**average**: (in science) A term for the arithmetic mean, which is the sum of a group of numbers that is then divided by the size of the group.
**colleague**: Someone who works with another; a co-worker or team member.
**computer science**: The scientific study of the principles and use of computers. Scientists who work in this field are known as computer scientists.
**cortex**: The outermost part of an organ, such as the kidney or brain.
**disorder**: (in medicine) A condition where the body does not work appropriately, leading to what might be viewed as an illness. This term can sometimes be used interchangeably with disease.
**engineer**: A person who uses science and math to solve problems. As a verb, to engineer means to design a device, material or process that will solve some problem or unmet need.
**exoskeleton**: A hard, protective outer body covering of many animals that lack a true skeleton, such as an insect, crustacean or mollusk. The exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans are largely made of chitin.
**feedback**: A response or assessment that follows some a particular act or decision. Or a process or combination of processes that propel or exaggerate a change in some direction. For instance, as the cover of Arctic ice disappears with global warming, less of the sun’s warming energy will be reflected back into space. This will serve to increase the rate of Earth’s warming. That warming might trigger some feedback (like sea-ice melting) that fosters additional warming.
**impair**: (n. impairment) To damage or weaken in some way.
**motor**: A device that converts electricity into mechanical motion. (in biology) A term referring to movement.
**neuroscientist**: Someone who studies the structure or function of the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
**range**: The full extent or distribution of something. For instance, a plant or animal’s range is the area over which it naturally exists. (in math or for measurements) The extent to which values can vary (such as the highest to lowest temperatures). Also, the distance within which something can be reached or perceived.
**robot**: A machine that can sense its environment, process information and respond with specific actions. Some robots can act without any human input, while others are guided by a human.
**somatosensory cortex**: An area of the brain critical in the sense of touch.
**stroke**: (in biology and medicine) A condition where blood stops flowing to part of the brain or leaks in the brain.
**subjects**: (in research) The participants in a trial. The term usually refers to people who volunteered to take part. Some may receive money or other compensation for their participation, particularly if they entered the trial healthy.
**therapy**: (adj. therapeutic) Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
**virtual reality**: A three-dimensional simulation of the real world that seems very realistic and allows people to interact with it. To do so, people usually wear a special helmet or glasses with sensors.