Backgrounder
September 18, 2008
ADVANCED HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
Brock University
Dr. Veena Dwivedi
Determining how the brain processes language
Provincial Funding: $83,875
While researchers know that older adults don’t process language in the same way as younger adults do, they don’t know why that is. Dr. Veena Dwivedi at Brock University will use cutting-edge electroencephalography (EEG) technology to investigate how the healthy brain comprehends language in real time. Specifically her research involves exploring how the brain understands the meaning of words and sentences in particular contexts by investigating electrophysiological response to language processing. Her work in understanding these mechanisms could lead to better treatments for people with cognitive impairments, including patients with Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, and strokes.
Dr. Stephen Cheung
Exploring how heat and cold affect people’s performance
Provincial Funding: $82,540
Hyperthermia occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dispel. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and body temperature climbs uncontrollably. If not treated quickly, it can lead to death. Hypothermia, the opposite of hyperthermia, happens when the body’s temperature drops below that required for normal bodily functions. Both conditions are the result of thermal stress. It’s an area that fascinates Dr. Stephen Cheung at Brock University. He’s looking into human performance in thermally stressful environments. With significant numbers working in thermally stressful environments, such as firefighters, miners, military, athletes, this research that could have a significant impact on their health and quality of life.
See also:
- News Release:
Making Health Research Work For Patients - Backgrounder:
Ontario Research Fund - Backgrounder:
Inventing The Future Of Health Care - Backgrounder:
Lifes Sciences, Advanced Health Technologies And Pharmaceutical Research Projects - Recipients
