Reproducing Geometric Hallucination
A team of researchers that includes U Mathematics Professor Paul Bressloff created a model explaining how the brain generates geometric hallucination.
Using what is already known about the visual cortex, the area of the brain responsible for vision, the scientists deduced its circuitry and mathematically reproduced the geometric patterns.
Geometric hallucinations are induced by consuming hallucinogens such as LSD and marijuana; but viewing bright flickering lights, waking up, falling asleep or near-death experiences could also cause the phenomenon. The images seen include patterns of tunnels and funnels, spirals, honeycombs and triangles, and cobwebs.
The researchers hope the findings will lead to understanding the complexities of vision and the architectures of the brain.
The journal Neural Computation has agreed to publish the results.
Secretin Ineffective on Autism
Another study has refuted the claim that secretin can alleviate the symptoms of autism.
Researchers at the U, University of California at Irvine and University of Chicago published the results in November 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
In the study, comparison between autistic children who received secretin with those who received a placebo showed no significant improvement in social and communication skills.
Secretin is a hormone that regulates the digestive system. Interests in its use as a treatment for autism surged when reports surfaced in ’98 that it increased eye contact, alertness and use of expressive language in autistic children. Several studies have since contradicted these claims.
The common characteristics of autism are impaired social interaction, communication and behavior. Although a number of conditions are associated with autism, its cause is still unclear.
Preventing Trauma Complications
Dr. Edward Junkins received a $365,000 grant to study how to use intravenous treatment to prevent subsequent complications due to trauma. The study will target children in rural areas and is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Physical trauma?critical bodily injury, wound or shock?can cause a number of complications. The decreased blood pressure can lead to oxygen deprivation in the brain, for example.
The American College of Surgeons has established a protocol to quickly administer intravenous fluid to prevent these complications, but the protocol is often ignored in rural areas, according to Junkins. His study will focus on whether adhering to the protocol would make a difference in these areas.