In the latest advance in brain-to-brain communication, I-LABS researchers demonstrate how two brains collaboratively problem solve. University of Washington researchers recently used a direct brain-to-brain connection to enable pairs of participants to play a question-and-answer game by transmitting signals from one brain to the other over the Internet. The experiment, detailed September 23 in PLOS ONE, is thought to be … Read More
Cover Story: Body Maps in the Infant Brain
On the cover of its September issue, Trends in Cognitive Sciences showcases pioneering I-LABS research on body maps in the infant brain. Neural “body maps,” which have been documented with adults, show that different areas of the cortex become active when a corresponding location of the body is touched. But little is know about body maps in infant brains or … Read More
I-LABS work with Policymakers
I-LABS Co-directors Speak at International Business Summit October 2, 2015 – Drs. Patricia Kuhl and Andrew Meltzoff presented the latest developments on early childhood brain research during an event organized by ReadyNation. The Event, the 2015 Global Business Summit on Early Childhood Investments, held Oct. 1-2 in New York City, attracts more than 200 business people, policymakers and other experts. … Read More
New PBS Documentary ‘Born to Learn’
A prominent Pacific Northwest PBS station will premiere a new documentary showcasing I-LABS research. “Born to Learn,” produced by KSPS Public Television in Spokane, first aired on July 30, 2015 at 7pm and has been shown on other PBS stations. It can also be viewed on the KSPS website. Seeking experts in the latest science of child brain development, KSPS producers sought out … Read More
I-LABS Research Featured in Kristof and WuDunn’s ‘A Path Appears’
The best-selling authors Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn cited research from the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences in their latest book. The book, “A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity,” covers social problems and profiles people and programs that are helping to improve lives around the globe. “Nobody clarifies the social challenges of our time, or the moral imperative … Read More
Smithsonian: Baby Talk Gives Infant Brains a Boost
Studies by researchers at the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences are highlighted in a Smithsonian feature about how infant-directed speech (“parentese”) is much more than child’s play—it’s an important learning tool. The Smithsonian story, published online May 28, includes these I-LABS studies: Infant brains ‘rehearse’ speech mechanics while listeningResearch article available here »Also, Discover magazine named this study one of the top science … Read More
‘Shh! Don’t Wake the Baby:’ Toddlers Understand How Noise Influences Others
Watch a young child shouting in a grocery store or banging a spoon on a table and you might think they don’t realize how their racket affects others. A new study shows that toddlers as young as 2 understand that the sounds they make influence the people around them and know how to adapt the loudness of their activities according … Read More
Ethical Questions for Brain-to-Brain Communication
As science makes steps toward brain-to-brain communication, what ethical questions should society consider? Brain-to-brain communication is a topic that will dominate neuroscience for much of this century, according to a story in the May issue of the Smithsonian magazine. As part of a special report “Innovation for Good: Game Changers,” the Smithsonian story profiles University of Washington research in brain-computer interfaces, and … Read More
Largest Hispanic Network in U.S. Features I-LABS
The largest Hispanic network in the U.S., Univision Noticias, recently sought out I-LABS as a resource for what parents can do to help give their children the best start in life. The network sent a Miami-based reporting team of three to report directly from the Institute’s lab in Seattle. The Univision team interviewed I-LABS researchers and collected footage of the I-LABS MEG facility. … Read More
Do Female Teachers Help Girls Overcome STEM Stereotypes?
To get more girls into tech careers we need to counteract negative stereotypes about the field, UW and I-LABS research shows. Women make up only about 20 percent of the recipients of bachelor’s degrees in computer science, creating a large gender disparity. This gap has received ample attention for its causes and what can be done about it. “Women are missing out … Read More