This article, “LaDIVA: A neurocomputational model providing laryngeal motor control for speech acquisition and production,” introduces LaDIVA, a model designed to better understand laryngeal movements during speech and its connection to the brain. By using both neurobiology and computational modeling, LaDIVA simulates interactions between brain circuits, biomechanics and motor control involved in speech production. These simulations give valuable insight on how the brain coordinates movements to produce speech sounds as well as help our understanding of speech disorders. Which could potentially lead to better interventions for individuals with speech impairments. 

In the October 2021 issue of Brain, Dr. Cler’s paper “Elevated Iron Concentration in Putamen and Cortical Speech Motor Network in Developmental Stuttering” was selected as Editor’s Choice!

In this paper, Dr. Cler and colleagues in Oxford performed quantitative mapping of brain tissue, which can be used to measure iron content alongside markers sensitive to myelin, thereby offering particular sensitivity to the measurement of iron-rich structures such as the basal ganglia.

This paper, “Functional Organization for Verb Generation in Children with Developmental Language Disorder,” examines how children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) process verbs using brain scans. The study compares brain activity during verb generation tasks between children with DLD and children who are typically developing. The results provide insight into how language processing differs in DLD, which could potentially develop better interventions for individuals with DLD. 

The article “Evaluating Camera Mouse as a Computer Access System for Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study” discusses a case study evaluating how effective the Camera Mouse technology is for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) who need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The Camera Mouse allows users to control a computer cursor by moving their head which is tracked by a webcam. The study examines whether the Camera Mouse is easy to use as well as a practical option for those with CP who use AAC. The results indicate that the Camera Mouse could be an option that works for those individuals, and gives us a better understanding of its benefits and use in this group.