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Screens are rewriting childhood: a new framework says the developing brain integrates experience until age 25, with profound stakes for mental illness

A new framework, criticome, integrates experience until age 25, reframing autism, schizophrenia, depression, and trauma as developmental disorders. The study suggests that screen-saturated childhoods may produce adult dysfunction, highlighting the importance of early experience in brain development.

SourceGenomic Press·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 2, 2026

Beyond chemistry: How mechanical forces shape brain wiring

A recent study reveals that tissue stiffness regulates the production of key signaling molecules in the brain, using the mechanosensitive protein Piezo1. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding development and tackling diseases such as cancer.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How neurons compete to lose their link

The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

New nerve insights could someday help heal certain types of blindness and paralysis

A team of researchers found that a small population of nerve cells exists in everyone that could be coaxed to regrow, potentially restoring sight and movement. The discovery provides new insights into how axons grow and could lead to effective therapies for blindness, paralysis, and other disorders caused by nerve damage.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023
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.

Aging | AAV1.NT-3 gene therapy prevents age-related sarcopenia

Researchers have successfully used AAV1.NT-3 gene therapy to improve muscle physiology and prevent age-related sarcopenia in mice. The treatment resulted in restored muscle mass, strength, and neural connections, offering a potential new option for managing this debilitating condition.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

The centrosome plays an important role in neuron migration

Researchers at DZNE discovered that centrosome controls neuronal migration but not axon growth. The study used novel molecular tools to show that centrosomal activity influences radial migration of projection neurons.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A protein that pulls the brake on nerve growth

Scientists at DZNE have discovered a protein called RhoA that regulates nerve cell growth by pulling the brake, potentially leading to new approaches for spinal cord injury treatment.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

Researchers identify key proteins for the repair of nerve fibers

Scientists at DZNE have identified a group of proteins that help regenerate damaged nerve cells, potentially leading to new treatments for spinal cord injuries. These proteins, part of the 'cofilin/ADF' family, drive growth and regeneration in both young and adult neurons.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNeuron·DateAug 7, 2019

Growing a cerebral tract in a microscale brain model

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have grown a working model of a cerebral tract in the lab, mimicking the connections between neurons in the brain. The model, created using induced pluripotent stem cells, demonstrates how axons can grow and form bundles to connect separate cognitive tasks.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournaliScience·DateApr 18, 2019

Study overturns seminal research about the developing nervous system

Scientists at UCLA's Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have discovered a new role for netrin1 in organizing axon growth during embryonic development. The study reveals that netrin1 acts locally, guiding axons to form a normal functioning nervous system.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateApr 20, 2017
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.

Neuronal regeneration and the 2-part design of nerves

Researchers at University of Michigan discover that a single gene, DLK, regulates both axon and dendrite growth in neurons. The finding highlights the importance of considering the bimodal nature of neurons when developing new treatments for regeneration of nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 4, 2013

Master regulator found for regenerating nerve fibers in live animals

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that Mst3b, an enzyme previously identified in the lab, is essential for regenerating damaged axons in both peripheral and central nervous systems. The findings suggest that activating Mst3b could lead to a possible treatment for brain and spinal cord injuries.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 25, 2009

Growth factor stimulates rapid extension of key motor neurons in brain

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) enhances the growth of corticospinal motor neuron axons, a critical population affected by ALS. IGF-1 stimulation increases axon outgrowth speed and extent, paving the way for potential treatments.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2006
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.

Most important actors in the growth process of neurons identified

Researchers have identified the JNK, Wnt, and FGF signaling cascades as the most important actors in axon growth, showing that growth is independent of neuronal activity. This finding brings greater clarity to the axon's growth process and has implications for understanding nerve diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 11, 2006

Form determines function

A team of researchers has produced cyclopeptides that imitate the HNK-1 carbohydrate from human natural killer cells, stimulating axon growth in motor neuron cell cultures. These glycomimetics could be a promising starting point for developing treatments for spinal cord injuries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 14, 2006

Factor isolated that regenerates nerve fibers

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have isolated a previously unknown molecule called oncomodulin that stimulates axon regeneration in the optic nerve. The discovery offers new possibilities for treating conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, and spinal cord injury.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 14, 2006

Extreme stretch-growth of axons

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine have induced axon growth rates of up to ten centimeters per week, defying previous understanding. The stretched axons maintained a normal internal structure and appeared invigorated by extreme growth, suggesting new mechanisms for neuronal physiology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2004
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.

Key advance reported in regenerating nerve fibers

Researchers developed a two-pronged approach to stimulate nerve cell growth and overcome inhibitory proteins, achieving triple the axon regeneration achieved with growth factors alone. The technique aims to restore vision and treat spinal cord injuries, strokes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·DateFeb 17, 2004
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.

New growth-stimulating cue identified for nerve cells

A Johns Hopkins team has discovered a protein that stimulates axon growth, contradicting the traditional view of semaphorins as only repelling axons. Semaphorin-7a promotes axon growth by interacting with integrins on nerves and other cell types.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2003

NYU Neuroscientist Explores Changes In The Brain Following Hearing Loss

Dan H. Sanes' research focuses on understanding how deafness affects the growth and function of the central nervous system, particularly through the development of inhibitory synapses. His lab aims to find ways to restore function following traumatic injury to nervous system pathways, including axon regeneration.

SourceNew York University·DateFeb 3, 1999