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What is a thought made of? Scientists look beyond neurons—and raise new questions about AI

Researchers suggest that biological memory is connected to emotion and thought, and that AI may lack the biological infrastructure to replicate human-like consciousness. The study proposes a biochemical process connecting brain cells and chemistry to memory, potentially offering a new route to understanding mental processes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Psychiatry Research·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2026

How mice learn to think out of the box

A study in mice found that the prefrontal cortex can block flexible thinking, but silencing this region allows for faster learning of a new strategy. This discovery may provide insights into human neurodiversity and cognitive disorders.

SourceEmory University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026
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.

Ochsner recognized for excellence in cardiovascular and stroke care

Ochsner Health has received multiple Get with the Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following research-based guidelines for treating heart disease and stroke. This recognition reflects Ochsner's unwavering commitment to clinical excellence in cardiovascular care.

SourceOchsner Health System·DateJul 30, 2026

AI opens new era in cognitive studies of wild primates

Researchers at Emory University developed an AI system, CapuchinAI, to automate cognitive studies of capuchin monkeys in the wild using facial recognition and real-time testing. The system identifies individual capuchins with 97% accuracy and provides a scalable field method for cognitive testing.

SourceEmory University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2026

Researchers reveal link between attention and communication difficulties in autism

Researchers found that attention networks play a crucial role in communication difficulties in children with autism, affecting verbal and non-verbal communication. Weaker connections in the Dorsal Attention Network and Salience Network led to greater difficulties with understanding gestures, facial expressions, and social signals.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2026

Why do we have traveling brain waves?

A new review article synthesizes information on neural traveling waves, concluding they are a computational engine in the visual cortex. These waves allow the brain to build internal representations of the external world, enabling prediction and perception.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJul 21, 2026
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.

Decoding the brain’s timekeeping machinery

Researchers discovered that brain regions switch between shared and independent timing, allowing for flexibility in coordination. This finding provides a new framework for understanding how brain regions communicate and enables the development of brain-inspired artificial intelligence and robotic control systems.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Random sounds played whilst sleeping impair memory formation

Researchers discovered that random sounds played during sleep can disrupt the consolidation of new memories by altering the composition of sleep stages. Participants who heard randomly played sounds spent less time in deep sleep and experienced poorer memory performance.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournaliScience·DateJul 9, 2026

Center for BrainHealth partners with Dr. Krystal Sexton as senior advisor, workplace initiatives to advance global brain health strategy

The Center for BrainHealth has partnered with Dr. Krystal Sexton to expand its workplace-focused strategy, providing science-based tools to optimize workforce performance and resilience. The partnership aims to equip organizations with scalable solutions to enhance adaptability, innovation, and long-term performance.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·DateJul 9, 2026

Electric fields help guide neural activity, even from moment to moment

Researchers found that local electric fields exert influence on neurons via ephaptic coupling, which helps explain variations in brain activity even within the same task. The study suggests that manipulating these electric fields could be a potential therapeutic approach for improving brain function in disease.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026
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.

Speaking another language could slow ageing in the brain

Research suggests that speaking more than one language can delay brain ageing and make individuals appear younger. The study found that those who spoke two languages had brains that appeared around six years younger, while those who spoke four languages appeared up to 13 years younger.

SourceFederation of European Neuroscience Societies·TypeObservational study·DateJul 5, 2026

Can we engineer being on the same wavelength with others? Research offers a cautious “yes”

Researchers at New York University have developed a way to measure and visualize brainwaves of thousands of people during live face-to-face communication, finding that synchrony can be used to guide and improve social interactions. This phenomenon, known as social synchrony, is linked to healthy relationships and learning.

SourceNew York University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 26, 2026

Researchers discover how our brains react to surprise

The study found that during surprising events, the brain allocates more energy to sensory information, leading to better memory recall. In contrast, predictable situations stimulate faster responses but less detailed encoding.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 22, 2026
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.

Can brain damage in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder keep progressing silently?

A recent international MRI study found evidence of ongoing neurodegeneration in NMOSD patients, even when they are clinically stable and not experiencing flare-ups. The research suggests that subtle cognitive decline may occur even in the absence of relapses, with brain atrophy rates being faster in NMOSD patients compared to healthy v...

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateJun 18, 2026

Can obesity make the brain age faster?

A new study investigates whether obesity contributes to faster brain aging and earlier memory decline. Researchers found that high K63 polyubiquitination levels in young obese rats matched those seen in older brains, suggesting a connection between obesity-induced and age-related memory loss.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJun 15, 2026

Bilingualism is driven by a single neurological “grammar engine”

A recent study found that bilingualism is driven by a common neural system that works across languages, contradicting the idea of separate grammar engines. This neural mechanism supports grammar in English and Spanish, indicating that human language may be built from universal computations.

SourceNew York University·JournalJNeurosci·DateJun 15, 2026

Socioeconomic factors influence children’s brain structure and function

A new study found that socioeconomic factors, including increased stress and reduced sleep, are strongly associated with changes in brain structure and function in children. The research suggests that early support for families is needed to address these effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 2026
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.

Research spotlight: People with traumatic brain injury more likely to die from brain cancer than general population

A study published in Neuroepidemiology found that individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a higher risk of dying from brain cancer compared to the general population. The research, which analyzed data from over 20,000 TBI patients, revealed that those with severe TBI were nearly 14 times more likely to die from brain cancer.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNeuroepidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2026

New Frontiers in Psychology study flips mental health paradigm: Proactive brain training builds community resilience before crisis hits

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that proactive brain training can strengthen the human mind before mental health challenges take root. The research found that a five-minute daily training program delivered digitally can lower stress, lift mental health metrics, and improve cognitive clarity among adults with an...

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2026

Our knowledge of the world drives innovation

A recent study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that semantic knowledge plays a vital role in human innovation, enabling individuals to create new connections between objects and ideas. The study showed that groups with access to both semantic knowledge and social learning produced more unique innovations than those with only...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

The bigger the reward, the faster we learn

Scientists found that larger rewards can increase dopamine signals and lead to faster learning. Mice learned a task in one day with fewer large rewards compared to thousands of small ones. The study's findings have implications for neuroscience research and could lead to new discoveries on learning and cognition.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 21, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Handwriting speed among possible signs of cognitive decline in older people

A new study found that handwriting speed and stroke organization can be indicative of cognitive decline in older adults. The research used digital tools to record writing speed and number of strokes in complex tasks, and found that participants with cognitive impairment showed distinct patterns in their handwriting movements.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal article finds that flow diversion devices are exceptionally safe

A long-term study of patients treated with flow diversion devices (FDDs) for intracranial aneurysms revealed excellent safety profiles, with no significant differences in outcomes between various FDD platforms. The study found that multiple FDDs were associated with a higher risk of insufficient closure and delayed complications.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2026

Healthy eating improves memory, but sugary diets may cause lasting damage

Research suggests that switching to a nutritious diet can improve memory, but does not fully reverse cognitive deficits and impairment caused by high sugar intake. Diets high in added sugar show little evidence of recovery, highlighting the potential detrimental effects on brain health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 18, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal study examines rising neurological disease burden in China

A recent Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed data from 1990 to 2021, revealing a significant increase in neurological disorders such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke. The study identified a turning point coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for coordinated national strategies to address t...

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 14, 2026

Brain-controlled hearing system proves itself in first human studies

Researchers at Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute have developed a brain-controlled hearing system that can help people focus on one conversation among many. The system, which leverages the brain's natural ability to filter through background noise, dynamically isolates specific conversations in real-time.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2026
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.

Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal of lifelong brain resilience, with inaugural interview featuring Luísa Pinto on glial plasticity

Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science of lifelong brain resilience, featuring research on glial plasticity and recovery from depression. The inaugural issue explores the intersection of fields including cognitive reserve, sleep, aging biology, nutritional psychiatry, and social sciences.

SourceGenomic Press·DateMay 5, 2026
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.

How the architecture of the prefrontal cortex shapes our creativity

Researchers found that the rostral prefrontal cortex acts as a bridge between the default mode network and executive control network, enabling a gradual functional transition. The study suggests that creativity relies on a measurable balance between these networks.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

​​​​​​​Research identifies slow-wave sleep activity as regulator for anxiety in older adults

A new study from Center for BrainHealth researchers found that declining slow-wave activity during sleep explains why anxiety rises in older adults. Participants who generated fewer slow waves woke up more anxious the next morning, while those with stronger slow-wave sleep did not show the same pattern.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2026
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.

Texas Children’s researcher awarded $6. 7 million NIH grant to accelerate Alzheimer’s drug discovery and advance new therapies

Researchers will use DNA-encoded chemical libraries and artificial intelligence to screen hundreds of millions of potential drug compounds, identifying those most likely to succeed in treating Alzheimer's. The project aims to shorten the timeline for identifying new treatments, bringing them to patients faster and with greater precision.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·DateApr 23, 2026
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.

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

A complete rethinking of how our brains use categories to make sense of the world

A new review paper proposes that brain categorization is part of a predictive process to efficiently meet needs, rather than an intellectual exercise comparing sensory inputs to a fixed prototype. This approach predicts the world and anticipates actions, allowing for efficient survival and thriving in a fast-paced environment.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 13, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal article white matter lesions modifying endovascular therapy outcomes in large ischemic core stroke: A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial

A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2026

How the human brain builds our sense of time

Research published in PLOS Biology explains how brain processes temporal information, from visual cortex to frontal regions. The study proposes a mechanistic model of time perception, advancing our understanding of subjective experience.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2026
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.

AAAS honors two Northwestern researchers as Lifetime Fellows

Carole LaBonne and Matthew Goldrick are being honored for their groundbreaking research in developmental biology and language science. LaBonne's work on pluripotent embryonic stem cells has significant implications for understanding birth defects, cancer, and regenerative medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 26, 2026

Center for BrainHealth forms groundbreaking research collaborative to enable data sharing, accelerate discovery

The BrainHealth Network connects researchers across the country to understand brain health improvement through advanced MRI imaging and data analysis. The network leverages a comprehensive multimodal brain imaging dataset, including a longitudinal study of 100,000 healthy participants over 10 years.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2026

New tool maps the landscape of student knowledge using short quizzes

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a mathematical framework to map students' conceptual knowledge from short multiple-choice quizzes, revealing peaks of mastery and valleys of struggle. The technique could enable personalized learning, AI tutoring systems, and more efficient feedback.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2026

Shared brain network aging patterns identified in humans, mice

Researchers found shared aging patterns in brain networks between humans and mice, highlighting a framework for studying cognitive aging and improving brain health. The study uses awake mice to examine how complex brain networks change with age, providing a platform for cross-species investigation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026
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.

Why chronic pain leads to depression for some but not others

Research suggests that persistent pain drives progressive changes in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in emotional regulation. This can shape whether people develop depression or remain emotionally resilient. The study's findings challenge the idea that depression is an inevitable consequence of long-term pain.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2026

Inside the brains of seals and sea lions with complex vocal behavior learning

Researchers have discovered specialized neural circuits in the brains of seals and sea lions that enable complex vocal behavior and learning. These circuits, including strong bilateral connections between the vocal motor cortex and brainstem nucleus ambiguus, are found in species with varying capacities for vocal flexibility and learning.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2026

How the brain charts emotion in a map-like way

A new study reveals that the hippocampus represents emotion concepts in a structured hierarchy of pleasantness and bodily reaction, while the ventromedial prefrontal cortex tracks relationships between these nodes. This map-like representation may help in the treatment of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.

SourceEmory University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2026
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.