artist's rendering of neurons

Neuroscience

Probe the complexities of the nervous system from the standpoint of molecular research to clinical practice

News

Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain

The brain is more mechanically connected to the body than previously appreciated, scientists reported in Nature Neuroscience. Through a study using mice and simulations, the team found a potential biological mechanism underlying why exercise is thought to benefit brain health: abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and the brain, enabling the organ to gently move within the skull. This swaying facilitates the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid to flow over the brain, potentially washing away neural waste that could cause problems for brain function.

The robot Cambrian explosion: Penn State researchers advance biorobotics

Whether they’re dancing on two legs or scrambling over rough terrain on four, robots are gaining traction on social media and in everyday life. They’re already rapidly evolving in terms of capabilities and size, but according to Penn State Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Baxi Chong, they may be on the brink of something even better. Chong is one of several Penn State researchers capitalizing on unique biological features found in the living ecosystem to develop and expand the field of biorobotics.

3D-printed brain sensors may unlock personalized neural monitoring

Soft electrodes designed to perfectly match a person’s brain surface may help advance neural interfaces for neurodegenerative disease monitoring and treatment, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. Neural interfaces are powered by tiny sensors capable of tracking biophysical signals, known as bioelectrodes.

News

Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain

The brain is more mechanically connected to the body than previously appreciated, scientists reported in Nature Neuroscience. Through a study using mice and simulations, the team found a potential biological mechanism underlying why exercise is thought to benefit brain health: abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and the brain, enabling the organ to gently move within the skull. This swaying facilitates the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid to flow over the brain, potentially washing away neural waste that could cause problems for brain function.

The robot Cambrian explosion: Penn State researchers advance biorobotics

Whether they’re dancing on two legs or scrambling over rough terrain on four, robots are gaining traction on social media and in everyday life. They’re already rapidly evolving in terms of capabilities and size, but according to Penn State Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Baxi Chong, they may be on the brink of something even better. Chong is one of several Penn State researchers capitalizing on unique biological features found in the living ecosystem to develop and expand the field of biorobotics.

3D-printed brain sensors may unlock personalized neural monitoring

Soft electrodes designed to perfectly match a person’s brain surface may help advance neural interfaces for neurodegenerative disease monitoring and treatment, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. Neural interfaces are powered by tiny sensors capable of tracking biophysical signals, known as bioelectrodes.

Four Huck Trainees Among Graduate Student Award Winners

Four Huck graduate students are among the 42 that have been recognized as outstanding scholars with Graduate Student Awards by the Office of the President and the Fox Graduate School.