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Why do people’s pupils dilate when they’re surprised? Brown researchers explain

A new study led by Brown University researchers found that pupil dilation signals a spike in arousal, enabling the brain to adapt to new situations and learn from unexpected information. This 'refresh' mechanism helps to reduce bias and improve learning by replacing mental context with new information.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026
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.

World Hormone Day 2026

The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateApr 23, 2026
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.

New EndoCompass Research Roadmap calls for coordinated investment to tackle Europe’s hormone health challenge

The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 17, 2025

New insights into the molecular basis of ataxia

Researchers identified the α1D norepinephrine receptor as a key player in stress-induced motor incoordination associated with ataxias. The team showed that blocking this receptor restored normal activity of Purkinje cells, which could lead to new treatment approaches for patients with ataxia type 2.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·DateOct 10, 2025

How the brain supports social processing as people age

Older adults show increased locus coeruleus activity when processing hard-to-read facial expressions, which strengthens a neural pathway supporting mental well-being and resilience. This adaptive mechanism could help older individuals cope with cognitive decline or younger people with anxiety or depression.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 30, 2025
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.

A neural compass for fear: Mapping how the brain distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear

A research team has uncovered a fundamental brain circuit that distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear, with the locus coeruleus playing a crucial role in processing fear. The study reveals a lateralized LC-NAergic system that separates personal from socially learned fear, shedding light on empathy and social learning.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

Common sleep aid may leave behind a dirty brain

A study published in Cell describes the synchronized oscillations that occur during non-REM sleep, including norepinephrine, cerebral blood volume, and CSF flow. The research highlights the critical role of these oscillations in powering the glymphatic system, which removes protein waste associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCell·DateJan 8, 2025

How deep sleep clears a mouse’s mind, literally

Researchers discovered that norepinephrine triggers blood vessel constriction to propel cerebrospinal fluid through the brain, clearing out waste. The findings suggest that sleep aids may disrupt this process, potentially affecting long-term cognitive health.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025
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How the brain’s arousal center helps control visual attention too

Researchers have discovered that activating the locus coeruleus, a brain structure producing norepinephrine, improves visual sensitivity in non-human primates. The study used optogenetics to selectively boost LC activity, resulting in drastic enhancements in performance on a visual attention task.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

PET scans may predict Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia in at-risk individuals

Researchers used PET scans to detect low cardiac norepinephrine levels in individuals with Parkinson's risk factors, finding that those with low radioactivity were highly likely to develop Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia. The study suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and treatment of these diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023

Landiolol and organ failure in patients with septic shock

A randomized clinical trial involving 126 patients found that landiolol did not prevent organ failure in those with established septic shock. The study concluded that this beta-blocker is not a suitable treatment option for managing tachycardia in these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 25, 2023

Female and male hearts respond differently to stress hormone in mouse study

Researchers discovered that female and male mouse hearts react uniformly at first to noradrenaline but exhibit differences in recovery time, affecting electrical activity. These findings may contribute to arrhythmia susceptibility between men and women, offering new insights into sex-based responses to stress hormones.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stress transmitter wakes your brain more than 100 times a night – and it is perfectly normal

New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that noradrenaline causes brief wake-ups during sleep, potentially leading to better memory and less anxiety. High levels of noradrenaline result in brief awakenings, while low levels promote deeper sleep.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

How the brain responds to surprising events

A new MIT study finds that noradrenaline helps the brain learn from surprising outcomes by stimulating behavior that leads to a reward, particularly in uncertain situations. The researchers also discovered that noradrenaline promotes taking a chance on getting a reward, even when the outcome is unknown.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2022

Scientists detail brain dynamics implicated in neurological conditions

Researchers used fMRI and genetic mice to study neurotransmitters' effects on brain network connectivity, a dynamic process crucial for human health and behavior. They found activating the LC led to changes in DMN dynamics, suggesting new targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 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.

Farther or faster? Both improve distance running performance

A recent study found that block periodization with either increased low-intensity training volume or high-intensity interval training improved endurance performance in recreational athletes. Both methods resulted in average time improvements of 11-13 seconds on a 3000m run.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateJan 26, 2022

Alternative strategy for stalling Alzheimer’s neurodegeneration

A study published in the journal Brain found that boosting levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine with atomoxetine reduced markers of neuroinflammation and stabilized protein Tau, which forms neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The treatment showed promising results in people with mild cognitive impairment.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalBrain·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2021

Visuals increase attention; now science explains why

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio discovered that norepinephrine release in the visual cortex is tied to processing of imagery and cells' activation. This local regulation enhances sensory-specific attention and may represent a mechanism to enhance focus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
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.

Drinking blocks a chemical that promotes attention

Scientists at UT Health San Antonio found that acute exposure to alcohol inhibits norepinephrine release, a chemical that activates vigilance-dependent astrocyte calcium activation. This leads to impaired attention and motor coordination, contradicting the cerebellum's role in motor control.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2020

Parasite infection discovery could assist mental health treatments

New research suggests that T. gondii infection alters human behavior by lowering norepinephrine levels, which control stress response and neuroinflammation. This finding may contribute to the development of antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTrends in Immunology·DateNov 16, 2020

Antihypotensive agent disrupts the immune system in sepsis

Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center found that norepinephrine suppresses the function of white blood cells, impairing the body's ability to combat infections. The study suggests that alternative antihypotensive agents like vasopressin may be more effective in sepsis patients.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 11, 2020
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.

Are eyes the window to our mistakes?

Scientists investigate how humans make mistakes and find that pupil dilation is linked to the brain's level of norepinephrine. Four sources of suboptimal decision-making are identified, including unequal weighing of evidence and noise in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 11, 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.

Just 1 energy drink may boost heart disease risk in young adults

A study of 25 healthy young adults found that drinking one energy drink increased blood pressure and norepinephrine levels, which could predispose otherwise healthy individuals to cardiovascular risk. The findings suggest that commercially available energy drinks may be a contributing factor to heart disease in young adults.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 8, 2015

Norepinephrine aids brain in sorting complex auditory signals

Researchers found that norepinephrine enhances the ability of neurons to code for complex sounds by decreasing background noise firing. This mechanism is separate from estradiol's effects and provides new insights into neuromodulator interactions and auditory processing.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJun 24, 2015

Napping reverses health effects of poor sleep

A short nap can help relieve stress and bolster the immune systems of men who slept only two hours the previous night. Napping restores biomarkers of neuroendocrine and immune health to normal levels after a night of poor sleep, suggesting a potential way to counter the damaging effects of sleep restriction.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 10, 2015
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.

Keeping one's eyes on the goal -- despite stress

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that beta blockers can prevent the negative effects of stress on goal-directed behavior. Stress affects habit formation and routine behavior, but not when norepinephrine is blocked by beta blockers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateNov 24, 2011
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.

Safety data favor norepinephrine over dopamine for shock

An editorial in NEJM suggests that norepinephrine is a safer option than dopamine for stabilizing blood pressure in shock patients, citing a European clinical trial. The study found no overall difference in death rates between the two treatments, but higher mortality rates in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with dopamine.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 3, 2010

Old antidepressant offers promise in treating heart failure

Researchers have found an antidepressant, clorgyline, can blunt and reverse muscle enlargement and weakened pumping function associated with heart failure. The drug blocks the action of enzyme monoamine oxidase-A and stops its breakdown of a key neurohormone, norepinephrine.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation Research·DateJan 6, 2010

Researchers unravel mystery behind long-lasting memories

A new study reveals that strong memories, such as those of a first love or a traumatic event, are formed through the activation of Protein Kinase C (PKC) by norepinephrine in the brain. This process creates stronger connections between nerve cells, leading to long-lasting memories.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeuroscience·DateAug 11, 2009

Gene test determines risk of heart surgery complications

Researchers discovered a genetic variant that can predict patients' risk of developing shock and kidney failure after heart surgery. Patients with the 'LL' gene variant are more likely to experience these complications and may not respond well to standard treatments, highlighting the potential benefits of personalized medicine.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 30, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Gene test determines risk of heart surgery complications

A gene test can help predict patients' risk of shock and kidney failure after heart surgery by identifying genetic differences in the COMT enzyme. This knowledge can guide treatment to prevent complications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 30, 2009

What emotional memories are made of

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a hormone released during emotional arousal 'primes' nerve cells to remember events by increasing their chemical sensitivity. This process, known as the 'priming effect,' enhances the sculpting of memories into long-term storage.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 4, 2007

How emotionally charged events leave their mark on memory

Researchers have discovered a mechanism that strengthens memory connections in response to emotional stress, which may underlie why traumatic events can be more vividly remembered than everyday ones. The study found that the stress hormone norepinephrine enhances learning and memory by increasing GluR1 receptors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 4, 2007

Chemical in brain acts like a fuel gauge

Researchers at USC have found that norepinephrine transmits a 'low blood sugar' message from the hindbrain to the paraventricular hypothalamus, triggering the release of energy stores to replace missing sugars. This discovery provides new insights into glucose sensing mechanisms in the brain and may hold potential for treating diabetic...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 5, 2007
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.

Mood elevating hormone may trigger depression and heart problems

African-American study participants with a genetic variant for the mood-elevating hormone norepinephrine are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and hypertension. Elevated norepinephrine levels, heart rate, and blood pressure were observed in those with the genetic variant.

SourceYale University·JournalPharmacogenetics and Genomics·DateMar 4, 2005
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.

Adrenaline packs a powerful punch in the use of antidepressants

A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that most antidepressants, except citalopram, are ineffective on mice lacking norepinephrine. The researchers tested eight commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs and discovered a critical link between norepinephrine and desired behavioral effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2004
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.

Norepinephrine important in retrieving memories

Researchers found that norepinephrine is critical for retrieving intermediate-term contextual and spatial memories, but not for forming or long-term consolidating emotional memories. The study used mutant mice lacking norepinephrine and rats treated with beta blockers to test this hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 1, 2004

Study adds to knowledge of what it takes to stand up, walk

Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine developed a new measurement technique to assess norepinephrine release in tissues adjacent to blood vessels. This improvement allows for more accurate data on the hormone's role in vasoconstriction and maintains adequate blood pressure when standing up.

SourcePenn State·DateAug 7, 2002