Add BrightSurf on Google Email

The new robot is taking its first intuitive steps

A team of engineers at the University of Pittsburgh has created a new robot that can navigate complex environments using bio-inspired neural networks. The robots will be able to avoid obstacles and learn from their experiences, enabling autonomous navigation for various applications such as commercial transport and disaster response.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 16, 2023

How video games could unlock new treatments for Parkinson’s

A study by researchers at the University of California - Riverside found that certain aspects of video game play can stimulate dopamine release and potentially aid in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests a promising new approach for managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 10, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers uncover signal needed for blood-brain barrier

A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals that a signal produced by neurons is essential for the proper formation of the blood-brain barrier during embryonic development and helps maintain its integrity throughout adulthood. The findings could lead to more effective ways of delivering cancer or psychiatric medicines into the ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 12, 2023

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
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.

Physical activity crucial for poststroke recovery

A University of Gothenburg study shows that increased physical activity, with four hours of weekly exercise, doubles the chances of recovering well by six months after a stroke. Men and people with normal cognition tend to maintain an active lifestyle more often, leading to better recovery outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2023

CHOP researcher leads international panel in developing first-ever clinical diagnosis guidelines for MOGAD

A team of international experts has established new criteria for diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), a condition causing inflammation and potential damage to the brain and spinal cord. The proposed guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide an important framework for distingui...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 16, 2023

NIH scientists discover a rare neurological disease involving cellular recycling

Researchers identified a rare neurological disease in three children associated with mutations in the ATG4D gene, which plays a crucial role in cellular recycling. The study suggests that this genetic variation may lead to insufficient cellular recycling, causing speech and motor impairment.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Study finds obesity-related neurodegeneration mimics Alzheimer’s disease

A new study finds that obesity-related neurodegeneration mimics Alzheimer's disease, with grey matter atrophy patterns similar in both groups. The researchers suggest that controlling excess weight could lead to improved health outcomes and slowed cognitive decline.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 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.

New technologies revealing cross-cutting breakdowns in Alzheimer’s disease

MIT scientists use single-cell profiling to analyze the cellular function of brain cells affected by Alzheimer's disease, identifying five main areas of disruption. The study reveals specific molecular programs and gene regulation changes that could lead to valuable biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 2, 2023
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.

Toward early detection of pathological social withdrawal, Hikikomori

A new Hikikomori Questionnaire has been developed to identify individuals with pathological social withdrawal at an earlier stage. The questionnaire evaluates socialization, isolation, and emotional support on a scale of 0-4, providing a tool for early detection and treatment of hikikomori.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

Neonicotinoid causes ASD-like symptoms in chicks

Researchers found that neonicotinoid chemicals can impair the development of biological motion preference in chicks, similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans. The study suggests that transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is critical for this process.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCerebral Cortex Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

ADHD medication for amphetamine addiction linked to reduced risk of hospitalization and death

A large registry-based study found lisdexamfetamine to be associated with the lowest risk of hospitalisation and death in people with amphetamine addiction. The medication showed a significant reduction in hospitalisation due to substance use disorder and any cause or death, while benzodiazepine and antidepressant use were linked to po...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 16, 2022

Light physical activity linked to milder symptoms from intracerebral hemorrhage

A University of Gothenburg study finds that light physical activity can lead to milder symptoms and improved survival rates for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The research shows a clear link between physical activity and reduced severe symptoms, as well as higher survival rates compared to those who are less active.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The major chord that cures nightmares

A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

Here’s how the brain works when we choose to help someone in danger

Researchers found that the brain's defense system is activated during selfless helping behavior, contrary to the long-held idea that empathy drives such actions. The study used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in 49 healthy volunteers who were asked to decide whether to help another person avoid discomfort.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournaleLife·DateOct 25, 2022

Nanoparticles can improve stroke recovery by enhancing brain stimulation, study shows

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMaterials Today Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Brain development of the preterm baby is improved by supporting emotional connection with the parent

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has found that supporting emotional connections between mothers and their premature infants can significantly improve brain development in these babies. The researchers measured the brain network functions of premature infants at term age after receiving either standard care or...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 28, 2022

Specialized brain regions recognize vocal cues that don’t involve speech

Scientists have identified two areas of the auditory cortex specialized to recognize human voice sounds without linguistic meaning. These regions help react to sound cues allowing people to identify characteristics of the person speaking, such as gender, age, and height. This discovery sheds light on neurological disorders affecting vo...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 28, 2022

Fewer relapses in MS with off-label drug

A phase 3 clinical trial found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab had a five-fold lower risk of relapse compared to those receiving standard dimethyl fumarate treatment. Rituximab also showed fewer new MS plaques on magnetic resonance imaging.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

A new cause of Parkinson’s disease-related cell death

A recent study published in Movement Disorders found that a buildup of TDP-43 protein may be responsible for PD-related cell death. This discovery suggests a new cause of the disease and could lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMovement Disorders·TypeCase study·DateJul 4, 2022
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.

Robotic arms connected directly to brain of partially paralyzed man allows him to feed himself

A team of researchers has successfully connected a partially paralyzed man's brain to a pair of robotic arms, allowing him to feed himself using subtle motor signals. The 'shared control strategy' enables the user to customize robot behavior with limited human input, creating a 'best of both worlds' environment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurorobotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Finding the biological roots for pathological social withdrawal, Hikikomori

A study by Kyushu University has identified biomarkers in blood samples that distinguish healthy individuals from Hikikomori patients and predict the severity of the condition. Key findings include elevated ornithine levels, lower bilirubin levels, and higher long-chain acylcarnitine levels in patients.

SourceKyushu University·JournalDialogues in Clinical Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

Circuit model may explain how deep brain stimulation treats Parkinson’s disease symptoms

A new circuit model provides an explanation for how deep brain stimulation (DBS) relieves Parkinson's disease motor symptoms by interrupting a vicious cycle between the subthalamic nucleus and the striatum. The model suggests that DBS restores a balance with other rhythm frequencies, enabling better movement control.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

Video games can help boost children’s intelligence

A Swedish study of over 9,000 children found that playing video games increased their intelligence by 2.5 IQ points compared to TV-watching or social media. The study controlled for genetic differences and socioeconomic background, suggesting a positive effect of video games on cognitive abilities.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 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
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.

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2022

People around the world like the same kinds of smell

A study published in Current Biology found that people share similar odour preferences regardless of cultural background. The researchers discovered that the structure of the odour molecule determines whether a smell is considered pleasant or not.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Motor neuron toxin associated with ALS identified by UMass Chan investigators

Researchers discovered that an inorganic polyphosphate released by nerve cells contributes to the death of motor neurons in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The study found that lowering levels of this toxin may be an innovative therapeutic strategy for diverse types of ALS/FTD.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 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.

For the first time: researchers identified brain wounds in IDF veterans with PTSD and relieved their symptoms using hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2022

Saving patients an unnecessary procedure

A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Treadmill exercise training shows promise for managing cognitive effects of multiple sclerosis

Researchers found improvements in verbal learning and memory and preservation of hippocampal volume in participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis after 12 weeks of supervised treadmill walking exercise. A targeted pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of this intervention for managing cognitive ...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2021
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.

Obesity does not protect against subarachnoid haemorrhage

A major Finnish–Norwegian study found that obesity does not lower the risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage, as smoking habits are a significant factor in the condition. The study analyzed over 200,000 individuals and comprehensively considered confounding factors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalStroke·DateNov 11, 2021

A diet of essential amino acids could keep dementia at bay, finds study

Researchers found that Amino LP7 supplements can slow down brain degeneration and reduce the development of dementia in mouse models. The study also showed that Amino LP7 reduces brain inflammation and improves neuronal connectivity, improving brain function.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 22, 2021

Epilepsy brain implant does not transform patients’ sense of self or personality but offers them new insights into illness, study shows

A new study found that a next-generation brain implant for treating refractory epilepsy does not induce changes to patients' personalities or self-perceptions. The study follows 12 patients and their family caregivers over two years, providing reassurance for patients implanted with this device.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAJOB Neuroscience·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2021
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.

Oink, oink makes the pig

Researchers at TU Dresden discovered that pictures and gestures improve children's memory of English vocabulary, even six months after learning. This finding challenges the assumption that sensorimotor enrichment is more beneficial for kids than sensory-only enrichment.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateMay 13, 2020

Research offers promise for treating schizophrenia

A University of Georgia psychologist's study confirms that treating avolition, a motivation-related symptom, improves other negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The results suggest targeting this domain could improve overall negative symptoms and reduce functional disability.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSchizophrenia Bulletin·DateJan 28, 2020

Pedaling like a Tour de France winner is a losing strategy for most of us

A study by Oxford University researchers found that pedaling at high speeds, like professional cyclists, is less efficient for recreational cyclists. The team developed a new equation using cadence to estimate energy consumption on stationary cycle ergometers, providing more accurate results.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPhysiological Reports·DateSep 14, 2015
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.

UC San Diego to lead Neuroscience Information Framework

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has received a $10 million NIH contract to lead the Neuroscience Information Framework (NIF), a dynamic inventory of web-based neurosciences data and tools. The NIF enables discovery and access to public research data and tools worldwide, advancing neuroscience research through...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 24, 2008

September/October 1998 Table Of Contents

This September/October 1998 issue of Public Health Reports explores the intersection of neuroscience and early childhood policy, as well as indoor air quality. Scientific contributions include studies on community-based nutrition campaigns, surveillance of injuries, and mortality due to unintentional injuries in the Netherlands.

SourcePublic Health Reports·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateSep 9, 1998