How do faces and more importantly, brains develop? 

Science Daily reported that researchers at Tuft University have released never before seen patterns of bioelectrical signals outlining where eyes, nose, mouth, and other features will appear in an embryonic tadpole.

When stained with dye, hyperpolarized (negatively charged) areas shine brightly and others remain darker.  The Tufts scientists discovered that in the pre-stages of face development bioelectrical signals (ion flux) cause groups of cells to form patterns marked by different membrane voltage and pH levels.

Dany S. Adams, senior author of the study, states, “We believe this is the first time such patterning has been reported for an entire structure, not just for a single organ.  I would never have predicted anything like it.  It’s a jaw dropper.”

Newswise has also commented on this but have the accompanying video that depicts this amazing process (se below).   Bioelectrical signaling appears to regulate a sequence of events, not just one,” Laura Vandenberg, a Tuft’s Post Doctorial Associate and first author of the study noted, “Developmental biologists are used to thinking of sequences in which a gene produces a protein product that in turn ultimately leads to development of an eye or mouth.  But our work suggests that something else – a bioelectrical signal is required before that can happen.”

The team also found that disrupting this bioelectrical signal correlated with cranial abnormalities such as two brains, a thickened optic nerve or abnormal nasal and jaw development.  Adams and Vandenberg note that more research is needed to discover if this phenomenon works the same in other animals, including humans.

For more information and to view the full study click here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

IBTimes-New York has just reported that Facebook is just about to introduce its new mood recognition app.

Face.com a face detection and recognition service has just introduced Facebook to its new facial recognition technology.

They have announced the release of their new mood recognition API (for those of you who are not techies, application programming interface).   This new “mood detector” has only five categories in which to place a person:  Happy, Sad, Surprised, Angry and Neutral.

So what happened to frustrated, confused or plain sleepy?

Don’t fret too much; this technology is only being applied to your photos.  They don’t tag your face when you log on.  Facebook reports that their photo feature is their most popular feature;  1 billion photos are uploaded each month!

How long will it be until technology tracts not only your every move but your every emotion as well?  Is it just a matter of time?

Glimpse into the future:  All computers have cameras that automatically start recording when they are accessed.  Everyone will know everything about you when you use the internet (and lets face it who NEVER uses the internet).   If you showered, what your wearing, who your with and so on.

The industry of facial recognition technology is booming.   This app can be compared to Apple’s iPhoto and Google’s Picasa.

What do you think about all these facial/mood recognition devices?

It’s one thing to be able to tell who is in a picture and quite another to discern what that person is feeling or possibly displaying.  As one reader suggested its a slippery slope.