2009 – Page 4 – Dynamic Patterns Research

A Celestial Mystery Perfect for the Amateur Astronomer

AmSci Opportunities / Matthew T. Dearing / 1 Comment

This might be the greatest citizen science project to come along in 2009.

Although, this point would be debatable, it really doesn’t matter because we have access to a great new partnership called Citizen Sky from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) that has just been funded by the National Science Foundation. Citizen Sky is so exciting because it opens up an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in “looking up” to do real and very serious science.

In fact, this is not just a “fun” project that the AAVSO wants to offer to carve a few good karma, public education support notches in their belts… this project demands the use of citizen scientists because the high-tech astronomical equipment used by the professionals is not ideal for the observation needs of the data collection!

The project is looking at an odd behavior of the very large, and very bright star, Epsilon Aurigae (more). First observed back in 1821, it was realized that it’s brightness (and it is pretty bright) dims to nearly half its normal level every 27 years, and it remains dim for nearly 2 years! So something might be eclipsing the star, but it’s still odd and many hypothesis have been suggested… and scientists from the AAVSO need the help of citizen scientists to finally figure out the solution to this important observation of our universe.

Learn more about this wonderful new program, and consider taking part in what will be an historically important movement for the advancement and success of citizen science…

“Calling All Amateur Astronomers: Help Solve a Mystery” :: Wired Magazine :: August 24, 2009 :: [ READ ]

“Reach for the Citizen Sky — During IYA2009 and Beyond!” :: IYA2009 Newscenter :: August 25, 2009 :: [ READ ]

Join today! Citizen Sky

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Dancing with the Grunion Fish

Inspiring Citizen Science / Matthew T. Dearing / Leave a Comment

Experiencing interesting citizen science might come upon you unexpectedly in life, but it will surely have great rewards. Take a moment to read this inspiring story by a writer living in Southern California…

As a young child, Leslie spent several late summer nights dancing with and chasing back to sea a little fish called a Grunion. These odd little guys lay eggs on the beach and then have to flop their way back into the water after their mating ritual is complete. Leslie gained many fond memories of this childhood experience, and was interested again later in life when she stumbled upon an organized monitoring effort supported by Pepperdine University that established the “Grunion Greeters” to help learn about the animal’s behavior.

Her official graduation to a “real” citizen scientist was actually a proud moment–as it should be!–and her excitement and new appreciation for our universe will spread to everyone she meets.

“Greeting the Grunion” :: Daily Sound:: July 3, 2009 :: [ READ STORY ]

Learn more about the Grunion Greeters Project

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A little Citizen Science while on Vacation in the Tropics

AmSci Opportunities / Matthew T. Dearing / Leave a Comment

If you are fortunate enough to take a trip to spend time swimming with the reefs, then you will surely experience one of the most impressive displays available from our natural world. The coral reefs are certainly a primary focus of conservation right now as pollution and disrespectful visitors are reeking havoc on this ocean wonder.

However, as a tourist you should not be shy and stay away from this experience in the name of conservation. In fact, it is your first-hand respect and attention that will help save the reefs from further destruction.

Read more about what sort of respectful caution you should consider while visiting a reef, and even consider getting involved with an important citizen science effort, the Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s Volunteer Survey Project.

“How the Vacation-Bound Can Limit Damage to Coral Reefs” :: The Washington Post :: August 13, 2009 :: [ READ MORE]

The REEF Volunteer Survey Project

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Guiding the Regrowth of Neuron Connections with Microtubes

Neurons & Genes / Matthew T. Dearing / Leave a Comment

polycaprolactone microtubes — Polycaprolactone Microtubes, from PhysOrg.com

When peripheral nerves are damaged or even severed due to injury or disease, then dramatic disabilities can result in the affected individual. This may range from local paralysis of senses to the painful disorder ofneuropathy.

Neurons that loose their primary connections to one another through the axon–the main nerve fiber that transports electrical signals from the cell body to other neurons–are very slow to re-grow, and will likely die due to inactivity. If they do re-develop and connect, then the nervous system can re-learn how to have a reasonably-functioning network, but full recovery to its original condition is difficult.

To encourage and guide this re-growth process, a European collaboration of researchers are developing a new neurotechnology based on fabricated polymer microtubes that can be implanted and monitored during axon regeneration. Centered at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Cell Engineering and Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering under Dr. Mathis Riehle, the team plans to surgically insert these specialized tubes between two neurons whose axon fibers are severed. With a little electrical stimulation along the tube, they anticipate that the fibers will begin to grow along the length of the tube and establish a new neural connection on the other side… the neuronal equivalent of the “light at the end of the tunnel.”

The successful development of this technique will certainly mean significant improvements in recovery for patients with peripheral nerve damage. It may also pave the way for a more focused neuroengineering method for creating new connections in the human nervous system, and even helping living nerves functionally connect to implanted devices. Controlling the development and re-development of neuron networks will become a major leap for future neurotechnological advances.

“Scientists hope tiny tubes can help repair damaged nerves” :: PhysOrg.com :: August 16, 2009 :: [ READ ]

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Exploring with an 8 Month Old Child

Science at Home / Matthew T. Dearing / Leave a Comment

It’s certainly never too soon to begin the exploration of our universe… “newborn” is actually a good starting point. Today, I spent about 30 relaxing, calm minutes in our front yard with my 8 month-old son, Andrew. We didn’t do anything complicated, didn’t talk more than necessary, and just took a wandering stroll through the yard. No preparation was required, no special knowledge of my local habitat was needed… just open eyes, ears, and the freedom to touch. And, a fabulously simple learning experience was had by both father and son.

I tried to follow Andrew’s gaze, so as something caught his attention we would head in that direction. We spent extra time up close with several different trees touching the various textures of bark, watching ants crawl, and even had a surprise discovery of a miniature monster: an abandoned cicada shell. This bug frozen in time was certainly fun to grab, lightly crush, and drop to the ground.

A rainbow-color pinwheel was also an attention grabber, so we spent time watching the breeze make the petals spin… what a surprise, as it seemed to happen all on its own!

So, explore with your children… as early as they begin to develop a focus… and help them learn to discover the universe, one tree leaf at a time.

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BrainGate Enters Round 2 of Clinical Trials

Neuron-computer Interface / Matthew T. Dearing / Leave a Comment

The BrainGate collaboration, lead by Dr. John Donoghue from the Department of Neuroscienceat Brown University, recently announced they have began recruiting patients to join in the clinical trials of the second iteration of their neural interface system.

The first round of trials was run by Cyberkinetics, an independent neurotech company founded by Dr. Donoghue, but they have pulled out of this next phase due to funding difficulties. Now, a purely academic team based at the Massachusetts General Hospital, these exciting trials will help guide the next generation of neurotechnological interfaces between human brain activity and direct actions on a computer and, eventually, control of prosthetic devices.

The near-term goal of this research is to develop a technology that can assist patients with degenerative neurological paralysis where their brain is trying to talk to its body, but the body just isn’t listening. The BrainGate system trains itself to decode electrical activity in the brain and translate recorded signals into a computer for control of an external device. In effect, BrainGate is a bridge that re-routes neural communication to a device that would be designed to replace lost function.

With previous work, the critical success was converting brain activity into the control of a cursor on a computer screen. Although this seems to be a trivial activity, the understanding of the neuroscience behind the actual relationship between specific brain activity and the mechanical control of our environment remains a vital bit of understanding required for the future of neurotechnology. Now, with the BrainGate2 trials starting soon, opportunities to discover new science will hopefully bring us closer to successful devices for assisting patients with ALS, spinal cord injuries, stroke patients, and many others with empowering technologies to live their lives to the fullest.

“Brain-computer interface begins new clinical trial for paralysis” :: EurekAlert :: June 10, 2009 :: [ READ PRESS RELEASE ]

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