readings in psychology for 27 december 2011

My daughter Karen's gift into our lives is a kitten named 'Alpha' or 'Boo Boo' depending on how we feel about him!

Readings for today:

• neuron growth turn signals

“A new paper scheduled for publication in the January issue of Nature Photonics describes the use of spinning microparticles to direct the growth of nerve fiber, a discovery that could allow for directed growth of neuronal networks on a chip and improve methods for treating spinal or brain injuries.”

• brain reading?

“At UCLA’s Laboratory of Integrative Neuroimaging Technology, researchers use functional MRI brain scans to observe brain signal changes that take place during mental activity. They then employ computerized machine learning (ML) methods to study these patterns and identify the cognitive state — or sometimes the thought process — of human subjects. The technique is called “brain reading” or “brain decoding.””

• a whole new kind of creepy: brains on spider’s legs?

“Smithsonian researchers report that the brains of tiny spiders are so large that they fill their body cavities and overflow into their legs.”

• blame your mother?

“A mother lode of bonding – or a lack thereof – between moms and young children can predict kids’ behavior in romantic relationships decades later, a new study suggests.”