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New project to measure Alzheimer's and Parkinson's via the ear

A new PANDA-project aims to develop and test an ear-EEG device that can screen patients for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technology measures brain electrical activity and sleep patterns, with the goal of identifying early signs of the diseases and enabling earlier diagnosis.

SourceAarhus University·DateApr 20, 2023
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.

Possible ‘steps’ to revealing super-agers

A recent study published in NeuroImage found that older adults with improved cognitive performance during dual-task walking had flexible neural resource allocation. This discovery suggests a potential method for tracking brain health and identifying individuals at risk of aging-related cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 17, 2023

Overwhelmed? Your astrocytes can help with that

Astrocytes tune down overactive neurons during acute stress, helping to regulate attention and perception. This discovery provides new hope for treating attention disorders like ADHD.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 4, 2023
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.

A sensor that might someday enable ‘mind-controlled’ robots

A team of researchers has developed non-invasive, 3D-printed graphene-based sensors that can accurately monitor brain activity. The new dry sensors show promise for enabling 'mind-controlled' robots and expanding the applications of brain-machine interfaces.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 3, 2023

Fluid flow in the brain can be manipulated by sensory stimulation

A new study by Boston University researchers reveals that visual stimulation can induce large-scale changes in cerebrospinal fluid flow during wakefulness. The findings have implications for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, which are associated with declines in fluid flow.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Sweets change our brain

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that consuming small amounts of high-fat and high-sugar foods regularly rewires the brain, leading to a preference for these types of food.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Learning behavior differs between OCD and problem gambling

Research reveals that individuals with OCD exhibit lower-than-normal learning rates when rewards are less than expected, while those with problem gambling display boosted learning from high rewards and blunted learning from low rewards. This study highlights the benefits of using neurocomputational approaches to understand psychiatric ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023
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.

Study: Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

A study published in NEJM Evidence found that seizures can be predicted at least 35 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for developing more effective therapies for this common seizure disorder, which affects over 50 million people globally.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateMar 1, 2023

Scientists record first-ever brain waves from freely moving octopuses

Researchers successfully recorded brain activity from freely moving octopuses, using implantable data loggers and electrodes. The study provides key findings on the neural mechanisms controlling octopus behavior, including patterns of brain activity similar to those in mammals.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Kleptomaniacs can even take a hint

Researchers at Kyoto University found distinct patterns of gazing and brain activity in patients with kleptomania when shown relevant environmental cues. These results suggest a similar mechanism to drug addiction, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic treatments.

SourceKyoto University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

How brains synchronize during cooperative tasks

Researchers employed computer vision to extract social behaviors and linked them to brain synchronization patterns in a novel approach. During cooperative play, brain synchronization was strongest when participants shared gaze, while individual play showed increased within-brain synchronization.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateFeb 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Accepting anxiety for peace of mind

A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

Study: Infants exposed to excessive screen time show differences in brain function beyond eight years of age

A longitudinal study found that excessive screen time in infancy is linked to detrimental outcomes in cognitive functions, which persist after eight years. Brain activity changes were observed in infants who spent more time on screens, indicating brain immaturity and poor self-regulation.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 30, 2023

Neural prosthesis uses brain activity to decode speech

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can predict the word about to be uttered by a subject based on their neural activity. The model achieved 55% accuracy using six channels of data and 70% accuracy using eight channels, comparable to other studies requiring electrodes over the entire cortical surface.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJan 19, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Novel neurofeedback technique enhances awareness of mind-wandering

A novel neurofeedback technique was developed to enhance awareness of mind-wandering, allowing individuals to manage this state more effectively. The study demonstrated significant enhancement in awareness after 20 minutes of neurofeedback, with no rewards or punishments used.

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalNeural Networks·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2023

How your mood affects the way you process language

A study by the University of Arizona found that when participants were in a negative mood, they were more careful and analytical, scrutinizing what was stated in a text. In contrast, a happy mood led to a less analytical state, with participants relying on default world knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

To identify a voice, brains rely on sight

A new study suggests that the brain's ability to identify a voice is linked to its ability to recognize faces, with a common brain center processing both visual and auditory information. This finding has important implications for understanding disorders where voice or face recognition is compromised.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJan 3, 2023

Speech register switching causes brain to struggle with comprehension

Researchers found that brains process register-incongruent words similarly to semantic anomalies, requiring additional effort. Listening to sentences with stylistically out-of-context words elicits the N400 component, indicating increased cognitive load.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neurolinguistics·DateDec 21, 2022

Short term memory problems can be improved with laser therapy

A study published in Science Advances shows that tPBM can improve working memory in people with conditions like ADHD. The therapy, applied to the right prefrontal cortex, showed significant improvements in memory performance and brain activity.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New Carnegie Mellon University research investigates how the brain processes language

A recent study published in Nature Computational Science reveals that specific regions of the brain process both individual and combined words, while others focus solely on individual words. The research could contribute to the development of wearable neurotechnology devices that can decode language directly from brain activity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Computational Science·DateNov 29, 2022

Scientists optimize methods to study brains at rest in a key model organism

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University identified optimal sedatives and anesthetics for studying marmoset brains at rest, preserving the resting state network. The study suggests a more realistic solution for accurate data, with Midazolam or Dexmedetomidine combined with light restraint being the most effective option.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateNov 19, 2022

Corporal punishment affects brain activity, anxiety, and depression

A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
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.

Tracking trust in human-robot work interactions

Researchers at Texas A&M University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor participant responses during human-robot collaborations. They found that faulty robot actions decreased operator trust and associated it with increased brain activity in the frontal, motor, and visual cortices.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateNov 1, 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.

Stable electrodes for long-term, wearable brain-machine interface

Researchers at UT Austin developed a stable EEG electrode that can be worn for up to four weeks without maintenance, enabling long-term monitoring of brain activity. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and improve treatment outcomes for stroke patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateOct 10, 2022

Petting dogs engages the social brain, according to neuroimaging

Researchers found that petting real dogs activates the prefrontal cortex more than stuffed animals, with increased brain activity each time interaction occurs. This effect persists after the dog is gone, suggesting a long-lasting impact of social bonding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2022

Detecting seizures and interpreting EEGs, the direct algorithmic way

Researchers developed an algorithm to decode brain scans and identify epilepsy types based on electrical signal patterns. The Cumulative Sharp Count and areas under spike and sharp curves were used as parameters to detect epilepsy, with high accuracy rates in blind validation studies.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalBiomedical Signal Processing and Control·DateSep 28, 2022

Study reveals fentanyl's effects on the brain

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that fentanyl stops breathing before noticeable changes occur, leading to a high risk of death when used illicitly. The discovery could enable safer opioid administration through EEG monitoring.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022
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.

Neurofeedback shows promise for addressing ‘chemo brain’ in UCLA pilot study

A pilot study from UCLA researchers found that neurofeedback training significantly normalized brain wave frequencies and improved cognitive function in cancer patients with chemo brain. The study's results support further research into the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Getting less sleep makes people less likely to help others

Research found that sleep deprivation dampens activity in social cognition brain network and is associated with reduced altruism. A 10% drop in donation amounts was observed after losing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Saving Time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2022

Musical tests can detect mental deterioration in old age

Researchers developed a method combining musical tests with EEG measurement to detect cognitive decline in old age. The study tested 50 elderly people who scored low on the mini-mental test, showing promising results in detecting mental deterioration.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateAug 17, 2022

NYU Tandon researcher develops algorithm to track mental states through the skin

Rose Faghih and her team have developed a novel inference engine to monitor brain activity in real-time using wearable devices, offering high scalability and accuracy. The algorithm can track mental states with high reliability, providing insights into autonomic nervous system activation.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Could overnight EEG studies improve care for Rett syndrome?

A recent study found that overnight EEGs can predict Rett syndrome with 90% accuracy and identify specific patterns associated with different subtypes of the disorder. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more refined interventions and improved care for girls with Rett syndrome.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 8, 2022
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.

Our brain is a prediction machine that is always active

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics found that our brain is a prediction machine continuously making predictions on multiple levels. They analyzed brain activity while people listened to Hemingway or Sherlock Holmes stories and text, finding the brain response was stronger when words were unexpected in context.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Sound of music: Ultrasound exposure improves depressive behavior in rodents

A study published in NeuroReport reveals that ultrasound exposure improves depressive behavior in a rat model of depression. OB rats exposed to USV had significantly lower hyperemotionality scores and plasma corticosterone levels than unexposed rats, suggesting potential anti-depressant effects.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNeuroreport·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Advancing dynamic brain imaging with AI

A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 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.

Your brain is better at busting deepfakes than you

A study by University of Sydney neuroscientists found that people's brains can detect AI-generated fake faces with a 54% accuracy rate. However, verbal identification was only successful 37% of the time, highlighting the potential for using brain activity to flag deepfakes on digital platforms.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalVision Research·DateJul 10, 2022

Walking gives the brain a ‘step-up’ in function for some

Researchers found that walking enhances performance on cognitive tasks in 14 participants by increasing frontal brain function, while 12 others showed no improvement. This discovery highlights the flexibility of a healthy brain and has implications for understanding aging and neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 21, 2022
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.

Fetal exposure to drugs may affect infants’ brain development

A study at the University of Helsinki found that in utero exposure to mother's antiepileptic or antidepressant medication can lead to widespread changes in cortical networks, affecting local and global brain function. This may have implications for infants' neuropsychological development and future research on environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 20, 2022

The brain employs an alarm system to suppress intrusive thoughts

The brain detects unwanted memories and proactively inhibits them using the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). If inhibition fails, the ACC triggers a reactive alarm to alert other regions to stop the intrusion. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms of controlling intrusive thoughts.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 18, 2022
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.

Hybrid neuroscience connects the dots for a big picture of the brain

Researchers are combining optogenetics and fMRI to study the links between brain activity and behavior. This hybrid approach allows for targeted manipulation and monitoring of brain function in awake and behaving rodents, providing valuable insights into neural mechanisms.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateMar 29, 2022

Changing your mind based on information, or simply to conform? Brain activity differentiates between types of social influence

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals distinct brain regions associated with informational and normative social influence. The researchers found that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) is active when people conform to information, while normative influence is linked to stronger connections between dACC and other social pro...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

​​​​​​​Noninvasive imaging could replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning

A noninvasive imaging method called virtual intracranial EEG (ViEEG) has been developed to replace electrodes in epilepsy surgery planning. The method uses magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging to create a dynamic map of the brain during seizures, enabling precise identification of brain networks involved in seizure generation.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A replay of life: What happens in our brain when we die?

Researchers recorded the activity of a dying human brain for the first time, showing changes in neural oscillations similar to those during life. The findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends and may provide insight into near-death experiences and organ donation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Algorithm marks the spot: Making brain stimulation more reliable

A research team developed an algorithm that instantly assesses and adjusts brain stimulation placement using electroencephalography (EEG) feedback. The method can find the optimal stimulation parameters in just 1-2 minutes, potentially improving the efficacy of TMS treatment for brain disorders like chronic pain and depression.

SourceAalto University·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateFeb 15, 2022

Loneliness has a different neural basis than social anxiety

Researchers found that loneliness is driven by different brain states than social anxiety, with distinct neural activity patterns. People with social anxiety showed increased amygdala activation and reduced nucleus accumbens activation, while those with high loneliness did not display these patterns.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022
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.