This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. During the past year, Dr. Dorothy Mandell has successfully implemented a touch screen testing system to assess cognitive development with infants as young as 90-days old. We have also been working to expand the cognitive assessment battery in the computer environment to include measures that are sensitive to developmental changes in different levels of executive functioning, memory capacity, and spatial memory. Drs. Burbacher and Grant have continued to consult with a team of investigators from the Children's Hospital to develop new test procedures for use at the IPRL. Dr. Jim Phillips and Dr. Avery Weiss are providing the test equipment and expertise to study the longitudinal development of oculomotor function in infant primates. Dr. John Kelley is assisting with the design and implementation of test procedures to examine foveal development in young monkeys. Upgrades of our data collection and management programs have continued. We have successfully implemented the use of wireless technology in the lab and all data are now collected via DELL laptops or hand-held devices such as Palm Pilots. During 2005, a computerized visual acuity testing apparatus was developed with the expertise of Dr. Lynne Kiorpes and Dr. Ron Boothe, both experts in the field of psychophysics. Laboratory personnel are continuing to offer services to affiliate investigators in conjunction with the Reproductive Biology program. IPRL staff provides assistance with daily observations for menses, training animals for blood draws, ultrasound imaging and embryo transfers. Finally, the studies conducted in the laboratory since May, 2005 provided opportunities for training 14 undergraduate students. This program has been highly successful in meeting one of the major goals of the University, providing quality undergraduate training in research. In addition, one undergraduate honors student and on graduate student engaged in advanced research during the progress report period.
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