MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'games'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:53:03 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181903&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F30%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-august-30-2011%2F I’m not sure we’re ever fully immune to it-that pout, that stomp, that automatic childlike reaction to things not going our way. “It’s not fair,” seems to never want to grow up. As we get older, however, the disappointments get bigger. It’s not the game we lost, but the games we can’t even play that upsets us. It’s not the rides we can’t get on, but the rides that life thrusts upon us on that really gets our goat. It’s not the gifts we didn’t get, but the unwanted gifts we got that makes us want to be a kid again, throw our hands up in the air, cry and scream, “It’s not fair!” Whether it’s physical or mental illness, tragedy or a natural disaster, life will hand us unexpected challenges. Challenges th... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181903 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:03:56 +0100 5181903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159273&cid=t_104764_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNeilVerselsHealthcareItBlog%2F%7E3%2FZjs4PeBLyJ4%2F You know a topic has arrived in healthcare or medicine when there’s a peer-reviewed journal for it. Now officially here is the field of gaming as a tool for healthcare, legitimized by the presence of a new journal, Games for Health, from well-known publisher Mary Ann Liebert Inc. The bimonthly journal launched in July, and the first issue is due out this fall. According to Liebert’s press release: “Games are rapidly becoming an important tool for improving health behaviors ranging from healthy lifestyle habits and behavior modification to self-management of illnesses and chronic conditions to motivating and supporting physical activity. Commonly used applications include mobile phone-delivered games that track daily exercise and ‘exergames’ that require physic... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159273 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:21:41 +0100 5159273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159228&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2011%2F08%2F22%2Fvirtual-environments-for-health%2F Buffer Another useful health application developed with game engines. Relax in a beautiful virtual world when you can’t go there. The real environment is to be preferred but not everyone is able to go there. Interesting research, not only a good idea but also proven effective after the research, hopefully. Reporter Daniel Cressey takes a trip to the University of Birmingham for a walk through a virtual world. By recreating the positive effects of spending time in natural environments, Bob Stone and his team hope to help those who can’t get out and about by bringing these environments to them. Buffer   No related posts. (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159228 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:17:40 +0100 5159228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118716&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F26686253%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EStudy-Brain-Games-Give-Cognitive-Boost.htm At last, there is scientific proof that it’s possible to boost generalized cognitive performance with specific training, in this case web-based brain games. For years, we’ve heard first that we should keep sharp by doing crossword puzzles or similar brain-challenging activities, only to find later that research has been unable to prove their effectiveness in [...] CommentsPosit counts Dr. Michael Merzenich, a key figure in ... by Roger DooleyI'm a big fan of Lumosity. Can definitely see improvement in my ... by Ben MillerPlus 6 more...Related StoriesBrain Fitness: Skip the Sudoku, Be a VolunteerA Better Brain in Four DaysUse Your Cell Phone, Save Your Brain (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118716 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:38:24 +0100 5118716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096679&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2FdRz7UvDFjxg%2F Watson: Do Mind the Wainscoting Interview in which the lead researcher for the Watson/Jeopardy machine learning project reveals how the program detects patterns in natural language to answer trivia puzzles in the game show Jeopardy. Short video is part of a series for World Science Festival’s  Man Made Minds video week, which includes more clips about Watson’s design and performance. Above video: news report about Watson’s Jeopardy win. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096679 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:24:09 +0100 5096679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077868&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FbVs7OP1xH_I%2F In recent years, we have witnessed the beginnings of a revolution in education.  Technology has fundamentally altered the way we do many things in daily life, but it is just starting to make headway in changing the way we teach.  Just as television shows like Sesame Street enhanced the passive learning of information for kids by teaching in a fun format, electronic games offer to greatly enhance the way kids and adults are taught by actively engaging them in the process. The Entertainment Software Association estimates that sixty-seven percent of American households play video or computer games [1].  They are especially popular among young males, with a recent study of teenagers by researchers at Yale reporting that 76.3% of male (and 29.2% of female) teens play video games [2].  These... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077868 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:36:31 +0100 5077868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051014&cid=t_104764_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FvCWivTBeroA%2F Whether video games can really be healthy still seems up for debate, but they’re certainly not going away anytime soon (especially if the recent study showing some women prefer gaming to sex is any indication). Which is probably why Deepak Chopra decided to hop on the Wii bandwagon and create Leela, an interactive meditation game for Xbox Kinect and Wii. Chopra told the Associated Press he hopes his game will provide an alternative to the less-beneficial games on the market: I personally believe that you can accelerate neural development and biological evolution through video games. Unfortunately, that’s not what we’re doing right now. What we’re doing is creating addictions to violence, adrenaline and mindlessness, rather than mindfulness. That was my personal moti... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051014 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:01:53 +0100 5051014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008328&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2011%2F07%2F06%2Fproun-game-inspired-on-kandinskys-paintings%2F Buffer Love games and I do love paintings by Kandinsky. Was surprised to read a bout a Dutch game designer: Joost “Oogst” van Dongen. The previous link is to his blog were he writes a lot about designing the game and his admiration for early 20th century painters especially Kandinsky Proun was made because there were ideas in my head that wanted to come out. They wanted to be a game. I wanted them to be a game. Design choices in Proun were not made to make it the best game for the player, or to make as much money as possible. Proun was made because I love the experimental art from the early 20th century, and I wanted to express this love in a game. Proun was made because I was fascinated by having a world where there is no up or down, and everything rotates. You can download t... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008328 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 05:32:59 +0100 5008328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975827&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Ffsa2Wum2Vxs%2F By Julian SanchezI note that I’m not hearing many critics of Citizens United decrying yesterday’s very welcome Supreme Court ruling, in which the majority held unconstitutional a California statute prohibiting the sale or rental of violent video games to minors. Perhaps that’s just because they’re concerned with corporate influence on elections as a policy matter, and not so much about Grand Theft Auto, but as a matter of First Amendment interpretation, it seems as though the elements that supposedly made Citizens United a travesty are present here. As the conservative Justice Alito notes in dissent, for example, the statute at issue here does not prohibit anyone from creating, possessing, freely loaning, or playing violent video games: It regulates only their renta... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975827 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:39:05 +0100 4975827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968576&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F26%2Fdont-have-enough-time-7-practical-steps-to-try%2F Some mornings Theresa Daytner spends hours hiking. She also goes on trail rides, used to weight-lift twice a week with a trainer, reads nightly, watches her favorite TV show, enjoys massages, gets her hair done and planned a huge surprise birthday party for her husband, with people arriving from all over the country. And she sleeps at least seven hours a night. Oh, and as journalist Laura Vanderkam writes in her book, 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think, Daytner is busier than most. She’s the owner of a seven-figure revenue company and the mother of six children, including twins! She also coaches soccer and regularly attends her kids’ games, is helping her 21-year-old plan a wedding and is expanding her business. I barely have time to clean my room, do one load of laundry, coo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968576 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:20:10 +0100 4968576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934550&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fr7ddNltOXQU%2F (Editor’s Note: the recent trade book Computer Games and Instruction brings together the leading edge perspectives of over a dozen scientists in the area of videogames and learning, including a very insightful analysis –excerpted below– by Harvard’s Chris Dede. Please pay attention to his thoughts on scalability below, and enjoy!) — The research overview provided by Tobias, Fletcher, and Dai (this volume) is very helpful in summarizing studies to date on various dimensions of educational games and simulations. The next challenge for the field is to move beyond isolated research in which each group of investigators uses an idiosyncratic set of definitions, conceptual frameworks, and methods. Instead, to make further progress, we as scholars should adopt common research strategies ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934550 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:24:20 +0100 4934550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753831&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2Ie6h3vlNCc%2F Ready to see how well you can remember random words or, more difficult, names? Click here to test your brain. You will also be able to check your mental speed with a reaction time test. All 3 exercises will give you an idea of where you are at compared to other people of the same age. To improve your performance, you may want to read this post before trying the games: How can I improve concentration and memory? Enjoy. Hope your brain surprises you! (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753831 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:55:01 +0100 4753831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4742535&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F0vszrfUIDvw%2F A new study suggests that virtual reality and other video games involving motion can enhance motor improvement after a stroke. The improvement seems to be greater than the one observed with traditional therapy. This result is quite promising since 55 to 75% of stroke survivors experience motor problem in their arms. The study was a meta-analysis that looked at 12 previously published studies, for a total of 195 patients. Most were observational studies in which the patients used a variety of virtual (e.g., Wii) and non-virtual  (e.g., Glasstron) games during therapy. In the 5 randomized studies, a group of patients was assigned to standard therapy and another to virtual reality therapy. Patients in virtual reality therapy had 4.89 times higher chance of improvement in motor strength... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4742535 Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:20:41 +0100 4742535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642675&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F28%2Fdelusions-keep-up-with-the-times%2F Would you imagine the content of people’s delusions would change with the changing times? Well, according to Vaughan Bell writing over at Mind Hacks, they do. Research that analyzed the content of people’s delusions over the past few decades found that people’s delusions do indeed change. They recorded the content of the delusions for every patient with psychosis and while they didn’t find that the level of delusions changed, they did find that they tended to relate to the social concerns of the time. …more patients after 1950 believe they are being spied upon is consistent with the development of related technology and the advent of the Cold War. Delusional content tended to reflect the culture at the time, with focus on syphilis in the early 1900s, on Germans during... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642675 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:55:28 +0100 4642675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592719&cid=t_104764_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FFfcrzzTIkKg%2F I went in to my local Barnes & Noble the other day and found that things had changed considerably. The first thing I noticed when I walked in the front door was a huge display for their Nook book reader. It was a large exhibit which blocked your entrance to the rest of the store. The Nook’s were available with different options and a huge array of covers and accessories. As I walked past the display, the rest of the store came into focus. Instead of books, I was greeted with all sorts of games, kits, and flashy marketing. I felt like I was in a toy store. The visual stimulation was almost overwhelming. It was like a blog post in ALL CAPS… Everything was shouting at me. I went to the business book section and found it had been ignored. Most of the books were in the shelf so... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592719 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:15:04 +0100 4592719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570587&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F10%2Ffind-psych-central-psychologists-at-sxsw-this-weekend%2F The annual trek to Austin Texas by geeks from around the country begins tomorrow. I started attending SXSW Interactive (read: South by Southwest) in 1999 and did my first presentation there a year later (yes, 11 years ago!). Despite the Interactive portion being mainly about web development and technology, SXSW has always recognized the importance that technology plays in our health and mental health. And it’s this recognition and interesting discussions that keep people like me coming back year after year. Sure, SXSW is about the many parties, the great keynotes, and wandering the vast air-conditioned desert expanses that are the Austin Convention Center. But it’s mostly about the great, creative people you meet at SXSW, and connecting with them to think of new ways you can de... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570587 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:46:24 +0100 4570587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549822&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FM1_XBSQ2U8o%2F This article shows how Marble: The Brain Store has developed a very interactive retail experience to help consumers find the products that are right for them. Note that we will have a chance to learn more about the concept as Lindsay Gaskins, CEO of Marbles, will be speaking at the SharpBrains Summit this month (March 30 — April 1). Marbles is making its mark with entertainment and service. This is not a typical game store. Employees are called brain coaches, not sales associates, and are trained on how to play the hundreds of games and puzzles and software in the store. Like a bookstore, Marbles divides its products by subject: critical thinking, memory, coordination, visual perception and word skills. The store carries 250 products […] There are games for fine-motor skills, stress re... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549822 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:43:14 +0100 4549822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507427&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F3ESQXRW2Tms%2F Cognitive performance can be improved but people vary in their ability to do so. It is not clear yet how to assess who will benefit the most from training and the cognitive tests used in the past were not very good at predicting this.   Dr. Kramer and his colleagues recently showed that the brain activity in a specific part of the brain (the dorsal striatum) at the start of training in a complex video-game could accurately predict how well people will benefit from the training.  Thirty-four young adults with little experience in playing video games were trained to play a complex video game called Space Fortress. After initial instruction, they played the game while their brains were being scanned using fMRI. For the next three to eight weeks (38 days on average) they completed ten two-... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507427 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:33:25 +0100 4507427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507372&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2011%2F02%2F22%2Fwho-are-more-likely-to-experience-flow%2F This study posted invitations on more than 20 web sites which online gamers frequently visited for searching gaming information and group members. Those experiencing high levels of flow during gaming also had higher scores on novelty seeking, persistence, and self transcendence. Self-directedness was negatively correlated with flow. Novelty seekers are those that favor new things, they concentrate on new things. Persistence is perseverance regardless of frustration and fatigue, those are the ones that keep going. Self-directedness is a character trait not a temperament such as the previous dimensions. Self-transcendence is the tendency to regard one’s self as an integral part of the universe, i.e., ‘‘everything turned into one interdependent whole’’. Self-directedness represents ... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507372 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:55:44 +0100 4507372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489814&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2F6msW4V4QWdo%2F Cynthia Breazeal: The rise of personal robots MIT roboticist Breazeal (the best-dressed TED speaker ever) talks about human-robot interaction, robopsychology, and the future of personal robotics including toys for children. Video features interactive transcript. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489814 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:30:24 +0100 4489814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460053&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2HoNJkXp0Bo%2F CONCLUSION In terms of the first hour or so of play, users in this age group will be most motivated to engage with mobile brain training game technology when it’s perceived as providing a good challenge, of some practical benefit and is in some way familiar. Users will see usability issues, poor communication from the game and games that are inappropriately timed, i.e. too fast, as barriers to engagement. You can help us further understand what constitutes an enjoyable puzzle game experience for seniors by downloading the free iPhone app and participating in the next study. – Donal O’Brien is a PhD candidate at the Sonic Arts Research Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. His work is concerned with mobile digital game design and evaluation for seniors. His main interests are ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460053 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:23:12 +0100 4460053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4439026&cid=t_104764_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecognizing-co-dependency%2F Alcoholism may be a disease of isolation, but it is rarely an individual problem. Understanding how "enabling" works is the first step in helping both the alcoholic and the co-dependent seek help.Enabling is any action by another person or an institution that intentionally or unintentionally has the effect of facilitating the continuation of an individual’s addictive process.Who Is An Enabler? Most often, enablers are persons who genuinely care about the alcoholic — family, friends, co-workers, clergy.Their love and concern, unfortunately, often leads them to do things that actually help the alcoholic stay that way.They "cover" for the alcoholic, inventing excuses for absenteeism, tardiness, or inappropriate behavior.They "save" the alcoholic by taking... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4439026 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 15:12:00 +0100 4439026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419284&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FlPZS9ZfA6Hc%2F Discussion focused on Brain Fitness, to take place on Monday March 14th in honor of Brain Awareness Week 2011 (March 14-20th). Let’s discuss burning issues together: Why care about neuroplasticity and the possibilities it offers to enrich our quality of life? What does cognitive reserve research mean to the way we learn, work, play, live? What is Brain Training — and what is not? All the conversation be virtual, via social media tools. You can learn more here. This edition of SharpBrains monthly eNewslet­ter brings many articles on those topics. Enjoy! Research Bites The value of neuroimaging: Researcher Joaquin Anguera from UCSF shares with us what a par­tic­i­pant goes through when vol­un­teering for a neu­ro­science exper­i­ment these days. How to boost self-control: Dav... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419284 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:47:10 +0100 4419284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433258&cid=t_104764_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspieweb.net%2Fautistic-great-at-xbox-autism-microsoft-calls-him-a-cheater%2F A boy who lives a very isolated life due to his Autism excels at playing video games.  The only problem is hes so good hes been labeled a cheater on the XBox by Microsoft.   I don’t know the whole story here but this is rather disconcerning. Microsoft has not been responding to the news media and [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433258 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:41:28 +0100 4433258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338110&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Flt_1SrI1T_Y%2F This study shows that this may be true only for specific, high-level functions.  Indeed, here training probabilistic inference benefited several perceptual and sensory tasks. So, it may be that the more basic the function trained, the more tasks the function will be involved in and thus the more tasks will benefit from the training. Something to keep in mind when choosing which mental activity may be the right one for you. Who may benefit from the sensory improvement provided by playing action video games? Many people for whom it is important to make quick decisions based on visual or auditory information (if you are a surgeon or in the middle of a battle field). Focusing on vision, Daphne Bave­lier, one of the authors of the study, suggested that “inter­ven­tions that include action... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338110 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:30:27 +0100 4338110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304946&cid=t_104764_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Finfertility-edutainment-to-help.html Infertile couples need to learn about IVF - but it's boring to read pages and pages of text. The good news is that we've made learning about IVF fun ! You can actually learn all about infertility while playing solitaire ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304946 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:20:00 +0100 4304946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294828&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FF_-YgpOQQ2c%2F As part of the research behind the book The SharpBrains Guide for Brain Fitness we interviewed dozens of leading cognitive health and fitness scientists and experts worldwide to learn about their research and thoughts, and have a number of take-aways to report. What can we clearly say today that we couldn’t have said only 10 years ago? That what neuroscience pioneer Santiago Ramon y Cajal claimed in the XX century, “Every man can, if he so desires, become the sculptor his own brain”, may well become reality in the XXI. And transform Education, Health, Training, and Gaming in the process, since we have only scratched the surface of what science-based structured mental exercise can do for lifelong brain health and productivity. We are now witnessing the birth of a new field that cross... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294828 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:56:49 +0100 4294828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294635&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fptsd-flashbacks-reduced-by-playing-tetris%2F2010.12.26 Flashbacks are vivid, recurring, intrusive, and unwanted mental images of a past traumatic experience. They are a sine qua non of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although drugs and cognitive behavioral interventions are available to treat PTSD, clinicians would prefer to utilize some sort of early intervention to prevent flashbacks from developing in the first place.  Well, researchers at Oxford University appear to have found one. Remarkably, all it takes is playing Tetris. Yes, Tetris! The team responsible for the discovery was led by Emily Holmes. The writeup appears in the November issue of PLoS ONE. Holmes and colleagues had reasoned that the human brain has a limited capacity to process memories, and that memory consolidation following a traumatic experience is typically co... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294635 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:00:52 +0100 4294635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259109&cid=t_104764_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspiewebnet%2F%7E3%2FaqYo1tCeGvM%2F I wanted to talk about how gaming lets us be whoever we want. As you all well know, we tend to enter our own fantasy world to get away from reality. Places that either we have full control of or have things go our own ways; video games allow us to do this exact desire [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259109 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:09:51 +0100 4259109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249144&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FxAEgL8C2KQY%2F The frontal lobes of the brain (in gray here) have been compared to an orchestra conductor, ­influencing, directing, and moderating many other brain functions. Indeed, the frontal lobes support the so-called executive functions: decision-making, problem-solving, planning, inhibiting, as well as other high-level functions (social behavior, emotional control, working memory, etc.). Ready for an executive workout? The functions of the frontal lobes are crucial for work and life in general. How can we preserve and enhance these functions? Research tells us that cognitive or brain reserve (i.e., the brain’s resilience to pathology) can be increased by mental exercise. Mental exercise has to be challenging (to trigger the formation of new synapses and neurons) and repeated (a single teaser wi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249144 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:48:25 +0100 4249144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233240&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F12%2F06%2Fviolent-games-increase-prosocial-behavior%2F Dr Shock is utterly biased when it comes to gaming. Especially when Call of Duty is used for research into the topic of possible negative or positive influences of exposure to violent games. This recent research with the action game “Call of Duty” did not support any negative influence of gaming on prosocial behavior or civic engagement. On the contrary this research found some support for increased prosocial behavior and civic engagement in those playing action games especially when their parents were more technically savvy and involved in game play. So all parents should play with their kids, even action games. Probably the team oriented multiplayer options in many of these games increase more social behavior. Prosocial behavior is caring about the welfare and rights of other... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233240 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:45:35 +0100 4233240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214311&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F_hBTJuht35c%2F Over the last four years we have posted over 100 puzzles, teasers, riddles, illusions, and every form of mental exercise that both challenges and enlightens our minds. Below you have a selection of the ten most popular ones among SharpBrains readers. Enjoy! Top Ten Brain Teasers and Games for Kids and Adults alike 1. Can you count?: Basketball attention experiment (Interactive). 2. Which way is the bus heading?. 3. Words in your brain: do you know where words are “stored” in your brain?. 4. Please Spot the Differences. 5. Do you think you know the colors?: Quick, try the Stroop Test. 6. Clinically proven Stress Management tip. 7. Riddle for the Whole Brain: The Blind Beggar. 8. What is going on with these pictures?. 9. Puzzles Teasers for the Weekend: a few challenges to ex... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214311 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:51:17 +0100 4214311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207527&cid=t_104764_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FzVdH8iBjZoo%2F The objective is to keep your space without falling down. Twister is loads of fun, with lots of laughter a near guarantee. 4. Tetris. This highly addictive digital puzzle game is one of the most popular games in the world (and it can be downloaded online for free!). Tetris starts with colored blocks in assorted geometric shapes, falling at a slow pace. The objective is to drop the pieces, fitting them together until there are four rows of neatly lined blocks. When done, the screen will clear and you can continue. As the blocks start dropping faster, it’s up to the player to think quicker. Tetris will show you exactly how fast your mind and fingers can work together. 5. Oregon Trail. This educational computer game is a classic! Oregon Trail is a role playing game where you assume the role... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207527 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:40:32 +0100 4207527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4186904&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-clinical-case-game-for-your-iphone-or-ipad%2F2010.11.20 A new iPhone/iPad game called “Prognosis: Your Diagnosis” looks like a decent attempt at making clinical case studies into a fun activity. Though it’s not clear how accurate and educational the game really is, the interface and goofy screenshots can certainly provide the foundation on which to deliver great content. iTunes: Prognosis: Your Diagnosis… Hat tip: ScienceRoll *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4186904 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:00:52 +0100 4186904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183396&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fmiilgyg-0P8%2F When I give a presentation about brain health and fitness, there are always a few people who come tell me afterward that they do crossword puzzles everyday. They heard that mental exercise is good for the brain so they are pleased and proud to report that they do the best they can to maintain their brain functions. But are they really? What if I was a gym instructor? Would the same people tell me proudly that to keep their whole body in shape they do biceps movements everyday, and that’s all they do? I DO feel like I was this gym instructor when I hear the crossword puzzles claim! Solving crossword puzzles repetitively is not the best habit for two reasons. First, the first crossword puzzles one did were truly stimulating but the marginal value declines with repetition. You may remember ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183396 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:09:00 +0100 4183396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133662&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FkCfj3_-6pKE%2F By Ilya ShapiroOn Tuesday — you may have missed this because of some political developments that day — the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants Association.  This case is a First Amendment challenge to a California law that prohibits selling violent video games to minors.  Cato had filed a brief pointing out that, to paraphrase the Four Tops, it’s just the same ol’ song, but with a different meaning whenever a new form of entertainment comes along.  In other words, it is difficult to find any form of entertainment that did not once suffer the ire of parents’ groups, smoldering church bonfires, and would-be government protectors of children. From the Brothers Grimm, to “penny dreadful” novels, to comic books, t... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133662 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:19:01 +0100 4133662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119372&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FB0tuOcj_dkI%2F Visual illusions are fun and interesting: They can tell us a lot about our brain. The brain has two hemispheres, each divided into four lobes. Each lobe is responsible for different functions. For instance the frontal cortex (in blue here) is responsible for decision making and planning; the temporal lobe (in green) for language and memory; and the parietal lobe (in yellow) for attention and spatial skills. The occipital lobe (in red) is entirely devoted to vision: It is thus the place where visual illusions happen. The frontal lobe represents 41% of total cerebral cortex volume; the temporal lobe 22%; the parietal lobe 19%; and the occipital lobe 18%. There is thus a huge part of our brain devoted to processing visual information. How the visual system processes shapes, colors, sizes, etc... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119372 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:02:00 +0100 4119372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119235&cid=t_104764_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FEkCZLjIu3jQ%2Fdefining-and-understanding-violent-video-games-.html Guest blogger Maria Chesley Fisk, Ph.D., is Deputy Director of Health Games Research, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Pioneer Portfolio, which funds research to advance the innovation and effectiveness of digital games and game technologies intended to improve health. On November the 2rd, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case of Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Software Association.  The court will hear arguments for and against the state of California’s yet-to-be-enacted law banning the sale of violent video games to youth under the age of 18. Under the law, violent video games would be labeled 18 and those who sell them to minors could be fined up to $1000. Games used as examples include Resident Evil 4 and Tom Clancy Rainbow Six 3. The California... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119235 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4119235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025660&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F10%2F03%2Fgeek-living%2F Constantly measure your activity, sleep, mood, exercise, food…. It can be done and calculated to the detail and monitored. …..intriguing new pastime: using mobile apps and always-on gadgets to track and analyze your body, mood, diet, spending — just about everything in daily life you can measure — in gloriously geeky detail. Want to have all those sensors. Related posts:Living Life to the Full Healthy Living Blog Tips Carnival The Diet Plate, food and depression (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025660 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 06:46:34 +0100 4025660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025610&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FMII5tKb42w0%2F By David BoazFree-marketers often point to the varying success of pairs of countries — the United States vs. the Soviet Union, West vs. East Germany, Hong Kong and Taiwan vs. China — to illustrate the benefits of markets over planning, regulation, and socialism. Some even point out the closer but real differences in GDP per capita between the United States and Western Europe. In his 1984 book Endless Enemies (p. 380) Jonathan Kwitny added the less familiar pairs “Morocco versus Algeria, Malaysia versus Indonesia, Thailand versus Burma, Kenya versus Tanzania.” Now Rama Lakshmi reports in the Washington Post that we can see the results of two systems of political economy in one country: It didn’t take long for the first athletes arriving in New Delhi last week f... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025610 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 20:23:37 +0100 4025610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4022966&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F10%2F01%2Fbrain-training-software%2F Founded in 2003 in San Francisco, Posit Science helps adults stay vibrant throughout their lives with brain fitness software that engages the brain’s natural plasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire.) Neuroscientists collaborate with a team of more than 50 scientists from leading institutions around the globe to develop and test programs that improve cognitive performance—and enhance quality of life. Try the 60 second brain game or Word Wanderer. There’s even an iPhone app to train to remember names. Related posts:10 myths about training your brain demistified Does Brain Training Help? Brain Training for Elderly Better On Paper or Computer? (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4022966 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:38:25 +0100 4022966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013346&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FiVuc_6nKUho%2F Are you familiar with mental rotation? As the name indicates it refers to moving things around in your head. It is one of the numerous visuospatial skills that humans have. Let’s take an exam­ple. Can you pic­ture in your head an arrow point­ing to the right? Now, turn this arrow so it points to the left. Done? You have just per­formed a men­tal rota­tion. Although it is rare to consciously imagine objects moving, peo­ple automatically use this abil­ity when they read maps, use tools, play chess, arrange fur­ni­ture, drive in traf­fic, etc. Men­tal rota­tion relies mostly on the pari­etal areas of your brain (yellow sec­tion in the brain image above). Here is a brain exer­cise to stim­u­late your men­tal rota­tion skills. The top shape is your model. Among the 3 ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013346 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:43:13 +0100 4013346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003205&cid=t_104764_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fplaying-video-games-improves-handeye-coordination-surgeons%2F New research published in the journal Cortex shows that the hand-eye coordination skills developed in playing video games is very similar to the skills obtained by top laparoscopic surgeons. Lead author Joshua Granek of the Vision Research Center in York, Canada shares his thoughts on his study. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003205 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:42:20 +0100 4003205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987044&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F273u-NWF8og%2F By Ilya Shapiro“These kids today and their violent [blank]….” This refrain has been around for as long as there have been kids – and elders to shake their fists at them. In the 19th century, dime novels and “penny dreadfuls” were blamed for social ills and juvenile delinquency. In the 1950s, for example, psychologist Fredric Wertham’s attack on comic books – in his bluntly titled book Seduction of the Innocent – so ignited the national ire that Congress held hearings on the cartoon menace. In response, the comic book industry voluntarily adopted a ratings system. Similarly, backlash against the movie industry and the music industry (e.g., Tipper Gore’s attack on gangsta rap) caused those respective industries to also adopt volu... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987044 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:06:26 +0100 3987044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982133&cid=t_104764_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FxT4umjtcdpk%2F We hear quite frequently that it is possible to help maintain your memory by doing such things as work on crossword puzzles and fill in Sudoku grids. However, there are not a lot of college students doing the crossword in the paper. Instead, more and more, people are far more likely to be online, looking for amusement via the Internet. The good news is that online games do not necessarily mean brain decay. Indeed, you could actually get a little help boosting your brain power for your university assignments with a little help from the casual games you play online and via Facebook. Recent studies suggest that casual games can actually make you smarter. A recent study from East Carolina University suggests that casual games could actually enhance your cognitive ability. The study was prese... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982133 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:37:54 +0100 3982133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982106&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fneither-borrower-or-lender-be-they-say.html “Can I borrow $20 bucks?” George asked me as he arrived at work this morning. “What for?” I asked warily, sounding like my father. “It’s for sodas and lunch,” George replied. “Momma is being chitzy with her money fearing I will drink on it. I can’t wait for payday.” I pulled out my wallet and gave George $20 bucks. He thanked me profusely and headed back out to get busy bringing in the carts. I think Mrs. Florene and I are both warily anticipating payday – fearing George will go back to his old ways. A pretty new liquor store opened up just a mile from Mrs. Florene’s house and it both worries us. George could easily walk down and get a drink. It would be a matter of days before his parole officer downloaded the data off his monitoring device and it would be a go bac... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982106 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:26:00 +0100 3982106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3980988&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fneither-borrower-or-lender-be-they-say.html “Can I borrow $20 bucks?” George asked me as he arrived at work this morning. “What for?” I asked warily, sounding like my father. “It’s for sodas and lunch,” George replied. “Momma is being chitzy with her money fearing I will drink on it. I can’t wait for payday.” I pulled out my wallet and gave George $20 bucks. He thanked me profusely and headed back out to get busy bringing in the carts. I think Mrs. Florene and I are both warily anticipating payday – fearing George will go back to his old ways. A pretty new liquor store opened up just a mile from Mrs. Florene’s house and it both worries us. George could easily walk down and get a drink. It would be a matter of days before his parole officer downloaded the data off his monitoring device and it would be a go bac... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3980988 Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:26:00 +0100 3980988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3954463&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Ffree-at-last-free-at-last.html Well, I got a call late last night before work. I was fixing my lunch and had just finished ironing my khaki pants.  It was Mrs. Florene.  They had just arrived home from Atmore.  It was a long day she said fraught with worry and anticipation – a nerve wracking process that I was somewhat relieved that I didn’t have to experience.  It was the first time she had seen George in months. “So, what’s the news?” I asked excitedly and with great trepidation.  I had been waiting all day.  I had trouble sleeping for worrying myself.  I am just exhausted tonight at work. “George got parole!” Mrs. Florene exclaimed, almost starting to cry. According to Mrs. Florene, George is to be transported to a county jail today to be fitted with an ankle alcohol m... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3954463 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:12:00 +0100 3954463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946670&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fyou-get-what-you-pay-for.html I have a lot of misgivings about selling the eMachines computers at work.  And they are popular.  People think, “Hey! A $500 dollar computer! I am getting a bargain!”  You get what you pay for – a neutered machine that is only good for basically browsing the web.  I sold one tonight to a lady whose laptop had gone kaput. “What kind of things do you do with your computer?” I asked her. “Online banking, email, and FaceBook,” she told me. I guess an eMachines computer will work for her, but I strongly suggest you spend the money and buy a much nicer computer from Dell or Gateway. Tonight was a busier night with the video game cabinet keeping me busy.  We keep all our Wii, PS3 and XBox games locked behind a glass partition.  I have a key and have to ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946670 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:38:00 +0100 3946670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911667&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F10-things-we-want-to-do-this-weekend-13%2F We’re getting that funny, excited feeling in our stomachs — the weekend must be coming. What have you got planned? Check out our ideal weekend plans: Watch a foreign film. Yes, sometimes we stop watching yoga videos long enough to indulge in a little entertainment. Has anyone seen 5×2? Make some oatmeal. While it’s not usually what we reach for in warm weather, we need a wholesome, simple meal this weekend. We’ll somehow try to resist a breakfast of gravy and fried meat. Take a walk down memory lane. Now that we’ve revisited beloved commercials from our childhoods, we think it’s time to move on to TV shows. Small Wonder, anyone? Clean out the pantry. There is definitely some food we aren’t going to touch in there that would be much better off ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911667 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:37:09 +0100 3911667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911874&cid=t_104764_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Finternet-porn-and-cybersex-addictions%2F The Internet is a wonderful tool for communication. However, it can become an escape from reality that has the appearance of safety, intimacy and anonymity. Use of the Internet for games, gambling, messages, porn or cybersex can become as addictive as any other drug. What is Internet or Computer Addiction? A student has difficulty getting his/her homework done because computer games occupy all after-school time. Someone connects to the Internet at 9:00pm and suddenly discovers it is dawn and he/she has not left the computer. A wife is distraught because her husband has replaced their sexual relationship with Internet porn and online sex. Searching for information, skimming news headlines, downloading your favorite songs, or placing bids on eBay … the options are endless. We all enj... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911874 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:10:38 +0100 3911874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911840&cid=t_104764_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FyGGU5iGEtq4%2F chatty cathy My earliest memory is of getting a brand new Chatty Cathy doll for Christmas. I was fascinated by her ability to speak, and to randomize her lines, so that I could not predict what she would say the next time that I pulled the cord on the back of her neck. I loved that thing. The last I saw of it, the doll was looking a bit bedraggled and worse for the wear. It disappeared roughly around the time that I got one of the first Barbie dolls as a gift. Next Christmas? Birthday? Can’t remember. Filed under: Ephemera Tagged: Barbie, Chatty Cathy, doll, plinky, Toys and Games (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911840 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:54:59 +0100 3911840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907690&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2Ucn0GO8ZUs%2F How often do you listen to the office gossip while filling in forms? Or read a document while talking on the phone with a client? Or think about your problems at work while helping your child with his homework? We are constantly assaulted by lots of information and often required to perform several tasks at once. It is not easy to stay focused. However being able to stay focused is crucial to achieve success. Indeed, if you are listening to the office gossip while filling in forms, you will probably make mistakes. If you try to read a document while talking on the phone with a client, you will probably sound distant and uninterested to your client and may not get the contract you expected to get. If you think about your problems at work while helping your child with his homework, you will ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907690 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:28:11 +0100 3907690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3902857&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fsay-youre-sorry-10-nostalgic-childhood-games-we-wish-they-hadnt-changed%2F Why the hell does everything always have to change? Especially those classic games from our childhood for which we pine? Rhetorical question, we know. But here are 10 of our favorite nostalgic childhood games and toys whose packaging and look are all updated, re-designed, and fancified, but not for the better (no offense, marketing guys). Check out the differences between amusements old and new, and you’ll see why we really wish Hasbro, Parker Brothers, and Milton Bradley (and Kenner, Playskool, etc.) hadn’t gone and f.ed with our favorite pastimes. (Sorry guys, but you’re in Trouble!) If any of your beloved kiddie diversions have changed or disappeared over the years, tell us. Then we can all have one big collective sulking session. 1. Sorry Apologies, but WTF happened t... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3902857 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:57:57 +0100 3902857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899463&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F08%2F25%2Fbuilding-a-game-layer-on-top-of-the-world%2F Now that’s a very interesting idea. The end of the social media decade, starting the new decade: The Decade of Games. How to use this layer to get people to take their medication on time? Watch this video and enjoy. By now, we’re used to letting Facebook and Twitter capture our social lives on the web — building a “social layer” on top of the real world. At TEDxBoston, Seth Priebatsch looks at the next layer in progress: the “game layer,” a pervasive net of behavior-steering game dynamics that will reshape education and commerce. Related posts:More Agressive People Play The Game More Violently Electronic Game Players No Couch Potatoes Long Video Game Play and Time Perception, Chicken and Egg Problem (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899463 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 06:34:00 +0100 3899463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895837&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fbogus-addiction-man-sues-for-video-game-withdrawal%2F photo: Thinkstock A man who played a video game for 9 hours a day is suing the game’s producer because he claims he’s suffering withdrawal. Apparently, the man says he became “psychologically dependent and addicted” to Lineage II, a game made by manufacturer NCsoft. Addicted to video games? Hmm. If someone dedicates nine hours of their day to playing a video game, we think they deserve to suffer a little. So sue us. via Fox News Post from: BlissTree Bogus Addiction: Man Sues For Video Game Withdrawal (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895837 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:37:53 +0100 3895837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3868735&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.slideshare.net%2Fswf%2Fssplayer2.swf%3Fid%3D4882813%26%23038%3Bdoc%3Dfutureofhealth-slideshareversion-100801104636-phpapp01 A report on the future of health was presented to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) by PSFK, a trends research and innovation company. It features a wide range to topics including distant learning, diagnostics, gaming for health, offline web, DIY checkup, and many others: PSFK presents Future Of Health View more presentations from PSFK. (Hat Tip: iMedicalApps) *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3868735 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:00:28 +0100 3868735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831355&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ficu-bingo-game%2F2010.08.06 Ever wonder how ICU nurses get through their daily grind? Why, with ICU Bingo, of course. How does ICU Bingo work? It works just like regular bingo. Every nurse receives their own Bingo card with different ICU diagnoses. And every time they take care of one of these conditions, they get to ”x” it out. Fill out a line or any other predetermined design pattern, and you are the ICU Bingo winner, and you win a prize. This is quite similar to my 2010 March Madness Hospitalist Bracket, only in this case the game is Bingo. As you can see, this nurse has already cared for a GI bleed, a homeless man, a drug overdose, chest pain, DKA, alcohol withrawal, subdural hematoma, a prisoner, and someone with super-morbid obesity. That’s ICU medicine for you. *This blog post... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831355 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:30:00 +0100 3831355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3802356&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fabstinence-video-game-for-girls-worth-it%2F How did they find this picture of me from 7th grade? An interactive, life-sized video game has been developed by the Univerisity of Florida to help pre-teen girls practice warding off sexual advances made by peers. The game had a budget of $434,000, which could have funded several sex-ed (or abstinence) programs in middle schools, rather than a game that won’t be widely available. Also, I don’t know about you, but I would have died of embarrassment if I had had to play a “Say No to Sex” game when I was eleven. The sheer trauma alone would be enough to make me block it from memory (making the whole thing pretty counterproductive). Check out the game here. via Buzzfeed Post from: BlissTree Abstinence Video Game for Girls: Worth It? (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3802356 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:25:12 +0100 3802356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790798&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F1ozO8acVTn4%2F Quick note: Yahoo! has created an expanded section with optical illusions and brain teasers, and we were glad to contribute to it. You can enjoy it Here. Once you are done, you can find many more brain teasers here. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790798 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:02:19 +0100 3790798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787130&cid=t_104764_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-to-wisdom-2%2F Twelve Step recovery wisdom can benefit everyone All of us—recovering alcoholics, addicts and non-addicts alike—can benefit from the practical wisdom of the Twelve Steps, first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and subsequently adapted by other groups whose members struggle with various forms of addictive behavior. Recovering people know they are always vulnerable to relapse. That knowledge keeps them vigilant, and that’s why they take a mind, body and spirit approach to life every day to avoid slipping into behaviors that caused them and their loved ones so much pain. The strategies those in recovery employ to keep themselves clean, sober and serene are also good prevention tools. Awareness of what behaviors or "mind games" can lead to relapse can also keep a n... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787130 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:31:51 +0100 3787130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780324&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ftodays-kids-and-yesterdays-video-games-videos-that-crack-us-up%2F Today’s video games are pretty nuts. Everything is wireless and 3-D and crazy. Not that we didn’t enjoy playing all the old-school Atari games of yesteryear, but now they’re so intense that StarFox, Q-bert, and Frogger just seem – boring. We’ll always have a special place in our heart for Sonic, but what do today’s kids think about our traditional old-world video games? See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor. via College Humor Post from: BlissTree Today's Kids and Yesterday's Video Games: Videos That Crack Us Up (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780324 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:02:28 +0100 3780324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786280&cid=t_104764_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FQL7GS1wTopg%2F We are On-Line Gamers Anonymous, a twelve-step, self-help organization and web site dedicated to helping those addicted to computer/video/console/on-line games. We also welcome the gamer’s friends and family, by offering our support and sympathy. Regardless of involvement or severity of addiction, these web pages and message board forums are always open to those in need. We have 3,100 members on-line. “Excessive game playing can be a symptom of serious underlying mental/emotional problems. This board is not intended as a crusade against any particular game, but to alert people that excessive playing should be evaluated in context with any other symptoms a person may be displaying. Then, if there is still concern about the individual’s state of mind, we recommend that he or sh... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786280 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:24:15 +0100 3786280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772298&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F07%2F21%2Fthe-lagoa-multiphysics-1-0-engine%2F Lagoa Multiphysics 1.0 – Teaser from Thiago Costa on Vimeo. This is a new Multiphysics simulation by Lagoa Technologies Inc. Amazing graphics and simulations, ideal for gaming engine. Physics engines. We may not understand most of the maths and skill that goes into developing one, but many of us appreciate their use in the latest games across consoles and PC. While game engines like Unreal, Source, and id Tech 5 may have very capable physics engines built-in, that doesn’t stop new enginesappearing, and in this case blowing us away with the quality of the physics on show. The Lagoa Multiphysics 1.0 engine has been developed by Thiago Costa, who currently works as Lead Technical Director at Ubisoft Digital Arts in Montreal. Related posts:New Meta Search Engine All... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772298 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 06:55:09 +0100 3772298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3758081&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fits-something-to-think-about.html “There’s going to be an opening soon in electronics,” the androgynous Derrick told me this morning. “You would be perfect for the job with what you know.” I thanked Derrick for the insider info, but I think I will stay at pulling in shopping carts.  That way I don’t have to deal with the public much which will be easier on my anxiety.  Also, I would hate to cause my supervisor distress.  She has a hard time finding people to do my job at the rate it pays, the hours, and with the heat of summer.  She has been so nice and accommodating to me and my disability I would hate to let her down. Work was very slow again today.  I have come to realize this is the norm.  Those busy days when I first starting working were a fluke.  I am content to spend t... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3758081 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:06:00 +0100 3758081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740573&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F187908%2F Video Games for Good: Healthcare providers, researchers, and video game developers are working together to use the Wii for health-oriented games, including games to help Parkinson’s patients and children with Cerebral Palsy. (via Reuters) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740573 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:08:33 +0100 3740573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729927&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F06%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-july-6-2010%2F How was your 4th of July? Did you have your hamburger and eat your hotdog too? Well, Independence Day was mild for me this year. Just a mix of work, board games and Chinese food. The only fireworks I experienced were the ones I heard outside my front door. But I think that’s what I appreciate most about 4th of July — our ability to be free. Free to choose how we spend not just holidays, but time, our thoughts and in general, our lives. In addition to our site here, other places like Oprah.com have asked users to declare things like their psychological independence and reader independence, respectively. For the 4th, I’m declaring my right to choose how to spend my days. This means less pressure to do what everyone else is doing, releasing obligation to participate in activ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729927 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:21:49 +0100 3729927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702998&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F06%2F28%2Fprivates-reproductive-health-ed-game-for-teenagers%2F This link with video was very appreciated on twitter when I had it on my tumbler blog. Thought I share it with my other readers as well. It’s a reproductive health ed game for teenagers based on one of my old time favorite games: Worms. It has nice graphics and funny characters. Privates is a platform twin-stick shooter in which you lead a teeny-tiny gang of condom-hatted marines as they delve into peoples’ vaginas, mouths and bottoms and blast away at all manner of oozy, shouty monsters. It’s rude, funny, bitingly satirical and technically pretty accurate if you don’t count the tiny people or the germs with teeth. Coming, soon. Here is another trailer for an educational game for teenagers, The Curfew, a game that explores issues of surveillance, authoritarianism an... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702998 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 06:20:14 +0100 3702998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687356&cid=t_104764_150_f&fid=34889&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmamkting.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fhumanas-iphoneipad-games-for-health.html My Twitter pal @skypen (aka Fabio Gratton) keeps me up to date regarding innovative health apps and games developed by pharmaceutical and other healthcare companies. Today he tweeted:"Humana develops health game for iPhone http://bit.ly/biQKlQ""Besides developing original games for health," said Paul Puopolo, leader of Humana’s Games for Health, "[we] partner with game developers who are open to new business models to offer unique video games that can improve health and wellness."That's an interesting goal for an iPhone app worthy of further investigation. So I went to the Humana Games for Health Web site and found this promo for the Humana iPhone game app called "Colorfall":This is a game like Tetris where you have to arrange cascading color squares. How does this game "improve health a... Pharma Marketing Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687356 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:18:00 +0100 3687356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662621&cid=t_104764_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F15%2Fnew-xbox-360%2F Microsoft has just announced it’s revised Xbox 360 console and it does look pretty cool.  Slimmer and shinier and faster and quieter and cooler (hopefully). It’s ready to work with the new motion sensing peripheral now called Kinect (previously Project Natal) which looks like it could be a lot of fun if it works as well in real life as it does in the demo videos. New Xbox-360 with Kinect Perhaps most importantly, in this release they have fixed what I have always thought was the Xbox-360’s biggest flaw – no inbuilt WiFi. In an increasingly online world where people are wanting to play online, download demos, purchase games and content Microsoft have been shooting themselves in the foot by not providing an easy and instant way for users to connect their console to t... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662621 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:09:49 +0100 3662621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629747&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fa1Qb0iv17gM%2F (Editor’s Note: we are pleased to bring you this article thanks to our collaboration with Greater Good Magazine). Gaming for Good Research suggests that games like Lemmings, where the goal is to help others, inspire real-life acts of altruism. - By Kyle Smith For years, video games have been linked to aggression and violence, with researchers and media reports suggesting that violent games have inspired or even caused violent acts. But a new study suggests that video games can be a force for good, finding that games with positive objectives can actually inspire people to perform acts of altruism. Over four experiments, Tobias Greitemeyer and Silia Osswald, researchers at the University of Sussex in England and Ludwig-Maximilian University in Germany, respectively, had participants play ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629747 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:05:30 +0100 3629747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3612067&cid=t_104764_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FsnhLJWVg7u0%2F Roles hide behind normal There are several roles that alcoholics/addicts and their partners adopt with each other. Some of these are; Controller – Person who cannot allow anyone to grow or be anything other than what they want them to be Dual Personality – Person who can change “hats” at the drop of a dime, between portraying a rational person and the other one irrational. It’s like living with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Evil Person – or narcissist, Total disregard for human characteristics of anyone around them including abusing and destroying any hopes and dreams of those around them. This person has absolutely no conscience and uses whatever laws, Biblical references, and popular social theories to support whatever convoluted ideas that they have about the ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3612067 Fri, 28 May 2010 14:36:32 +0100 3612067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603590&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fgames-for-health-2010%2F2010.05.27 It’s time for the 6th annual Games for Health conference. The conference, in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides a forum for experts in the fields of video games, healthcare, and science to come together and share the latest and greatest in health-related video game news and research. From their promotional pamphlet: Because digital games can actively engage and challenge people of all ages, they have the ability to help individuals manage chronic illnesses, support physical rehabilitation, pursue wellness goals and contribute to changes in health behaviors. Public health leaders, doctors and nurses, rehabilitation specialists, emergency first responders and other health professionals are also using games and game technologies to advance their skills and ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603590 Thu, 27 May 2010 14:00:01 +0100 3603590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592309&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2010%2F05%2Fcasual-games-that-are-educational%2F I recently wrote that too many educational computer games look too educational and are not fun to play.  I have recently, however, come across a couple of causal games that although they don’t set out to be educational actually are, but are also addictive and fun.   Casual games are simple, cheap games that are easy, yet compelling to play.   The first game Drop 7  by area/code is a game involving numbers but also works a bit like Tetris.  To play you have to drop different balls with numerals inside into rows or columns and try and ensure that the numerals and the number of balls match i.e. every time you line five balls up the ones with the numeral 5 in them disappears.  I think that this game, without intending to, actually reinforces numerosities,  which is the ability to ... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592309 Sun, 23 May 2010 18:23:06 +0100 3592309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585610&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedicine-and-the-wii%2F2010.05.20 This is shaping up to be a big week for the Wii in medicine — not only is the American Heart Association’s endorsement of Wii and new partnership with Nintendo making waves, but today is a day we’ve marked on our calendar for a while: Trauma Team for Wii was released [May 18th].  After years of trauma center releases focusing on surgery (some of which we’ve written about here), this is the first offering that lets gamers delve into emergency and pre-hospital care. Of course, the game runs counter to standard teachings (in one demo video we saw a practitioner abandon her airway procedures to tend to an abdominal wound) and is at least as unrealistic as prior offerings — but then again if we wanted more accuracy, we could just go to work… Product page: T... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585610 Thu, 20 May 2010 18:00:20 +0100 3585610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556189&cid=t_104764_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Finfertility-maze.html This is a clever little game you can play to learn more about infertility !Download it free at drop.io/infertilitymaze ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556189 Wed, 12 May 2010 05:24:00 +0100 3556189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524118&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fplastic-surgeon-is-the-king-of-donkey-kong%2F2010.04.30 Donkey Kong has a new recordholder — and he’s a plastic surgeon. Hank Chien, M.D., scored 1,061,700 points in 2 hours and 35 minutes, breaking the world-record score for the classic arcade game. Read the piece to learn how he did it, and more interestingly, the painstaking steps he had to take to verify his score. The feat does lend some anecdotal support linking video games and the hand-eye coordination required for surgery. There are small studies linking the laparoscopic skill of surgeons with how well they do on video games. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at KevinMD.com* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524118 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:00:04 +0100 3524118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508314&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2F8rUYesACuTo%2Fvideo-game-violence-research.html [Image by Jono Rotten.] Violent Video Games: What Does the Research Say? A video podcast (vodcast) on the topic of video game violence research, comparing two recent studies to do with desensitization and performance. Accessible presentation with lots of slides, links, refs and background info as well; a good comprehensive production from The Psych Files. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508314 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:30:17 +0100 3508314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508381&cid=t_104764_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fmy-take-bayers-nintendo-enabled-didget-glucose-meter-available-now.html The tech blogs are all abuzz today over Bayer’s new DIDGET meter, designed just for kids, which integrates BG testing into the world of video games: “Bayer’s DIDGET is the first and only blood glucose meter that connects directly to Nintendo DS and DS Lite and helps kids manage their diabetes by rewarding them for consistent [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508381 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:30:36 +0100 3508381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504972&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F04%2F26%2Fdoes-brain-training-help%2F Brain-training computer games are a multimillion pound industry. But this week, a study published in Nature suggests they may not live up to their promise. Neuroscientist Adrian Owen teamed up with the BBC popular science programme ‘Bang Goes The Theory’ to recruit more than 11,000 volunteers for a massive online experiment. To read the story in full, go here Besides getting better at the game your training does brain training improve cognitive functioning? Want to know, have a look at this video. Related posts:Brain Training for Elderly Better On Paper or Computer? 10 myths about training your brain demistified Video Games Affect The Brain, Good or Bad? (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504972 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 06:55:09 +0100 3504972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490679&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F21%2Fbrain-games-dont-help-your-brain%2F A red flag always goes up in my mind when I see an entire industry sprout up around something that doesn’t have a lot of research backing. That’s been the problem with these so-called “brain games” — you know, those video or online games that supposedly improve your memory or thinking. Makers of these games like to point to studies of people who were older (usually seniors), had existing memory or cognitive problems or other issues who engaged in specific tasks and then were shown to have some improvement in memory or cognition. Few studies have been done on these games with everyday folks like you and I. And fewer still studies have been done on the specific games being marketed to consumers (often the studies use tasks that the games then try and replicate,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490679 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:43:08 +0100 3490679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487214&cid=t_104764_118_f&fid=36984&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthManagementRx%2F%7E3%2FgBLn_wOv0-A%2Fsocial-games-for-health-players-mean.html He also noted that the company’s games like Pet Society and Restaurant City are updated once a week “reacting to players and testing that sense of the game being alive. It keeps people there and when we launch new features they will tell you right away if they like it or not.” Mr Segerstrale also noticed that this frequent interaction with players means the company is able to understand their likes and dislikes better. “We are developing a long-term relationship with a specific user and that means if someone is a hardcore Pet Society player, chances are we shouldn’t push Gangster City at them.” Mr Perry saw the value in that and seemed to suggest that, in the future, perhaps Facebook will need social gaming more than social gaming will need Facebook. “The thing is you are now... Health Management Rx blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487214 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:19:00 +0100 3487214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479777&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2F_PEnq0v9iJg%2Fcooperative-games-and-agencies.html [Image by AMagill.] The Agencies Method and Cooperative Games Dr. John Forbes Nash Jr. (probably the world’s most successful person with a diagnosis of schizophrenia) at the Nobel Laureate Meetings at Lindau, 2nd Meeting in Economic Sciences, explaining his prize-winning economic theories. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479777 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:00:51 +0100 3479777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471558&cid=t_104764_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fstudy-finds-video-games-cause-only-mild.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471558 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:41:00 +0100 3471558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467934&cid=t_104764_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FaC1y3NBPHKQ%2F Playing board games is a family activity that kids can enjoy from a young age. Even simple games can teach them about strategy and competitiveness, as well as winning and losing. So, what about cheating? You might think it’s harmless to let you child skip ahead a few spaces in Candyland or have an extra turn at Operation, but is it? Image: Hasbro After toddlerhood ends, it’s time your youngsters start to learn about playing by the rules. Though it may seem difficult to watch your five-year-old lose at Uno or Sorry!, in the long-run, it’s the best thing for her. If she tries to cheat, gently remind her that it’s against the rules and move on. After a few slip-ups, you child will quickly learn about fairness and cheating, and this is a skill that they can carry on int... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467934 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:03:45 +0100 3467934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467941&cid=t_104764_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FVI5OgAOPPY4%2F Technology rules the world, from TV and the Internet to air traffic control and medical records. Everything and anything is technologically wired. High-tech advances have produced some amazing gadgets, and certainly make some aspects of life a lot easier. However, they can also make life extremely passive. Families and friends communicate via text and email. Kids play video games and surf the Web instead of reading books. Does technology own a lot of your life? For most of us, the answer is yes. “Creativity needs time, space, and silence, and we have deprived ourselves, even as adults, of those experiences,” says Susan Linn, a Boston-based psychologist, instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, on Washingtonian.com... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467941 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:52 +0100 3467941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467464&cid=t_104764_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fs-korea-wants-gamers-to-sleep.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467464 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:30:00 +0100 3467464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3448828&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fways-to-make-your-child-smarter%2F Though intelligence is definitely genetic in many ways, it can be nurtured by the right environment and stimuli. In other words, you can help stimulate your child’s mind to make your kid smarter. Image: istockphoto Play video games And you thought video games made kids brain dead! Well it depends on which games they play. Look for games that encourage strategy, planning and creativity. Offer music lessons According to a University of Toronto study, the more years a child takes music lessons, the better grades he’ll achieve in high school and the higher IQ he will have as an adult. Serve healthy food options Foods that are high in sugar and/or trans fats and low in other nutrients should be avoided. Give your children plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3448828 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:56:33 +0100 3448828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3424910&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F30%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-march-30-2010%2F There’s just a few days left in March and we’re heading straight for the spring season! Some of you may be busy preparing for Easter weekend while others are in the thick of spring break. Whatever you’re doing, we hope you’ll stop by and see what’s buzzing over at our blogs this week. I’ve scoured our blogs to find the best, most popular posts so that you can quickly click through and find your favorite ones. Happy Hunting! And make sure to come back later in the week for another round of, “Best of Our Blogs.” Music Education Helps Kids Brains With Sound Stimuli (Family Mental Health) – Music isn’t just all fun and games. Did you know it actually helps with communication skills? Hard to believe that all that noise in a music class... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3424910 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:06:42 +0100 3424910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420538&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F30%2Fthe-trust-gap-why-people-are-so-cynical%2F How do people come to believe that others are so much less trustworthy than themselves? Much as we might prefer otherwise, there’s solid evidence that, on average, people are quite cynical. When thinking about strangers, studies have shown that people think others are more selfishly motivated than they really are and that others are less helpful than they really are. Similarly in financial games psychologists have run in the lab, people are remarkably cynical about the trustworthiness of others. In one experiment people honored the trust placed in them between 80 and 90 percent of the time, but only estimated that others would honor their trust about 50 percent of the time. Our cynicism towards strangers may develop as early as 7 years old (Mills & Keil, 2005). Surprisingly peop... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420538 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:00:16 +0100 3420538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420783&cid=t_104764_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FdRBqrpsuDqE%2F Here are three quick mods that you can make to your Facebook account to reduce the clutter and make it more fun. 1. FarmVille Notifications: Now that you have Facebook setup and have added some friends, you might be overwhelmed by the noise on your timeline. If you have friends that like to play a lot of games, you’ll end up with a bunch of notifications of achievement each time they reach a new milestone in Farmville or Mafia Wars. I don’t know about you, but these notifications drive me nuts!! Here is an easy way of getting rid of the notifications without hiding your friends completely. From your main News Feed in Facebook mouse over an entry that has a game notification that you want to get rid of. In the picture above, we can see the annoying Farmville notification Easter egg. Wh... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420783 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:16:38 +0100 3420783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354378&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2Fresearchers-discover-kids-dont-like-homework%2F Our friends over at the Association for Psychological Science made sure that a new study about video games would get out (because, you know, it’s about video games and kids, and that always seems to get people’s attention), so we took a look and published a news story earlier today about the study. This, however, is an example of a fairly silly study that provides little additional insight into the impact video games may have in a child’s world. The researchers compared two groups of boys ages 6-9 — those who received a video game system for the first time in their lives, and those who got none. They found that the boys who got a video game system, unsurprisingly, had lower reading and writing scores at the end of the 4 months study compared to the boys who had no v... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354378 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:31:49 +0100 3354378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3338421&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fthoughts-for-day_06.html Signs… I should’ve seen it coming.  I am usually pretty good about knowing when my mental illness will flare up.  It started with my smoking copious amounts of cigarettes.  I was only smoking one every thirty minutes beforehand.  Then came the almost uncontrollable pacing of the floor.  I would literally walk until I was exhausted and could walk no more.  I had all this nervous energy I needed to expend it seems.   Then came the drinking of two bottles of wine in an attempt to self medicate.  My life was spiraling out of control again and I was just this hapless spectator I thought.   I had to pull in the reigns and quick.   It is times like these that I have told my father and my doctors countless times that I need to ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338421 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:35:00 +0100 3338421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287822&cid=t_104764_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2010%2F02%2F19%2Fevoke-positive-game-presented-at-ted-2010.html In this video from the TED conference 2010, game designer Jane McGonigal explains the prosocial potential for video and online games. An interesting exemple of the increasing role played by Positive Psychology in interactive design and development. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287822 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:11:00 +0100 3287822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251296&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2010%2F02%2Fcomputer-games-and-neuropsychology-realizing-the-potential%2F There is increasing evidence that playing video games improves neuropsychological function.  I have just been reading another excellent paper from the people at the University of Rochester called Increasing Speed of Processing with Action Video Games.  The paper written by Mathew Dye, Shawn Green and Daphne Bavelier looks at a range of previous studies on reaction time and video game playing.  The introduction to the paper states: Playing action video games-contemporary examples include God of War, Unreal Tournament, GTA, and call of Duty – requires rapid processing of sensory information and prompt action, forcing players to make decisions and execute responses at a far greater pace than is typical in everyday life. Looking at lots of different studies they conclude that: Video ... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251296 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:54:37 +0100 3251296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200646&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fbeautiful-game-me-playing-oblivion.html (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200646 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:11:00 +0100 3200646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193996&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fbeautiful-game-me-playing-oblivion.html (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193996 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:11:00 +0100 3193996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193998&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fmaggie-loves-dead-things.html My neighbors directly across the street intrigue me.  Charlie says the father made a fortune in his early days writing and selling children’s books.  He always wears a flannel shirt and khaki pants, and has the handsomest silver grey hair.  You would never know they have money by the cars they drive though.  Every car they own is missing a hubcap and this pushes some button within me.   They recently bought a new to them car and it has extensive wreck damage.  They must have gotten a good deal.  They must also be into the frugality lifestyle.  They’re the ones with the chickens within city limits.   Maggie and I got our six mile walk in before the rain started.  There was a dead armadillo in the road at one point and Maggie w... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193998 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:52:00 +0100 3193998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156446&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fsuoyds664hs%2F By Tad DeHavenOver at Downsizing Government, we focused on the following issues this week: Central Michigan defeated Troy in the “Bailout Bowl,” but taxpayers are the biggest losers. The 2010 census will pave the way for subsidies to state and local governments. Secure property rights and government support help make U.S. farmland a good investment. But what about the property rights of taxpayers? The federal government’s IT budget increases by $5 billion while Uncle Sam’s private sector counterparts make do with less. New York’s fraud-ridden Medicaid program is a prime example why government involvement in healthcare is part of the problem, not the solution. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156446 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:00:11 +0100 3156446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142469&cid=t_104764_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F01%2F05%2Fa-musicians-view-of-rockband%2F You’d have to have been living under a rock for the past few years, or be totally oblivious to the world of gaming, to not have some awareness of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band phenomenon. These games have achieved massive sales and a wide following. Initially they were primarily guitar based, but now the genre has expanded to include drumming, singing (?dancing), and even DJ’ing. Obviously as far as games go they are very popular and fun for many people. But do they have any musical merit? Should musicians see them as a positive thing, negative, or indifferent? My own experience with these games began a couple of years ago with Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 (complete with plastic wired Gibson Explorer shaped guitar controller). I thought it was good but didn’t find it so... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142469 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:32:13 +0100 3142469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142520&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZAXIWFAK4z4%2F By Tad DeHavenNeal McCluskey wrote an op-ed on the ways that taxpayers subsidize college football bowl games. As a college football fan, it pains me that I can’t even get a respite from big government on game day. This Wednesday’s matchup between Central Michigan and Troy will be particularly insulting to taxpayers because it’s the annual GMAC Bowl. GMAC, the former in-house financing arm of General Motors, has been sponsoring the bowl game since 2000, when it paid $500,000 for the right. More recently, the firm was battered by the collapse of GM and the housing market, and it was allowed to restructure as a bank holding company, which made it eligible for TARP bailout funds. The federal government has given GMAC $12.5 billion in return for 35.4 percent ownership stake in the company... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142520 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:21:30 +0100 3142520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3124690&cid=t_104764_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FBuwzb4AgjQk%2Fcrossword-puzzle-or-just-puzzled.html So today, I go and check mom's crossword puzzle. What the heck? Instead of a couple of three letter words she has about half the crossword puzzle..... By Bob DeMarco I put the crossword puzzle in front of my mother every day. In the "old days" my mother would do crossword puzzles all the time. I bought her a subscription where she would get a new puzzle book every month -- she liked that gift. I even printed out crossword puzzles from the Internet -- she really didn't like dealing with the print out version of the puzzle. So today, I go and check her crossword puzzle. What the heck? Instead of a couple of three letter words she has about half the crossword puzzle. Hmm. Do you know the crossword puzzle answers? What little Jack Horner found (4 letters). "___ in Trees" (3 letters). Pe... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3124690 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:25:31 +0100 3124690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3124694&cid=t_104764_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fschizophrenia-be-gone.html It's been a good two weeks mentally.  How fortuitous that this would happen at the holidays.  It's as if some great kind hand swept me up from my mental pain and said, "Enough! You may rest now!"  The only symptom I am having these past few days is paranoia about the drug dealer next door.  I am constantly looking out the window as the multitude of strange cars come and go.  I check my locks in the house and on the car constantly.   I stay up all night and cars came and went until the wee hours of the morning like they do every night.  I wish George would have never brought it to my attention.  I am enamored with the Twilight Saga of audiobooks.  I never thought I would be so enthralled by a strange vampire romance novel.  W... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3124694 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:05:00 +0100 3124694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3083191&cid=t_104764_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholic-co-dependent-roles%2F There are several roles that alcoholics/addicts and their partners adopt with each other. Some of these are; Controller – Person who cannot allow anyone to grow or be anything other than what they want them to be Dual Personality – Person who can change “hats” at the drop of a dime, between portraying a rational person and [...] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3083191 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:15:45 +0100 3083191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082499&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F6b8ykl2M_7o%2F Nice weekend reading material – recent news reiforcing emerging trends on physical, cognitive and emotional fitness, but with new twists. Fit teens could be smarter teens “Researchers from Sweden and USC examined data on 1.2 million Swedish men born between 1950 and 1976 who also enlisted for the country’s mandatory military service. They looked at the participants’ global intelligence scores as well as logical, visuospatial, verbal and technical scores. The greater the cardiovascular fitness, the higher the cognitive scores at age 18. The association between muscle strength and global intelligence, in contrast, was weak.”   UPMC Health Plan Offers Brain Fitness Software to Improve Health “UPMC Health Plan announced today that it has signed an agreement... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082499 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:28:00 +0100 3082499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052227&cid=t_104764_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F12%2F02%2Fdigital-games-for-physical-cognitive-and-behavioral-health.html Source: Reuters (From the press release) The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced more than $1.85 million in grants for research that will offer unprecedented insight into how digital games can improve players’ health behaviors and outcomes. With funding from RWJF’s Health Games Research national program, nine research teams across the country will conduct extensive studies to discover, for example, how the popular dance pad video game Dance Dance Revolution might help Parkinson’s patients reduce the risk of falling, how Wii Active might be most effectively implemented in high schools to help overweight students lose weight, how a mobile phone game with a breath interface might help smokers quit or reduce their tobacco use, or how facial recognition games might be designed... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052227 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:59:00 +0100 3052227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3045031&cid=t_104764_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-to-wisdom%2F Steps to Wisdom Twelve Step recovery wisdom can benefit everyone All of us—recovering alcoholics, addicts and non-addicts alike—can benefit from the practical wisdom of the Twelve Steps, first adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and subsequently adapted by other groups whose members struggle with various forms of addictive behavior. Recovering people know they are always vulnerable to relapse. That knowledge keeps them vigilant, and that’s why they take a mind, body and spirit approach to life every day to avoid slipping into behaviors that caused them and their loved ones so much pain. The strategies those in recovery employ to keep themselves clean, sober and serene are also good prevention tools. Awareness of what behaviors or “mind games” can lead to relapse can ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3045031 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:35:00 +0100 3045031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023201&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F11%2F24%2Faugmented-reality-machine-turns-you-into-third-person-game%2F Avatar Machine [LONDON] 2008 from MARC OWENS on Vimeo. Marc Owens’s augmented reality project “Avatar Machine” puts its users in VR helmets that display the world around them as though they were playing a third-person game, so that their own body is seen from behind. Owens theorizes that “The system potentially allows for a diminished sense of social responsibility, and could lead the user to demonstrate behaviors normally reserved for the gaming environment.” Research subject? New trial, who? Thanks Boing Boing Related posts:Augmented reality made easy iPhone hacker Chris Hughes demos an open source software...MedLib Grand Round at First Person Narrative This month’s theme was “evidence” – not just in...What can an Avatar tell us? from Springw... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023201 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:13:18 +0100 3023201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999469&cid=t_104764_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F11%2F17%2Fgood-news-for-couch-potatoes%2F There is some evidence that playing some Wii games does give you a moderate workout (see here). However I’d like to see more study on the issue – specifically does playing Guitar Hero make you a better guitar player? I’m sure there’d be no shortage of volunteers to take part in this sort of research… (Source: Baggas' Blog) Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999469 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:56:09 +0100 2999469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989095&cid=t_104764_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F11%2F13%2Friveting-stuff%2F Thought I’d mention a nifty piece of Mac OS software I’ve been using. Read on if you have a Mac and either an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3… if you don’t have those you might as well save time and stop reading this now!… Right, now that we’ve got rid of those non-Mac and non-Gaming console people we can continue with Rivet. This program basically enables your connected games console to access your music, video, and photo libraries on your mac. These consoles talk nicely to Windows out of the box but unfortunately they are not designed with Mac OS in mind. Rivet takes care of this smoothly and easily. Set it to load when your Mac starts-up and it just sits in the menu bar. There are no extra steps – right away I was able to browse and play my media con... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989095 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:38:10 +0100 2989095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981293&cid=t_104764_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fwayback-wednesday-diabetes-appreciation.html Here’s a new theme idea for National Diabetes Awareness Month: making peace with your illness. For those of us who already have diabetes, expanded public awareness is nice to have, but doesn’t necessarily change anything.  This train of thought brought me back to my oldest daughter’s little challenge a few years ago… kids are wonderful [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981293 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:27 +0100 2981293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967421&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2009%2F11%2Fworking-memory-training%2F Our rehabilitation company Recolo is now offering the Cogmed working memory training program. Working memory is the ability to hold information in mind for a short period of time and to be able to use this information in your thinking.  Problems with working memory are associated with a number of childhood conditions including ADHD, brain injury and poor academic achievement. We decided to provide the Cogmed working memory training in the UK because the research literature on it is impressive.  It is effective in improving working memory in 80% of cases.  The improvements have been demonstrated in neuropsychological tests, fMRI changes and rating scales.  It can also be demonstrated at the neurotransmitter level- see previous post for details.  It has been shown to be effective in imp... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967421 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:08 +0100 2967421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931078&cid=t_104764_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F10%2F27%2Fnhs-endorses-nintendo-wii-fit-video-game.html The Daily Telegraph reports that the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus, which goes on sale this Friday, got the permission to use the NHS’s Change4Life logo in its advertising on television and in shops. From next year, it is possible that the logo will be used on the product itself, an unprecedented partnership between a video game and the Government. Change4Life is a public health programme in the UK which began in January 2009, organised by the Department of Health. The campaign aims to encourage people in Britain to lead healthier lives, using the slogan "eat well, move more, live longer" A spokesman for the Department of Health told the Telegraph: "Active video games, where kids need to jump up and down or dance about as part of the game, are a great way to get kids moving."   (Source: Pos... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931078 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:34:00 +0100 2931078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927455&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=35065&url=http%3A%2F%2Feideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fvideo-games-improve-night-vision.html As we grow older, there are many factors that contribute to our difficulty seeing in the dark. A few of the reasons include a reduction in pupil size, loss of accommodative function, and a dramatic slowing in dark adaption due to delayed rhodopsin regeneration. Well, there now may be a reason for hope... and the encouraging answer comes from action-based video games.. The Bavelier lab found first that players of action-based video games were better than non-video game players at contrast sensitivity (58% better). Next, they found that a fairly short course of action-based video game training could improve contrast sensitivity 43%s. In the picture above, see how much a 58% improvement contrast sensitivity can help...From the University of Rochester:" 'Normally, improving contrast sensitivit... Eide Neurolearning Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927455 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:01:00 +0100 2927455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904952&cid=t_104764_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FyDF9dJg32-8%2F Oddly enough, it took a child to bring this information to light, but it could be a serious problem. According to a study spearheaded by St. Louis student, 11-year-old Deniz Ince, children who play an hour or more per day of video games have a higher chance of having wrist and finger pain. The study will be presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting. Lucky for Deniz, his dad is a neurologist, so Deniz, his father and researchers from New York University set out to see if Deniz’s idea was right. A regular Wii-player, Deniz had been noticing that his hand hurt when he was squeezing an orange. The study involved having 171 of Deniz’s peers fill out questionnaires about their video game usage and if they experienced any pain. The findings sho... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904952 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:58:40 +0100 2904952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943946&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FL4Vkd6TGdG4%2F Here you have the October edition of our monthly newsletter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, using the box at the top of this page. We recently run an online survey among subscribers of our monthly eNewsletter, and over 500 people said we have helped them make better personal or professional decisions on how to maintain and improve brain fitness. Most gave very illuminating examples, which we are reading and enjoying as we speak. Respondents also had many good questions to ask, so I have selected 15 common ones, paraphrased/ synthesized them below, and answered them by linking to our most relevant posts and resources. I hope you enjoy the FAQ session. Q: I teach a brain fitness class at my librar... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943946 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:32:09 +0100 2943946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904997&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FL4Vkd6TGdG4%2F We recently run an online survey among subscribers of our monthly eNewsletter, and over 500 people said we have helped them make better personal or professional decisions on how to maintain and improve brain fitness. Most gave very illuminating examples, which we are reading and enjoying as we speak. Respondents also had many good questions to ask, so I have selected 15 common ones, paraphrased/ synthesized them below, and answered them by linking to our most relevant posts and resources. I hope you enjoy the FAQ session. Q: I teach a brain fitness class at my library/ senior center/ school, using much of your info. Can you share some of your presentations? A: Yes, we have just decided to share, using a Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives License, the full presentation of my recen... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904997 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:32:09 +0100 2904997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894643&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2009%2F10%2Flatest-neuroscience-on-twitter%2F I am a avid user of Twitter and find all sorts of interesting information on there.  As with the web, however it is difficult to sort out what is important.  It also moves so fast that it is hard to keep track.  This post highlights some important tweets I have seen regarding advances in neuroscience in the last two weeks. 1. Repairing brain cells- Researchers at the Montreal NeurologicaI Institute and Hospital (The Neuro) and McGill University group at Montral University have developed a new technique to help repair damaged nerve cells.  The study was in the October 7 issue of Journal of Neuroscience. They show that it is possible to use plastic beads coated with a substance that encourages adhesion to help cells grow and form new synapses.  You can read about this study here 2 G... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894643 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:21:08 +0100 2894643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876182&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2009%2F10%2Fcomputer-games-can-improve-reading-and-maths%2F I have just seen the preliminary findings of the first independent research study on Neurogames, the games I have developed to help reading and maths.  The study was undertaken on 20 children aged 4 to 6.   10 children were given the computer games to play for 20 mins twice a week for 13 weeks at school.  10 children were not given the game and received normal teaching in a different class.  Both groups were tested on standardized reading and maths tests (WIAT) before and after the intervention.   The results show that the computer game group had an average maths score of 102 (average) before using the games which rose to 123 (above average) after playing the game for 13 weeks.  The average group reading score before playing the games was 101.7, which increased to 114.9 after the gam... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876182 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:48:53 +0100 2876182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851853&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F10%2F01%2Fits-not-the-video-game-its-the-player-thats-the-problem%2F Those video game players with more autonomy, competence and relatedness, thus who feel free to be themselves, and usually feel capable and have closeness and intimacy with others, often play video games because they like to. Those low on these traits often become obsessive game players, they have to play a video game. Moreover the first group enjoy their game play and feel energetic afterwards, while those in the latter group often feel more tension after game play and they usually play more hours. In the end you have those video game players that want to play and those that have to play. The self-determination theory says that those with high self determination have a harmonious passion for video game play while those low on this dimension have a more obsessive passion for video game pla... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851853 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:11:03 +0100 2851853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842599&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fbrain-training-for-elderly-better-on-paper-or-computer%2F This study employs a 2 by 2 mixed factorial design (age group: young and old by game form: paper and Nintendo DS) to investigate effects of age and game form on usability, self-assessment, and gameplay experience in a supervised field study. Effectiveness was evaluated in task completion time, efficiency as error rate, together with self-assessment measures (arousal, pleasure, dominance) and game experience (challenge, flow, competence, tension, positive and negative affect). Nacke, L., Nacke, A., & Lindley, C. (2009). Brain Training for Silver Gamers: Effects of Age and Game Form on Effectiveness, Efficiency, Self-Assessment, and Gameplay Experience CyberPsychology & Behavior DOI: 10.1089/cpb.2009.0013 Related posts:Video Games Affect The Brain, Good or Bad? This is from an e... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842599 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:35:45 +0100 2842599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814626&cid=t_104764_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FbONgd2sPbOg%2F We’ve all but given up having parties for Alex. The last two years we’ve had a party that is all adults, all family to celebrate his birthday. We hold it in Central Park at a playground with an enormous marble slide that Alex loves. Festivities take place inside a little gazebo that we decorate with red-white-and-blue flags and bandanas: his birthday is Flag Day. Photo/D Sharon Pruitt (Pink Sherbet Photography, flickr.com) But this year I’d like to see some more social gatherings for Alex, and I think this video from Rethink Autism is filled with great ideas to teach children how to play social games. Because Alex is 11 and still watches “Barney” when we let him, I’m not concerned that the games they demonstrate are the typical preschool games of Musical... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814626 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:27:26 +0100 2814626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793285&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=35065&url=http%3A%2F%2Feideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fmulti-tasking-dumbs-us-down-for-some.html "They're suckers for irrelevancy," said communication Professor Clifford Nass... "Everything distracts them."Because many in your acquaintance (or even household) may proudly tout their media multi-tasking ability, researchers thought for sure they could identify the cognitive gifts that come with this ability. Researchers at Stanford searched high and low for this gift, but their final conclusion - it's not a gift at all, but a liability."We kept looking for what they're better at, and we didn't find it," said Ophir, the study's lead author and a researcher in Stanford's Communication Between Humans and Interactive Media Lab. Now by true multi-tasking, we don't really mean semi-automatic activities like listening to familiar pleasant music, walking, or driving a car. These tasks don't req... Eide Neurolearning Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793285 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:01:00 +0100 2793285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785965&cid=t_104764_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Ffun-science-games.html It’s Friday, our kids have been back at school a week now, so with the ever-present prospect of a wet weekend ahead of us, how to distract them from Youtube and Facebook with some educational that might help them next week in school… …so, how about a quick trawl for fun science games. It seems there are millions of sites on the web offering games and virtual toys with a scientific underpinning. Science Review Games lets you play basketball, soccer and “deal or no deal” while reviewing science topics, for instance. The site looks a bit kludgy and quite 90s, so I suspect my kids will not be persuaded with this one, although younger children might take a look. That said, they apparently have astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science and geology, living environ... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785965 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:00:52 +0100 2785965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2762009&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2009%2F09%2F5-reasons-to-develop-computer-game-based-learning%2F There is a lot of debate particularly in the media about the pros and cons about computer use with children.  I believe that there are some fantastic potential benefits in developing computer games to teach children.  Here are 5 of them: Dissemination of information- Our knowledge about child neuropsychological development is increasing all the time.  But there is a problem communicating this to teachers and parents and applying this knowledge. Computer game based learning allows this knowledge to be disseminated to a large number of children.  An example is dyslexia (by this I mean difficulties in learning to read). As neuropsychologists we know how reading develops, what part of the brain is involved, how to intervene to improve reading and how this  changes the brain areas involve... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2762009 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:02:29 +0100 2762009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730216&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWHlTXhmYm30%2F In a recently published scientific study (see Hall C, et al “Cognitive activities delay onset of memory decline in persons who develop dementia” Neurology 2009; 73: 356-361), Hall and colleagues examined how education and stimulating activities may interact to contribute to cognitive reserve. The study involved 488 initially healthy people, average age 79, who enrolled in the Bronx Aging Study between 1980 and 1983. These individuals were followed for 5 years with assessments every 12 to 18 months (starting in 1980). At the start of the study, all participants were asked how many cognitive activities (reading, writing, crossword puzzles, board or card games, group discussions, or playing music) they participated in and for how many days a week. Researchers were able to evaluate the imp... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730216 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:57:49 +0100 2730216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709197&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Fexercising-your-brain-as-you-age%2F According to a news article we published today, simple everyday activities are all we need to keep our minds sharp as we age, mixed in with a healthy dose of daily physical exercise. The study measured over 4,000 participants’ brain and cognitive functioning over a 6 year period to arrive at these results. Boiled down to the basics, the researchers found the following activities help our brains remain sharp as we age: Mental activities, like reading or doing a crossword puzzle Physical exercise, generally the more the better (but even some, such as simply walking for 30 minutes per day, is better than nothing) Remaining socially engage with your friends or family Maintaining a positive attitude throughout life Learning new activities, hobbies or anything that requires concentrat... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709197 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:33:43 +0100 2709197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674468&cid=t_104764_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2Fb2u49NzURm4%2Fexercising-brain-delays-onset-of.html Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that persons who engage in mentally stimulating leisure activities every day, delay the onset of dementia by about two months.The cognitive activities include: reading, writing, crossword puzzles, board or card games, group discussions, or playing music."The study shows that it is important for older people to engage in cognitively stimulating activities, and to do them frequently," said study senior author Joe Verghese, M.B.B.S., associate professor of neurology and director of the division of cognitive & motor aging at Einstein. "We found that the more activities you do and the more often you do them, the better off you are."To read more about this study go hereOr read this Reuters Health article --Exercising the mind could... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674468 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:11:31 +0100 2674468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657599&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fchocolate-for-the-brain%2F Last month, over 350 medical professionals, computer experts and entrepreneurs gathered for the fifth annual Games for Health Conference in Boston and discussed out topics such as how computer games could boost patients’ health. There were even sessions that specifically focused on the relationship between gaming and cognitive health and whether games can help change behavior and/or improve balance for people with neurodegenerative diseases. Me - I’m all for the idea that games can help maintain cognitive health as well as possibly improve memory. And with that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to my latest find - Chocolatier: Decadence by Design. Seriously, what could be more fun than spending an hour or two pretending that you are a chocolatier building up a chocolate empire f... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657599 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:13 +0100 2657599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2653696&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fever-dreamed-of-being-a-heart-surgeon%2F Well, here’s your chance… Have a go at Open Heart Surgery. Definitely not for the faint of heart. With a simulated heart monitor beeping away, the pressure is on to perform. There’s a choice of three levels - intern, surgeon, and specialist. I should have chosen intern but I wanted to be the top gun. Bad move. As a specialist, I killed the patient within seconds. I was advised to ‘call my lawyer’. Or maybe something a little less challenging - performing open heart surgery on a stuffed bunny . Easy you think! Think again! You have 60 seconds to shock the heart, make an incision, do some intraoperative tasks and then suture the poor bunny back up.  I tried but the poor bunny did not survive. Don’t know about you, but my dream of being a (successful) su... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2653696 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:00:27 +0100 2653696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2637770&cid=t_104764_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FtH5dO2duwrE%2F It’s been 224 years since Paul Revere made his famous “Midnight Ride” from Boston to Lexington to warn the British were coming, but had Paul Revere been alive today he may have alerted people that the 5th Annual Games for Health Conference was being held in Boston on June 11 and 12. This year’s conference boasted a record number of attendees – nearly 400 people – and included over 55 sessions, three expo rooms, and two new tracks focused at some of the fastest growing areas in Health eGames – Exergaming and Cognitive Health. I attended this year’s Games for Health Conference, giving a presentation on Healthy Advergaming and I also featured some new healthy gaming initiatives in the iConecto booth. At last year’s Games For Health Confere... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2637770 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:56:37 +0100 2637770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2615423&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2F-8GPLvNpdqc%2Fpopularity-contest.html [Above video features highlights; full episode premieres July 19.] Most Popular Would you answer a casting call like this? Contestants wanted: be judged by 100 women on your attractiveness, moral character, likeability, and fashion taste. Answer personal and embarrassing questions on camera. Crowd members will make quick, catty comments about why they don’t like you, if voted off. … Some women have very strong self-esteem and/or a strong drive to appear on TV, so here’s Most Popular, a new game show. 91% of 894 adult women polled by WEtv ”usually judge someone based on their appearance before they get to know them.” This idea underlies the show’s Moral Wheel (spin for questions about scruples, inner self, relationships - and looks) and competitive wedding... Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2615423 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:45:03 +0100 2615423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598302&cid=t_104764_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fs14z6PxZR-M%2F …Than Sitting and Watching TV. Really! Add one to the Duh Study File: According to researchers in Oklahoma, children burn triple the number of calories if they’re playing a video game that requires moving about - such as some of the Nintendo Wii system games, than they do while sitting still and watching television. These findings were published in the August issue of the medical journal Pediatrics. While playing the games aren’t the same as getting outside and getting some good activity going, such as bike riding or playing tag, they may have their place in situations where children may not be able to go outside, such as when the weather is bad. That being said though - the games must be active and likely shouldn’t be used as a replacement for real exercise. ~~~~ I... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598302 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:10 +0100 2598302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786053&cid=t_104764_109_f&fid=38953&url=http%3A%2F%2Frileyjennifer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmusic-therapy.html There is a lot of research being done recently looking into the therapeutic benefits of music. Much of this research has examined pain and anxiety symptoms but less has been done in the specific context of mental illness(though many registered music therapists are out there).A review done last year showed that while music therapy was well tolerated in depressed patients, had low drop-out rates, and improved symptoms, that the studies under review were of low methodological quality and few in number.A recent study demonstrated improvements in people suffering from depression or psychosis with a dose related effect of music therapy sessions.Another study showed an improvement in quality of life of people suffering from a mental illness, though there was no significant improvement in symptoms... Psych Scamp blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786053 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:08:00 +0100 2786053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576612&cid=t_104764_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theangriestpharmacist.com%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fbeat-piston-honda%2F I couldn’t help myself. I got this idea, and I had to get it made and get it out to you guys. We all loved Punch-Out. We all loved beating that smug prick, Piston Honda. Now announce it to the world, “I fought Piston Honda, and I WON….BOTH F.ING TIMES!” (Source: The Angriest Pharmacist) The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576612 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:59:53 +0100 2576612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570896&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FQA6XrLipGHo%2F My presentation to open our Games for Health Conference track is now available via SlideShare: See Bird's Eye View of Cognitive Health Innovation Description: Scientific, technological and demographic trends have converged to create a new $265m market in the US alone: serious games, software and online applications that can help people of all ages assess and train cognitive abilities. Alvaro Fernandez will provide a Bird’s Eye View of the science, market segments and trends, competitive landscape, and main challenges ahead, based on The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market 2009 report released in May, which included Research Executive Briefs prepared by 12 leading scientists and a survey of 2,000+ decision-makers and early adopters. 61% of respondents to the survey Strongly Agreed... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570896 Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:51:33 +0100 2570896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2553111&cid=t_104764_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F06%2F29%2Ftowards-a-positive-technology-of-gaming.html In this very interesting keynote given at the recent Game Developers Conference, Jane McGonigal discusses the role of Positive Psychology in gaming. Another significant sign of how the world of ICT is embracing the perspective of Positive Technology...   Learning to Make Your Own Reality - IGDA Education Keynote 2009 View more documents from avantgame. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2553111 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:03:00 +0100 2553111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510165&cid=t_104764_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F24%2Fthe-flu-pandemic-game-a-business-continuity-training-resource%2F Title: The Flu Pandemic Game: a business continuity training resource The Skinny: Developed by Camden Primary Care Trust using NHS resources in partnership with Camden Council and adapted by the DH this game is designed as a training resource for their staff and to help managers of local businesses and voluntary organisations develop their business continuity plans. Game Versions: Camden PCT Flu Pandemic Game for GPs Camden PCT Flu Pandemic Game for healthcare and other related organisations Publisher: DH Size of Document: 13p and 25p Published: 23/06/2009 Posted in Business Continuity, Grey Literature, Influenza, Local Authorities, NHS, Pandemic, Primary Care, Voluntary Sector Tagged: Business Continuity, Games, Grey Literature, Influenza, Interagency Relations, Local Authorities, Pand... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510165 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:27:05 +0100 2510165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2507273&cid=t_104764_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fvirtual-reality-video-games-sleep-loss.html A study that was presented this week at SLEEP 2009 in Seattle, Wash., reports that excessive video-game playing can interfere with your sleep. The study involved 137 college students. They had an average age of 22 years; 63 percent were women. Casual game players were compared with excessive game players. “Excessive” was defined as playing more than seven hours per week. Results show that almost 13 percent of participants reported that they are addicted to gaming. These participants slept one hour less on weekdays than other gamers; they also reported feeling sleepier during the day. In general, excessive gaming was associated with more sleepiness. But study author Amanda Woolems told the AASM that only some of these college students realized that they were losing sleep. “Of th... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2507273 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:20:00 +0100 2507273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458118&cid=t_104764_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2FKTzrvjm0xNg%2F By-line: DENA WHITE is a freelance writer and covers topics such as nurse assistant and medical careers, health care topics, and more. Just a quick search on the Internet and you can see some great screenshots from the video game Zero Hour. Zero Hour is a fantastic video game that has you playing as an EMT who must respond to catastrophes such as a biological weapons attack in a major US city. You have to treat and diagnose panic-stricken patients as well as manage supplies, which are disorganized and unpredictable. The United States Department of Homeland Security created this game in some measure as a way of training responders for emergencies in real life situations. This is the perfect example of interactive virtual reality modernizing the way professionals are taught and trained. The... Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458118 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:27:33 +0100 2458118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2456966&cid=t_104764_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fwii-sleep-nintendo-solution-for.html In January the Sleep Education Blog reported on the benefits of playing the old-school video game Tetris; it can be a visual distraction that may reduce flashbacks and nightmares after a stressful event.Now Nintendo is developing a video game application that is light years ahead of Tetris; the Wii Vitality Sensor may even help you fall asleep.Nintendo introduced the device at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo). The annual video game industry trade show was held earlier this week in Los Angeles.A Nintendo press release said that the Wii Vitality Sensor will detect your pulse and other body signals. This will give you information about “the body’s inner world.”The Telegraph reports that Nintendo President Satoru Iwata envisions the device as a potential sleep aid.“It may not be long... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2456966 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:45:00 +0100 2456966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447834&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fo064rsy3lpQ%2F Brain-fitness games join workplace, as well as senior center, arsenals (MarketWatch) - "Consumers and retirement homes have made brain-fitness games and exercises a commercial hit, but now some insurers and employers are incorporating them into wellness programs that promote health not just for the body but also for the mind." - "Improving brain health can result in less presenteeism, the tendency to be at work but be distracted and not able to focus," he added. "If you look at disability costs, absenteeism and presenteeism account for most of the medical costs, and that's a good reason for employers to be focused on brain health." (according to Dr. Eugene Baker, vice president at OptumHealth's Behavioral Solutions division)" The article reviews innovati... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447834 Sat, 30 May 2009 20:34:13 +0100 2447834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442108&cid=t_104764_122_f&fid=38275&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drjonathanreed.co.uk%2Fwordpress%2F2009%2F05%2Fplaying-computer-games-improves-attention%2F There is more evidence of the neuropsychological benefits of playing action video games in a new paper to be published in July by Matt Dye and colleagues in Neuropsychologia. This paper shows that playing action video games resulted in improvmenets in attention allocation in children and young people.  The authors used the Attention Network Test (ANT) which measure “how well attention is allocated to targets as a function of alerting and orientating cues, and to what extent observers are able to filter out the influence of task irrelevant information flanking those tasks”.  The subjects were children and young people between the ages of 7 and 22 who had played action games (such as Halo, Metal Gear, Quake, Grand Theft Auto, Medal of Honor etc) and non action games (Age of E... Child Neuropsychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442108 Thu, 21 May 2009 10:42:06 +0100 2442108