Appreciation of the real risks of head injuries has been a long time coming. “Even 10 years ago, if someone took a big hit they were told to get up and play or keep going,” says Mike Shogren, CEO of Prevent Biometrics. “Now reducing major head impacts and understanding concussion risk is a major focus in sports and the military.”

Prevent is one of several companies developing new sensors to precisely measure and record head impacts, which would help identify possible concussions and provide data for studies of cumulative effects. 

Scientists have been trying to measure the forces involved in head trauma for a long time, says Adam Bartsch, the company’s chief science officer. “Decades ago, scientists had to use Rube Goldberg contraptions to study head impact,” he says. “Sometimes these were made from a dental mold with a rigid plate and sensors bigger than dice, with a 10-meter-long cable connecting it to a computer. The wearer would drool and the data wasn’t perfect, but it was the best they had.”

First conceived at the Cleveland Clinic, Prevent’s device, the Impact Monitoring Mouthguard (IMM), fits into the wearer’s mouth, working as both a monitoring tool and a functional mouthguard. It calculates the force, location, direction, and number of impacts and can then transmit data via Bluetooth to other devices for assessment. 

Prevent is using the IMM to study parachute landing falls (or PLFs), a landing technique that was developed by the United States Army as part of its paratrooper training program, using over 2,000 paratroopers as subjects. A correctly executed PLF absorbs the shock of hitting the ground as the parachutist lands feet first and falls sideways, successively distributing the landing shock along the calves, thighs, hips, and back. But an error can whip the parachutist’s head backwards and onto the ground. The IMM’s sensors revealed that this occurs far more often than anyone realized. 

“We found a significant head impact in about 5% of jumps,” says Bartsch. “That’s about 30 times as much as the published incidence of concussion in paratroopers.” A battery of tests confirmed that the events the mouthguard registered as possibly causing concussions had in fact done so. Paratroopers tend to just get up and carry on after a bad landing, so the official figures had previously reflected only the injuries of those who were physically unable to get up on their own. 

In sports, similarly, athletes are often encouraged to “get over it” rather than report an injury. Prevent is carrying out a large-scale project with World Rugby, which will monitor players and allow coaches to take injured players off the field and have them assessed. (Several other instrumented mouthguards—the Biocore, the ORB, and HitIQ—are being developed for other sports, including boxing and lacrosse.) In the future, Prevent hopes to be able to evaluate the total effect of lots of smaller shocks to see under what circumstances they cause serious cumulative injury. “Understanding total exposure on top of just major impacts is also critical,” Shogren says. “It’s like in a boxing match. The impact that knocks you out at the end might not have knocked you out on its own in the first round.”

David Hambling is a technology journalist based in South London.

“Sure, we managed to have the brain say ‘Go eat,’” he says. “But that’s not really an explanation. How does that actually work?” 

To answer that question, Lowell has teamed up with Mark Andermann, a neuroscientist who studies how motivation shapes perception (and who also happens to occupy the office next to his at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center). Together they are following known parts of the neural hunger circuits into uncharted parts of the brain, in some cases activating one neuron at a time to methodically trace new connections through areas so primitive that we share them with lizards. 

Their work could have important implications for public health. More than 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight and more than 650 million are obese, a condition correlated with a wide range of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Understanding the circuits involved could shed new light on the factors that have caused those numbers to skyrocket in recent years.

And it could also help solve the mystery behind a new class of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. Many in the field of public health are billing these drugs, which include Wegovy and Ozempic, as transformative, providing the first effective method of combating obesity, and allowing some individuals to lose more than 15% of their body weight. They’ve also become something of a cultural phenomenon; in the last three months of 2022, US health-care providers wrote more than 9 million prescriptions for the drugs. Yet no one can explain precisely how and why they work. Part of the reason is that scientists still ­haven’t decoded the complex neural machinery involved in the control of appetite. 

“The drugs are producing the good effects, the satiety effects, through some aspect of this larger system,” says Lowell, who has watched their emergence with surprise and genuine fascination. “One of the most important components in figuring out how they work is to define what the system is. And that is what we are doing.” 

But the ultimate goal for Lowell and Andermann is far loftier than simply reverse-engineering the way hunger works. The scientists are searching for the elusive bundle of neurons that allow our instinctual urge to eat to commandeer higher-­order brain structures involved in human motivation, decision-­making, memory, conscious thought, and action. They believe identifying these neurons will make it possible to study how a simple basic impulse—in this case, a signal from the body that energy stores are beginning to run low and need to be replenished—propagates through the brain to dominate our conscious experience and turn into something far more complex: a series of complicated, often well-thought-out actions designed to get food.

This quest has so consumed Lowell in recent years that his graduate students have coined a term for the elusive bundle of brain cells he is seeking: “Holy Grail” neurons. 

It might sound like a tired scientific trope. But for the understated Lowell, the term is perfectly apt: what he’s seeking gets at the very heart of human will. Finding it would be the culmination of decades of work, and something he never imagined would become possible in his lifetime. 

Posted December 16, 2022 by Nick LaFave under Content Creation

Learn everything you need to know with this step-by-step guide on how to use green screen on iMovie for Mac. We’ll cover how to use either video or still images as green screen backgrounds, as well as how to fine-tune your green screen to improve your overall video quality. You can watch the entire video or click on a time-stamp below to jump directly to any topic.

Add a Video Background to a Green Screen Clip 0:17

1. Add a Background Clip to the Timeline 0:23
2. Add a Green Screen Clip to the Timeline 0:38
3. Add the Green Screen Effect 0:48
4. Adjust the Length of Your Clips 1:18
   • Duplicate the Background Clip 1:26
   • Extend the Background Clip 2:08
   • Trim the Green Screen Clip 2:47

Add an Image as a Background to a Green Screen Clip 3:19

1. Add a Background Image to the Timeline 3:24
2. Add a Green Screen Clip to the Timeline 3:33
3. Add the Green Screen Effect 3:41
4. Disable the Ken Burns Effect 3:53
5. Adjust the Length of Your Background Image 4:35

Adjusting the Green Screen Effect 5:13

1. Adjust the Softness of the Edges 5:47
2. Isolate Areas of the Green Screen 6:03
3. Clean Up Areas of the Green Screen 6:31

What Tips Do You Have for Using Green Screen on iMovie for Mac?

Share your ideas in the comments below or on Twitter.

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As you may know by now, the Toyota GR Yaris has been refreshed for 2024 and it comes with a bunch of upgrades and new options.

Previously only available with a six-speed intelligent manual transmission, the GR Yaris now offers broader appeal for driving enthusiasts with the introduction of the automatic option which has been developed through hardcore use in professional motorsport.

The new transmission’s control software has been optimised for dynamic driving, delicately sensing the driver’s operation of the accelerator and brakes to anticipate gear shifts before vehicle behaviour changes, providing incredibly fast and intuitive shifting.

Under the hood, you will find the familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine but it has gained some grunt with an increase from 268 hp (200 kW) to 300 hp (224 kW) at 6,500 rpm. Torque is also boosted by 30 Nm to 400 Nm.

General body rigidity and suspension improvements support a power increase from the turbocharged three-cylinder engine. And it’s not just a new tune, but a “strengthened” valvetrain, a new undisclosed exhaust valve material, an increase in direct injection pressure, a new intake air pressure sensor, and redesigned lightweight pistons.

You will notice that the interior has been totally redesigned to be more driver-centric but it still looks a little odd and outdated in our opinion.

Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed the consideration of introducing the refreshed GR Yaris locally, with further details to be shared at an opportune time.

“One of the big limitations is that a lot of these studies have private data sets that are secret,” Bensoussan says. That makes it difficult to validate the research. The database that she and her colleagues are developing will be publicly available. She expects the first data release to happen before June.

As more data becomes available, expect to see even more apps that can help alert us to health problems on the basis of cough or speech patterns. It’s too soon to say whether those apps will make a significant difference in diagnosis or screening,  but we’ll keep an ear out for any new developments.  

Read more from MIT Technology Review’s archive

Vocal cues could provide a way to diagnose PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, mood disorders, and even heart disease, Emily Mullin wrote in this story from 2017. 

AI tools might perform well  in the lab but falter in the chaos of the real world. Will Douglas Heaven unpacked what happened when Google Health implemented a tool in Thailand to screen people for an eye condition linked to diabetes. 

In a previous issue of The Checkup, Jessica Hamelzou outlined why we shouldn’t let AI make all our health-care decisions: “Doctors may be inclined to trust AI at the expense of a patient’s own lived experiences, as well as their own clinical judgment.” 

From around the web

Safe bathrooms equipped with motion sensors have eliminated overdose deaths at a Boston clinic that serves unhoused individuals in the city’s infamous “methadone mile”—further proof that supervised consumption sites would save lives. (STAT)

Now that we’ve got new blockbuster weight-loss drugs, some companies are looking to develop longer-lasting treatments and preventatives. But some say an obesity-free future won’t come from pharma. “We are not going to be able to treat our way out of this problem, or medicalize our way out of this problem,” says William Dietz, director of the Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at George Washington University. “What we need to do is to come to terms with the kind of environmental forces which are driving obesity, and generate the political will necessary to address those factors.” (STAT) 

Advances in neuroscience have sparked worries that brain-computer interfaces might someday read people’s minds or hamper free will. Now “neurorights” advocates are racing against the clock to push for laws that would protect against the misuse and abuse of neurotechnology. (Undark)

Welcome to a post that brings STEM, STEAM, and Maker Space together with Project Based Learning and proper technology integration in the classroom. You will discover multiple free resources in this post along with some great ideas for finding student success.  Before reading, please take a moment to subscribe by email or RSS and also give me a follow on Twitter  at mjgormans.  I promise you will find some great information coming your way in the posts that follow…So sign up now and please pass this on with a retweet.    – Mike Gorman (https://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/)

Booking Info –  Please contact me (mjgormans@gmail.com) if you are interested in affordable and practical PD that can make an impact right away!. I do come to schools and conferences to share over 40 years of education experiences from my classroom and district office experience to working with hundreds of schools across the nation. I also teach a PBL Masters Class online at Wilkes University. My resume includes services for for ISTE, BIE (PBLWorks), Discovery Education, Wilkes, FETC, Alan November Consulting, and Tech and Learning Magazine. I provide independent consultation and professional development across the country both in person and online.

STEM, STEAM, Makers: Connecting Project Based Learning (PBL)

““Method means that arrangement of subject matter which makes it most effective in use. Never is method something outside of the material. ‎”– John Dewey

The above quote from John Dewey is one that often reminds me of the way STEM, PBL, and technology come together in a wonderful manner. STEM (or STEAM) includes those all-important content standards from the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. While emphasizing these areas is important we must go beyond thinking of STEM content. In the first part of Dewey’s quote we explore the concept of arrangement in the idea of 

“…. arrangement of subject matter which makes it most effective in use …” 

How often are many of the STEM related subjects taught in isolation of other subject areas? Perhaps Algebra is better taught with Physics, or Geometry is included in an Engineering course of study. Think of how genuine meaning could be facilitated as connections are made between the content areas. In fact, there are so many other subject areas that could be used to magnify learning in the STEM areas including language arts, the fine arts, and social studies.  Are our schools providing a delivery of subject matter that allows for this effective use during the course of a school day? Have schools streamlined their schedules to allow subjects to be connected allowing for increased productivity? It is important that we examine the arrangement of the STEM subjects in relationship to each other and the other important content areas. True STEM calls for educators to be intentional about this arrangement.

Let’s take a closer look at Dewey’s quote and his idea of a method. Note that he starts with the idea of a method in an arrangement, and then states,

“Never is method something outside of the material.”. 

The idea of method reminds us that STEM must go beyond content. In fact, it must include effective processes for learning. STEM must go outside of learning isolated content, Instead, it must focus on content standards along with proper pedagogy. This requires going beyond STEM activities and simple inquiry. When working with STEM schools I often suggest that they investigate PBL (Project Based Learning) and include it as their pedagogy or process. PBL provides an important process and pedagogy that allows for the integrated delivery of this content. PBL provides students the important need to know and inquiry, which allows for higher level learning. Technology integration provides tools to drive this process.  PBL also demands that students not just repeat, but also understand STEM concepts in depth while making relationships to real world applications. It is no longer acceptable to just find the answer to a math equation. Students must be able to apply their STEM skills to the real world.  PBL, with its emphasis on authenticity, connections, inquiry, and process, is able to provide these disciplines a necessary pedagogy.  It allows students to own their learning while promoting the inquiry of science, resourcefulness of technology, design principles found in engineering, and application of math.

As we look at the entire quote once again, 

“Method means that arrangement of subject matter which makes it most effective in use. Never is method something outside of the material. ‎”, 

it becomes evident that the influx of technology plays an important role. Keep in mind the role effective use of technology provides in facilitating the concept Dewey suggests in the concept of  method, material, and arrangement of subject matter.  Today’s technology provides both an opportunity for students to learn and inquire, as well as to produce, publish, and connect to the real world. It is the technology integration that provides the ability to amplify the content of STEM and the process of PBL. Through this amplification our students become engaged and can enter a flow, allowing for authentic and exciting learning opportunities. While the computer is important, one must think beyond the device!  Imagine what John Dewey would do with all of the technological possibilities of today!

I do hope you can begin to see why we must go beyond the STEM content and understand how it relates to all subject areas. It must be integrated in a way that makes sense and is both productive and effective. STEM goes beyond concepts, theories, and factoids of information. It also goes beyond activities and inquiry experiences. It must contain a process that makes all of this understandable and comprehended while providing authentic learning experiences that connect to the real world. Educational use of technology must take it far beyond a land, passion, and adventure that Dewey may never have dreamed of. Follow me in the coming series as I explore resources that can help make this exciting journey of STEM learning possible. Explore the PBL based resources below and remember, 

““Method means that arrangement of subject matter which makes it most effective in use. Never is method something outside of the material. ‎”– John Dewey

PBL Project Resources
BIE Tools – PBL Project Search – Here you will find a collection of 450 proven lesson plans to set any PBL desire into action. Look at the database but also click on the home tab to view the entire site.
Learning Reviews – This website claims to connect kids to learning on the web. It really connects kids to awesome, engaging, rigorous, and relevant projects. It points to numerous websites on the internet that house some great PBL possibilities. Be sure to check out all of the subjects and grade levels.
Here are more than 30 websites with free PBL examples, guidance, rubrics, and templates.  To see project-based learning lessons sorted by subject go to:

Others

• Project Foundry – Great collection of PBL resources, projects, and ideas
• Edutopia –This link brings you to a wonderful PBL treasure chest of ideas, resources, and research.
• High Tech High School– Selection of PBL projects from High Tech High in San Diego, California
• Envision Schools Project Exchange – Collection of projects from Envision School
• CIESE – There are a number of projects in the site, not all are active, but they do provide some great ideas.
• iEarn – Another favorite based on UN Sustainability Goals. Take a look for collaboration ideas.
• Take Action Science Project Blog – Follow this wonderful blogger on some great PBL ideas.
• eGFI – An awesome STEM site filled with some great PBL ideas. Subscribe to the free newsletter.

Thanks for joining me on another journey dedicated to learning in the 21st Century! As always I invite you to follow me on Twitter (@mjgormans), I will return the favor and we can teach each other! I also encourage you to sign up for this blog by email or RSS.  I invite you to share this posts with others through email or a retweet!  Thanks for your visit and know that I will keep  sharing, teaching, and facilitating all learners! – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)

Booking Info – Check out my Booking Page… Please contact me soon (mjgormans@gmail.com) if you have an interest. I am finding my calendar becoming full but still have some dates through 2022.

Automotive

Stellantis unveiled its latest electric vehicle (EV) platform, the STLA Large, signaling a leap forward in the company’s electrification efforts that will dictate the electrified future for many brands under the Stellantis umbrella. The STLA Large platform is designed to be highly flexible, catering to a wide range of vehicles in the D and E segments, including cars, crossovers, and SUVs. The platform boasts several segment-leading capabilities, making it a key component of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.

One of the standout features of the STLA Large platform is its impressive 500-mile range, made possible by an embedded energy capacity of 118 kWh. The platform also showcases efficient charging capabilities, with a charging efficiency of 4.5 kWh per minute. Additionally, the STLA Large platform promises high-performance vehicle dynamics, achieving 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in the 2-second range, setting a new standard in the industry.

To enhance flexibility, the STLA Large platform is available in both 400-volt and 800-volt battery electric vehicle (BEV) architectures. This versatility allows the platform to underpin a variety of vehicles, making it the most flexible BEV-native platform in the industry. Stellantis plans to launch eight vehicles based on the STLA Large platform across five of its brands from 2024 to 2026.

Dodge and Jeep® are set to lead the vehicle launches in North America, with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Maserati following suit. The platform’s adaptability is highlighted by its ability to accommodate diverse vehicle types, from family-oriented cars to high-performance models and off-road 4x4s to luxury vehicles.

The STLA Large platform’s engineering flexibility extends to its physical dimensions, allowing adjustments to the wheelbase, overall length, width, height, and ground clearance. This adaptability enables designers to tailor vehicles to specific performance objectives, including ride, handling, and comfort.

In terms of propulsion systems, the STLA Large platform supports both 400-volt and 800-volt electric architectures, providing engineers with the freedom to configure front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive layouts. The platform’s three-in-one electric drive modules (EDMs) incorporate the motor, power inverter, and gear reduction, allowing for performance upgrades through over-the-air software updates during the vehicle’s lifespan.

Stellantis emphasizes the importance of balancing driving range and cost, offering battery pack options with energy ratings between 85 and 118 kWh. The platform targets an overall range of 800 km/500 miles for sedans and is designed to accommodate future energy storage technologies.

With its commitment to electrification, Stellantis is investing over €50 billion in electrification over the next decade. The company aims to achieve a 100% passenger car BEV sales mix in Europe and a 50% mix in the United States by 2030. The STLA Large platform, along with other global BEV platforms, plays a crucial role in achieving these ambitious targets and driving Stellantis toward a sustainable and electrified future.

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Many CRISPR treatments are in trials, but in 2022, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, based in Boston, was first to bring one to regulators for approval. That treatment was for sickle-cell. After their bone marrow was edited, nearly all the patients who volunteered in the trial were pain free. 

Good news. But the expected price tag of the gene-editing treatment is $2 to $3 million. And Vertex has no immediate plans to offer it in Africa—where sickle-cell disease is most common, and where it still kills children.

The company says this is because the treatment regimen is so complex. It involves a hospital stay; doctors remove the bone marrow, edit the cells, and then transplant them back. In countries that still struggle to cover basic health needs, the procedure remains too demanding. So simpler, cheaper ways to deliver CRISPR could come next.