The University of Delaware’s Curtis Johnson (left) and Grace McIlvain are uncovering new information about mechanical properties of the brain. (Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson)

UD assistant professor of biomedical engineering, Curtis Johnson and a doctoral student, Grace McIlvain, have found differences in the stiffness of adolescent brains in comparison to adult brains. Their findings may be able to help clinicians assess development and cognitive issues in teens. McIlvain is also working on a project to study the brains of children with cerebral palsy and has plans for another project studying children with autism.