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A brain circuit to push past nutritional stress

Scientists have identified a brain circuit in fruit flies that enables them to ignore protein deficiencies and transition into the pupal stage despite nutritional stress. This discovery has implications for understanding developmental regulation in insects and potential applications to mammalian physiology.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·DateAug 24, 2016

Visualization of newly formed synapses with unprecedented resolution

Researchers from Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a spatiotemporally controlled method to induce and visualize synapse formation in cortical neurons. The study reveals that GABA is the common molecule setting the balance between inhibitory and excitatory synaptic contacts in early postnatal stages.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2016

Berkeley Lab scientists grow atomically thin transistors and circuits

Scientists with Berkeley Lab developed a way to chemically assemble transistors and circuits that are only a few atoms thick, yielding functional structures large enough for real-world applications. This breakthrough helps pave the way for scalable and repeatable atomic electronics or more computing power in smaller areas.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 11, 2016
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.

The sound of music: How the songbird learns its melody

Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified brain cells associated with auditory memory in zebra finches, revealing a potential key to understanding human speech development. The study found that these cells respond selectively to the tutor's song and are essential for learning and remembering complex songs.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2016

Circuit technology that resolves issues with high-frequency piezoelectric resonators

High-frequency piezoelectric resonators can now be used in phase locked loops (PLL) with low noise and excellent Figure of Merit (FoM), resolving issues with resonance frequency variance and temperature dependability. This technology enables compact, low-cost, high-speed radio communication systems for the IoT age.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateJun 17, 2016

Gene circuits in live cells can perform complex computations

Researchers at MIT have developed a technique to integrate both analogue and digital computation in living cells, enabling gene circuits capable of carrying out complex processing operations. The synthetic circuits can measure the level of an analogue input and decide whether it's within the right range to turn on an output.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Distance wireless charging enhanced by magnetic metamaterials

Scientists have developed a system that can efficiently transfer electrical energy between separated circuits using metamaterials. This breakthrough enables wireless charging of mobile devices at longer distances than current technology.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 10, 2016

University of Illinois researchers create 1-step graphene patterning method

University of Illinois researchers have created a simple and scalable graphene patterning technique using stencil masks fabricated via a laser cutter. This approach enables rapid design iterations and pattern replications, promoting cleaner quality graphene patterns without polymeric transfer layers or organic solvents.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 27, 2016

Fights are won and lost in the brain

A deep-brain structure called the habenula contains two neural circuits that influence whether a fight will be won or lost in zebrafish. The circuits regulate surrender or continuing aggression based on activity levels in different sub-regions, suggesting a dynamic mechanism for determining fight outcomes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2016

New insights into the functional organization of the somatosensory cortex

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience used electrophysiological and optical approaches to visualize and manipulate neuronal activity in individual neurons of the somatosensory cortex. They found that the formation of functional microcircuits was determined by specific settings and the number of neurons stimulated...

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2016
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.

Absence of serotonin alters development and function of brain circuits

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University created a complete model to describe serotonin's role in brain development and structure. The study supports the importance of serotonin for normal functioning of neurons, synapses, and networks in the cortex.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateDec 23, 2015

New research sheds light on neuronal communication

A new study reveals GIT proteins as critical presynaptic regulators of synaptic strength, uncovering previously unknown roles in regulating neurotransmitter release. This finding has significant implications for understanding neuronal communication and the development of neurological diseases.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateDec 2, 2015

Deciphering the role of brain layers

A recent study published in Neuron shows that brain layers facilitate the rapid development of neuronal circuits, but are not essential for establishing cell-type specific connections. The researchers used zebrafish as a model system to demonstrate this and found that layer formation is necessary for speeding up circuit assembly.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuron·DateNov 19, 2015
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.

Artificial 'skin' could provide prosthetics with sensation

Scientists have developed an artificial skin that can detect static objects using flexible organic circuits and specialized pressure sensors. The system translates static pressure into digital signals, which are then transferred to the brain cells of mice, offering a potential solution for people with prosthetic limbs to feel sensation

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2015
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.

Blueprints for limbs encoded in the snake genome

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that the same genetic tools responsible for limb development in animals also control the formation of external genitalia in snakes. The study suggests that snakes retained DNA associated with limb development through millions of generations, as it may have been important for their reproduc...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 1, 2015

Realizing carbon nanotube integrated circuits

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solution to create stable carbon nanotube-based integrated circuits using newly designed encapsulation layers. These layers protect the sensitive devices from environmental degradation, enabling reliable operation for years or even decades.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 8, 2015

'Brainbow' reveals surprising data about visual connections in brain

Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute used 'brainbow' technique to tag retinal ganglion cell terminals, revealing individual terminals from multiple cells in mature mouse brains. The study challenges traditional understanding of neural development and connections between the retina and brain.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 27, 2015
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.

Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy named Rita Allen Foundation Scholar

Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy, a Northwestern University scientist, has been named a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar to research how fast-acting antidepressants impact the brain's neural circuitry. Her goal is to improve treatment effectiveness for major depressive disorders.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 27, 2015

Experiments in the realm of the impossible

Physicists at Jena University successfully simulated charged Majorana particles, a theoretical concept long considered impossible. The experiment allows for the study of non-physical processes and may lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalOptica·DateMay 27, 2015

Neuronal positioning system: A GPS to navigate the brain

Scientists have developed a 'Neuronal Positioning System' that maps the axonal wiring of individual neurons, revealing organizational principles of neuronal networks. This new approach enables researchers to study how specific neurons are wired to other types and regions, providing insights into brain function and development.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2015
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.

Montréal discovery could impact the study of chronic pain conditions

A breakthrough study published in The Journal of Neuroscience reveals the critical role of a gene associated with a rare disease in pain processing. Lmx1b mutations cause reduced pain responses in patients, but removing this gene only in the spinal cord allows mice to survive, yet results in reduced sensitivity to stimuli.

SourceInstitut de recherches cliniques de Montreal·DateApr 22, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

TUM Prof. Arthur Konnerth shares in million-euro Brain Prize

The Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Foundation has awarded TUM Prof. Arthur Konnerth the million-euro Brain Prize for his work on two-photon microscopy, enabling detailed images of individual nerve cells and synapses in living brains. His research has improved understanding of brain development, plasticity, and functional circui...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMar 9, 2015

Strength in numbers

Quantum physicists at the University of California - Santa Barbara have developed a quantum circuitry system that self-checks for errors and suppresses them, preserving qubits' state(s) and imbuing the system with reliability. The system uses the surface code scheme to detect errors based on parity information.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 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.

Activating genes on demand

Scientists have developed a new mechanism for engineering traits governed by multiple genes, paving the way for personalized gene therapies and regenerative medicine. The approach uses the Cas9 protein to activate specific genes, allowing for precise control over multiple genes and potentially treating diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 4, 2015

New research sheds light on neural circuit development

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies report substantial postnatal changes in the functional properties of brain circuits. These changes improve the ability of brain cells to encode information, enhancing brain function.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2015

Electronic circuits with reconfigurable pathways closer to reality

Researchers at EPFL have developed a way to control the formation of conductive pathways in ferroelectric materials, allowing for the creation of adaptable electronic circuits. This technology has the potential to miniaturize devices and enable resilient circuits that can function even with damaged components.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 26, 2015
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.

Copper on the brain at rest

Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that proper copper levels modulate spontaneous neural activity in developing circuits, which is critical for brain health and development. The study highlights the importance of managing copper levels to prevent misregulation of signaling in cell-to-cell communications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014

Serotonin's early role in the assembly of brain circuits

Research shows that serotonin's early regulation is vital for brain circuit formation, particularly in inhibitory interneurons. Dysregulation of this system can lead to psychiatric problems, highlighting the importance of understanding its role in brain development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2014

Smoking is a pain in the back

A Northwestern University study found that smokers are three times more likely to develop chronic back pain and that quitting the habit may reduce vulnerability to this condition. The research also identified a key brain region involved in addictive behavior and motivated learning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 3, 2014

Physicists' simple solution for quantum technology challenge

Researchers have developed a new technique using electromagnetic induction to create a flexibly designed microscopic trap for atoms. This breakthrough could revolutionize the development of quantum technologies, including high-precision sensors and superfast computers.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2014
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.

Precise and programmable biological circuits

Bio-engineers at ETH Zurich have created a biological circuit that controls sensor components using internal timers, enabling precise signal transmission. This breakthrough could lead to reprogramming cancer cells and creating complex bio-computers to detect and kill cancer cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 23, 2014

NIH taps lab to develop sophisticated electrode array system to monitor brain act

The NIH is developing an advanced electrode array system that will enable researchers to better understand how the brain works through unprecedented resolution and scale. The system, which will pack over 1,000 tiny electrodes, will allow scientists to simultaneously study thousands of neuronal cells in various brain regions during comp...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·DateSep 30, 2014

Single-neuron 'hub' orchestrates activity of an entire brain circuit

New Tel Aviv University research reveals a single-neuron 'hub' orchestrates the activity of an entire brain circuit. The study finds that timely activation of cells is fundamental for proper operation of hub neurons, which orchestrate entire network dynamics.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

Sleep twitches light up the brain

A University of Iowa study found that sleep twitches activate the brains of mammals differently than movements made while awake. Twitches during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep comprise a different class of movement and provide evidence that sleep twitches teach newborns about their limbs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 29, 2014

Protecting our processors

The NSF/SRC STARSS program aims to reduce the likelihood of unintended behavior in semiconductors. Researchers will focus on strategies and tools for authentication throughout the supply chain and in the field.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateSep 23, 2014
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 low-energy optical circuit for a new era of technology

EPFL scientists have developed a silicon-based photonic crystal nanocavity that requires record-low energy to operate as a switch, enabling faster and more efficient technology. The device's high Q factor and small size produce higher light intensity for the same energy, making it a significant step towards optical circuits.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 8, 2014

Move over, silicon, there's a new circuit in town

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering developed a hybrid circuit combining carbon nanotube thin film transistors with indium, gallium and zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistors. This energy-efficient hybrid circuit has the potential to replace silicon as the traditional transistor material used in electronic chips.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2014
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.

A faster path to optical circuits

Researchers at EPFL create a novel method to design and optimize photonic crystal nanocavities, which can control the flow of light at the nanometer scale. The approach significantly speeds up the development of optical circuits, with quality factors exceeding one million.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 16, 2014

Stanford scientists create circuit board modeled on the human brain

Researchers developed a new circuit board, Neurogrid, capable of simulating 1 million neurons and billions of synaptic connections using 16 custom-designed chips. The device is more efficient than other brain mimics on the power it takes to run a tablet computer.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateApr 28, 2014

Progress made in developing nanoscale electronics

Scientists have successfully directed charges through single molecules using a bi-layer arrangement of organic molecules, enabling precise control over electronic properties. This breakthrough brings us closer to nanoscale circuitry, which could be used in various applications such as OLEDs and biomedical devices.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 21, 2014
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.

Connecting sleep deficits among young fruit flies to disruption in mating later in life

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found a critical link between sleep disruption in early life and adult courtship behavior in fruit flies. The team discovered that sleep deprivation affects dopamine production, leading to impaired development of courtship circuits and altered mating behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

Cochlear implants -- with no exterior hardware

Researchers at MIT have developed a new, low-power signal-processing chip that could lead to a wirelessly rechargeable cochlear implant without external hardware. The device uses the natural microphone of the middle ear and can be charged via an ordinary cell phone in two minutes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 9, 2014