Add BrightSurf on Google Email

People with autism have a more symmetrical brain

A large-scale study found that people with autism spectrum disorder have less brain asymmetry, particularly in cortical thickness. The findings suggest altered development of the brain's left-right axis is involved in autism, affecting widespread brain regions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

Distinct brain region alterations in youth with psychosis spectrum disorders

A study found that youth with psychosis spectrum disorders exhibit surface area reductions in key brain regions, including orbitofrontal, cingulate, precentral, and postcentral areas. These changes are not seen in typically developing youth or those with bipolar spectrum disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2019

Inflammation and autism

A study of postmortem brain tissue found increased expression of IL-18 and IL-37 in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting these cytokines may inhibit microglia-driven inflammation and represent a potential therapeutic candidate for ASD.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain activity and OCD treatment

A study of 69 individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) reveals that conflict-related brain activity in 36 regions predicts successful exposure-based psychotherapy. The findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying OCD and support a tailored treatment strategy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers find way to study proteins moving (relatively) slowly

Scientists at Ohio State University have developed a tool to measure protein behavior at slower speeds than previously possible, allowing researchers to ask deeper questions about protein function and behavior. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of how proteins regulate cellular processes and interact with other molecules.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2019

Study supports link between pollution and neuropsychiatric disorders

A new study suggests a significant link between exposure to environmental pollution and an increase in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found poor air quality associated with increased rates of bipolar disorder and major depression in both the US and Denmark.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 20, 2019

Risk of psychotic disorders has disease-specific brain effects

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that relatives of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have unique brain abnormalities, despite symptom overlap. The findings suggest that familial risk for these disorders influences brain development already early in life.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 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.

Genes underscore five psychiatric disorders

A collaborative research project analyzing over 400,000 individuals identified several sets of genes marked across all five psychiatric disorders. These genes play a role in the same biological pathway or are active in the same tissue type, increasing risk for multiple disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 24, 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
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Improved human brain organoids to boost neurological disease research

Researchers at Harvard University have created miniature, 3D tissue cultures that model a patient's own brain cells in a dish, offering great promise for studying disease in humans directly. The new method consistently grows the same types of cells, in the same order, as the developing human cerebral cortex.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2019

Combination therapy advisable for bowel disorder IBS

A study published in Gastroenterology suggests that patients with IBS who have multiple intestinal and brain abnormalities experience more severe symptoms, making combination therapy a potential solution to improve treatment outcomes

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMay 15, 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

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

Releasing an immune system brake could help patients with rare but fatal brain infection

A small-scale NIH-led clinical study found that pembrolizumab can slow or stop the progression of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal brain infection caused by the JC virus. The treatment resulted in improved symptoms and reduced viral levels in five patients with PML.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 10, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Can flipping coins replace animal experiments?

Researchers Sophie Piper and colleagues used a coin toss to confirm whether a drug protects the brain against stroke, questioning the need for repeated experiments in mice. The study reveals high rates of false positive results and highlights the 'replication crisis' in scientific research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Some children can 'recover' from autism, but problems often remain

A new study by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that 38% of children diagnosed with ASD no longer meet diagnostic criteria, but many continue to struggle with language and learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral problems. Only 3% recovered from ASD with no other issues.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Child Neurology·DateMar 12, 2019

Detailed new primate brain atlas could lead to disease insights

A new study has created a 3D reconstruction of a marmoset brain and mapped neuronal connectivity across the entire brain with unparalleled detail. The resulting data set may offer insights into human neural connectivity and potentially lead to therapeutic advances for human diseases.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·DateMar 1, 2019

Geneticists ID molecular pathway for autism-related disorder

Researchers discovered a precise pathway causing neurodevelopmental disorders, including rare condition Kaufman oculocerebrofacial syndrome. Genetic sequencing revealed the buildup of protein BCKDK in the brain, leading to intellectual disability and speech loss.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 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.

Difference in brain connectivity may explain autism spectrum disorder

Researchers at UAB identified overconnectivity in unimodal-subcortical connections and underconnectivity in supramodal-subcortical connections in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This finding may help understand the expression of ASD and develop biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 30, 2019

How our cellular antennas are formed

Researchers from UNIGE develop in vitro system to form microtubule doublets, revealing crucial role of tubulin in preventing uncontrolled ciliary structure formation. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting differences between human and pathogen cilia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 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.

Anxiety-depressive disorder changes brain genes activity

Researchers discovered that anxiety-depressive disorder in mice is associated with impaired energy metabolism in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. This finding provides a fresh look at the depression development mechanism and other psycho-emotional diseases formation.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 2019

Illuminating the brain architecture of neuropsychiatric risk: The latest from PsychENCODE

Recent PsychENCODE research provides a better understanding of brain development and neuropsychiatric risks, with critical expression differences in genes identified during early brain development and adolescence. The findings highlight the importance of studying specific cell types and time points in brain development to model disease...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Researchers uncover molecular mechanisms linked to autism and schizophrenia

A major study has linked genetic variants to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing new mechanisms of diseases. The findings provide a roadmap for development of new therapies for psychiatric conditions. Thousands of RNA molecules are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Acute flaccid myelitis: Five things to know

Acute flaccid myelitis is a rare but serious condition in children that can progress rapidly and result in persistent health deficits. The disease is usually caused by enteroviruses and requires urgent testing and medical attention.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 3, 2018

Brain activity pattern may be early sign of schizophrenia

Neuroscientists have identified a brain activity pattern that could predict the onset of schizophrenia. The study found abnormal connections in patients who later developed psychosis, which may help diagnose the disease earlier. Researchers are now exploring early interventions to combat symptoms and prevent psychiatric disorders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

Researchers find novel mutation affecting YARS causes multisystem disease

Researchers identified a novel missense mutation in tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS) causing severe recessive disorder. The study found that affected individuals exhibited poor growth, developmental delay, and various organ dysfunctions, including liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and hearing loss.

SourceClinic for Special Children·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 6, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Creating custom brains from the ground up

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a new method to create customized mouse models for studying the brain. This technique involves using a natural toxin to kill off developing brain cells, allowing scientists to reconstitute the forebrain from genetically engineered stem cells. The resulting mice have tightly contr...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Brain networks tied to free will

A study of brain lesions reveals consistent connections between regions linked to volition and agency, which are components of free will. The identified networks suggest possible underpinnings of free will and could aid studies of related neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018
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.

Building a better brain-in-a-dish, faster and cheaper

UC San Diego researchers develop rapid and cost-effective method to create human cortical organoids directly from primary cells. The new protocol enables large-scale production of brain organoids, which can be used to better understand human brain function and develop treatments for neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateSep 6, 2018
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.

Brain scans could distinguish bipolar from depression

Researchers found that brain activity in the amygdala responds differently to facial expressions in individuals with bipolar disorder versus those with depression. The study demonstrated 80% accuracy in distinguishing between the two conditions. This finding holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·DateSep 3, 2018

Brain scans could distinguish bipolar from depression

Research using brain scans found that neurons in the amygdala respond differently in people with bipolar disorder versus those with depression. The study showed an 80% accuracy rate in distinguishing between the two conditions. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·DateSep 2, 2018

Similar changes in the brains of patients with ADHD and emotional instability

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that patients with ADHD and emotional instability disorders exhibit similar brain changes, particularly in the frontal lobe. The findings suggest a broader treatment approach for both conditions, potentially benefiting individuals with ADHD who also experience emotional problems.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 31, 2018

Scientists identify a new kind of human brain cell

Researchers discover a new type of human brain cell that has never been seen in mice and other laboratory animals. These 'rosehip neurons' may play a role in fine-level control between regions of the human brain, and their absence in rodents suggests difficulties in modeling human brain diseases.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 27, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.