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Discovery of molecular signatures of immature neurons in the human brain throughout life provide new insights into brain plasticity and other functions, according to Penn Medicine researchers

A team of researchers has used advanced techniques to identify immature hippocampal neurons in significant numbers throughout the human lifespan. The findings resolve a long-running controversy over adult neurogenesis and provide insights into brain plasticity, memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 18, 2022
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.

How dads can use ‘kangaroo care’ to bond with their infants

A study by University of South Australia researchers documents the benefits of fathers using kangaroo care with premature newborns. The practice mimics the marsupial model, providing a nurturing environment that reduces pain and stress for both baby and caregiver.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2022

Brain’s response to understanding stories changes as we grow up

Research reveals that brain responses to stories change dramatically between childhood and adulthood, with different brain regions activated in each age group. Children as young as seven show similar patterns of brain activity to adults when watching a story, but their brains are less synchronized and more focused on sensory details.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateJul 5, 2022

Post-operative atrial fibrillation associated with higher risk for heart failure

A new study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure among patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. POAF may be an early marker for heart failure, and its presence could contribute to the development of the condition.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 29, 2022

Whole-body learning can boost children's letter sound recognition - the first step towards reading

A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that children who move while learning sounds of letters significantly improve their ability to recognize individual letter sounds. This embodied learning approach can help give beginner readers a good start and may lead to better reading skills in the long run.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEducational Psychology Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 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.

Bad dreams could be early warning of Parkinson’s disease

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that older men experiencing frequent bad dreams were twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers suggest that dream changes could serve as an early warning sign for the condition, which may develop years before characteristic symptoms appear.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJun 7, 2022

Broad spectrum of autism depends on spectrum of genetic factors

A new study reveals that combinations of multiple genetic factors determine the risk and severity of symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Researchers analyzed 37,375 individuals from 11,213 families to understand how rare mutations and common genetic variation contribute to ASD.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 2, 2022

Alzheimer’s disease blood test research at IU continues to advance the field with a community-based study

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have made significant progress in developing blood tests for Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. The latest study, published in Nature Medicine, explores the utility of phosphorylated tau (P-tau) blood biomarkers to aid in early detection and improve disease management.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 31, 2022
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.

Uncovering new details of the brain's first line of defense

A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Eating sea squirts may reverse the signs of ageing, study shows

A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

New study reveals how the brain says ‘oops!’

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai discovered how the brain uses a group of neurons in the frontal lobe to monitor performance, enabling humans to learn from mistakes and develop specific skills. This mechanism allows for flexibility in learning new tasks and adjusting focus based on conflict or difficulty encountered.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2022

How mosquito brains encode human odor so they can seek us out

Researchers discovered that mosquito brains use a surprisingly simple mechanism to recognize human odor, involving just two nerve centers. The team identified the specific compounds decanal and undecanal as key components of human scent, which are also present in other mammal odors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022
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.

Boys are more demanding than girls before they are born – according to scientists

A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2022

Scientists pinpoint what makes brain cells develop in a specific order

Researchers have identified the complete series of 10 factors that regulate the development of brain cell types in the visual system of fruit flies. This discovery opens new avenues of research to understand how brain development evolved in different animals and holds clues for regenerative medicine.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Study reports potential target and compounds to slow the development of Alzheimer's disease

A study found a shift in the profile of specialized lipid mediators from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in patients with cognitive impairment, correlating with severity of cognition impairment. The researchers identified novel mechanisms of brain health and potential therapeutic targets for slowing down Alzheimer's disease onset.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2022

Rational neural network advances machine-human discovery

A novel 'rational' neural network reveals underlying mathematical equations through Green's functions, enabling humans to understand machine-generated findings. This breakthrough in partial differential equation learning holds promise for advancing scientific exploration of weather systems, climate change, and more.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Growing up in rural or suburban areas improves spatial navigation

A study published in Nature found that people raised in rural areas outperform those from cities, particularly grid-pattern streets, in navigating spatial environments. This suggests that the simplicity of rural street networks influences navigational abilities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 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.

How does the brain make memories?

Cedars-Sinai researchers identified two types of brain cells that divide continuous human experience into distinct segments, enabling the brain to recall memories. The discovery provides new hope for treatments of memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 7, 2022

Connecting stress, weight, and social anxiety in early adolescence

A new study by EPFL researchers finds that stress during early adolescence leads to increased body fat and reduced sociability in males, but not females. The researchers identified a biological link between stress-induced fat gain and impaired brain function, specifically the NAD+/Sirtuin-1 pathway.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 2, 2022

*Free* A new framework to assess health outcomes from endocrine-disrupting chemical mixtures

Researchers have developed a new framework to evaluate the health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemical mixtures. A large cohort study found that prenatal exposure to these chemicals may be associated with language delay in children, highlighting the need for risk assessments to account for mixture effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2022

How motor neurons develop into subtypes that activate different muscles

A study in mice reveals how the Kdm6b gene influences motor neuron development into subtypes with distinct synaptic targets. The research, led by biologists at the University at Buffalo, founds that Kdm6b works cooperatively with proteins Isl1-Lhx3 to diversify motor neurons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2022

Study reveals likely link between mitochondrial dysfunction and age-dependent cognitive disorders

Scientists demonstrate a definitive link between mitochondrial oxidative damage and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease using a transgenic mouse model. The study found that Aβ1-42 aggregation in the hippocampus caused cognitive impairment, while oxidation led to mitochondrial dysfunction.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalBiomedicines·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 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.

A routine prenatal ultrasound can identify early signs of autism

Researchers found that 30% of fetuses who later developed ASD had heart, kidney, and head anomalies detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds. These anomalies were more common in girls and linked to the severity of ASD. The study suggests that doctors can use these signs to evaluate the probability of a child being born with ASD.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalBrain·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study shows visual stimulation influences cell formation

Neuroscientists discover visual experience necessary to specify types of cells that form in brain. Researchers found that exposure to light altered the expression of genes and led to changes in cell connectivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2022
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.

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.

To baby brains, language is language, whether signed or spoken

Researchers found no difference between kids exposed to language at birth, regardless of sign or speech. Children with delayed language exposure tend to struggle with executive functioning. The study suggests that 'talking' doesn't just mean speech—sign language exposure is equally nourishing for baby brains.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalChild Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

NIH award advances the study of young and developing brains

Researchers at UC San Diego will document brain development from birth through early childhood, focusing on environmental factors and mental disorders. The HBCD study aims to optimize brain imaging technologies and predict future behavioral problems.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 14, 2021

Researchers improve method to map brain cell connectivity

Scientists have developed an improved technique to trace brain connections between neurons in zebrafish using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), enabling the visualization of connected neurons up to five days after infection. This breakthrough could provide insights into brain network connectivity repair after injury or disease.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021
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.

UNLV research bolsters link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease

A study published in Communications Biology reveals that chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes impairs working memory performance by altering the connection between key brain regions. Researchers found that areas critical for forming and retrieving memories were over-connected, leading to errors in remembering correct information.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

When it comes to communication skills—maybe we’re born with it?

A study by Boston University researcher Jennifer Zuk found that the brain's organizational pathways, known as white matter, set a foundation for language learning abilities within the first year of life. This is reflected in children born with higher indications of white matter organization having better language skills five years later.

SourceBoston University·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Baby detector software embedded in digital camera rivals ECG

University of South Australia researchers create a computer vision system to detect premature babies' faces and vital signs from digital cameras, outperforming electrocardiogram machines. The technology has the potential to replace contact-based sensors, reducing skin tearing and infections.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Imaging·TypeCase study·DateAug 24, 2021

To do or not to do: Cracking the code of motivation

Researchers manipulated dopamine receptors to understand benefit- and cost-based motivation, revealing complementary roles for D1R and D2R. The study sheds light on the neurobiological mechanism of decision-making and has implications for psychiatric disorders.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2021

Species of gut bacteria linked to enhanced cognition and language skills in infant boys

A University of Alberta study found that infant boys with a high Bacteroidetes gut bacterial composition scored higher in cognition and language skills. The researchers believe this association may be due to the production of metabolites called sphingolipids, which are instrumental for neuron formation and structure.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalGut Microbes·DateJul 13, 2021

Smart biomarkers to empower drug development for brain diseases

Researchers at DZNE's Dresden site develop i3D-Markers, a cutting-edge technology platform that uses high-density microelectrode arrays and 3-dimensional neuronal networks to predict the reaction of neurons to compounds. This platform aims to optimize drug candidate selection and accelerate brain disease development.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·DateJun 23, 2021

Disabled researcher calls for better support for faculty

Academic institutions must improve support for disabled faculty members, including those with visible and invisible disabilities. The commentary highlights the challenges created by high demands for grant money and frequent research publications, which can lead to reduced funding and staff retention.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateMay 18, 2021
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.

Can a newborn's brain discriminate speech sounds?

Researchers found that newborns' brains can process voice pitch but struggle with the spectral and temporal fine structure of sounds. The study's findings suggest that neural encoding of speech sounds develops over time, providing a potential biomarker for early detection of language impairments.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

MicroLED neural probe for neuroscience

A MicroLED neural probe for neuroscience has been developed to control and record neural activity in the brain. The probe uses high-efficiency MicroLEDs to activate neural activity with sufficient light output, enabling researchers to study higher brain functions and their relationship with animal behaviors.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateJan 12, 2021

"The machine as extension of the body"

A research team led by Prof. Gordon Cheng aims to develop a 'soft' exoskeleton that can sense user movement intentions and provide real-time feedback, integrating with brain-machine interfaces. The goal is to create an exoskeleton that works as an extension of the human body, enabling users to control their movements with their minds.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 11, 2020

For neural research, wireless chip shines light on the brain

A new chip has been developed that can be surgically implanted to read neural signals and stimulate the brain with both light and electrical current. The chip is fully wireless and trimodal, allowing for precise control over targeted regions of the brain.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

Performance test for neural interfaces

Neural interface electrodes play a crucial role in studying the nervous system and developing potential treatments for diseases. A new set of guidelines has been established to standardize the testing of these electrodes, enabling transparent reporting and promoting an efficient scientific process.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateOct 28, 2020

Society for Neuroscience recognizes Courtney Miller for advocacy efforts

Society for Neuroscience recognizes Courtney Miller for her career-long practice of mentoring women scientists, including founding Professional Women's Nexus to provide support and connections. Miller has also achieved significant scientific success, developing treatments for drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateOct 27, 2020

Single brain region links depression and anxiety, heart disease, and treatment sensitivity

A new study suggests that targeting a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) could lead to better outcomes for people with depression and anxiety. Over-activity in sgACC underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2020

How to make AI trustworthy

A new tool, DeepTrust, generated automatic indicators of data and prediction trustworthiness in neural networks, addressing the need for trust in AI. The researchers used subjective logic to assess neural network architectures, providing insights into testing reliability and maximizing accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·DateAug 27, 2020

The benefits of slowness

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that uses the 'slowness principle' to estimate age and ethnicity by ignoring rapidly changing facial features. The system achieves impressive accuracy, outperforming even human experts in face recognition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMachine Learning·DateJun 15, 2020
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.