1. Research Methods Flashcards
How can a tissue sample be fixed for study?
Freezing or hardening using chemicals or gases.
What is histology?
The study of microscopic tissues.
What is used to thinly slice the tissue for viewing?
A microtome
What is the use of a Golgi silver stain?
Viewing cell bodies.
What is the use of a myelin stain?
Viewing cell pathways (axons)
What is the use of the horseradish peroxidase enzyme?
Finding the source (cell body) of an axon.
What is a CT scan and how does it function?
Computerized tomography. X-ray. Still pictures.
What is a PET scan and how does it function?
Positron emission tomography. Gamma tracers, radiation, gamma camera.
What is an MRI and how does it function?
Magnetic resonance imaging machine. Magnets detects changes in the spin of hydrogen atoms. Still pictures.
What is an fMRI and how does it function?
Functional Magnetic resonance imaging. Detects oxygen using magnets.
What is a nissl stain?
Used to examine clusters of cell bodies.
What is the BOLD effect?
Blood oxygenation level dependent. Signals from voxels in an fMRI are dependent on levels of oxygen found in the brain.
What is an EEG and how does it function?
An electroencephalogram measures electrical fluctuations (activity) in the brain using a volt meter.
What is an evoked potential?
An evoked potential is a change in the electrical activity of the brain in response to something. It differentiates between the constant fluctuations of the brain and brain activity as a result of a response to change.
What is an MEG and how does it function?
Magnetoencheohalography records the magnetic output of the brain using SQUIDs (superconducting quantum inference devices).
What are the advantages and disadvantages to an MEG over an EEG?
Less interference, quiet.
More expensive, requires more training for technician to operate.
Who made the first EEG recording?
Hans Berger
How do Single cell recordings function?
By implanting tiny microelectrodes directly into the area of interest.
What is rTMS and how does it function?
Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation. Magnetic pulses delivered all over the head in order to stimulate the cortex.
What is microdialysis?
Introducing or removing fluids fluids/neurotransmitters from the brain in order to assess chemical composition.
What is a knockout animal in terms of genetic research?
A knockout animal is one where a gene sequence has been turned off by being replaced with a non-functioning gene in order to study the effects of that gene on the brain and behaviour.
What is the specific function of a gene?
To produce proteins in the body according to the gene sequence
What is a stem cell?
An undifferentiated cell which can divide and differentiate into other types of cells.
What is the purpose of stem cell research?
To grow replacement cells and tissues for repairing damage.
What is the purpose of twin and adoption studies?
To study the contributions of genetic and environmental factors on behaviour.
