‘What Could Be More Fascinating?’ Director of I-LABS MEG Facility

I-LABSResearch

Samu Taulu and the MEG center

Learn how Samu Taulu went from an early interest in math and physics to becoming a world leader in MEG technology. A brain-imaging technique, magnetoencephalography (MEG), is the powerhouse behind some of the most groundbreaking research at the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences. With the recent hiring of Samu Taulu as director of the I-LABS’ MEG … Read More

Ethical Questions for Brain-to-Brain Communication

I-LABSMedia Coverage, Publication, Research

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

Best Practices in Screen Media

I-LABSOutreach, Research

“…the screen should be the tool, not the teacher.” Can kids learn from screens? How much should kids watch? How old should they be? What kind of content is best? Those are some of the most common questions Sarah Roseberry Lytle, director of the I-LABS outreach team, hears from parents and caregivers regarding the role of digital media in young children’s … Read More

Largest Hispanic Network in U.S. Features I-LABS

I-LABSMedia Coverage, Research

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

Science of Early Learning for Decision-Makers

I-LABSResearch

Parents, policymakers and foundation leaders often ask the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences what qualities create the best early childhood experiences.  People ask us: What does the science say makes for preschool programs that will not only ensure school readiness but also set children up for the greatest chance at success in life – no matter their circumstances. “We’ve created … Read More

What Helps Kids Form a Connection? Synchrony

I-LABSPublication, Research

A simple activity played simultaneously helped 8-year-olds feel more connected to each other, according to a new study by an I-LABS researcher. Children who did the same activity – a rhythmic game played on a computer – but not in a synchronous way did not report the same increase in connection. These new findings, by I-LABS postdoctoral fellow Tal-Chen Rabinowitch, … Read More

Patricia Kuhl Reflects on Receiving Prestigious Award

I-LABSAwards, Research

I-LABS co-director Patricia Kuhl is the 2015 recipient of one of the most prestigious scholarly awards in her field: the George A. Miller Prize in Cognitive Neuroscience. The Cognitive Neuroscience Society bestows the award each year to a scientist at the “cutting-edge” of the field and whose work is characterized by “extraordinary innovation and high impact on international scientific thinking.” Citing Kuhl’s “groundbreaking work … Read More

Linking Genes, Brain Pathways to an Individual’s Ability to Learn

I-LABSResearch

Imagine you’re a scholar planning to travel abroad to study. Or maybe you want to take a job overseas. You may know a smattering of the language spoken in the country you’ll be living in, but you’re by no means fluent. What’s the best (and fastest) way to learn a foreign language? Are there any shortcuts to ensure your success? … Read More

Congratulations to Dr. Zhao!

I-LABSResearch

Christina Zhao, a graduate student working with Patricia Kuhl, successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in speech and hearing sciences on March 17. Zhao’s dissertation is titled “Music exposure enhances infants’ neural processing of temporal structure in music and speech.” Coincidentally the same day as her defense, Zhao’s pre-dissertation project examining the interaction between music and speech in adults was published in … Read More