey-dipped locust. (An homage to the cricket I ate live on CNN in 2016 to settle a bet. My statistical analysis of the polls had prompted me to wager I would "eat a bug" if Donald Trump won more than 240 electoral votes.)

What is your favorite TV show or movie about politics?

"Mean Girls."

What's the last thing you do on your phone at night?

I don't understand what the word "last" is doing in that sentence. That implies stopping, right?

What is your deepest, darkest secret?

I once made a pilgrimage to Carhenge.

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Meet the reformer: Sam Wang, a professor of fair redistricting math - The Fulcrum

Neuroscience

Magnetic Stimulation Is Helping Treat Addiction – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) Could magnets be used to treat addiction?

Magnetic stimulation has been around for decades to modulate brain function, said neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Rezau at the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.

And now, doctors at WVU have shown, in at least one case, that magnetic stimulation might help people with addiction get sober.

Were hoping this magnetic stimulation improves your reward control behavior and reduces your craving, said Dr. Rezai.

At its core, addiction is a brain disease.

It becomes a brain physiology problem over time. It doesnt start out like that, but becomes over time, with environmental influences, some genetic elements, and peer and family interactions, Dr. Rezai explains.

The malfunctioning brain circuit includes a deeper reward center that drives cravings, called the nucleus accumbens, as well as a superficial area called the prefrontal cortex.

The top part, the cortex, says no,' Rezai said.

The magnetic stimulation treatment takes just 15 minutes, and is fairly simple, from the patients perspective.

It involves sitting in a chair and getting magnetic waves delivered, Rezai explains.

The technician presents these images to the patient and when drug cravings increase, thats when the magnet is triggered to decrease the cravings.

Well ask them how much do you crave heroin right now? Theyll give us a score on a 0-100 scale. James Mahoney, PhD, a neuropsychologist at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, said. This is the magnet, so this sends the pulses over top of the skull here. We will push this button, and then at that point, it will deliver the stimulation. They might feel a tingling. They could also hear a slight clicking sound as well.

The prefrontal cortex is superficial enough that the magnetic waves can easily reach it. And stimulating this area activates its inhibitory action. In other words, making it easier to say no to a craving.

With more sophisticated equipment, you could integrate CT scans and MRIs into the treatment to improve precision. But in most cases, doctors find the target area simply with skull landmarks.

Because theyve noted only one case, the goal now is to reproduce the findings in a study with a series of patients. Participants will get the treatment three times a week for three weeks.

In addition to checking how much the cravings decrease, researchers will also measure heart rate and skin responses.

This is a simple technology thats being used already for depression and OCD, and our hope is that this technology can help those with addiction, Rezai said.

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Magnetic Stimulation Is Helping Treat Addiction - CBS Pittsburgh

Neuroscience

Single Ratio Predicts the Organization of the Mammalian Visual Cortex – Technology Networks

Researchers have explained how visual cortexes develop uniquely across the brains of different mammalian species. A KAIST research team led by Professor Se-Bum Paik from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering has identified a single biological factor, the retino-cortical mapping ratio, that predicts distinct cortical organizations across mammalian species.This new finding has resolved a long-standing puzzle in understanding visual neuroscience regarding the origin of functional architectures in the visual cortex. The study demonstrates that the evolutionary variation of biological parameters may induce the development of distinct functional circuits in the visual cortex, even without species-specific developmental mechanisms.

In the primary visual cortex (V1) of mammals, neural tuning to visual stimulus orientation is organized into one of two distinct topographic patterns across species. While primates have columnar orientation maps, a salt-and-pepper type organization is observed in rodents.

For decades, this sharp contrast between cortical organizations has spawned fundamental questions about the origin of functional architectures in the V1. However, it remained unknown whether these patterns reflect disparate developmental mechanisms across mammalian taxa, or simply originate from variations in biological parameters under a universal development process.

To identify a determinant predicting distinct cortical organizations, Professor Paik and his researchers Jaeson Jang and Min Song examined the exact condition that generates columnar and salt-and-pepper organizations, respectively. Next, they applied a mathematical model to investigate how the topographic information of the underlying retinal mosaics pattern could be differently mapped onto a cortical space, depending on the mapping condition.

The research team proved that the retino-cortical feedforwarding mapping ratio appeared to be correlated to the cortical organization of each species. In the model simulations, the team found that distinct cortical circuitries can arise from different V1 areas and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) mosaic sizes. The team's mathematical sampling model shows that retino-cortical mapping is a prime determinant in the topography of cortical organization, and this prediction was confirmed by neural parameter analysis of the data from eight phylogenetically distinct mammalian species.

Furthermore, the researchers proved that the Nyquist sampling theorem explains this parametric division of cortical organization with high accuracy. They showed that a mathematical model predicts that the organization of cortical orientation tuning makes a sharp transition around the Nyquist sampling frequency, explaining why cortical organizations can be observed in either columnar or salt-and-pepper organizations, but not in intermediates between these two stages.

Professor Paik said, "Our findings make a significant impact for understanding the origin of functional architectures in the visual cortex of the brain, and will provide a broad conceptual advancement as well as advanced insights into the mechanism underlying neural development in evolutionarily divergent species."

He continued, "We believe that our findings will be of great interest to scientists working in a wide range of fields such as neuroscience, vision science, and developmental biology."ReferenceJang et al. (2020) Retino-Cortical Mapping Ratio Predicts Columnar and Salt-and-Pepper Organization in Mammalian Visual Cortex. Cell Reports. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.038

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Single Ratio Predicts the Organization of the Mammalian Visual Cortex - Technology Networks

Neuroscience

University of Plymouth: Calibrating students for career success – Study International News

Prospective international students who are looking for a university that moulds career-ready graduates might want to consider the University of Plymouth in England. Plymouth boasts of several accolades under its belt, including being among the top 10 UK Young University in the 2019 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.

It is also ranked eighth in the world and best in the UK for the quality and impact of its engineering research in the Marine and Ocean Engineering category of the Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019.

Students can choose from a wide range undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various fields, including the biological sciences; business, management, marketing, finance and maritime and logistics degree courses; chemistry; engineering and psychology, to name a few.

Meanwhile, postgraduate students keen on advancing their knowledge and skills in psychology also have numerous options to choose from, be it Plymouths MSc Psychology, MSc Advanced Psychology, MSc Clinical Psychology or even MSc Human Neuroscience programme.

There is also a range of postgraduate research degrees across all areas of their world-leading research from digital art and dance to dentistry and geochemistry, to cater to varied interests.

At the heart of Plymouths programmes are carefully curated courses that ensure students have numerous opportunities to put theory into practice, be it via their hands-on learning approach or work placement opportunities.

For instance, at the undergraduate level, students can enrol in the BSc (Hons) Psychology if they are keen on discovering how thoughts, feelings and motivations shape our behaviour. The programme offers a hands-on approach to learning across social, developmental, clinical and cognitive psychology and neuroscience, thus providing students with the skills relevant across a range of careers, from education and health to business and the media.

Calvin So Chun Kit. Source: University of Plymouth

International student Calvin So Chun Kit said that his PSYC519 Research Skill in Practice 1 class is highly applicable for aspiring researchers whilePSYC514 Individual Differences, Social and Developmental Psychology class is ideal for students aspiring to branch into research or academia.

The 21-year-old BSc (Hons) Psychology student from Singapore felt that every module has much real-world application as it encourages students to use their integrated knowledge to effectively assess any given situation. Coupled with Plymouths lecturers and teaching staff who are really nice and approachable, Plymouth serves as an excellent place of study for international students.

The university also offers a variety of scholarships for international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Students enrolled in the programme have the opportunity to spend their second year abroad or pick an optional psychology placement year (in their third year) to gain invaluable work experience that boost their career prospects. For the latter, students are free to apply to one of the organisations that regularly offer placements to Plymouths students, or find their own host anywhere in the world, giving them the platform to volunteer for work overseas.

Other opportunities that promote deeper learning and thinking include the Research Apprentice Scheme where students can work on real research projects, or the Student Council that helps to run the School.

These carefully chosen experiences are supported by reflection, critical analysis and synthesis, providing students with the critical framework that would help them understand what it is like to be a health professional.

Plymouths approach in ensuring their students benefit from these experiences are backed by research.

Experiential learning is paramount in enhancing a high-level of retention among students. Studies note that it helps increase students interest, making the absorbing of complex material easier. Plymouth also exposes its undergraduate students to high-level research to promote deeper learning. The skills students gain by conducting research also translates into sought-after skills that make them attractive among employers, in addition to serving as excellent preparation for graduate studies.

Coupled with Plymouths state-of-the-art facilities, which include the Babylab a research lab for the cognitive psychology of child development in addition to the Brain Research and Imaging Centre (BRIC) an advanced multi-modal brain imaging facility students are fully supported to achieve career success.

This culminates in helping students explore their potential strengths and challenges in their future jobs, making them better prepared for the working world.

These factors only lead to one conclusion: The University Plymouth has all it takes to prepare graduates for career success. Apply today.

Follow the University of Plymouth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and LinkedIn

Psychology: A pathway leading to diverse career prospects

Explore the many facets of psychology at the University of Central Lancashire

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University of Plymouth: Calibrating students for career success - Study International News

Neuroscience

More Than a Nice Coating – Technology Networks

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) have shown that specialized aggregates of molecules enwrapping nerve cells in the brain, the perineuronal nets, are crucial for regulating the connections between nerve cells that control motor memories. The discovery provides novel insight into how memories are formed and stored in the brain.Perineuronal nets influence learningAs the brain becomes older, the contacts between nerve cells (synapses) become less flexible, because they are encased in a meshwork of proteins and carbohydrates called a perineuronal net. In the current study, researchers of the NIN (Verhaagen group and De Zeeuw group), in collaboration with the University of Turin and the University of Cambridge, induced a remarkable remodeling of cerebral synapses. They improved the learning abilities of mice by using a powerful molecular tool to degrade the perineuronal nets. However, the capability of the mice to remember what they had learned was disturbed, indicating that the storage of acquired information requires intact perineuronal nets. This is the first time that it has been shown that changes in perineuronal nets are instrumental for motor learning and memory, says Daniela Carulli, researcher at the NIN and first author of this study.Changing of perineuronal netsChildren have the capability to learn much better than adults, from mastering a new language to playing a musical instrument. This is possible thanks to the flexibility (or plasticity) of the connections between nerve cells in young brains. Plasticity also allows a faster recovery from brain injury. We discovered that perineuronal nets exert tight control on learning and memory in the adult brain, explains Carulli. The researchers investigated a well-characterized type of learning, called eyeblink conditioning, that depends on the cerebellum, a brain region involved in motor functions. Our results indicate that perineuronal nets are diminished during the learning phase of eyeblink conditioning, but are restored at later stages, when memories are consolidated, Carulli continues.

Much still needs to be known as to how exactly perineuronal nets regulate plasticity, and, thereby cognitive functions. This is crucial in view of finding therapeutic strategies to tackle cognitive decline in the elderly or in patients with neurological disorders.ReferenceCarulli et al. (2020) Cerebellar plasticity and associative memories are controlled by perineuronal nets. PNAS. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1916163117

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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More Than a Nice Coating - Technology Networks

Neuroscience

Global Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment Market Insights 2019-2025 | NIH, UCL Institute of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, The University of…

The report involves insightful data on the main sectors of the Global Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment Market. The report has segmented market, by its types and applications. Each segment has analyzed completely on the basis of its production, consumption as well as revenue. Further, it is classified on the basis of geographical areas which include: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.

The study on the Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment market provides complete report on changing market trends for this market. It offers market size and share of each separate segment in the market. Many companies are involved in this market. Top players are completely profiled in this report.

Our best analysts have surveyed the market report with the reference of inventories and data given by the key players:

NIHUCL Institute of NeurologyNational Neuroscience InstituteThe University of MelbourneThe University of SheffieldOZBiosciencesThe University of QueenslandMND Australia

Checkout Free Report Sample of Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment Market Report for Better Understanding: https://www.apexmarketsresearch.com/report/global-motor-neuron-diseases-treatment-market-by-product-597829/#sample

This Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment market research report surrounds importance on:

Global Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment Market Split by Product Type and Applications:

On the basis of Types:

RiluzoleNusinersenPhysical TherapyRespiratory TherapyOthers

On the basis of Application:

Multidisciplinary ClinicsHospitalsSocial Work FacilitiesOthers

The report exerts historical data analysis, present market prospects, and future market outlook for the period between 2014 and 2026. Regional insights on the Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment market around several geographies has been covered in this insightful study, coupled with country-level analysis. Influential market dynamics across regional segments are slated in the report, with their magnitudes differing from country to country.

The report has been offered by the report, with respect to various prominent players operating in the market. Information about the strategic alliances, acquisitions, mergers, expansion initiatives, SWOT analysis, key innovations, product developments and company overview of the market players have been provided in the concluding chapter of this report.

This report can assist its readers in attaining research objectives and accomplishing business milestones over the years to follow.

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There are 13 Sections to show the global Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment market:

Chapter 1: Market Overview, Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities, Segmentation overviewChapter 2: Market competition by ManufacturersChapter 3: Production by RegionsChapter 4: Consumption by RegionsChapter 5: Production, By Types, Revenue and Market share by TypesChapter 6: Consumption, By Applications, Market share (%) and Growth Rate by ApplicationsChapter 7: Complete profiling and analysis of ManufacturersChapter 8: Manufacturing cost analysis, Raw materials analysis, Region-wise manufacturing expensesChapter 9: Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10: Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11: Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12: Market ForecastChapter 13: Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source

Scope of Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment Market Report:

Report provides factors that are contributing to and influencing the expansion of the global Motor Neuron Diseases Treatment market. It projects the market assessment for the predicted time. It also provides various drivers that are boosting the market. Moreover, the major product type and segments are covered with their complete analysis in the report. Applications with different segment are overviewed in the report.c

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Neuroscience

BIN1 deficit leads to impaired spatial learning and memory – The Medical News

Reviewed by Emily Henderson, B.Sc.Mar 11 2020

Bridging integrator 1, known as BIN1, is the second most common risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, according to genome-wide studies of genetic variants. Yet, scientists know little about what this protein does in the brain.

Now a new preclinical study has discovered that a lack of BIN1 leads to a defect in the transmission of neurotransmitters that activate the brain cell communication allowing us to think, remember and behave. Led by Gopal Thinakaran, PhD, of the University of South Florida Health (USF Health) Morsani College of Medicine and colleagues at the University of Chicago, the study was published March 10 in Cell Reports.

Approximately 40% of people with Alzheimer's disease have one of three variations in the BIN1 gene - a glitch in a single DNA building block (nucleotide) that heightens their risk for the neurodegenerative disease, said the paper's senior author Dr. Thinakaran, a professor of molecular medicine at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and associate dean for neuroscience research at the Morsani College of Medicine.

Our findings that BIN1 localizes right at the point of presynaptic communication and may be precisely regulating neurotransmitter vesicle release brings us much closer to understanding how BIN1 could exert its function as a common risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. We suspect it helps control how efficiently neurons communicate and may have a profound impact on memory consolidation - the process that transforms recent learned experiences into long-term memory."

Dr. Gopal Thinakaran, paper's senior author

The research team created a mouse model in which the BIN1 gene was selectively inactivated, or knocked out, to characterize the protein's normal function in the brain. In particular, they used advanced cell and molecular biology techniques to investigate the role of BIN1 in regulating synapses associated with learning and memory.

To frame the study results, it helps to know that a healthy human brain contains tens of billions of brain cells (neurons) that process and transmit chemical messages (neurotransmitters) across a tiny gap between neurons called a synapse. In the Alzheimer's disease brain, this synaptic communication is destroyed, progressively killing neurons and ultimately causing a steep decline in memory as well as other signs of dementia. Individuals most susceptible to developing full-blown Alzheimer's in later life are those who lose the most synapses, Dr. Thinakaran said.

Among the Cell Reports study highlights:

The study authors conclude that altogether their work highlights a non-redundant role for neuronal BIN1 in presynaptic regulation and "opens new paths for the future investigation of the precise role of BIN1 as a risk factor in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology."

Source:

Journal reference:

De Rossi, P., et al. (2020) Neuronal BIN1 Regulates Presynaptic Neurotransmitter Release and Memory Consolidation. Cell Reports. doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.026.

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BIN1 deficit leads to impaired spatial learning and memory - The Medical News

Neuroscience

Neuroscience Club is all about the brain | CU Boulder Today – CU Boulder Today

The brain is a wondrous and still-mysterious organ.Despite advances in research, questions about the brain remain unanswered.

To help students understand the complexities of the brain and its intricate functioning, the CU Neuroscience Clubconnects studentswith peers, professors and professionals in an informal and interactive environment.

Club president Denny Schaedig (left) andjournal club leader Logan Thrasher Collins (right) | Photo by Patrick Campbell / CU Boulder

The student organization brings in guest speakers who present their research, holds networking events and games, and hosts an undergraduate neuroscience-based journal club. Itwas also influential in the development of the undergraduate neuroscience major at CU.

Logan Thrasher Collins became interested in research early. He first joined a lab when he was a sophomore in high school. In December, he graduated from CU Boulder summa cum laude in neuroscience, and in molecular, cellular and developmental biology.

Collins works on new tools for mapping the structure and connectivity of neurons to help understand how the brain works. He is using X-ray microtomography (a type of 3D imaging) to visualize the structure of brain tissue samples, has developed a nanoparticle-based stain to enhance the contrast of the X-ray scans, and is working on ways to further increase the level of detail that can be seen in X-ray images. Before entering neuroscience, Collins developed a novel synthetic biology method for fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Until heading off to graduate school in the fall, Collins is conducting research at CU and will continue to serve as the journal club leader for the Neuroscience Club.

Neuroscience is a passion of mine, Collins said. I wanted to get together with a community where I could interact with others who also have that passion. The Neuroscience Club provides like-minded people with an opportunity to explore neuroscience topics and lectures.

After graduating last semester with a major in neuroscience and a strong interest in computer science, Denny Schaedig has been working for theInstitute of Cognitive Science (ICS) and the Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium as a workflow automation engineer.ICS hasan international reputation for its promotion of interdisciplinary research and training in cognitive science.Schaedig has been serving as president of the Neuroscience Club.

We try to connect students with each other and with labs and different resources they can use to have a better experience, Schaedig said.We bring people together to talk about brain health and different aspects of the brain, like mental health issues

Colorado has had the highest increase in the teen suicide rate in the country since 2016, according to a report by the United Health Foundation. The rate of youth suicide in the state increased by 58 percent from 2016 to 2019 in ages 15 to 19. This makes mental health awareness and conversations about mental health more important than ever.

People can be having a problem with depression but not realize it, Schaedig said. When people have mental health issues, its easy to have a war going on in your mind and not realize theres a whole community out there to help. We want them to know theyre not alone. There are resources that can help.

For moreinformation about opportunities forstudents to increase their involvement in the broader neuroscience community, go to Neuroscience Club.

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Neuroscience Club is all about the brain | CU Boulder Today - CU Boulder Today

Neuroscience

Artificial Intelligence Unlocks "Gateway" Metaphor to Aid the Public, Policy Makers, and Companies in Addressing the Coronavirus Crisis -…

Leading Artificial Intelligence Company machineVantage Deploys AI and Neuroscience to Identify Highly Effective Means For Public Communications Regarding Covid-19

BERKELEY, Calif., March 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --As the global Coronavirus pandemic spreads, one of the major challenges that governments, public health institutions, businesses, and the public face is how to communicate most effectively about actions to take regarding the disease.

MachineVantage (PRNewsfoto/MachineVantage)

Applying artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, combined with advanced neuroscience knowledge, leading AI company machineVantage (www.machinevantage.com) has identified a highly effective communication model to address the international health crisis. The firm specializes in extracting metaphors that connect deeply with the non-conscious mind, which is where over 95% of daily decisions are made.

"Neuroscience teaches us that metaphors are the 'language of the non-conscious mind', and they represent a very powerful method of communicating critical information," said Dr. A. K. Pradeep, founder and CEO of machineVantage. "They are essentially a form of 'shorthand' for the brain, which assigns a high priority to this form of information. By applying customized AI-powered algorithms, accessing a vast library of existing metaphors, and relying on neuroscientific learnings, we are able to extract the most meaningful and impactful new metaphor to use in addressing the Coronavirus crisis."

"That metaphor is 'Health connects to Gateways," Dr. Pradeep said. "We rank metaphors in four levels, and our AI systems isolated this Gateway metaphor as 'Emergent'meaning it is gaining importance in the non-conscious mind. We wish to make this finding universally available as a means of doing our part to help in the struggle against this disease by facilitating better communication to the public."

Dr. Pradeep explained that the non-conscious mind connects Health and Gateways in many ways.

Two primary ways are concepts embedded in the Gateway Metaphor:

A. Health is a Gateway to a better life and to things that matterB. Gateways to Health passageways that enable Health, and preserve being Healthy

Both are activated in the scenario that the destruction of our Health closes gateways to a better future, and Gateways need to be closed to help us be Healthy and remain Healthy in the presence of the Covid-19 virus.

Gateways are typically perceived as physical structures, such as doors, iron gates, or bridges. In the non-conscious mind, Gateways are conceptualized as metaphoric portals, allowing or preventing access. A virus such as Covid-19 as an enemy activates the Gateway Metaphor in the non-conscious mind.

Dr. Pradeep identified six key messaging concepts that the Gateway Metaphor prompts:

"Understanding how the non-conscious mind processes and responds to Coronavirus-related information through the lens of this Gateway Metaphor provides important direction on how to construct and convey messages to the public about this disease," said Dr. Pradeep.

Retail data regarding consumer buying patterns confirm the activation of the Gateway Metaphor in the non-conscious mind. The stockpiling of basic consumables such as toilet paper and canned soup shows the activation of "gates may be closed for awhile". The collection of entertainment items such as games, CDs, and DVDs indicates that "the wait inside may be stressful" is also activated in the non-conscious.

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Artificial Intelligence Unlocks "Gateway" Metaphor to Aid the Public, Policy Makers, and Companies in Addressing the Coronavirus Crisis -...

Neuroscience

Lang honored by physical therapy association – Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

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Recognized for leadership, achievements in advancing physical therapy field

Lang

Catherine Lang, PT, PhD, professor of physical therapy, of neurology and of occupational therapy, and associate director of the Movement Science Program at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has been named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association.

The award, the associations highest honor, serves as an inspiration for physical therapists to attain professional excellence and recognizes physical therapists who have demonstrated unwavering efforts to advance the profession.

Lang studies neural control of movement, particularly as it applies to stroke recovery and rehabilitation. In the past 15 years, her laboratory has been developing and testing motor rehabilitation interventions based on neuroscience and motor learning principals in people with stroke.

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Lang honored by physical therapy association - Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis