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Surprising findings from studies of spontaneous brain activity

A recent study published in Brain Connectivity suggests that ongoing, intrinsic brain activity accounts for the majority of human brain energy usage. This finding challenges previous assumptions and highlights the complexity of brain function and structure.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateMay 16, 2011

Our own status affects the way our brains respond to others

A new study found that people with higher social status respond more strongly to information about others of higher status, while those with lower status respond more strongly to information about others of lower status. This effect is linked to the brain's value system and has important implications for social behavior and interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 28, 2011

Does belief in free will lead to action?

A study published in Psychological Science found that disbelief in free will impairs brain activity before conscious intention, while belief in self-mastery enhances readiness to act. This suggests that believing in one's ability to control their actions may lead to better performance and motivation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 23, 2011

Reading in 2 colours at the same time

A recent brain imaging study has identified the neural patterns that enable some individuals to perceive two colors at once while reading. The research, published in Cortex, suggests that the same areas of the brain responsible for processing color also support synesthetic experiences.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMar 9, 2011
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.

Crying baby draws blunted response in depressed mom's brain

Researchers at the University of Oregon used fMRI scans to study brain activity in depressed mothers responding to their infants' cries. The findings suggest that depression can blunt a mother's response to her infant's emotional cues, affecting their relationship.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2011

Expectations speed up conscious perception

Researchers found that prior information enables faster recognition and reduces the delay between visual impression and conscious perception. The study suggests that the brain processes stimuli flexibly, accelerating conscious awareness when expectations align.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·DateFeb 3, 2011

Brain scans predict likely success when it comes to quitting smoking

Researchers used fMRI scans to measure brain activity in response to pro-health messages, finding a positive correlation between neural reactions and successful quitting. The study suggests that brain activity can provide valuable information for behavior change, potentially leading to more effective interventions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 1, 2011

How does anesthesia disturb self-perception?

Researchers found that anaesthetizing an arm impairs the ability to distinguish between right and left hands, leading to false sensations and altered body perception. The study aimed to understand how neuronal circuits are reorganized during anesthesia, which could lead to new therapeutic tools for treating phantom limb pain.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJan 19, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neurons work like a chain of dominos to control action sequences

MIT neuroscientists identify a 'chain reaction' of brain activity that controls the timing of song in birds, with individual neurons firing at precise intervals to produce a stereotypical song. The study's findings support the 'synfire chain' model, where each neuron triggers the next, like falling dominos.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2010
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.

The hair brush that reads your mind

Researchers developed a novel 'brush optrode' that threads fibers through hair to improve functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signal levels 3-5 fold. The device increases scalp contact, enhances brain imaging, and is more comfortable for patients compared to conventional fiber ends.

SourceOptica·DateOct 19, 2010

Caltech: Gain and loss in optimistic versus pessimistic brains

A new brain-imaging study by Caltech researchers found that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is linked to how well subjects believe they performed on tasks, regardless of actual performance. This suggests that optimistic and pessimistic brains show different patterns of neural activity when planning movements.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 4, 2010

Brain study shows that the opinions of others matters

Researchers found that when people agree with our opinions, the 'reward' area of the brain is activated, indicating a satisfying experience. The study used fMRI to examine brain activity in response to expert opinions on music preferences, finding that agreement tends to increase brain reward activity.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 17, 2010

Discarded data may be gateway to new brain insights

Researchers found significant patterns in discarded brain wave data, revealing connections between low-frequency and high-frequency brain waves. These connections suggest important aspects of brain architecture and function, potentially shedding light on the brain's organizational structure.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMay 12, 2010
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.

Brain activity exposes those who break promises

Scientists from the University of Zurich have discovered the physiological mechanisms in the brain that underlie broken promises. Patterns of brain activity can even predict whether someone will break a promise, shedding light on the neural basis of pro-social and antisocial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNeuron·DateDec 9, 2009

How to read brain activity?

Researchers have found that specific waves in EEG signals can reliably predict neural activity in the brain. By combining EEG and direct neuron recordings, scientists identified a link between 'frequency band coupling' and cell firing rates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2009

How to read brain activity?

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics develop new method to interpret EEG signals, providing insights into neural activity. By combining EEG and neuron recordings, researchers can accurately predict brain cell activity, shedding light on abnormal EEG waveforms in neurological disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateDec 4, 2009

Now you see it, now you know you see it

Researchers found that the conscious mind kicks in about 300-400 milliseconds after exposure to a stimulus, with complexity affecting timing. The study aims to map unconscious perception and its role in understanding consciousness.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateNov 30, 2009
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.

Sniffing out memories

Researchers found that the first association between a smell and an experience leaves a lasting impression in the brain. After one week, they could predict which associations would be remembered based on brain activity alone.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 9, 2009

Scans show learning 'sculpts' the brain's connections

Researchers discovered that learning a new task alters the brain's spontaneous activity patterns, particularly in regions involved in attention and visual processing. This 'anti-correlation' between brain areas improves task performance and facilitates future skill retrieval.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2009

Memories exist even when forgotten, study suggests

Researchers at University of California - Irvine found that brain activity during an event is comparable to the first experience, even if specifics are forgotten. This discovery may shed light on memories of traumatic events and provide insight into memory loss with age.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuron·DateSep 9, 2009
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.

Undergrad academic performance linked to neural signals

A new University of Toronto research links academic performance to neural signals, with students having larger error-related negativity (ERN) signals scoring better in school. The study suggests that ERN signals can be improved through self-regulation and attention to mistakes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychophysiology·DateSep 8, 2009

Researchers develop 'brain-reading' methods

Scientists at Rutgers University and UCLA have developed a highly accurate way to peer into the brain to uncover a person's mental state. They found that specific mental functions do not correspond directly with certain brain areas but rather a unique pattern of neural connections.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 27, 2009

Foster care may boost brain activity of institutionalized children

A new study found that high-quality foster care can improve brain activity in children raised in institutions. Institutionalized children showed reduced brain activity when processing faces, but those in foster care demonstrated normalized brain activity.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2009
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.

Neuroimaging suggests that truthfulness requires no act of will for honest people

A new neuroimaging study finds that honest people show no additional neural activity when telling the truth, implying that extra cognitive processes are not necessary to choose honesty. In contrast, dishonest individuals exhibit increased activity in control-related brain regions when tempted to lie.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2009

Hush little baby ... linking genes, brain and behavior in children

A new study found that a specific gene, DRD4, is linked to children's temperament and brain activity, with those having the long version of the gene exhibiting more soothable behavior. However, when this gene was combined with increased right frontal cortex activity, it led to attention problems in children.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 13, 2009

Early brain activity sheds new light on the neural basis of reading

Research in PLOS ONE identifies early interactions between vision and language domains during reading, with the speech motor areas active simultaneously as words are processed. This finding has potential clinical applications for individuals with developmental dyslexia and acquired reading disabilities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2009

Young adults at future risk of Alzheimer's have different brain activity, says study

A new study by scientists from Imperial College London and University of Oxford found that young adults with a genetic variant associated with Alzheimer's Disease exhibit changes in brain activity decades before any symptoms appear. The researchers used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to compare the brains of healthy young...

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009
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.

Study shows brain activity associated with phantom limbs

Researchers found brain activity in a patient who experienced a supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) that could be felt, seen, and moved intentionally. The study suggests multiple areas of the brain may be involved in SPLs, potentially offering insights into how the brain constructs normal bodily awareness and the self.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 25, 2009

Scientists identify the neural circuitry of first impressions

Researchers have identified two key brain regions responsible for forming first impressions, including the amygdala and posterior cingulate cortex. These regions process emotional and value-based information to form a quick and lasting impression of others.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2009

Behind closed eyes

Researchers have discovered that brain activity remains active even when the eyes are closed, with slow fluctuations dominating during rest. The study's findings could lead to advanced diagnostic techniques and a better understanding of brain function.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 4, 2009

Not just your imagination: The brain perceives optical illusions as real motion

Researchers discovered that optical illusions, like the Rotating Snakes illusion, activate the brain's motion-perception area, suggesting a bottom-up process rather than imagination. This finding has implications for designing instrument panels and multimedia content to avoid motion sickness.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateFeb 2, 2009
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.

Brain mechanisms of social conformity

A study published in Neuron found that conflict with the majority opinion triggers a neural response in the brain's error-monitoring system, leading to long-term conforming adjustments. This mechanism is based on reinforcement learning and reinforces social conformity by signaling the most fundamental social mistake.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 14, 2009

Growth of new brain cells requires 'epigenetic' switch

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have found that a protein called Gadd45b is involved in changing epigenetic marks in brain cells, leading to the birth of new neurons and long-term changes in memory. This discovery may help understand how daily life experiences trigger long-lasting memories.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2009

New findings shed light on why smokers struggle to quit

A study at Duke University Medical Center shows that seeing someone smoke can trigger abstinence efforts, highlighting the importance of breaking habitual responses. Brain scans reveal a marked increase in brain activity when quitters see photographs of people smoking, suggesting sensitization to smoking cues.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateJan 5, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Uncertainty can be more stressful than clear negative feedback

A new study published in Psychological Science found that individuals with high neuroticism levels prefer clear negative information over uncertainty. Researchers measured brain activity and found stronger responses to uncertain feedback in these individuals.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 20, 2008

Learning to shape your brain activity

A unique study successfully used instrumental sensorimotor rhythm conditioning (ISC) to improve sleep spindles, decrease sleep onset latency, and increase memory performance. Participants who trained their brain activity to shape SMR amplitude showed significant improvements in sleep quality and memory performance after two weeks.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateOct 1, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Treadmill exercise retrains brain and body of stroke victims

Research shows that walking on a treadmill can significantly improve mobility and health in stroke survivors even years post-stroke. Brain scans reveal increased metabolic activity in areas associated with walking, suggesting the brain's ability to rewire and recover through exercise.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateAug 28, 2008

Why an exciting book is just as thrilling as a hair-raising movie

Researchers found that the same brain regions are activated when observing facial expressions of disgust in others and experiencing it oneself. This study suggests that reading a book can elicit emotional responses comparable to those experienced while watching a movie, thanks to the shared brain activity patterns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2008
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 noise is a good thing

A new study from Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care overturns the notion that brain noise decreases with maturity. Brain maturation leads to more stable and accurate behavior in memory tasks, but also correlates with increased brain signal variability.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 3, 2008

Unconscious decisions in the brain

A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that unconscious brain activity can predict decisions made by participants up to 7 seconds before they consciously make a choice. This suggests that the decision is unconsciously prepared ahead of time, but the final decision may still be reversible.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 14, 2008

Subordinate monkeys more likely to choose cocaine over food

A study found that subordinate monkeys showed pronounced decreased brain activity in areas involved with stress, anxiety, reward, and emotion when faced with a stressful situation. In contrast, dominant monkeys were less likely to choose cocaine after the same encounter.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateApr 6, 2008

Diesel exhaust inhalation stresses your brain

Inhalation of diesel exhaust induces stress response in brain activity, altering information processing. Researchers found that even short exposure can cause changes in brain waves, with effects lasting after subjects leave the room.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateMar 10, 2008
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.

Using fMRI to study brain development

Researchers at MIT used fMRI to monitor brain development in rats, correcting for changes that occur during early life. The study found a key player in the changing relationship between neural activity and blood response: carbonic anhydrase.

SourceMcGovern Institute for Brain Research·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 30, 2007

Indiana University research at Neuroscience 2007

Researchers at Indiana University found that women's brains respond differently to male faces depending on the menstrual cycle stage. During ovulation, their brains show more activity in areas related to rewards and less activity in areas associated with inhibition. Additionally, training has been shown to improve balance in older adul...

SourceIndiana University·DateNov 7, 2007
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Attention training may help older adults improve concentration

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have developed an attention training program that can help older adults block out distractions and improve concentration. The study found that brain activity in areas related to sight and sound increased, while performance on a task improved after the eight-week training.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateJun 14, 2007

Modeling the restless brain

Indiana University neuroscientists Olaf Sporns and Christopher Honey found that the brain's spontaneous activity is shaped by its wiring diagram. Their computational model of a macaque monkey's brain shows how fluctuations in activity emerge from chaotic neural interactions, revealing rich temporal structure at multiple time scales.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2007

Meditation may fine-tune control over attention

Researchers found that three months of Vipassana meditation improved ability to detect a second target within the typical attentional blink window. Meditation reduced brain activity associated with seeing the first target, allowing more resources for the second target.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 7, 2007