This article, titled “More Flexible Window into the Brain,” discussed the introduction to the world of neuroscience a new piece of equipment known as the flexible electrode array. The author of this article discussed how this new technology had allowed for previously unobserved responses during seizures and sleep to be recorded. The results of such new discoveries could provide scientists and doctors with new methods of treating, and the ability to get closer to curing, diseases such as epilepsy, depression, chronic pain, and more neuropsychological disorders. Secondly, I liked how the author of this article provided examples from various studies that had been conducted in various institutions around the country. This variety helped prove how the device has had positive results for more than one team of scientists. Finally, the article made a clear comparison of similar technology prior to the invention of these new arrays. The author showed how the old technology was difficult to operate and often didn’t work as accurately as the new arrays do.
Although overall the article was well presented and informative, there were a few aspects that could have been improved. To begin with, the article did not present any downside to the technology nor did it explain any of its possible negative effects. Secondly, the article used terms such as neuromuscular stimulators and neuroprostheses without a proper explanation as to what these terms meant. The article would have been easier to understand had these terms been defined.
I learned from this article that this new technology, which is used to observe certain mental diseases and brain conditions, can also be used to treat the brain’s myriad of illnesses. For example these new arrays could be used as pacemakers, ablative devices, or neuromuscular stimulators.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113141405.htm
Clara wrote an interesting review of the article “More Flexible Window into the Brain”, which discussed the discovery of a new technology in neuroscience called the flexible electrode array. Clara explained the possible uses of this new technology in a concise manner. Her writing flowed well; she went from one idea to the next in a way which was not choppy but thoughtful. Also, Clara mentioned the ambiguity of terms such as “neuromuscular stimulators” and “neuroprostheses”, pointing out that they might puzzle the reader.
ReplyDeleteAlthough her review was intriguing, it was unclear why Clara mentioned the use of obscure words such as “neuromuscular stimulators” and “neuroprostheses” as a negative aspect, but stated in a later paragraph that flexible electrode arrays could be used as “neuromuscular stimulators”. Also the review was vague on the flexible electrode array itself; Clara only touched on its possible uses.
The flexible electrode array seems like an interesting technology which will succeed in its goal to treat various neurological diseases. I hope to continue reading about the results of the array in the future.
In an interesting review, Clara makes a good call in describing all the research potential of the new technology in relation to current problematic neurological diseases. She also does a good job of categorizing the amount of information she presents us with by using transition words like first, second, and finally to separate her points. She also makes very valid points about what her article was lacking, specifically definitions of complex terms. However, somewhat hypocritically, she goes on to explain what she learned from this article in context of these new terms I did not understand. Also, some of the grammar was a bit off; she could have done with better proofreading.
ReplyDeleteIt may seem obvious, but what I enjoyed most about this review was how it taught me about an upcoming new technology in the world of neuroscience, fascinating that the fMRI may not be the sole crutch for research and that I may use one in the future.