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Expecting the unexpected: A new model for cognition

Researchers developed a computer model inspired by biological brain mechanisms to predict and recognize new information, enabling robots to mimic behaviors. The model may help reveal the cognitive underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disorder, where individuals tend to minimize error and prefer repetitive social interactions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNeural Computation·DateOct 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia offers help and cure for picky eaters

A new group cognitive-behavioral therapy program is being used to help parents of children with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) improve their child's mealtime behaviors. The program, known as the Picky Eaters Clinic, has reported life-changing improvements in parents and their children.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCognitive and Behavioral Practice·DateOct 21, 2019

Changes in microglia impact neuroinflammation and disease pathology

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the role of microglia in neuroinflammation, a hallmark of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Studies show that changes in microglial cells can trigger hyperexcitability in the brain, leading to decreased sociability and motivation.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 21, 2019

Hope is a key factor in recovering from anxiety disorders

A University of Houston study found that hope increases during cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders, leading to greater recovery rates. Moderate-to-large increases in hope were consistent across different CBT protocols and anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateOct 14, 2019

Suicide in low- and middle-income countries

A new study found that 58% of suicide deaths and 45% of non-fatal suicidal behaviors in low- and middle-income countries are linked to psychiatric disorders. The research suggests a wider approach is needed beyond just treating psychiatric illness to prevent suicidal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 10, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Sweating for science

A study by MU researcher Bradley Ferguson found that 60% of the time before an individual showed behavioral issues, there was a rise in electrodermal activity - indicating physiological stress response. This allows parents and caregivers to intervene and de-escalate situations, ensuring health and safety.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 10, 2019

Autism-related behaviors are shaped by neurons outside of the brain

Research shows that neurons outside the brain play a crucial role in autism spectrum disorders, particularly in touch perception and social behavior. Peripheral somatosensory neurons are key players in this process, suggesting a potential new approach to treating ASD-related symptoms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateOct 3, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Benefits for mind, body and work ability seen in Medicaid Expansion study

A University of Michigan study found that Medicaid expansion improved the health, work, and job search outcomes of low-income adults with behavioral health conditions. Those with these conditions showed significant gains in physical and mental health, as well as better job performance.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPsychological Services·DateSep 25, 2019

Autoantibodies in pregnancy: A cause of behavioral disorders in the child?

Research suggests that autoantibodies targeting the NMDA receptor in pregnant women may cause behavioral disorders in their children. Studies have found a link between these autoantibodies and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and ADHD.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 18, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Study finds many psychiatric disorders have heightened impulsivity

A meta-analysis of 40 studies reveals that individuals with psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder exhibit heightened impulsivity. The study suggests a continuum between impulsive and self-controlled decision-making across different disorders.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 2019

Impaired brain activity in rats with family history of alcohol abuse

Researchers have discovered that the prefrontal cortex directly encodes the intention to consume alcohol, but this ability is blunted in rats with a family history of excessive drinking. This finding suggests that restoring prefrontal cortex activity could be a new strategy for treating alcohol use disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 29, 2019

Pupil dilation and heart rate, analyzed by AI, may help spot autism early

Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that can detect abnormal pupil dilation and heart rate patterns in mice with autism-like features. In a study, the algorithm accurately identified 80% of girls with Rett syndrome and showed promise for early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Hypothalamus pathway drives defense behaviors

Scientists have identified a previously unknown pathway connecting the hypothalamus and midbrain that drives defensive behaviors in mice. Further research on this pathway could increase understanding of anxiety disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 22, 2019

Rutgers collaborates with WHO to more accurately describe mental health disorders

A Rutgers University researcher collaborated with the World Health Organization to gather input from people with common mental health issues on how their disorders are described in diagnostic guidelines. The study aimed to improve access to treatment and reduce stigma by incorporating personal experiences into diagnostic manuals.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 2019

WHO mental health guidelines could better capture 'lived experience'

A new study by UK and US researchers found that WHO mental health diagnostic descriptions often focus on external symptoms, leading to alienation and misunderstanding among patients. The research recommends incorporating more information about the felt-experience into the guidelines to improve understanding and empathy for service users.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 8, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Researchers look to unlock post-traumatic stress disorder puzzle

A team of researchers has identified a key link between pre-existing brain circuit function and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) vulnerability. The study found that rats with altered neural circuit connectivity were more prone to fearful responses to threats, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of PTSD.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2019

Study: Society pays heavy price for failure to diagnose and treat conduct disorder

Conduct disorder is a highly impairing psychiatric disorder that requires improved diagnosis and treatment. The condition is associated with a seven times greater health burden than ADHD and is linked to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse in children. Correct diagnosis and management can improve patient well-being and life chances.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Reviews Disease Primers·DateJun 28, 2019

Society pays heavy price for failure to diagnose and treat conduct disorder

Conduct Disorder is associated with an exceptionally high individual, societal, and economic burden, seven times greater than attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. If left untreated, CD can lead to negative consequences, including adult outcomes of antisocial or borderline personality disorder, criminal behavior, and gang involvement.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Reviews Disease Primers·DateJun 27, 2019

Autism health challenges could be explained by problem behaviors

Researchers found a correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and problematic behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea were associated with different behaviors like anxiety and aggression.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The app teaching anorexics to eat again

A new approach to treating eating disorders involves teaching patients with anorexia how to eat normally, with promising results. The method, which uses a smartphone app to track and regulate food intake, has been shown to achieve a 75% remission rate after just one year of treatment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 13, 2019

Using gene editing, neuroscientists develop a new model for autism

Researchers at MIT and China create macaque monkeys with Shank3 gene mutation linked to autism, exhibiting behavioral traits similar to those seen in humans. The new model aims to study treatment options and potentially develop better medicines for severe neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019

Scientists develop a primate model for autism by genome-editing

Researchers have created a primate model of autism using genome-editing technology, revealing insights into the genetic basis and potential treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders. The study's findings have significant implications for developing better treatment options for autism spectrum disorder.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Gut bacteria influence autism-like behaviors in mice

A study using mouse models reveals that gut bacteria directly contribute to autism-like behaviors, affecting gene expression and metabolite production. Researchers hope this discovery may lead to new treatments targeting the gut, rather than the brain.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 2019

Did Leonardo da Vinci have ADHD?

A study suggests that Leonardo da Vinci, the iconic artist, might have had ADHD due to his chronic procrastination and difficulty completing projects. His exceptional creativity and achievements across art and science could be linked to this condition.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain·DateMay 23, 2019

NIAAA honors Dr. Geoffrey K. Mumford with Senator Harold Hughes Award

Dr. Geoffrey K. Mumford received the Senator Harold Hughes Memorial Award for his work in promoting evidence-based findings and improving prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorders. His efforts have bridged communities across the field, fostering a stronger connection between research and policy.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·DateMay 14, 2019

May/June 2019 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A study found that 623,000 US parents with opioid use disorder live with children under 18, with few receiving treatment. Meanwhile, healthcare accounts for between 5-15% of premature death variation, with behavioral factors driving more mortality variation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 14, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Long-term consequences of Zika virus infection

A study found that mice infected with Zika virus during late gestation exhibited behaviors similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children exposed to the virus during the 2015-16 epidemic may be at increased risk for developmental disorders, including ADHD and brain abnormalities.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMay 13, 2019

Vaccine shows lasting effects against fentanyl addiction in rats

A vaccine combining a fentanyl antigen with tetanus toxoid has been shown to reduce fentanyl choices and increase food choices in rats, with effects lasting several months. The findings suggest the vaccine may decrease dangerous drug-taking behavior and increase healthier behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMay 1, 2019

Alcohol relapse rate among liver transplant recipients identical regardless of sobriety period

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that liver transplant recipients with alcoholic hepatitis have a comparable alcohol relapse rate regardless of their sobriety period. The study's outcomes support waiving the six-month sobriety requirement for selected patients, promoting equal access to lifesaving transplants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Care Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Growing up in poverty increases diagnoses of psychosis-spectrum mental illnesses

A UC Davis and Concordia University study of nearly 4,000 families found that growing up in impoverished urban neighborhoods increases psychosis-spectrum disorder diagnoses by middle adulthood. The study suggests that early intervention through social policies and neighborhood improvements could prevent future mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateApr 24, 2019

Brain wiring differences identified in children with conduct disorder

Researchers have found distinctive differences in white matter pathways among young people with conduct disorder, linked to callous behavior and reduced empathy. The study may help clinicians diagnose the condition more accurately and guide effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 18, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Dopamine regulates sex differences in worms

Research on Caenorhabditis elegans reveals dopamine's role in sex-specific behaviors, such as food finding and mating strategies. The study demonstrates how dopamine acts through different molecular pathways to give rise to these differences.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 15, 2019

How does dark play impact the effectiveness of serious video games?

A new study published in Games for Health Journal found that allowing dark play in a serious video game has no significant effect on its effectiveness. The researchers analyzed the effects of dark play on medical students' ability to advise care, learning motivation, and attitudes towards delirious patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGames for Health Journal·DateApr 15, 2019

Crucial 'electrical switch' in brain revealed in study published by Science

Scientists have discovered the native structure of AMPA receptors in rodent models, which may lead to new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The research could provide novel approaches for therapies by understanding how these receptors differ in people with devastating diseases.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2019

Protein pileup affects social behaviors through altered brain signaling

Scientists found that disrupted autophagy leads to protein accumulation, causing neuronal communication problems and behavioral changes resembling human autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. The study confirms a link between mTOR-autophagy and GABA signaling in the development of social behavior deficits.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 10, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

'Tingle' wearable device improves position tracking accuracy utilizing thermal sensors

A new study published in npj Digital Medicine found that a wearable tracking device called Tingle achieves higher accuracy in position tracking using thermal sensors. The device was able to distinguish between behaviors directed toward six different locations on the head, potentially aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions...

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateMar 14, 2019

CD38 mutation and potential link to autism

An animal study published in The FASEB Journal explores the potential link between CD38 mutation and autism spectrum disorder. The research revealed that a deficit in CD38 expression leads to brain abnormalities and oxytocin dysregulation, particularly in males, which are associated with social behavior and emotional difficulties.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 7, 2019

Young people at risk of addiction have differences in key brain region

A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology reveals that young adults at risk of addiction show differences in the putamen brain region, which is associated with impulsivity and addictive disorders. The research suggests that individuals displaying higher levels of impulsivity tend to have lower myelin levels in this area.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 4, 2019

Neural circuits involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Researchers identified a key neural circuit involved in OCD, including connections between the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. Altering this circuit's activity was shown to impact OCD-like checking behavior, providing new insights into the disorder's pathophysiology.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers uncover brain pathway linked to impulsive behaviors

A new brain pathway has been discovered that triggers impulsive behavior when dopamine signals are passed to an unexpected area of the brain. The pathway involves the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, a complex brain structure involved in emotional and behavioral responses to stress.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2019