Movement & Perception Lab, affiliated to CNRS and University of the Mediterranean is offering a permanent position, at the level of Assistant Professor. The lab's main topic is the study of central and peripheral mechanisms for the control and perception of human movements.

The candidate will be part of the development of Virtual Reality (Movelite) and Motion Analysis (Vicon) technological platforms, designed for experimental investigations of human movement production and perception.

Research topics include (but not limited to): Visual control of displacement, Spatial orientation, multi-sensory integration, immersion and presence, models of human motion

As concerns teaching, the candidate will be involved in Sports Sciences and in Human Movement Sciences courses. Teaching fields will include Neuroscience and Psychology. One objective will be to organize a course in Virtual Reality applied to the above scientific domains. The candidate will demonstrate his/her competence in Neuroscience and Psychology. Experience in Virtual Reality will be appreciated. International experience and indexed publications will be a plus.

Motor learning: its relevance to stroke recovery and neurorehabilitation

Curr Opin Neurol. 2006 Feb;19(1):84-90

Authors: Krakauer JW

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Much of neurorehabilitation rests on the assumption that patients can improve with practice. This review will focus on arm movements and address the following questions: (i) What is motor learning? (ii) Do patients with hemiparesis have a learning deficit? (iii) Is recovery after injury a form of motor learning? (iv) Are approaches based on motor learning principles useful for rehabilitation? RECENT FINDINGS: Motor learning can be broken into kinematic and dynamic components. Studies in healthy subjects suggest that retention of motor learning is best accomplished with variable training schedules. Animal models and functional imaging in humans show that the mature brain can undergo plastic changes during both learning and recovery. Quantitative motor control approaches allow differentiation between compensation and true recovery, although both improve with practice. Several promising new rehabilitation approaches are based on theories of motor learning. These include impairment oriented-training (IOT), constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), electromyogram (EMG)-triggered neuromuscular stimulation, robotic interactive therapy and virtual reality (VR). SUMMARY: Motor learning mechanisms are operative during spontaneous stroke recovery and interact with rehabilitative training. For optimal results, rehabilitation techniques should be geared towards patients' specific motor deficits and possibly combined, for example, CIMT with VR. Two critical questions that should always be asked of a rehabilitation technique are whether gains persist for a significant period after training and whether they generalize to untrained tasks.

Via Pasta and Vinegar

Building a lightweight eyetracker by Jason S.Babcock & Jeff B. Pelz from Rochester Institute of Technology:

CYNETart has been showing new trends of cultural developments in the media arts since 1997. The consequences of the prevailing progress of civilisation and the introduction of new information technologies in all fields of social life lead to the disembodiment of perception triggering the examination of a new sensitivity for physical experience and for the perception of one's own body. The international festival focuses on the changed perception of the body caused by new information technologies. At this, the performance of the new technologie is less important, it is rather about their cultural potential for mediation. This applies f.i. to linkages between existential questions of humankind and their perception. It also applies to a more sensual approach to scientific methods of research and the interconnections between the arts.

All in all, CYNETart 2006 presents three awards. The CYNETart award donated by the Stiftung für Kunst & Kultur der Stadtsparkasse Dresden is endowed with 5,000 Euros. The CYNETart award donated by T-Systems Multimedia Solutions is endowed with 5,000 Euros. The sponsorship award of the Saxon Ministry of Science and the Fine Arts is endowed with 10,000 Euros. The award-winning works are selected from the submissions by an international expert jury. Application form online. The deadline for submissions is March 20, 2006!

Organiser: Trans-Media-Akademie Hellerau e.V. and The City of Dresden, Culture Office in co-operation with the European Centre for the Arts Hellerau

You get further information on www.cynetart.de and from
Trans-Media-Akademie Hellerau e.V.
Festspielhaus Hellerau, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 56
01109 Dresden, GERMANY
Tel. +49-351-889 6665
Fax +49-351-34 000 33

Can neurofeedback training enhance performance? An evaluation of the evidence with implications for future research

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2005 Dec;30(4):347-64

Authors: Vernon DJ

There have been many claims regarding the possibilities of performance enhancement training. The aim of such training is for an individual to complete a specific function or task with fewer errors and greater efficiency, resulting in a more positive outcome. The present review examined evidence from neurofeedback training studies to enhance performance in a particular area. Previous research has documented associations between specific cortical states and optimum levels of performance in a range of tasks. This information provides a plausible rationale for the use of neurofeedback to train individuals to enhance their performance. An examination of the literature revealed that neurofeedback training has been utilised to enhance performance from three main areas; sport, cognitive and artistic performance. The review examined evidence from neurofeedback training studies within each of these three areas. Some suggestive findings have been reported with regard to the use of neurofeedback training to enhance performance. However, due to a range of methodological limitations and a general failure to elicit unambiguous changes in baseline EEG activity, a clear association between neurofeedback training and enhanced performance has yet to be established. Throughout, the review highlights a number of recommendations to aid and stimulate future research.

Via Mind Hacks 

In this online directory created by Michael Kilgard are listed videos of leading mind and brain researchers giving lectures on their areas of interest. The speakers include researchers such Steven Pinker,  Endel Tulving and Michael Posner.

Neurofeedback: an alternative and efficacious treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2005 Dec;30(4):365-73

Authors: Fox DJ, Tharp DF, Fox LC

Current research has shown that neurofeedback, or EEG biofeedback as it is sometimes called, is a viable alternative treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The aim of this article is to illustrate current treatment modalities(s), compare them to neurofeedback, and present the benefits of utilizing this method of treatment to control and potentially alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, this article examines the prevalence rates and possible etiology of ADHD, the factors associated with ADHD and brain dysfunction, the current pharmacological treatments of ADHD, Ritalin, and the potential risks and side effects. Behavior modification and cognitive behavioral treatment for ADHD is discussed as well. Lastly, a brief history of the study of neurofeedback, treatment successes and clinical benefits, comparisons to medication, and limitations are presented.

Physical and occupational therapists at Rush University Medical Center are using diagnostic technology and computerized balance retraining device for patients with disequilibrium, dizziness, orthopedic or head injuries regain their stability.
The computerized balance retraining device uses visual biofeedback, coupled with sensitive, real-time monitoring of patient movement on a force platform. According to Rush UMC rehabilitation professionals, the method improves a patient’s overall balance through motivating protocols that can be progressed as the patient‘s capabilities improve.

Heather Chaplin and  Aaron Ruby are the authors of a new book - Smartbomb - which explores the epicenter of the videogame revolution. The book provides also a critical examination of the role played by the military in fostering the development of this field.

Read some reviews of Smartbomb

Visit the book website

From the news release

The proper use of technology can improve the efficiency and quality of health care for our aging population, lower costs and perhaps improve senior citizens’ quality of life, according to a position recently adopted by IEEE-USA.

The oldest of the estimated 78.2 million baby boomers — the generation born between 1946 and 1964 — are turning 60 this year at the rate of 7,918 per day. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the United States’ over-60 population is expected to more than quadruple over the next decade, making it critical that geriatric healthcare providers take advantage of existing and emerging technologies to improve health care for this growing segment of society.

The IEEE has approved the 802.16e specification as the standard to be used for metropolitan area networks.

The new standard has been labeled Wi-MAN, for Wireless Metropolitan Area Network, or WiMAX, for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. The technology works with existing Wi-Fi networks, enabling users to shift between Wi-Fi and WiMAX connections.

From the press release

The IEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN standard continues its evolution as a platform upon which the broadband wireless industry can build high-performance, cost-effective fixed, and now mobile, broadband access systems,” said Roger B. Marks, Chair of the IEEE 802.16 Working Group on Broadband Wireless Access. “The Working Group’s open consensus process attracted the dedicated participation of hundreds of technical experts from the world's leading service providers, system vendors, and semiconductor suppliers. The foundation for a global industry is now in place.”

Via smart mobs 

Ifomind was awarded the British Computer Society prize for machine intelligence

From the press release 

IFOMIND reacts initially in an 'instinctive' way to its first perception of an unknown object that it encounters; at first it is generally fearful. However, because the robot is equipped with a human-like capability of inquisitiveness, it realises that it can react in another way and does not have to be scared of something that may not be harmful to it. So, the robot observes the object from a distance and takes note of how it behaves and how it reacts to different approaches; the robot is then able to decide on the best approach– or whether to avoid it. This knowledge can then be retained by the robot as it carries on and meets many more objects. This is a remarkable leap forward in the domain of Machine Intelligence as IFOMIND is able to use logical thought processes in order to decide the best way to interact with the objects that it meets. The implications of this are huge, for example as David Bell from the IFOMIND team explains, "A system that can observe events in an unknown scenario, learn and participate as a child would is a major challenge in AI. We have not achieved this, but we think we've made a small advance." - David Bell

Via smart mobs

Reseachers at Fraunhofer Institute are working on a system, which should be capable of estimating human emotions. Taking advantages of latest developments in image analysis, sensors and psychophysiology, their ultimative goal is to train computers to interpret users' emotions and to respond accordingly.

Read the full press release from the Institute website 

Walking from thought

Brain Res. 2006 Jan 5;

Authors: Pfurtscheller G, Leeb R, Keinrath C, Friedman D, Neuper C, Guger C, Slater M

Online analysis and classification of single electroencephalogram (EEG) trials during motor imagery were used for navigation in the virtual environment (VE). The EEG was recorded bipolarly with electrode placement over the hand and foot representation areas. The aim of the study was to demonstrate for the first time that it is possible to move through a virtual street without muscular activity when the participant only imagines feet movements. This is achieved by exploiting a brain-computer interface (BCI) which transforms thought-modulated EEG signals into an output signal that controls events within the VE. The experiments were carried out in an immersive projection environment, commonly referred to as a "Cave" (Cruz-Neira, C., Sandin, D.J., DeFanti, T.A., Surround-screen projection-based virtual reality: the design and implementation of the CAVE. Proceedings of the 20th annual conference on Computer graphics and interactive techniques, ACM Press, 1993, pp. 135-142) where participants were able to move through a virtual street by foot imagery only. Prior to the final experiments in the Cave, the participants underwent an extensive BCI training.

Via Medgadget 

A Switzerland based company has announced that its new Learning Retinal Implant System was successfully implanted in two patients in December 2005. According to the company press release (.pdf), the system, containing a 50-electrode device,  is by far the most complex retinal implant tested in humans.

The System comprises three main components:

2. wears a pair of spectacles containing an integrated mini-camera and transmitter components for wireless signal and energy transmission ("The Visual Interface"). Via a cable, the spectacles are connected to:

3. "The Pocket Processor" worn at the patient's waist. This device replaces the information processing function of the formally healthy retina.

The use of a high-speed digital signal processor allows the provision of "intelligent information" to the implant (and the nerve cells) by using tuneable software to approximate the information processing normally carried out by the healthy retina. The entire process enables patients to optimize their visual perception during the learning phase. Indeed, using the patient's feedback on perception as an input for the tuning of The Pocket Processor is the unique, patent-protected feature of the System and constitutes the 'learning' capability of the Learning Retinal Implant System.

From the  website

CBMS 2006 will be hosted by Brigham Young University and held at the Red Lion Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. CBMS 2006 is co-sponsored by the IEEE Computer Society (Technical Committee on Computational Medicine, TCCM) and the College of Engineering at Texas Tech University.

CBMS 2006, the 19th IEEE International Symposium on Computer-Based Medical Systems, provides an opportunity for discussion on many topics related to computer-based medical systems. Here you can find more of the who, what, when, where and how of the symposium.

CBMS 2006 will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah.