Next 50 years in science

What will be the biggest breakthrough of the next 50 years? In the last weeks issue of New Scientist, this question was asked to over 70 of the world's most brilliant scientists for their ideas.

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Neural signature of bilingualism

Researchers have found areas in the brain that indicate bilingualism using NIRS. The finding sheds new light on decades of debate about how the human brain's language centers may actually be enhanced when faced with two or more languages as opposed to only one. The study was presented at the Society for Neuroscience's annual meeting on October 14-18 in Atlanta, Ga.

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Hitachi Brain Computer Interface

Hitachi has reportedly created and successfully tested an interface that allows users to turn a power switch on and off by using their brain only (Japanese)(English).

Optical topography, a neuroimaging technique which measures the changes in blood hemoglobin concentration in parts of the brain responsible for mental activity, is utilized with Hitachi's brain-controlled interface.
Any significant changes monitored in the brain blood flow is then translated into voltage signals that are used for activating the model train's power switch.

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WinXP patch for improving battery life using USB devices

This patch is to address an issue where a Windows XP-based portable computer may not have as long a battery life under certain circumstances when certain USB 2.0 devices are connected.

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Near Infrared for Examining Coronary Arteries

InfraReDx has developed a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system to identify plaque composition. U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a clearance for the company’s 510(k) application to market its near infrared spectroscopic system for examining coronary arteries.

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Implanted chip modifies pathways in brain

Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) are working on an implantable electronic chip that may help establish new nerve connections in the part of the brain that controls movement. Their most recent study, published in the Nov. 2, 2006 edition of Nature, showed such a device can induce brain changes in monkeys lasting more than a week. Strengthening of weak connections through this mechanism may have potential in the rehabilitation of patients with brain injuries, stroke, or paralysis.

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