Robot with a Biological Brain

New research provides insights into how the brain works

The robot's biological brain is made up of cultured neurons which are placed onto a multi electrode array (MEA). The MEA is a dish with approximately 60 electrodes which pick up the electrical signals generated by the cells. This is then used to drive the movement of the robot. Every time the robot nears an object, signals are directed to stimulate the brain by means of the electrodes. In response, the brain's output is used to drive the wheels of the robot, left and right, so that it moves around in an attempt to avoid hitting objects. The robot has no additional control from a human or a computer, its sole means of control is from its own brain.

Read the whole article at Readings University website.

The man who grew a finger

Mr Spievak re-grew his finger tip. He used a powder - or pixie dust as he sometimes refers to it while telling his story.

The "pixie dust" comes from the University of Pittsburgh, though in the lab Dr Stephen Badylak prefers to call it extra cellular matrix.

Doctors though believe that within the so called pixie dust lies an amazing medical discovery.

Stephen Francis Badylak, D.V.M., Ph.D., M.D.
Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh
Title: Research Professor, Department of SurgeryDirector of Tissue Engineering, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Links:

BBC: The man whow grew a finger

Dr. Stephen Francis Badylak - University of Pittsburgh

Brain control headset for gamers

Gamers will soon be able to interact with the virtual world using their thoughts and emotions alone.

A neuro-headset which interprets the interaction of neurons in the brain will go on sale later this year.

Emotiv is working with IBM to develop the technology for uses in "strategic enterprise business markets and virtual worlds"

Paul Ledak, vice president, IBM Digital Convergence said brain computer interfaces, like the Epoc headset were an important component of the future 3D Internet and the future of virtual communication.

For more info go to the BBC website