The Brain Research And Information Network [BRAINETWORK]
The Brain Research And Information Network [BRAINETWORK] |
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| The Brain Research and Information Network [BRAINetwork] began as a broad initiative in 2005 and is now focused on transdisciplinary research in the neurocognitive sciences, brain wellness and health via the BRAINetwork Centre for Neurocognitive Science. It is a niche research area of the School of Health Sciences. The aim is to map the pathway of reward-controlled learning and memory and construct a computational model that would enable us to develop a greater understanding of learning and memory.A Neuroplastic Curriculum© has been proposed which explores the relationship between neurocognitive ability, cognitive bias and a brain-based affective pedagogy on learning and memory. Emphasis is also placed on developing ethical and legal guidelines in relation to the various moral dilemmas within the neurocognitive sciences. | |
| The BRAINetwork team consists of both national and international researchers from both the sciences and humanities, all of whom have the same interest in understanding the human mind. There are 3 broad research areas of interest undertaken by the BRAINetwork team, each of which uses different research strategies and forms of validation in order to develop hypotheses and conduct research across projects. | |
| ResearchComponent1: Reconstruction of the neural microcircuitry of reward-controlled learning in the rat hippocampus. | |
| This component aimsto construct a computational model of the reward-controlled learning and memory pathway via neurobehavioural, neurocognitive, deep-brain neuroimaging methods [ EEG, MRI, laser imaging] and simulation-based research into the molecular basis of neurocognitive decline. This project is essential for developing a greater understanding of the mechanisms related to reward-controlled learning and memory system at the molecular level. | |
| Research Component 2: Neurocognitive decline [NCD] and the recovery of neurocognitive function in the postoperative period secondary to traumatic brain injury. | |
| This component aims to determine the neurocognitive profile of patients with traumatic brain injury and correlate this with the biochemical markers of inflammation [ CRP, IL1 and IL10 ] and axonal damage [ tau and C-tau protein ] with the aim of developing a marker for NCD. It also aims to assess neurocognitive bias in the decision-making process of patients with NCD via a neurobehavioural and neuroethical approach. | |
| Research Component 3: Neurocognitive parameters of embedded learning in the neuroplastic curriculum© | |
| This componentis a BRAINetwork Outreach Programme that directly benefits communities [ the bottom billion] and has the following three-pronged approach: [1] Stimulate embedded learning, [2] Screen for neurocognitive decline and cognitive bias and [3] Set up sustainable satellite community brain-mind centres. Ultimately, BRAINetwork aims to develop screening protocols for various learning abilities and intelligences. | |
| The three components of research undertaken by BRAINetwork are centred around fundamental research, which explores the molecular mechanisms of neurocognitive decline , translational research, which is clinically based, and action research, which directly impacts on the community. Ultimately, the aim is to increase collective understanding of the applications of neurocognitive science in relation to health and neurocognitive wellness. | |
| Contact Person: Professor Zalina Ismail School of Health Sciences |
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drzalina @ gmail.com; zalina @ kb.usm.my |