Browse Topic: Nervous system

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Biohybrid Robotic Hand Research PlatformTBMG-5215912/01/2024
Brain-machine interfaces enable direct communication between a brain’s electrical activity and an external device such as a computer or a robotic limb that allows people to control machines using their thoughts. Researchers have developed a novel biohybrid neuroprosthetic research platform comprised of a dexterous artificial hand electrically interfaced with biological neural networks.
Keys to NVH Engineering Success You Won’t Learn in School2025-01-007205/05/2023
Based on 44 years of NVH engineering experience, there are some keys to success that aren’t taught in engineering schools. This paper will describe these in detail and provide examples to add context. The keys are: 1. A good generalist makes a better expert. The more you understand about the complete product development process, and the better contacts you have throughout the product development organization, the easier it will be for you to find cost effective solutions to your specific issues. 2. Know your customers, and that means both internal and external customers. If you work for a supplier, it means OEMs and end users. The more you understand about the customers’ needs, the better you can address them and make your product stand out. 3. Make a crazy idea practical. Sometimes you might find a completely insane solution to your problem, such as making a major component out of solid gold. If you can use the insight gained from the insane solution to develop a practical solution
Reinhart, Thomas
Study on Influencing Factors of Hippocampal Injury in Closed Head Impact Experiments of Rats Using Orthogonal Experimental Design Method2023-01-000104/11/2023
The hippocampus plays a crucial role in brain function and is one of the important areas of concern in closed head injury. Hippocampal injury is related to a variety of factors including the strength of mechanical load, animal age, and helmet material. To investigate the order of these factors on hippocampal injury, a three-factor, three-level experimental protocol was established using the L(3) orthogonal table. A closed head injury experiment regarding impact strength (0.3MPa, 0.5MPa, 0.7MPa), rat age (eight- week-old, ten-week-old, twelve-week-old), and helmet material (steel, plastic, rubber) were achieved by striking the rat's head with a pneumatic-driven impactor. The number of hippocampal CA3 cells was used as an evaluation indicator. The contribution of factors to the indicators and the confidence level were obtained by analysis of variance. The results showed that impact strength was the main factor affecting hippocampal injury (contribution of 89.2%, confidence level 0.01
Wang, Peng, Song, Xuewei, Zhu, Xiyan, Qiu, Jinlong, Yang, Shuaijun, Zhao, Hui
Space Radiation Research Fights Cancer on EarthTBMG-4696111/03/2022
Nanomaterial Improves Insulin’s EffectsTBMG-4594106/01/2022
Researchers have developed a compound consisting of insulin bound to a string of amino acids that includes an antioxidant group. An earlier study in mice suggested this nanomaterial’s anti-diabetes properties included improving glucose consumption and availability as fuel for the brain.
Development of Biomechanical Computational Models of Six-year-old Child Occupant with Different Sitting Postures and Application in the Study of Whiplash Injuries2022-01-105203/29/2022
Whiplash injury is one of the main types of child occupant neck injuries in traffic accident. With the development of intelligent cockpit, child occupants will engage in traffic operation in various sitting positions. Therefore, studying the mechanism and risk of whiplash injury of child occupants with different sitting postures has important application value for the research and development of child restraint system. In this study, the 120° and 135° sitting postures of six-year-old child occupant were developed based on the validated 105° sitting posture finite element model with detailed anatomical structure. The whiplash test in Euro NCAP was reconstructed to evaluate the influence of sitting position angle on the risk of whiplash injury. In the three groups of simulation experiments, the Upper Neck Tension (Fz) was far less than the higher limit of Euro NCAP evaluation although the Fz value increased as the upper torso angle increases. However, the Upper Neck Shear (Fx) and Neck
Li, Haiyan, Wang, Yanxin, He, Lijuan, Lv, Wenle, Cui, Shihai, Ruan, Jesse Shijie
Effect of Circadian Interior Automobile Lighting on commuters2021-26-013209/22/2021
Chronobiological studies elaborate the working of a biological clock, “the built-in timing device” in an organism and similarly define the creation of circadian rhythm of a human being. The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus of a human brain detects changes in the surrounding environment through the eyes and tends to affect this circadian rhythm which in turn affects human behavior, hormonal cycles, sleep deprivation and even driving or daily commute. Melatonin released due to the photopic and scotopic signals received by the brain controls the amount of “alertness” or “sleepiness” in commuters which can assist in improved efficiency and prevent accidents while driving. Since inadequate lighting scenarios can not only affect the optical activity and visual orientations it does also affect the non-visual sensory activities by inadvertently disorienting the circadian rhythm. Advanced research in melatonin induced driving suggests increased sleepiness and low concentration
Biswas, Akash, Joshi PhD, Madhusudan, Singh, Mahendar Pal
Designing Rugged Myoelectric Interfaces for Highly Functional ProstheticsTBMG-3830801/01/2021
Using the laptops and cellphones in today’s world is solved by using modern prosthetic devices that connect signals from the brain via surface-mounted sensors and detectors. New sensor technologies combined with high-performance microwiring is extending the performance and reliability of active myoelectric prosthetics. The evolution of newly developed microprocessor chip sensors offers advanced communication from the brain to the prosthetic devices. Myographic chips monitor and measure the force produced by muscles as they move from relaxed mode to contractions and can deliver intensity and muscle signal speed. The surface-mounted electromyographic sensors with isolated microwiring receive analog signals sent from the brain to be captured and converted to digital signals. They are then connected to newly adapted prosthetic devices that enhance the life and capability of amputee patients.
Optical Imaging Technology May Help Surgeons Better Treat Cancer, Brain DiseasesTBMG-3807211/01/2020
A new tool for medical professionals may help shed more light on tumors in the body and how the brain operates.
Tiny, Magnetically Powered Neural StimulatorTBMG-3800811/01/2020
Neuroengineers have created a tiny surgical implant that can electrically stimulate the brain and nervous system without using a battery or wired power supply. The device draws its power from magnetic energy and is about the size of a grain of rice. It is the first magnetically powered neural stimulator that produces the same kind of high-frequency signals as clinically approved, battery-powered implants that are used to treat epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and other conditions.
Driver Drowsiness and Fatigue in the Safe Operation of Vehicles - Definition of Terms and ConceptsJ3198_202010 (Current)10/26/2020
This SAE Information Report provides definitions and discussions of key terms concerning driver drowsiness and fatigue, and basic information on measuring drowsiness and fatigue. It also includes information and concepts for driver drowsiness as they relate to the safe operation of a vehicle. The key driver drowsiness and fatigue causal factors include the following: (1) sleep quality and quantity, (2) time of day, (3) time awake, (4) time on task (modulated by characteristics of the driving task), (5) task-related fatigue (variations of arousal levels related to task underload and overload), and (6) combinations of these factors. Medical conditions, medication, alcohol, or drugs exacerbate drowsiness; however, the discussion in this report is limited to fatigue concepts. This report has two primary outputs: (1) definitions and discussions of key terms concerning driver drowsiness and fatigue, and (2) basic information on measuring drowsiness and fatigue and its effects on the safe
Driver Metrics, Performance, Behaviors and States Committee
3D-Printed Soft, Rubbery Brain ImplantsTBMG-3780210/01/2020
Brain implants are typically made from metal and other rigid materials that over time can cause inflammation and the buildup of scar tissue. Engineers are developing soft, flexible neural implants that can gently conform to the brain's contours and monitor activity over longer periods without aggravating surrounding tissue. Such flexible electronics could be softer alternatives to existing metal-based electrodes designed to monitor brain activity and may also be useful in brain implants that stimulate neural regions to ease symptoms of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and severe depression.
Integrated Microchips for Electronic SkinTBMG-3780110/01/2020
Human skin allows for interfacing with external physical environments through numerous receptors interconnected with the nervous system. Scientists have been trying to transfer these features to artificial skin, aiming at robotic applications. Operation of robotic systems heavily relies on electronic and magnetic field sensing functionalities required for positioning and orientation in space.
Electronics Mimic the Human Brain in Biological LearningTBMG-3782810/01/2020
Researchers have discovered, while investigating protein nanowires, how to use these biological, electricity-conducting filaments to make a neuromorphic memristor or “memory transistor” device. It runs extremely efficiently on very low power, as brains do, to carry signals between neurons.
Q&A: Wireless Power for Neural StimulationTBMG-3765709/01/2020
Prof. Jacob Robinson and a team of researchers at Rice University (Houston, TX) developed a prototype of an implantable neural stimulator — the size of a grain of rice — that needs no batteries. Instead, it is powered wirelessly by means of an externally applied magnetic field.
EEG-Based Technique for Controlling a Robotic Arm with the BrainTBMG-3764309/01/2020
Researchers have developed a technique that allows people to control a robotic arm using only their minds. The research has the potential to help millions of people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases.
Electronic “Skin” Brings Sense of Touch and Pain to Prosthetic HandsTBMG-3762409/01/2020
Amputees often experience the sensation of a “phantom limb” — a feeling that a missing body part is still there. Pain, while unpleasant, is an essential, protective sense of touch that is lacking in the prostheses that are currently available to amputees. Advances in prosthesis designs and control mechanisms can aid an amputee’s ability to regain lost function, but they often lack meaningful, tactile feedback or perception.
Wireless “Pacemaker” for the BrainTBMG-3762209/01/2020
Simultaneously stimulating and recording electrical signals in the brain is much like trying to see small ripples in a pond while also splashing your feet — the electrical signals from the brain are overwhelmed by the large pulses of electricity delivered by the stimulation. Currently, deep brain stimulators either stop recording while delivering the electrical stimulation or record at a different part of the brain from where the stimulation is applied — essentially measuring the small ripples at a different point in the pond from the splashing.
Spinal Stimulators Repurposed to Restore Touch in Lost LimbTBMG-3757909/01/2020
Imagine tying your shoes or taking a sip of coffee or cracking an egg but without any feeling in your hand. That’s life for users of even the most advanced prosthetic arms.
Thin Film Electrodes Show Potential for Transforming NeurosurgeryTBMG-3759409/01/2020
Advances in thin film technology could soon offer a less invasive and more cost-effective solution to enhance neurosurgery for people with neurological brain conditions, including epilepsy.
Engineers 3D-Print Sensors Onto Moving OrgansTBMG-3766809/01/2020
A new technique allows 3D printing of hydrogel-based sensors directly on the surface of organs, such as lungs — even as they expand and contract. The technology was developed to support robot-assisted medical treatments. According to the researchers, along with a robot's ability to assist a surgeon with removing a tumor from a lung, for example, this technology could 3D print a sensor onto the surface of the lung to monitor how well it functions during and following the procedure.
Magnetic Force Manages PainTBMG-3746408/01/2020
Mainstream modern medicine centers on using pharmaceuticals to make chemical or molecular changes inside the body to treat disease; however, recent breakthroughs in the control of forces at small scales have opened up a new treatment idea: using physical force to kickstart helpful changes inside cells. This idea is referred to as “mechanoceuticals.”
New High-Speed Microscope Can Capture Brain NeuroactivityTBMG-3718307/01/2020
Our brain contains tens of billions of nerve cells (neurons) which constantly communicate with each other by sending chemical and electrical flashes, each lasting one millisecond. In every millisecond, these billions of swift-flying flashes travel together in a giant starmap in the brain that lights up a complicated glittering pattern. These are the origins of all body functions and behaviors such as emotions, perceptions, thoughts, actions, and memories; and also, brain disorders, for example, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Recording Device Could Help Development of Brainwave-Controlled Devices, Including ProstheticsTBMG-3723807/01/2020
The Frances Crick Institute London, UK
Can a Wearable Help You Get Quality Zzzzs?TBMG-3701706/01/2020
How well did you sleep last night? Did you wake up feeling truly rested, or somewhat groggy? Quality sleep is essential for our health and well-being, but with as many as one-third of American adults not getting enough sleep regularly, it’s a problem that’s desperate for solutions.
Q&A: Tactile Robot Finger with No Blind SpotsTBMG-3703406/01/2020
Matei Ciocarlie, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University, has developed, with his team, a robotic finger that has a sense of touch that can be localized with high precision over a large, multi-curved surface.
Soft Tactile Logic Distributes Decision-Making Throughout Stretchable MaterialTBMG-3704706/01/2020
Soft tactile logic was developed that can make decisions at the material level where the sensor is receiving input, rather than relying on a centralized, semiconductor-based logic system. The resulting device is not quite a robot and not quite a computer but has characteristics of both.
Light-Based Deep Brain Stimulation Relieves Symptoms of Parkinson’s DiseaseTBMG-3711506/01/2020
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have used deep brain stimulation based on light to treat motor dysfunction in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease. Succeeding where earlier attempts have failed, the method promises to provide new insights into why deep brain stimulation works and ways in which it can be improved on a patient-by-patient basis.
Microfluidics Device Detects Cancer Cells in BloodTBMG-3683405/01/2020
The ability to successfully isolate cancer cells is a crucial step in enabling liquid biopsy where cancer could be detected through a simple blood draw. This would eliminate the discomfort and cost of tissue biopsies that use needles or surgical procedures as part of cancer diagnosis. Liquid biopsy could also be useful in tracking the efficacy of chemotherapy over the course of time, and for detecting cancer in organs difficult to access through traditional biopsy techniques including the brain and lungs.
Mobile, Wearable EEG Device with Nanowire SensorsTBMG-3683805/01/2020
The electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the few methods of visualizing brain function and is the mainstay of diagnosis of seizure disorders as well as many other neurologic conditions. Conventional EEG devices provide high-quality signals; that is, good signal-to-noise ratio. These devices, however, are not conducive to mobile real-world applications because they are wired devices that tether participants to a given location, limiting the activities they can perform. Furthermore, these devices are not amenable for long-term use because electrodes in these devices typically require electrolytic gel to make contact with the scalp. This dries out over time, thereby reducing signal quality and increasing discomfort due to dried salt deposits. There are currently no viable options for a research-grade EEG device that can be worn for prolonged periods of time and are mobile enough to benefit from participants’ real-world interactions.
A Stability-Guaranteed Time-Delay Range for Feedback Control of Autonomous Vehicles2020-01-009004/14/2020
The vehicles with level-5 autonomy (L5AVs) that have no human driver in the loop are also known as self-driving cars. L5AVs are assumed the next generation of ground transportation, which have growing attention from both industry and academia in most recent years. Most of the work related to feedback strategies of L5AVs are on developing mapping systems through a variety of sensors. These systems can be considered as an analogue to the perception and central nervous system of human drivers. For instance, innovative visualization systems are more powerful when compared to the visual perception system of a person, yet, mapping demands high computation loads. This burden causes delay in the feedback loop and thus, it might have an unfavorable influence on proper and safe control action. This study investigates the effect of time delay occurring in mapping systems on the stability of the controlled vehicle. An algorithm entitled as “Cluster Treatment of Characteristic Roots - CTCR” is used
Kirli, Ahmet, Arslan, Mehmet Selçuk
Stretchable Wireless Sensor Could Monitor Healing of Cerebral AneurysmsTBMG-3614903/01/2020
The stretchable sensor, which operates without batteries, would be wrapped around stents or diverters implanted to control blood flow in vessels affected by the aneurysms. To reduce costs and accelerate manufacturing, fabrication of the stretchable sensors uses aerosol jet 3D printing to create conductive silver traces on elastomeric substrates. The 3D additive manufacturing technique allows production of very small electronic features in a single step, without using traditional multi-step lithography processes in a cleanroom. The device is believed to be the first demonstration of aerosol jet 3D printing to produce an implantable, stretchable sensing system for wireless monitoring.
Trunk Support Assists Those with Spinal Cord InjuryTBMG-3618203/01/2020
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can cause devastating damage including loss of mobility and sensation. Researchers have invented the Trunk-Support Trainer (TruST), a robotic device that assists and trains people with SCIs to sit more stably by improving their trunk control and thus gain an expanded active sitting workspace without falling over or using their hands to balance.
Soft, Conformable Hearing ImplantsTBMG-3615903/01/2020
Close to half a million people around the world suffer from a serious hearing impairment. In some cases, they can find relief in cochlear and other types of implants. Yet these devices do not help people whose inner ear is damaged or whose auditory nerve does not function properly. For these patients to recover their sense of hearing, electrical signals must be sent directly to the auditory brainstem. The neuroprosthetic used for this purpose is called an auditory brainstem implant (ABI); however, the outcomes of ABIs are mixed and in many cases, patients recover only sound perception. Clinical ABIs are also stiff and cannot conform precisely to the curvature of the auditory brainstem.
Wireless System Powers Devices Inside the BodyTBMG-3616903/01/2020
In the brain, implantable electrodes that deliver an electrical current are used for a technique known as deep brain stimulation, which is often used to treat Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy. These electrodes are now controlled by a pacemaker-like device implanted under the skin, which could be eliminated if wireless power is used. Wireless brain implants could also help deliver light to stimulate or inhibit neuron activity through optogenetics, which so far has not been adapted for use in humans but could be useful for treating many neurological disorders.
Artificial Neurons Cure Chronic DiseasesTBMG-3601802/01/2020
Artificial neurons on silicon chips that behave just like the real thing have been invented by scientists — a first-of-its-kind achievement with enormous scope for medical devices to cure chronic diseases, such as heart failure, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases of neuronal degeneration.
Injectable, Flexible Electrode Could Replace Rigid Nerve-Stimulating ImplantsTBMG-3577001/01/2020
By electrically stimulating nerves, neuromodulation therapies can reduce epileptic seizures, soothe chronic pain, and treat depression and a host of other health conditions without the use of conventional drugs like opioids.
Biologically Inspired Artificial Skin Improves Sensory Ability of RobotsTBMG-3561112/01/2019
Inspired by human skin, a system was developed that combines artificial skin with control algorithms. The system was used to create the first autonomous humanoid robot with full-body artificial skin.
Identifying Automated Driving Systems-Dedicated Vehicles (ADS-DVs) Passenger Issues for Persons with DisabilitiesJ3171_201911 (Current)11/19/2019
It is expected that Level 4 and 5 automated driving systems-dedicated vehicles (ADS-DVs) will eventually enable persons to travel at will who are otherwise unable to obtain a driver's license for a conventional vehicle, namely, persons with certain visual, cognitive, and/or physical impairments. This information report focuses on these disabilities, but also provides guidance for those with other disabilities. This report is limited to fleet operated on-demand shared mobility scenarios, as this is widely considered to be the first way people will be able to interact with ADS-DVs. To be more specific, this report does not address fixed route transit services or private vehicle ownership. Similarly, this report is focused on road-worthy vehicles; not scooters, golf carts, etc. Lastly, this report does not address the design of chair lifts, ramps, or securements for persons who use wheeled mobility devices (WHMD) (e.g., wheelchair, electric cart, etc.), as these matters are addressed by
On-Road Automated Driving (ORAD) committee
2019 'Create the Future' Medical Category Winner: Cervical Stabilization DeviceTBMG-3551511/01/2019
Smart Electronic Skin for Robots and ProstheticsTBMG-3545211/01/2019
Humans use the sense of touch to accomplish almost every daily task such as picking up a cup of coffee or shaking someone’s hand. Without it, humans can even lose their sense of balance when walking. Similarly, robots need to have a sense of touch in order to interact better with humans but robots today still cannot feel objects well.
Smart Brain Stimulators: Next-Generation Parkinson's Disease TherapyTBMG-3534110/01/2019
Researchers at the University of Houston have found neuro biomarkers for Parkinson's disease that can help create the next generation of “smart” deep brain stimulators, able to respond to specific needs of Parkinson's disease patients. Those with the disease often undergo the high-frequency brain stimulation, a well-established therapy for the progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, but the therapy has been imprecise.
Graphene Monolayer Improves Implantable Neurostim DevicesTBMG-3498308/01/2019
One of the most commonly used elements in neurostimulation devices is platinum microelectrodes, but they are prone to corrosion, which can reduce the functional lifetime of the devices. Researchers have come up with a solution to help: adding a graphene monolayer to the devices to protect the microelectrodes. The graphene monolayer is an effective diffusion barrier and electrical conductor.
Implanted Wireless Nerve StimulatorTBMG-3491808/01/2019
In 2016, UC Berkeley engineers demonstrated the first implanted, ultrasonic, neural dust sensors. Now, taking the next step, the smallest-volume wireless nerve stimulator was developed, called StimDust (stimulating neural dust).
Force-Sensitive Innovations: Addressing Cerebral Palsy Challenges with Electronic Medical Training DevicesTBMG-3455906/01/2019
Nine years ago, Julian Gunderson was born three months prematurely and weighed just 1 kg (2.2 lb). After a year's worth of injections, medications, transfusions, and other treatments, doctors diagnosed Julian with cerebral palsy.
New Electromyography Biofeedback DeviceTBMG-3459406/01/2019
Anew electromyography biofeedback device that is wearable and connects to novel smartphone games may offer people with incomplete paraplegia a more affordable, self-controllable therapy to enhance their recovery, according to a new study. Electromyography (recording electrical activity of muscles) biofeedback has been shown to enhance recovery of muscle control in people with incomplete spinal cord injury. However, existing biofeedback therapy devices are expensive and can be operated only by trained personnel in a laboratory environment. These factors prevent many people — up to 50,000 in the United States — from accessing the biofeedback therapy that could benefit their recoveries.
Method Shrinks Objects to the NanoscaleTBMG-3440805/01/2019
Existing techniques for creating nano-structures are limited in what they can accomplish. Etching patterns onto a surface with light can produce 2D nano-structures but doesn’t work for 3D structures. It is possible to make 3D nano-structures by gradually adding layers on top of each other, but this process is slow and challenging. And while methods exist that can directly 3D-print nanoscale objects, they are restricted to specialized materials like polymers and plastics that lack the functional properties necessary for many applications. Also, they can only generate self-supporting structures; for example, the technique can yield a solid pyramid, but not a linked chain or a hollow sphere.
Products of Tomorrow: May 2019TBMG-3440005/01/2019
This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.
Implant Tracks Rogue Brain ChemicalsTBMG-3443605/01/2019
Engineers have built a tiny, flexible sensor that is faster and more precise than past attempts at tracking this chemical, called glutamate. The sensor, an implantable device on the spinal cord, is primarily a research tool for testing in animal models but could find future clinical use as a way to monitor whether a drug for neurotrauma or brain disease is working.
Thoracic Spine Extension Injuries in Occupants with Pre-Existing Conditions during Rear-End Collisions2019-01-122204/02/2019
Certain ankylosing spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) can substantially alter clinicopathologic spine biomechanics as well as injury mechanisms in rear-end motor vehicle collisions. AS is an inflammatory disease which can lead to structural impairments of the spine secondary to flowing ossification along the spinal column, including ossification across the spinal discs, facet joints, and ligaments, and it has also been associated with diffuse osteoporosis of the spine. DISH is characterized by excess bone formation along the spinal column, encompassing the annulus and forming the thickest and strongest bridging osteophytes over adjacent vertebral bodies at the level of the disc space. In both conditions the spine is mechanically stiffened and generally more kyphotic than a healthy spine. This paper presents a series of case studies in which a front-seat occupant with ankylosing spondyloarthropathy experienced a
Davis, Mathieu, Isaacs, Jessica, Graber, Martin, Fisher, Jacob
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