Blogs

The BIMROB project aims to improve the scientific foundation for better robot training, by combining intuition from both areas of motor control and learning in both humans and robots. The project utilizes interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists of both sports medicine and computer science, in which demonstrates the universities drive for cross-departmental collaboration. With ambition to yield new automated training and rehabilitation equipment, BIMROB and its researchers combine key insights of two essential research topics. The understanding of the ability of humans to learn to integrate perception and the approaches for robots to learn as well as execute precise movement. 

Mossy cells are fibers that contain unmyelinated fibers, which are found in the hypothalamus. Scientists are attempting to find if the mossy cells are linked to epilepsy. In order to do this an optic fiber was placed inside of a mouse. Mossy cells respond to light, which the scientists have control over with a switch. The deactivation of the light lead to the mice having epileptic seizures throughout the brain. The hippocampus is important for spatial recognition and for long term memory. Though there are mossy cells spread throughout the brain, the majority of the mossy cells reside in the hippocampus.

It is crucial for the selected antibodies on the liposome to work in conjunction with each other to bind to only pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumor cells. Although their respective antigens are overexpressed in tumors, they may be still present in lower concentrations in healthy cells. Therefore, the liposome would be best engineered for the antibodies to only bind to antigens when the displayed antigens are present in high enough concentrations. This threshold could be determined through titration experiments until the effective concentrations of antigens are achieved. The use of liposomal therapy also appeals to the researchers due to its adaptability and lower toxicity. In a study involving paclitaxel, the liposomal form induced fewer cardiovascular and hematologic complications than the standard form (Huang et al. 2018). Encapsulation efficiency has also been measured by injection of a doxorubicin liposomal solution into liquid chromatography (Yamamoto et al. 2018). The researchers would like to use this method to further assess liposomal drug delivery.

Triglycerides are also proposed to have an impact on the development of neuropathy. It has been hypothesized and studied that triglycerides and obesity correlate with diabetic neuropathy independent of glucose control. Smith and Singleton found that obesity and triglycerides were related to small axon loss whereas hyperglycemia was related to large fiber loss indicating that hypertriglyceridemia and obesity have an independent effect on peripheral neuropathy. Wiggin et al performed a double-blind placebo clinical trial which showed a correlation between elevated triglycerides and loss of sural nerve myelinated fiber density in diabetics with mild to moderate neuropathy.

Some further factors or ideas to consider include replacing a daily sedentary time with very light activity has been proposed to improve glucose and lipid metabolism, but does not greatly impact caloric expenditure. Also 1 hour of moderate daily physical exercise has not been shown to compensate for the negative effects of inactivity further implicating that replacing sedentary time with light activity may be beneficial. Exercise may also directly improve nerve function without the need to change metabolic syndrome. Also Trigylcerides may have a critical impact in affecting loss of small axons and nerve fiber density. A1C levels may also be linked to large fiber loss.

The theory of mind is interesting, it shows that what we understand is different from others, our minds are distinct. For example, if you ask a four year old what is inside a box of crayons, the child would answer that there would be crayons inside the box. When you go to open the box of crayons it is reveals that there are band aids inside the box. The child would then go to understand that there would be band aids inside the box of crayons. If we ask the child what other children would think would be inside the box of crayons, they would say that band aids are inside the box of crayons. If you were to ask an older person the same question, they would reply that another person would believe that there would be crayons inside the box of crayons.

The two major seasons that birds migrate are spring and fall. The first study that took place was in the 1960s and it was based on finding quantitative data about migratory birds. The radar that was used was a weather radar in order to figure out how birds move around. Bird cast is one of the famous bird tracking device. There are other ways to find how birds migrate by using microphones on roofs top to study birds migration and it can also record bird calls to locate them. Radar is a strong technique used to track birds. Military and weather radars can be used to track birds movement, how high and how fast they fly, also compass orientation. Weather radar can also monitor birds migration activity.

A single carbon bonded to four groups has eight electrons, a full octet. If one of the groups attatched to the carbon is a leaving group, and is capable of removing an electron from the carbon along with itself, a carbo-cation is formed. This carbo-cation will have six electrons. However, when the ectrons are taken by the carbon from one of the groups, this creates a carbo-anion, which will still have eight electrons attatched to itself. If electrons in one bond of the groups is split between the carbon and the leaving group, a free radical is formed. Free radicals that left the carbon leave the carbon with seven electrons.

    In terms of mass producing food for large groups of people, like in dining commons or buffets, it can be very difficult for cooks to feel a passion for cooking when the dishes are not made to order. Instead, in these kinds of environments the food is made in batches, and then kept warm in some form of a warmer until near closing. For a lot of cooks, that is probably one of the worst feelings, knowing that people are only going to be eating your food after it has been sitting for about an hour. Part of the passion that comes from cooking, is displaying a part of yourself that is a slice of your best self. In a dish there was thought and labor that was put into making the dish, and being able to eat it right when its finished so it can be eaten fresh is an important aspect of the dining experience. For your food to sit in a pan with seran wrap for an hour or two before being able to be eaten, affects how the food tastes overall. If a place like UMass Amherst wants to retain its spot for #1 dining for the college masses, a change could be implemented in order to keep the quality of the food fresher, while keeping the cooks of the hall more happy and passionate about their cooking. As of right now, the dining commons are using an outdated system (buffet style) in order to get food to the students, and a change should be implemented in order to maintain the quality and service that the title of #1 dining should have.