Real Amateur Astronomer and Real Results
As featured on BBC News – Science/Nature and found by DPRI via Astronomy Blog, check out how an amateur astronomer discovered a new electrical storm on Saturn.
[READ]
2008
Nature Growing after Katrina
Since major damage from Hurricane Katrina, the new Pascagoula River Audubon Center is growing with great new opportunities for learning about the local habitats and helping to redevelop the landscape. Get involved soon if you live in the area.
"Nature grows on Moss Point" SunHerald.com :: June 24, 2008 :: [READ]
NIH Serious about Advances in Understanding the Brain
The NIH is certainly serious about making real things happen in neurotechnologies. Setting up large awards for significant steps forward in science and technology has been a tried and true method of encouraging the human race to make a leap from Lindberg to the X Prize. Here is another government-funded opportunity aimed at developing plans for the next-generation technologies for non-invasive imaging of brain function. Mapping detailed live neuron interactions without the need for drilling through the skull is a holy-grail for reaching a deeper understanding of complete brain function, and it’s time to get real serious about making real progress with new technology.
[Read the entire Request for Information]
“NIH requests input on non-invasive brain imaging techniques” BioOptics World :: June 24, 2008 :: [READ]
NIH Serious about Advances in Understanding the Brain Read More »
Never Cry Wolf… in Maine
Beginning June 28, 2008 in Old Town, Maine, A new group at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension is being formed to train volunteers to howl like a gray wolf in the deep woods of Maine. These wolves–which are federally protected–are believed to no longer live in this area of the country.
Learn more about the Wolf Inquiry Project
Our thoughts and prayers will be with the brave citizen scientists that if a wolf is lured out of hiding that it isn’t romantically attracted to the howler.
"Are there any wolves in Maine?"
Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel June 23, 2008 [READ]
Dedicated Canadian Birders
Neither downpours nor early hours faze these volunteers :: The Orillia Packet & Times June 21, 2008 [read]
NIH Funds Next-generation Neurotechnology
Last year, the National Institute of Health provided funding for another important collaboration between Brown University, Cyberkinetics, and the Cleveland FES Center. Lead by Arto Nurmikko, a Brown professor of engineering and physics, the academic-industry team is expanding the functionality and portability of BrainGate with a scaled-down, fully-implantable device that records neuronal signals and digitally transmits the information via fiber optic and wireless communication.
The multi-year funding supports a human trial of a prototype being developed, and will continue advancements in implantable devices to bridge communication between the nervous system and computer controlled hardware that can assist with motor skills for paralyzed patients.
“Next-generation neurotechnology possible with NIH grant”
EurekAlert! August 2, 2007 [READ]
“A Microelectrode/Microelectronic Hybrid Device for Brain Implantable Neuroprothesis Applications”
the Overview Research Poster from Nurmikko’s Group [VIEW]