Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Insight into brain’s waste clearing system may shed light on brain diseases

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to enhance glymphatic transport using focused ultrasound with microbubbles, opening new opportunities for studying brain diseases and function. The non-invasive method shows promise for potentially mitigating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2023

In first in-utero brain surgery, doctors eliminated symptoms of dangerous condition

Researchers successfully performed the first in-utero surgery to repair a potentially deadly developmental condition called vein of Galen malformation. The procedure involved treating an aggressive vascular malformation before birth, resulting in improved cardiac output and no signs of negative effects on the brain after birth.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateMay 4, 2023
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.

Chemotherapy drug reaches brain in humans for first time

Scientists successfully opened the blood-brain barrier using a novel ultrasound device, delivering chemotherapy to treat glioblastoma patients. The treatment increased drug concentrations by 4-6 times and was safe and well-tolerated.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMay 2, 2023

Study identifies genetic mutations that contribute to adult epilepsy

Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeCase study·DateMay 1, 2023

First ‘gene silencing’ drug for Alzheimer’s disease shows promise

A new genetic therapy, BIIB080, has been shown to safely lower levels of the harmful tau protein in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The trial found a greater than 50% reduction in tau protein concentrations after 24 weeks in treatment groups.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

International study recommends replacing skull section after treatment for a brain bleed

A major international trial concludes that surgeons should replace the removed skull section after treating a brain bleed, saving patients from further complications. The study found no significant difference in disability-related and quality-of-life outcomes between the two approaches.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 23, 2023

Connections in the brain involved in epileptic seizures identified

A study published in Brain found that disconnecting nerve pathways in the brain can lead to improved seizure freedom in patients with frontal lobe epilepsy. The research, involving 47 patients, revealed that cutting these connections resulted in 88% of patients being seizure-free after three years.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2023

Researchers leverage cell self-destruction to treat brain tumors

Dominique Higgins and his team found that a specialized diet can induce ferroptosis, a type of cell death, in glioblastoma cells, making chemotherapy drugs more effective. This approach has shown promise in animal models and is being explored as a potential treatment for brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Texas Children’s and Baylor College researchers use innovative dual-target deep brain stimulation approach to treat patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette Syndrome

A multidisciplinary team of experts developed a new dual-target DBS approach targeting two distinct brain regions to simultaneously treat OCD and TS. This approach allowed for optimal and sustained improvement in severe symptoms, providing hope for treatment-resistant patients.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2023
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.

Artificial intelligence predicts genetics of cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds

Researchers developed an AI-based diagnostic screening system called DeepGlioma to analyze tumor specimens and detect genetic mutations rapidly. The system identified molecular subgroups with high accuracy and has the potential to improve access and speed of diagnosis for patients with deadly brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2023

Lighting up tumours could help surgeons remove them more precisely

Researchers have developed a new technique that combines real-time images with short-wave infrared light to differentiate between cancerous tumours and healthy tissue. This innovation has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for neuroblastoma patients by allowing surgeons to remove cancerous cells more precisely.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2023

Fats help tag medical implants as friend or foe

Researchers discovered that lipid deposition on medical implant surfaces can signal to the immune system whether to attack or ignore the implant. This knowledge could help develop biomaterials that deflect host immune aggression, reducing malfunction rates for devices like pacemakers and surgical mesh.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023
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.

Two high status brothers had access to “brain surgery” in Bronze Age Israel

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that two elite brothers from Late Bronze Megiddo, Israel, had access to trephination, a rare brain surgery procedure, around 1500 BC. The brothers' tomb contained evidence of chronic disease and advanced bone lesions, suggesting they survived due to their wealth and status.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Brain injuries drop 20% for babies with heart defects

A 20-year study reveals that recent advances in surgical and clinical care have significantly reduced brain injuries in babies with congenital heart disease. Infants who received higher postoperative blood pressure had a 20% lower risk of brain injury compared to those in earlier stages.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 1, 2023

Study unravels interplay between sleep, chronic pain and spinal cord stimulation

Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation improved insomnia severity index and Epworth sleepiness scale scores by at least 30% in 39.1% and 28.1% of participants, respectively. The study also established minimally clinical important difference values to gauge treatment success.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalStereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery·TypeSurvey·DateJan 30, 2023
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.

Personalized brain modeling technique may lead to breakthroughs in clinical epilepsy trial

A personalized brain modeling approach is being tested in a large-scale clinical trial for drug-resistant epilepsy, aiming to improve surgery preparation and patient specificity. The technique uses virtual models of patients' brains to simulate abnormal activity during seizures, helping clinicians identify target areas more effectively.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 26, 2023

New technology may help inform brain stimulation

Researchers at the Queensland Brain Institute developed a new ultrafast fMRI technique to study brain activity. The technique revealed that brain activity follows preferential circuits depending on cell type organisation, and blood signals can reflect network organisation and cell type distribution.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

New research detects potential hidden cause of dementia

Researchers found that patients diagnosed with behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia may have a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which can be treated. The study discovered CSF-venous fistulas in nine patients, who had their symptoms reversed after surgical closure.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateJan 24, 2023

Decoding brain arteriovenous malformations in the Asian population: a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study

A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
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.

Aggressive surgery increases survival with low-grade brain tumors

Researchers tracked 392 patients with diffuse low-grade glioma over 20 years and found that aggressive surgical removal offered a distinct survival advantage. Smaller tumor sizes were associated with longer survival times, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 4, 2023

Research Brief: Racial disparities in surgery recommendations for patients with brain tumors

Researchers found that Black patients were more likely to be recommended against surgical removal of their brain tumors, regardless of tumor size or socioeconomic status. The study provides a basis for future research on racial bias in clinical decision-making and its impact on patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2022

Study identifies potential link between oral bacteria and brain abscesses

A study published in the Journal of Dentistry found that patients with unexplained brain abscesses were three times more likely to have oral bacteria present. The researchers also discovered significantly higher counts of Streptococcus anginosus, a bacterium linked to dental abscesses and infections in internal organs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Dentistry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Only left inferior frontal gyrus found responsible for action naming

A study by HSE researchers found that only the left inferior frontal gyrus is critically involved in action naming, which could help preserve speech in patients after brain surgery. The study used fMRI and rTMS to stimulate the brain and found that stimulating this region led to more accurate action naming.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateNov 25, 2022

Unexpected cognitive deteriorations in epilepsy

A study published in Annals of Neurology found that patients with severe epilepsy who undergo surgical tissue analysis are at risk for rare secondary diseases, including inflammation and incipient Alzheimer's dementia-like. These conditions can lead to unexpected cognitive decline months or years after surgery.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022
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.

Warmer brain-irrigation fluid in surgery more efficacious

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that using warmer brain irrigation fluid can halve the number of repeat operations needed to remedy bleeding under the cranium. This method involves replacing room temperature irrigation fluid with body temperature fluid, resulting in a significant reduction in surgical interventions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 22, 2022

OHSU-developed brain surgery simulator proves valuable in nationwide test

A nationwide study found that hundreds of residents in neurological surgery trained on a first-of-its-kind simulator, mirroring real-life catastrophe scenarios. The simulation model was deemed feasible and cost-effective, similar to pre-flight simulators used by pilots.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalOperative Neurosurgery·DateNov 17, 2022

Using quantum sensor technology to improve brain tumor operations

The DiaQNOS project aims to develop quantum sensors for improved brain tumor surgery. Magnetic field sensors will refine neuronavigation, enabling more precise incision paths. Researchers from Mainz University and partners will create a device suitable for use in surgery.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateNov 15, 2022

Focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor highly effective after 5 years

A five-year review of focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor found that patients experienced significant reductions in tremor symptoms, with benefits lasting long-term and no reported progressive or delayed complications. The study represents the largest long-term assessment yet conducted on the procedure.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 10, 2022
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.

Monoclonal antibodies preserve stem cells in mouse brains, bring promise for future studies

Researchers used monoclonal antibodies to suppress the immune system in mice, tracking human neural stem cell survival using luciferase. The study reveals that monoclonal antibody-mediated immunosuppression enabled long-term survival of transplanted human neural stem cells in mouse brains for at least six to eight months.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022
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.

Developing a new technology for preventing catheter obstructions in patients with hydrocephaly

Developing a new technology for preventing catheter obstructions in patients with hydrocephaly has been successfully demonstrated in a European project. Concentrating ultrasound waves can detach materials from the inside of shunts implanted in the brains of patients, enabling preventive cleaning without affecting other areas.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalOperative Neurosurgery·DateOct 11, 2022

New RNA-based tool can illuminate brain circuits, edit specific cells

Researchers have developed an RNA-based editing tool that targets individual cells, enabling precise modification of cell functions to manage diseases. The tool uses the ADAR enzyme to selectively add proteins of interest, offering endless potential applications across the animal kingdom.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022
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.

Neurodegenerative disease risk more than doubled among former Scottish international rugby union players

Research has found that former Scottish international rugby union players are at a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor neurone disease. The study's findings suggest that strategies to reduce head impact and traumatic brain injury in all sports are necessary.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Nanoparticles can improve stroke recovery by enhancing brain stimulation, study shows

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMaterials Today Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Deep brain stimulation shows promise against binge eating disorder, Penn Research finds

A pilot clinical trial found that implanted brain-stimulating devices dramatically reduced bingeing episodes and helped patients lose weight in two patients with loss-of-control binge eating disorder. The study used a device to monitor activity in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in processing pleasure and reward.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2022

AI algorithm that detects brain abnormalities could help cure epilepsy

A new AI algorithm has been developed to detect subtle brain abnormalities causing epileptic seizures. The Multicentre Epilepsy Lesion Detection project used over 1,000 patient MRI scans to train the algorithm, which was able to detect focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in 67% of cases. This could lead to more patients being considered for...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBrain·DateAug 11, 2022
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.

Cedars-Sinai creates most realistic computer models of brain cells

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai created complex computer models of individual brain cells using artificial intelligence. These models capture the electrical signals that neurons fire to communicate with each other, allowing researchers to replicate brain activity at the single-cell level.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 9, 2022

Advancing dynamic brain imaging with AI

A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2022

Specialized brain regions recognize vocal cues that don’t involve speech

Scientists have identified two areas of the auditory cortex specialized to recognize human voice sounds without linguistic meaning. These regions help react to sound cues allowing people to identify characteristics of the person speaking, such as gender, age, and height. This discovery sheds light on neurological disorders affecting vo...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 28, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Minimally invasive surgery provides new option to guide skull shape in infants with complex craniosynostosis

A new minimally invasive surgical approach uses spring-mediated cranioplasty and distraction osteogenesis to guide skull shape in infants with complex craniosynostosis. This technique enables normal brain development while improving head shape, with significant improvement seen in a 3-month-old girl with a complex form of the condition.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateJun 2, 2022
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.

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2022

Some shunts used after epilepsy surgery may risk chronic headaches

A study found that certain shunts used after epilepsy surgery may increase the risk of chronic headaches by causing the brain to shift across the skull. Researchers discovered that non-programmable shunt valves were associated with elevated brain shift, while programmable valves weren't.

SourceRutgers University·JournalOperative Neurosurgery·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Rethinking congenital hydrocephalus

A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 5, 2022
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.