According to Right Health.com, researchers are reporting that they've developed a new kind of MRI sensor that can detect the neurotransmitter known as dopamine, potentially allowing doctors and neuroscientists to get better views inside the brain.
Currently, functional MRI analyzes brain activity by detecting blood flow. But it's not instantaneous, and scientists have tried to develop MRI sensors that can respond to chemicals and give a better picture of what's going on in the brain. In a new study, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say they've done that.
Why is this information so important to us? Because technology has come to the point where it confirms what those of us in the educational models have been seeing in the results of our work for many years.
It has always been difficult to fit all the parameters involved with learning and education into scientific studies, because of the vast amount of variables, and the myriad of disciplines who study the function of the brain from various vantage points (genetics, behavior, educational, medical, psychological, neuro-sciences). Now,
with the help of technology, we we can see the specific responses in areas of the brain that are showing impact or the appearance of the "re-wiring"; the changes that are occurring as a result of stimulation and the impact that is measurable.
Little Giant Steps has worked from this practical premise - if there's a problem, let's get it fixed. After all the brain can operate more efficiently with some stimulating help from us! We have witnessed improvement and even elimination of multiple learning problems by providing the specific stimulation, cognitive activities and educational curriculum designed to remediate those areas that have shown deficits in their function. Our
test results show the measurable differences in the areas of math, word recognition and comprehension. Our goal is to demonstrate, in the real world where it counts, effective efficiency with the appropriate skills with the appropriate skills at the appropriate age level. The by-products are improved behavior and the ability to live without frustration and feelings of failure everyday, an increased curiosity about those areas of high interest (or where their gifts reside), improved organizational abilities and coordination (motor skills). However, this may be one of the best by-products: CONFIDENCE! It's amazing when an individual discovers they can be successful. Doors to many opportunities open for them with true confidence in themselves and their abilities.