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Training cognitive control in children does not change brain or behavior

A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that training exercises designed to improve cognitive control in children do not lead to any brain changes or improvements in related behavioral measures. The study tested 235 children aged six to 13 and found that while they improved on specific tasks, these gains did not carry over i...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 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.

How stress knocks out your cognitive reserve

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that stress weakens the association between cognitive reserve and improved cognition in memory clinic patients. Cognitive reserve is built through experiences like higher education and social interactions, but high or persistent stress levels can impair these benefits.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Lighting up the brain: What happens when our ‘serotonin center’ is triggered?

Researchers at OIST used a novel technique to study how activating the brain's serotonin center affects awake animals. They found that serotonin from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) activates brain areas influencing behavior and motivation, including the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2024

A multimodal approach to better predict recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness

A new multimodal approach has been developed to predict recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness, combining PET scans, multivariate EEG analysis, functional MRI, and cognitive evoked potentials. The approach shows improved prognostic performance and accuracy compared to standard measurements.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

International experts reach consensus on the labeling of spatial neglect

A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

Psychedelic drug-induced hyperconnectivity in the brain helps clarify altered subjective experiences

A new study shows that psilocybin initiates a pattern of hyperconnectivity in the brain linked to the ego-modifying effects and feelings of oceanic boundlessness. The findings provide insights into how the brain works on psychedelic drugs and their potential use to treat psychiatric disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Revolutionizing depression treatment online

A new study at Hebrew University found that guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves depression and insomnia symptoms over time. The study emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance and attachment styles in predicting treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPsychotherapy Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neuron special issue explores the science of consciousness

This Neuron special issue highlights recent findings on consciousness research, including neural theories, sleep, anesthesia, coma recovery, and prefrontal cortex roles. It showcases how these areas contribute to our understanding of the complex topic.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2024

Over 20,000 people join search for new dementia treatments

Scientists have recruited over 20,000 volunteers to a resource aimed at accelerating dementia drug development. The cohort will enable healthy individuals with increased genetic risk to participate in clinical trials, allowing researchers to test new treatments before symptoms appear.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024
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.

Parasomnia: What happens inside a sleepwalker’s brain?

Sleep scientists investigated brain activity during parasomnias, finding parallels with dreaming brain activations. Patients who dreamed reported impending dangers, while those who were unconscious showed simple behaviors without experience.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 13, 2024

New tool to boost battle against childhood undernutrition

Researchers created a new model to study the effects of undernutrition on the microbiome, which can help identify specific microbes that impact development. The model mimics early childhood experiences and shows promise in understanding the underlying causes of stunted growth and other harmful effects of undernutrition.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 10, 2024

Brain mechanisms underlying sensory hypersensitivity in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

A study by IBS researchers has identified the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a key region responsible for sensory hypersensitivity associated with autism spectrum disorders. The team discovered that ACC hyperactivity and brain-wide hyperconnectivity contribute to sensory abnormalities in Grin2b-mutant mice.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Loneliness grows as we age

A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 30, 2024

Intervention based on science of reading, math boosts comprehension, word problem-solving skills

A culturally-responsive training intervention based on science of reading and math improved comprehension, visualization, and connection-making skills among 66 third-grade English language learners. The program enhanced students' performance in math by utilizing direct and explicit teaching methods, focusing on key cognitive concepts.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2024
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.

Behavioral therapy against ageing

A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that a combination of cognitive and physical therapy improved the behavior and engagement of older dogs. However, it was discovered that cognitive exercise alone had no positive effects, while physical activity alone showed modest improvements in flexibility and friendliness.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalGeroScience·DateApr 28, 2024

Good heart health in middle age may preserve brain function among Black women as they age

A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 24, 2024
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.

In the brain, bursts of beta rhythms implement cognitive control

Beta bursts regulate neuron activity to implement cognitive control, enabling flexible but controlled patterns of neural activity for intentional thought. Studying these bursts could aid in diagnosing and treating cognitive disorders, including ADHD, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 23, 2024

Higher light levels may improve cognitive performance

Research found that higher light levels increase activity in the posterior hypothalamus, leading to improved cognitive performance during executive tasks. In contrast, lower light levels decreased activity in this region, negatively correlating with cognitive performance.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateApr 23, 2024
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.

New UNC-Chapel Hill study examines the increased adoption of they/them pronouns

A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill researcher Jennifer E. Arnold examines how people use 'they/them' pronouns in a spoken storytelling context. The findings show that college-aged speakers are able to adopt and use nonbinary 'they' with ease, suggesting a natural process of language change.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalGlossa Psycholinguistics·DateApr 19, 2024

Occupations that are cognitively stimulating may be protective against later-life dementia

A new study found that people with cognitively stimulating occupations during midlife had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia after age 70. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 jobs and found that high occupational cognitive demands were related to lower risks of MCI and dementia.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNeurology·DateApr 18, 2024
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.

Paper: To understand cognition—and its dysfunction—neuroscientists must learn its rhythms

The study suggests that understanding brain rhythms is critical for developing effective treatments for neurological disorders like schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Parkinson's. Cognition emerges from the coordinated activity of millions of neurons via electric fields, known as brain waves or rhythms.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCurrent Opinion in Behavioral Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 17, 2024

Why do we blink so much?

Researchers from the University of Rochester found that blinking allows brains to process visual information more effectively, providing a new understanding of how humans see. By modulating visual input, blinks reformulate visual signals, enabling better perception of big patterns and overall visual scenes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateApr 15, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Can animals count?

Researchers discovered that rats without prior knowledge of numbers can develop a sense of numbers when trained with sounds representing two or three numbers. The study found that the brain has a specific area for dealing with numbers, which is separate from the processing of magnitude.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Survivors of severe COVID face persistent health problems

A study of 156 severe COVID-19 survivors found that nearly two-thirds experienced persistent impairments after one year, including physical, respiratory, psychiatric, and cognitive problems. The study highlights the life-altering impact of SARS-CoV-2 on these individuals, many of whom required long-term acute care hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateApr 10, 2024

Can probiotics plus vitamin D supplements benefit people with schizophrenia?

A randomized controlled trial found that co-administration of probiotic and vitamin D supplements improved MoCA scores and increased the percentage of patients with normal cognition in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests that probiotics may be a novel way to treat mental disorders by regulating gut microbiota.

SourceWiley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology Reports·DateApr 10, 2024

Brain stimulation treatment may improve depression, anxiety in older adults

A noninvasive brain stimulation treatment, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), improved depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults. The treatment benefits persisted at a one-year follow-up, particularly among those with moderate to severe state anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBrain Stimulation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2024
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.

Cognitive decline may be detected using network analysis, according to Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers use network analysis to study cognitive decline, identifying key variables that predict subtle changes in brain function. Executive function and processing speed are found to be strongly influential, with age affecting cognition differently for those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCortex·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 9, 2024

When and how does touch make a difference?

Research analyzed over 130 studies to find that touch benefits mental health, especially when administered by parents to infants. Touch can reduce pain, depression, and anxiety in adults, with a positive effect on cardiovascular factors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 9, 2024

Pupil contraction indicates hidden cognitive fatigue in prolonged esports play across various skill levels

Researchers found that subjective fatigue did not increase until 2 hours of play, while pupillary constriction occurred at 2 and 3 hours, indicating cognitive fatigue despite varying levels of expertise. This suggests that monitoring pupil constriction could help detect cognitive resource depletion in mentally demanding environments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateApr 8, 2024
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.

Brain cerebellum can shape cognition

The study found that the cerebellum uses information about errors to refine movement and contributes to cognitive functions. The posterior lateral region of the cerebellum is interconnected with the prefrontal cortex and helps shape cognition.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2024

Mayo Clinic study finds active workstations may improve cognitive performance

A Mayo Clinic study suggests that active workstations, incorporating walking pads, bikes, and standing desks, can improve neurocognitive function and reduce sedentary time without reducing job performance. The study found improved reasoning scores when participants used active workstations compared to sitting.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 4, 2024

Blended antioxidant supplement improves cognition and memory in aged mice

A blended antioxidant supplement improved spatial learning ability and short-term memory in supplement-treated aged mice. The discovery suggests that the supplements may also prevent age-related cognitive decline in humans and mitigate muscle frailty.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2024

Dogs provide new insights into aging and cognition

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs have a 'canine g factor' similar to humans, influencing cognitive abilities and ageing patterns. The study found a global cognitive decline in dogs over two and a half years, with poorer health affecting the rate of decline.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalGeroScience·DateApr 2, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

App may pave way to treatments for no. 1 dementia in under-60s

Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2024
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.

Learning a second language helps maintain a socially healthy brain in old age

Early bilingualism may protect theory of mind abilities against normal age-related declines. The research team found that early bilingualism was associated with higher gray matter volume, greater cortical thickness, and larger surface area in brain regions involved in mental state inferences and language processes.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 26, 2024
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.

Researchers reveal roadmap for AI innovation in brain and language learning

A new study highlights the importance of differentiating between formal and functional competence in language learning models. Researchers argue that leveraging human neuroscience insights can help develop more powerful AIs that mimic the brain's modularity, leading to improved performance and natural user interaction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 19, 2024

Active social lives help dementia patients, caregivers thrive

People with dementia experience declines in social well-being as their disease progresses, while caregivers become isolated due to caregiving responsibilities. Experts recommend screening for loneliness and finding ways to keep individuals socially connected to improve quality of life and reduce health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMar 18, 2024
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.

Two artificial intelligences talk to each other

Researchers from UNIGE have developed an AI that can learn a task solely based on verbal instructions, then describe it to another AI, which reproduces the task. This breakthrough is promising for robotics and understanding human language.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeNews article·DateMar 18, 2024

AI tools and parent support could be keys to unlock perfectionism

A new pilot study explores the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-supplemented Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Perfectionism (CBT-P) intervention for young people with anxiety and depression. The research suggests that AI tools could provide strong guidance through a therapy program, while parent support is also crucial in hel...

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternet Interventions·TypeCase study·DateMar 18, 2024