Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers uncover a potential method for interrupting the misfolding of tau protein that underlies neurodegenerative disease

A team of researchers found potential ways to interrupt the misfolding of tau proteins by targeting sticky sites along the long form of mutated tau, preventing neurofibrillary tangles. This breakthrough could lead to therapeutic interventions capable of disaggregating or preventing tau aggregation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2024

New study reveals breakthrough in understanding brain stimulation therapies

A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota reveals that non-invasive brain stimulation can change a specific brain mechanism related to human behavior. The technique, called transcranial alternating current stimulation, modulates brain activity by shifting when brain cells are active.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

More than just neurons: A new model for studying human brain inflammation

Researchers at Salk Institute have created a novel organoid model of the human brain that includes mature, functional astrocytes. This allows for the study of inflammation and stress in aging and diseases like Alzheimer's with greater clarity, revealing a relationship between astrocyte dysfunction and inflammation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 28, 2024

Researchers make precious headway into a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease

A family in Colombia has provided valuable insights into the genetic form of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that individuals with the mutation develop sticky plaques between neurons prematurely, differing from sporadic cases. The study suggests distinct treatment approaches may be needed for early-onset and sporadic cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 27, 2024

Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds

Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

New algorithm disentangles intrinsic brain patterns from sensory inputs

Researchers developed a new machine learning method to analyze brain data, separating intrinsic neural patterns from sensory inputs. The method revealed surprisingly consistent hidden patterns in three subjects' neural activity despite different tasks.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024
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.

Gender parity in autism research: Synaptic similarities challenge focus on male models

A new study challenges traditional male-focused autism research by revealing striking similarities in synaptic abnormalities and behavioral patterns between male and female mouse models. This finding emphasizes the necessity of considering both sexes to comprehensively grasp the complexities of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

A molecular anchor

A team of scientists identified VAP as a molecular anchor that stabilizes mitochondria near synapses in dendrites, supporting memory formation and plasticity. The discovery links VAP to ALS-linked protein and suggests that mitochondrial stabilization is critical for neuronal function and health.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Researchers identify path to prevent cognitive decline after radiation

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center find that microglia can trigger cognitive deficits after radiation exposure, potentially targeting them for therapy development. Mice studies showed that blocking a specific pathway in microglia prevented cognitive decline, offering hope for improving patients' quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·DateJan 3, 2024

Scientists unveil first complete cellular map of adult mouse brain

Researchers unveiled an atlas cataloging the location and type of every cell in the adult mouse brain, revealing a complex relationship between genetic identity and spatial position. The map, which charts over 5,300 cell types, provides a detailed 'parts list' for the brain and could pave the way for precision treatments for diseases.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

Scientists unveil complete cell map of a whole mammalian brain

The study maps over 32 million cells in the mouse brain, describing their type, location, and molecular information. This atlas paves the way for a greater understanding of the human brain and development of precision therapeutics for mental and neurological disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2023
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.

Salk teams assemble first full epigenomic cell atlas of the mouse brain

Researchers at Salk Institute assembled the most complete atlas of the mouse brain by analyzing over 2 million brain cells. The detailed atlas reveals thousands of cell types, their connections, genes, and regulatory programs active in each cell, providing new insights into human disease vulnerabilities.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2023

Researchers find neurons work as a team to process social interactions

Neurons in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) work together to process social interactions by combining facial and vocal information. The study found that individual neurons did not exhibit strong responses to expressions or identities, but population-level activity could be decoded to reveal the identity and expression in vid...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJNeurosci·DateNov 27, 2023

Pregnancy remodels the brain: stem cells shape the sense of smell in mothers

During pregnancy, distinct pools of stem cells in the adult brain are activated, giving rise to specific types of olfactory bulb neurons that enable mothers to recognize their own pups. These new neurons are temporarily formed and disappear after birth, highlighting the brain's ability to adapt to specific needs.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023
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.

Presenting a new GRAB sensor toolkit for neuropeptides

Researchers developed a GRAB sensor toolkit for detecting several neuropeptides, including SST, CRF, CCK, NPY, NTS, and VIP. The sensors are highly sensitive and can detect specific neuropeptide release with high spatiotemporal resolution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How an audience changes a songbird’s brain

Researchers at Columbia University found that when courtship is involved, dopamine-based error signals are suppressed and replaced by reward signals for performing well. This suggests a socially driven shift in the brain's self-evaluation system during courtship, potentially applicable to learning other behaviors.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023
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.

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.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Individual neurons mix multiple RNA edits of key synapse protein, fly study finds

Researchers found that individual neurons can stochastically mix and match up to eight different editions of the Complexin 7A protein, leading to varying levels of glutamate release. This variation may endow each neuron with fine degrees of communication control, allowing for robust tuning of multiple features of neuronal output.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023
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.

Cracking the code that relates brain and behavior in a simple animal

A team of scientists has developed a rigorous accounting of the neurons in the tiny brain of a humble C. elegans worm, mapping out how its brain cells encode essential behaviors such as movement and feeding. The atlas reveals the underlying logic of how the worm's brain produces a sophisticated repertoire of behaviors, even as environm...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023
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.

Uncovering the role of somatostatin signaling in the brain

A Penn State-led research team discovered that somatostatin signaling acts to dampen communication among cell types in the prefrontal cortex, promoting exploratory and risk-taking-like behavior. The findings suggest that somatostatin fine-tunes circuits to promote certain behaviors, including decision making.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Mathematical theory predicts self-organized learning in real neurons

Researchers used a mathematical theory called the free energy principle to predict how real neural networks learn and organize themselves. The study successfully mimicked this process in rat embryo neurons grown in a culture dish, demonstrating the principle's guiding force behind biological neural network learning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2023

A butterfly effect

Researchers at MPFI discovered Protein Kinase C delta's (PKCd) role in regulating cell-wide gene expression through synaptic plasticity. The study found that PKCd activates biochemical reactions that spread throughout the neuron, influencing gene transcription and memory formation.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023
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.

Cell-to-cell diversity is key to protecting brain from neurological diseases: University of Ottawa research

A University of Ottawa study reveals that a diverse brain's ecosystem is key to maintaining normal function while responding to changes. This concept is inspired by Charles Darwin's idea that biodiversity is crucial for survival, suggesting cell-to-cell diversity helps prevent failures in brain circuits.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2023

A novel peptide ‘T14’ reflects age and photo-aging in human skin

Researchers discovered a novel peptide, T14, that is detectable in human keratinocytes and inversely related to age, with higher levels found in chronically photosensitive individuals. The study suggests that monitoring T14 levels may offer insights into the link between degenerative diseases and epidermal cell profiles.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

Video games spark exciting new frontier in neuroscience

University of Queensland researchers used a video game algorithm to study the behavior of molecules within live brain cells. The algorithm, originally designed for tracking bullets in combat games, was adapted to analyze the movement and clustering of tiny molecules within brain cells.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023
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.

A chance observation finds potential hearing biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered a link between Alzheimer's disease and hearing loss in mice, finding that plaque location in the brain may contribute to hearing decline. The study suggests that tracking disease progression through amyloid PET imaging could be a potential biomarker for hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 7, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans researchers discover potential new rx strategy for ischemic stroke

LSU Health New Orleans researchers found that a combination therapy using Neuroprotectin D1 and Resolvin D1 boosted brain cell survival, growth, and stability. The therapy showed promising results in reducing lesion volume and improving neurological function in acute ischemic stroke models.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Fruit fly's complex symphony of vision

A unique microcircuit in fruit flies' visual system transforms a single type of neuronal input to compute direction selectivity, with no inhibitory neurons present. The discovery reveals a striking example of the multilayered mechanisms of inhibition and excitation in the brain.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023
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.

Inhaling menthol improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Cima University of Navarra have found that inhaling menthol improves cognitive ability in animal models of Alzheimer's disease by modulating the immune system and reducing interleukin-1-beta levels. This study opens doors to developing therapies based on stimulating and training the olfactory system.

SourceUniversidad de Navarra·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Your health is in your hands during American Stroke Month

Strokes can be largely prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure. The American Stroke Association is launching a digital tool to educate people on stroke warning signs and risk factors, particularly for diverse populations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 1, 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.

Danger or pleasure? How we learn to tell the difference

Researchers have discovered that the amygdala uses specialized neurons to learn about threats and rewards, a finding that could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety and drug addiction. By studying how these neurons respond differently to various stimuli, scientists have gained insights into the brain's reward system.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2023

The stars in the brain may be information regulators

Research suggests astrocytes integrate external sensory inputs with internal states to modify calcium signaling towards neurons. This process could be crucial for behavioral responses and memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateMar 31, 2023

Mirror-image molecules can modify signaling in neurons

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have discovered that the orientation of a single amino acid in peptides can direct activation to specific neurons, influencing communication among brain cells. This finding has far-reaching implications for understanding and regulating signaling processes in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2023

Presenting a synapse-by-synapse map of an insect’s brain

A team of researchers has created the first-ever insect whole-brain connectome for a Drosophila larva, mapping 3016 neurons and 548,000 synapses. The detailed analysis reveals extensive multisensory integration and cross-hemisphere interaction, with some neural structures resembling those found in machine learning networks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

WormAtlas expanding beyond C. elegans with support from NIH

The Center for C. elegans Anatomy is receiving $2.6 million in funding from the NIH to expand WormAtlas, a resource for researchers studying C. elegans and other nematodes. The expansion aims to incorporate new nematode species into the atlas, enabling comparisons between C. elegans and less-studied species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMar 7, 2023

New study uncovers key culprit behind pediatric brain cancer metastasis

Researchers have identified a key cause of metastasis from aggressive brain cancer in children and found a potential new therapy. Medulloblastoma cells hijack neurodevelopmental signaling pathways to promote tumor cell spreading. Targeting these pathways with a drug called dasatinib has shown promise in killing metastatic tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

RNA modification ‘pivotal’ for protein linked to neurodegeneration in ALS

A study found that RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in TDP-43-related neurodegeneration in ALS. The researchers observed highly abundant RNA methylation in the end-stage tissues of patients with ALS. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the disease, which is linked to environmental exposure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023
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.

How the brain encodes warm and cool

Researchers identify 'thermal cortex' in posterior insular cortex of mice brains, finding specific cold-responding neurons for warmth and vice versa. The discovery sheds light on temperature perception and may help understand complex surface structures and brain diseases.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

UQ research may provide clues to sensory brain disorders

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered two distinct processes in the human brain when exposed to prolonged or repeated sensory inputs. These findings could provide clues for understanding and treating sensory brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023
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.