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Dopamine involved in recognizing emotions

Research suggests dopamine is involved in emotion recognition, particularly in low-dose individuals. Dopamine levels influence emotional perception, with lower levels improving emotional recognition while higher levels impairing it. This finding has implications for understanding social cognition impairments in neurological disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Extract from a common kitchen spice could be key to greener, more efficient fuel cells

Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.

SourceClemson University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Firing it up

A team at Harvard Medical School identified a mechanism that triggers local dopamine release in the brain when acetylcholine binds to axons, not previously known to initiate firing. This finding reveals more about the interaction between acetylcholine and dopamine systems, suggesting a new strategy for treating diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 24, 2022

Biodegradable implant could help doctors monitor brain chemistry

A wireless, biodegradable sensor implanted in mice detected dopamine levels and other brain properties, offering potential for real-time monitoring of neural-related conditions. The device is designed to be biodegradable, eliminating the need for future surgeries.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 22, 2022

Waste coffee grounds could someday help detect brain waves

Scientists have created electrodes from recycled coffee grounds that can detect trace levels of biomolecules in vitro, offering a more sensitive surface for neurochemistry detection. The researchers hope to boost their neurochemical detection abilities by fabricating entire electrodes with carbon from coffee grounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 20, 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.

Dopamine triggers sleep state transitions

Researchers found that a temporary increase in dopamine levels in the basolateral amygdala initiates transitions from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This discovery may have important implications for understanding changes in sleep state and treating conditions like cataplexy and narcolepsy.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2022

New UCI-led study finds links between circadian rhythms, metabolism and addiction

Researchers found that disruption of normal neuronal functions affects metabolic activity, potentially contributing to drug-seeking behaviors. The study suggests that alterations in dopamine signaling may reprogram the circadian liver metabolome, leading to substance use disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2022

Treatment for Parkinson’s could now get even better

A new study from the University of Copenhagen has made significant breakthroughs in treating Parkinson's disease by targeting specific neurons in the brainstem. By stimulating excitatory neurons in the caudal area of the pedunculopontine nucleus, researchers were able to restore normal walking function in mice with Parkinson's symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known

Researchers at UC San Diego's Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind discovered that fruit flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known. Using virtual reality and real-time brain imaging, they found attention, working memory, and conscious awareness-like capabilities in flies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Three proteins found that help fine tune movement

Researchers identified three KCTD proteins that modulate neurotransmitter activity, enabling fine-tuned movement. Their elimination enhances cAMP production and sensitivity to dopamine in neurons.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2022

A yet unknown neural mechanism of habit formation identified

A study by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience has identified a new neural mechanism of habit formation, showing that striatal dopamine signals are region-specific and temporally stable across action-sequence habit formation. This finding challenges traditional theories on dopamine signaling in habit development.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Flavonoids may reduce mortality risk for people with Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022
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.

Dopamine plays key role in songbird mating

Researchers found that dopamine stimulates female songbirds' preference for certain songs, affecting mating choice and memory. By manipulating dopamine levels, the team demonstrated lasting changes in song preferences, advancing our understanding of auditory perception.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2021
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.

AAN issues guideline for treatment of early Parkinson’s disease

The American Academy of Neurology has issued a guideline recommending treatment options for early Parkinson's disease, including levodopa as the best first treatment. The guideline also highlights potential side effects and risks associated with medications, such as dyskinesia and impulse-control disorders.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 15, 2021

Expectations and dopamine can affect outcome of SSRI treatment

A study published in Translational Psychiatry found that patients with high expectations of SSRI treatment showed a four times higher improvement rate compared to those with low expectations. The effect was attributed to the influence of dopamine on the brain's reward pathways.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2021
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study could pave way for creating safer opioids

Researchers have identified a new pathway for opioid-induced reward in the brain, paving the way for creating safer opioids. By altering the opioid peptide receptor MOPR, pharmaceutical companies can potentially create drugs that bypass the brain's reward system.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Balanced dopamine signaling for healthy learning and memory

Researchers found that a balance between dopamine D2 receptors and RGS is crucial for normal long-term memory formation. An imbalance in these molecules is thought to contribute to the development of schizophrenia and dystonia.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2021
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.

True behavior of the ‘pleasure molecule’ will reshape how we treat psychiatric diseases and addiction

Research reveals that dopamine levels increase with stressful stimuli, rewriting the 'pleasure molecule' narrative, and suggesting new treatment approaches for psychiatric diseases and addiction. The discovery has significant implications for understanding dopamine's role in behavior and developing evidence-based treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 16, 2021

Beyond dopamine: New reward circuitry discovered

Researchers have discovered a new pathway in the brain that plays a key role in rewards and reinforcement. GABA neurons from the ventral tegmental area project to the nucleus accumbens shell, promoting reward processing. This finding offers new avenues for understanding psychiatric diseases such as depression and addiction.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Both early experiences and gene expression influence impulsivity in chicks

A study on red junglefowl chicks found that early experiences can affect impulsivity, contradicting initial expectations. The researchers also discovered a link between gene expression and impulsivity, suggesting that genetic factors contribute to individual differences in impulsive behavior.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021
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.

NIH-funded study finds gene therapy may restore missing enzyme in rare disease

A new study suggests that gene therapy delivered into the brain may be safe and effective in treating AADC deficiency. The therapy resulted in clinical improvement of symptoms, including reduced oculogyric crises, improved movement and motor function, and better sleep patterns.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2021

Feel-good hormone dopamine affects passion and autism

A new study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology researchers found that dopamine levels are linked to passion and goal achievement in men, which may explain the higher prevalence of autism diagnoses in males. The study also found no significant gender difference in passion or grit among women.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNew Ideas in Psychology·DateJun 24, 2021
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.

Protein linked to sex differences in age-related dopamine neuron loss

Researchers discovered that a protein called VGLUT plays a key role in regulating sex differences in brain vulnerability to age-related dopamine neuron loss. Higher levels of VGLUT were found in female neurons, correlating with greater resilience to neurodegeneration and mobility deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAging Cell·DateApr 28, 2021
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.

Mirror, mirror...viewing your own face, even subconsciously, is rewarding

Researchers from Osaka University discovered that subconscious viewing of one's own face can activate the dopamine reward pathway in the brain. This finding provides new insights into how the brain processes self-facial recognition and suggests that the dopamine reward pathway plays a key role in this process.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 19, 2021

What does the study of domesticated birds tell us about the evolution of human language?

Research suggests that tolerance, cooperation, and reduced aggression in domesticated birds are linked to increased language complexity in humans. The study analyzed genomic, neurobiological differences between domesticated Bengalese finch and its wild relative, finding altered stress hormone balance and brain connectivity patterns.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Brain cells decide on their own when to release pleasure hormone

Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine discovered that individual nerve cells control the release of dopamine, a key player in motivation and movement. The finding challenges traditional views on dopamine regulation and provides new insights into Parkinson's disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 6, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How dopamine drives hallucination-like perception in mice

A new study found that increased dopamine in the brain's striatum triggers auditory hallucination-like experiences in mice, shedding light on a possible causal role for dopamine-dependent neurological circuits in psychosis. This breakthrough could inform novel targeted treatments for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2021

Mice with hallucination-like behaviors reveal insight into psychotic illness

A new study in mice and people offers a promising entry point to developing new therapies for schizophrenia. Researchers found that hallucination-like events were more common among individuals who experienced spontaneous hallucinations, suggesting a link between brain circuits underlying both human and mouse minds.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2021

Parsing dopamine's different pain sensitivity role in males, females

A new study published in Neuron shows that dopamine neurons play a key role in regulating pain responses in male and female mice, with females responding by focusing attention elsewhere when in pain. The research provides insights into the neural pathways involved in sex differences in pain sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNeuron·DateMar 18, 2021
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.

Researchers discover how the brain learns from subconscious stimuli

A study published in Neuron reveals that the brain learns from subconscious visual stimuli through the activation of dopamine-producing cells. The discovery has significant implications for developing targeted therapies for conditions like Parkinson's disease and improving brain plasticity in situations such as trauma or ageing.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNeuron·DateMar 15, 2021

Sesaminol: Parkinson's disease's surprise medicine

Researchers at Osaka City University discover sesaminol protects against neuronal damage and increases dopamine levels in Parkinson's disease models. The study suggests sesaminol may be the first-ever medicine for Parkinson's disease, potentially derived from industrial waste.

SourceOsaka City University·DateMar 3, 2021

How math can help us understand the human body

Researchers at Ohio State University used graph theory to model homeostasis in the human body, predicting changes in dopamine levels and identifying properties of graphs that can help prevent system breakdowns. This approach could lead to targeted medical care for people who need it.

SourceOhio State University·DateMar 3, 2021

Individualized brain cell grafts reverse Parkinson's symptoms in monkeys

Grafting neurons from monkeys' own cells into their brains relieved debilitating movement and depression symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The autologous transplants showed significant improvements within six months, with dopamine levels doubling and tripled within a year.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 1, 2021
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.

Researchers take early step toward leukemia drug therapy

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a dopamine receptor pathway that becomes abnormally activated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cancer stem cells. This led to the clinical investigation of thioridazine as a new therapy for adult AML patients, revealing encouraging results.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2021

Memory fail controlled by dopamine circuit, study finds

A study by Scripps Research has discovered a memory gating system employing dopamine to direct transient forgetting, a temporary lapse of memory that spontaneously returns. The mechanism was found to be separate from long-term memory recall.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2021

Increased risk of Parkinson's disease in patients with schizophrenia

A study conducted at the University of Turku found that patients with schizophrenia have an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that alterations in the brain's dopamine system may be a key factor contributing to this increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMovement Disorders·DateJan 15, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Dopamine surge reveals how even for mice, 'there's no place like home'

A study by neuroscientists from Florida Atlantic University demonstrates that the act of coming home produces a signal of comfort in mice, triggering a rapid increase in dopamine release. This finding suggests that 'home is where the brain is' and has implications for understanding addiction and mood disorders.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalNeurochemistry International·DateNov 12, 2020

Trace amine-associated receptor 5 (TAAR5) to rewire your brain naturally

St Petersburg University researchers found that lack of TAAR5 leads to higher dopamine neurons and increased adult neurogenesis, potentially treating neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. TAAR5 is present in neurogenic areas and regulates adult neurogenesis.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateNov 10, 2020

Your favorite music can send your brain into a pleasure overload

Researchers used EEG to study how music affects the brain's reward system, finding increased activity in regions involved in emotional processing, movement control, and auditory processing. Chills induced by favorite songs release dopamine, triggering a physiological response that indicates greater cortical connectivity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2020
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.