MindWeavers
MindWeavers is a spin off company form Oxford University specialising in "software-based products that apply world-leading neuronal-level science to harness the dynamism of the human brain" [1]
People
The scientists involved in this project are:
- David Moore, Director of the Medical Research Council Institute of Hearing Research and expert on "the Auditory Brain"
- Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield
Products
Products include Phonomena that is designed to improve ability to hear the sounds of language and MindFit a computer brain training game.
The MindFit game, which cost £89.99 on release is licensed by MindWeavers, which Susan Greenfield is a director of. MindFit's production is a result of collaboration between Oxford University and game makers CogniFit, based in Israel. Greenfield claimed that although "It is not a guarantee against getting Alzheimer's...MindFit is proven to work in scientific trials". [2]. However, when the games were investigated by Which ? the consumer magazine they were sent three studies by MindWeavers none of which were published in reputable scientific journals and two of the studies had "basic design flaws" [3] Adrian Owen of Which? found that two of the studies had no control group making any improvement in brain performance impossible to find and to distinguish from any form of regular computer use. [4] Given Greenfield's concerns for the harm caused by the use of the computer games in children and of social networking this endorsement seems contradictory. The third unpublished study was less problematic, it suggested that MindFit's product may compare more favourably to similar products. However, it did not support the claim that MindFit had advantages for the brain over playing other computer games like tetris, contrary to claims reported upon the launch of the product.[5]. The claim that MindFit was a "cognitively challenging" and therefore activity protects against alzheimer’s remains doubtful. Chris Bird another Which? reviewer said even if that was true, it was unlikely brain-training would be more effective than doing crosswords or joining a book club. [6]
References
- ↑ ISIS Innovation, MindWeavers accessed 25th October 2011
- ↑ Roger Highfield, Top neuroscientist backs computer brain game The Telegraph, 7th September 2007, accessed 25th October 2011
- ↑ Adrian Owen, Brain training Mindfit Which?, 25th February 2009, accessed 25th October 2011
- ↑ Adrian Owen, Brain training Mindfit Which?, 25th February 2009, accessed 25th October 2011
- ↑ Roger Highfield, Top neuroscientist backs computer brain game The Telegraph, 7th September 2007, accessed 25th October 2011
- ↑ Chris Bird, Brain training Mindfit Which?, 25th February 2009, accessed 25th October 2011
