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Astrocytes shape motor coordination development in late adolescence

A new study reveals that astrocytes regulate inhibitory signaling in the cerebellum during development, enabling the emergence of flexible and precise motor coordination. In contrast, younger animals rely on neuron-derived tonic inhibition, which is replaced by astrocyte-derived tonic inhibition in late adolescence.

How packaging shapes GABA and lactic acid levels in broccoli rabe florets

A study reveals how packaging shapes the metabolism of organic broccoli rabe florets, leading to increased γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and lactic acid levels. The research found that low-oxygen conditions trigger a carbohydrate sink into GABA and LA pathways, offering insights for both quality preservation and consumer health.

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.

Astrocytes identified as hidden culprit behind PTSD

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have discovered that excessive GABA produced by astrocytes impairs fear extinction in PTSD. A new brain-permeable drug called KDS2010 has reversed PTSD-like symptoms in mice, providing a promising therapeutic approach.

Researchers have mapped the hidden control system of vision

Researchers have mapped the hidden control system of vision, revealing a higher degree of systematic organization in visual cells. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, used a new GABA sensor to observe and map inhibitory neuron activity, providing new insights into eye disorders such as congenital nystagmus.

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.

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.

Daily rhythms depend on receptor density in biological clock

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that altering GABA receptor density affects circadian rhythm amplitude and synchrony among SCN cells. Reducing or mutating these receptors decreased the mice's daytime wheel-running and reduced nocturnal activity.

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

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.

NTU Singapore scientists find new evidence to explain how we pay attention

Researchers uncover clues about how chemicals released by brain cells regulate our attention span, finding that two neurotransmitters work together in a precise sequence to regulate signal transmission. This discovery could lead to new treatments for neurological conditions associated with concentration difficulties.

Study reveals structure of crucial receptor in brain development, function

Scientists at OHSU elucidated the structure of Type A GABA receptors targeted by antidepressants and other pharmaceutical drugs, shedding light on their role in brain function and development. The study reveals dominant assemblies and states of the receptor, paving the way for the development of new compounds with improved efficacy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Neuronal activity shapes the development of astrocytes

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that neuronal activity is necessary and sufficient for astrocyte development into a bushy-shaped cell. The team discovered that neurons produce GABA, which binds to astrocytes via the GABA B receptor, promoting their maturation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

Children learn more quickly than adults

A study published in Current Biology found that children exhibit rapid boosts of GABA during visual training, stabilizing new learning and making it more efficient. This discovery suggests that children may acquire new knowledge and skills faster than adults, with implications for teaching and learning strategies.

Scientists get clearer picture of developing teen brain

Researchers found age-related changes in the balance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence. This study provides first-ever evidence of plasticity in the frontal cortex during this critical developmental period.

Myotonic dystrophy: GABA receptors implicated in sleepiness, via mouse model

A study using a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy found that GABA receptor sensitivity is linked to the disorder's central nervous system symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness. The researchers suggest that drugs like flumazenil, which counteract benzodiazepines, may work against DM's prolonged sleep and fatigue.

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.

Synapse-related genes in microglia are changed by contextual fear conditioning

Research by Tohoku University scientists found that contextual fear conditioning alters genes associated with the synapse in microglia, indicating a new mechanism linking microglia and neuronal activity related to fear conditioning. This non-immune communication may play a key role in fear memory consolidation and extinction.

Vitamin B6 supplements could reduce anxiety and depression

Research at the University of Reading found that high-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduced feelings of anxiety and depression in young adults. The study links Vitamin B6 to its calming effect on the brain, which may help alleviate mood disorders.

Functioning of antibodies in autoimmune encephalitis deciphered

New study reveals how GABA A receptor antibodies inhibit neurotransmitter binding, leading to hyperexcitability and symptoms like twitching and seizures. The findings pave the way for developing effective therapies and further investigations into other diseases.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

What causes the brain’s emotional hub to switch to negative states?

A recent study published in eNeuro found that alcohol can change the pattern of activity in the basolateral amygdala, potentially leading to a better understanding of how the brain switches between negative emotions like anxiety and fear. The researchers also identified specific receptors involved in this process, which may lead to pot...

Protein linked to intellectual disability has complex role

The study found that the fragile X protein regulates the opening and closing of the GABA-A receptor in neurons from the brain's memory center, influencing how such neurons process information. This nuanced understanding may hold the key to developing effective therapies for fragile X syndrome.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

How can a protein help us remember?

Researchers have discovered the Apterous protein's crucial role in retaining memories through its interaction with the Chi cofactor and regulation of neurotransmitters. In fruit flies, Ap plays a double role in long-term memory consolidation, highlighting potential new treatment approaches for memory-related disorders.

New research from SfN journals featured at Neuroscience 2021

Researchers discovered that a small dose of benzodiazepine increases brain signal variability in older adults, comparable to young adults. Additionally, studies found that bilingual individuals' brains process language differently, and individual neurons play a unique role in signaling face features.

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.

Beyond dopamine: New reward circuitry discovered

Researchers have discovered a new pathway in the brain that plays a key role in rewards and reinforcement. GABA neurons from the ventral tegmental area project to the nucleus accumbens shell, promoting reward processing. This finding offers new avenues for understanding psychiatric diseases such as depression and addiction.

Chronic pain might impact how the brain processes emotions

A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.

Neurotransmitter levels predict math ability

Researchers found that higher GABA levels in young people were associated with greater math fluency, while lower glutamate levels were related to better math skills. In adults, the opposite was true: low GABA concentrations were linked to greater math fluency and high glutamate levels to poorer performance.