Memory research conducted on 'robot with brain'

Healthcare News
15/08/2008
Man-made robot with a biological 'brain' is being used by researchers to investigate the vagaries of memory function.

UK scientists have said they are carrying out research into memory by using a robot which is controlled by a biological brain.

The team from the University of Reading hope that their work will provide an insight into the development of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

In their research with the robot they will be looking into how memories manifest themselves in the brain and how specific pieces of data are stored.

Professor Kevin Warwick, from the university's School of Systems Engineering, commented: "This new research is tremendously exciting, as firstly the biological brain controls its own moving robot body, and secondly it will enable us to investigate how the brain learns and memorises its experiences."

He suggested that the study could have a significant influence on various areas within the fields of science and medicine.

Meanwhile, Spanish researchers have called for the development of new assessment procedures to examine the behavioural effects of Parkinson's disease.

The ELEP project, a longitudinal study based at the Carlos III Institute of Health in Madrid, has found evidence which suggests the disease's psychological manifestations are major factors in patients' disabilities and quality of life deterioration.

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