Category Biology/Biotechnology

A Person’s Intelligence Limits their Computer Proficiency More than Previously Thought, say Researchers

man and computer
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new study has found that intelligence, in the form of general cognitive abilities such as perception, thinking and remembering, is more important than hitherto thought at predicting a person’s ability to complete common tasks with a PC. The study was published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies in August 2024.

“Our research findings are the first clear proof that cognitive abilities have a significant, independent and wide-ranging effect on people’s ability to use a computer. Contrary to what was previously thought, cognitive abilities are as important as previous experience of computer use,” says Aalto University’s Professor Antti Oulasvirta, who studied human-computer interaction extensively with his team.

The findings ha...

Read More

Research cracks the Autism Code, making the Neurodivergent Brain Visible

UVA professor Gustavo Rohde’s technique uses mathematical equations to extract mass transport information from medical images, creating new images for visualization and further analysis. (Rohde Lab, UVA Engineering)

Model grounded in biology reveals the tissue structures linked to the disorder. A researcher’s mathematical modeling approach for brain imaging analysis reveals links between genes, brain structure and autism.

A multi-university research team co-led by University of Virginia engineering professor Gustavo K. Rohde has developed a system that can spot genetic markers of autism in brain images with 89 to 95% accuracy.

Their findings suggest doctors may one day see, classify and treat autism and related neurological conditions with this method, without having to rely on...

Read More

Researchers develop Affordable, Rapid Blood Test for Brain Cancer

Researchers develop affordable, rapid blood test for brain cancer
The biochip is used to detect biomarkers for glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain cancer. Credit: Matt Cashore / University of Notre Dame

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a novel, automated device capable of diagnosing glioblastoma, a fast-growing and incurable brain cancer, in less than an hour. The average glioblastoma patient survives 12–18 months after diagnosis.

The crux of the diagnostic is a biochip that uses electrokinetic technology to detect biomarkers, or active Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFRs), which are overexpressed in certain cancers such as glioblastoma and found in extracellular vesicles.

“Extracellular vesicles or exosomes are unique nanoparticles secreted by cells...

Read More

Finding Love: Study reveals Where Love Lives in the Brain

The brain in love: the image shows brain areas that activate in association with the most intensely felt forms of interpersonal
The brain in love: the image shows brain areas that activate in association with the most intensely felt forms of interpersonal love. Picture: Juha Lahnakoski.

Researchers have taken looking for love to a whole new level, revealing that different types of love light up different parts of the brain. We use the word ‘love’ in a bewildering range of contexts – from sexual adoration to parental love or the love of nature. Now, more comprehensive imaging of the brain may shed light on why we use the same word for such a diverse collection of human experiences.

‘You see your newborn child for the first time. The baby is soft, healthy and hearty – your life’s greatest wonder. You feel love for the little one.’

The above statement was one of many simple scenarios presented to fifty-five ...

Read More