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Machine learning classifies word type based on brain activity

Researchers used machine learning with neuroimaging to determine whether a person heard a real or made-up word based on their brain activity. The technique has potential applications in diagnosing language impairments in patients who are unresponsive or uncooperative, which can be challenging with standard language tasks.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 5, 2019

Do babies like yawning? Evidence from brain activity

A new study found that 5- to 8-month-old babies exhibit face-specific brain activity in response to yawning, suggesting a neural basis for their preference. The research used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity while babies viewed yawning and mouth movement.

SourceChuo University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2019

Hidden dynamics detected in neuronal networks

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University have identified a second critical mode in neuronal networks, allowing for parallel information processing. This newly discovered dynamics permits the network to represent signals in numerous combinations of activated neurons.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How the brain remembers where you're heading to

Researchers discovered theta oscillations play a role in navigation and memory formation, reactivating location-specific activity patterns during virtual reality navigation. This finding may help identify novel biomarkers for neurological disorders like Alzheimer's.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 8, 2019

Understanding brain activity when you name what you see

A new study reveals a reliable sequence of neural interactions in the human brain that corresponds to visual processing, language state, and articulation state when naming objects. The findings support the view that dynamic interactions within neural networks govern language production.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 24, 2019

Your brain activity can be used to measure how well you understand a concept

Dartmouth researchers developed an algorithm to measure brain activity patterns and assess conceptual understanding in students. The method produced neural scores that significantly predicted individual differences in performance on concept knowledge tests, highlighting the brain's role in processing complex information.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2019

Bats' brains sync when they socialize

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered synchronized brain activity in Egyptian fruit bats during social behaviors like grooming, fighting, or sniffing. The finding opens the door to future studies on how brains process social interactions and has potential implications for understanding diseases affecting social behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

The brains of birds synchronize when they sing duets

Researchers found that the nerve cell activity in one bird's brain synchronizes with its partner when they start singing together. The brains of both birds essentially function as one, leading to perfect duet coordination.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2019

Research moves closer to brain-machine interface autonomy

A new brain-computer interface can sense when a user expects a reward and improve its performance autonomously, potentially revolutionizing robotic prosthetics. This technology utilizes single-neuron activities and local field potential to decode user intentions.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 11, 2019
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.

Noninvasive electrophysiological biomarker for Parkinson's disease

Researchers discovered a novel noninvasive electrophysiological biomarker for Parkinson's disease using scalp electrodes and electroencephalography (EEG). The approach showed promise for developing wearable technology to monitor disease-related brain activity at home.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 20, 2019

GW researcher seeks to improve diagnostic utility of neonatal EEGs

Researchers at George Washington University are developing a non-invasive diagnostic tool for newborn brain injury using electroencephalography (EEG). The team, led by Matthew Colonnese, aims to improve the interpretation and understanding of EEG in neonates, both preterm and term.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateMay 15, 2019
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.

Gender impacts brain activity in alcoholics

Research from Boston University School of Medicine found that alcoholic men have diminished brain activity in emotional processing regions compared to women. The study suggests that gender-specific prevention and treatment approaches may be necessary for effective management of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateApr 30, 2019

Synthetic speech generated from brain recordings

Researchers have developed a brain-machine interface that can generate synthetic speech by controlling a virtual vocal tract based on brain activity. The technology has the potential to restore fluent communication in individuals with severe speech disabilities, including those with paralysis and neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2019

Measuring brain activity in milliseconds possible through new research

Researchers have discovered a new way to measure brain function in milliseconds using MRE, allowing scientists to visualize responses in the brain as they unfold. This breakthrough could help diagnose and understand neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, dementia, and epilepsy.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 17, 2019

Study reveals brain marker for angry dreams

Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity reflecting anger experienced during dreaming. The study found that frontal alpha asymmetry is related to anger in both wakefulness and dreams.

SourceUniversity of Turku·DateApr 16, 2019
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.

Stimulating the epileptic brain breaks up neural networks to prevent seizures

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that responsive neurostimulation can remodel the brain to be less susceptible to seizures. By analyzing individual brain activity recordings over time, the study shows that stimulation changes brain networks, making it harder for seizures to spread.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 15, 2019

Could robots autocomplete soldier tasks?

Researchers mapped brain connectivity in 30 people to understand how different regions coordinate during tasks. The study aims to create novel strategies for AI-powered teaming environments, where robots can dynamically assist soldiers in completing tasks.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 4, 2019

New brain research challenges our understanding of sleep

Researchers have uncovered large-scale brain patterns and networks that control sleep, revealing new insights into the complex processes of brain activity during sleep. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of sleep disorders such as insomnia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

Brain-inspired AI inspires insights about the brain (and vice versa)

Researchers from UT Austin developed an LSTM-based language model that predicts brain activity with greater accuracy than ever before when listening to stories. The model incorporates context up to 20 words, improving predictions even with minimal context.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateMar 20, 2019

Negative emotions can reduce our capacity to trust

A study found that negative emotions suppress trust by disrupting brain activity and connectivity in key social cognition regions. Negative affect also impairs the strength of connections between these regions, predicting lower levels of trust.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 2019
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.

Bungee jumping for science

For the first time, researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have measured the 'Bereitschaftspotential' (readiness potential) outside a laboratory and under extreme conditions. This finding will help advance brain-computer interface development, enabling quadriplegics to control neuroprosthetics and regain hand function.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2019

A gentle method for unlocking the mysteries of the deep brain

Scientists successfully demonstrated that electroencephalography can be used to accurately study activity in the deep areas of the brain. This breakthrough technique may lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, Tourette syndrome, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2019

EEG helps scientists predict epileptic seizures minutes in advance

Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a method to predict epileptic seizures at least four minutes in advance using EEG monitoring. The study shows that delivering an edible acid called acetate can prevent seizures if detected early, providing new potential therapy options.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019
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.

Consciousness rests on the brain's ability to sustain rich dynamics of neural activity

A study found that consciousness is characterized by a complex configuration of interareal coordination, deviating from anatomical connections. In contrast, unconscious states are marked by positive patterns of interareal coherence dominated by brain region anatomy. The researchers suggest that transient brain signal coordination patte...

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 2019

First identification of brain's preparation for action

Neuroscientists have identified the brain's preparation for complex actions, including speech, handwriting, sports, and music, by analyzing tiny magnetic fields outside participants' heads. This research reveals unique patterns that distinguish skilled from error-prone executions.

SourceBangor University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 7, 2019

Brain patterns indicative of consciousness, in unconscious individuals

Scientists have identified four distinct brain pattern profiles associated with conscious and unconscious states, shedding light on the neural dynamics underlying human consciousness. The findings hold potential for developing reliable biomarkers of consciousness and externally induced manipulations to restore awareness.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 2019

Columbia engineers translate brain signals directly into speech

Researchers create system that can reconstruct words a person hears with unprecedented clarity using speech synthesizers and artificial intelligence. The breakthrough could help people who cannot speak, such as those living with ALS or recovering from stroke, regain their ability to communicate with the outside world.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2019
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.

Risk-taking bias in the brain

Researchers discovered that individuals with epilepsy exhibit increased high-frequency brain activity in the right hemisphere when making risky bets and the left hemisphere when avoiding risks. The findings suggest a brain-based mechanism for risk-taking biases, which can be influenced by past behaviors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

UNH researchers find lasting impact of concussions on young adults

Researchers found persistent cognitive changes and altered brain activity in young adults who experienced repetitive concussions, affecting flexible thinking and information processing. This study provides insight into the long-term effects of concussions on young adults and may inform targeted treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateDec 19, 2018
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.

Real-time feedback tames Parkinson's brainwaves

Researchers developed a method to translate brain activity into visual representations, enabling patients to increase or decrease beta waves associated with symptoms. Although no improvement in symptoms was observed, the study demonstrates a new approach toward managing disease-related brain activity that could inform new treatments.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 17, 2018

Attention, please! Anticipation of touch takes focus, executive skills

A new study reveals that anticipation of touch in children's brains relates to their executive function skills, including selective attention. Children's ability to anticipate a tactile impact is associated with better cognitive control and academic performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience·DateDec 12, 2018

Your brain on imagination: It's a lot like reality, study shows

A new study shows that imagination can be a powerful tool in helping people with fear and anxiety-related disorders overcome them. Brain imaging studies suggest that imagination can alter the way threats are represented in the brain, leading to extinction of fear responses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNeuron·DateDec 10, 2018
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.

Being yelled at: Our brain on alert in a flash

A recent study by researchers at the University of Geneva found that our brains quickly differentiate between angry and happy voices, with a faster response time to perceived threats. This enhanced auditory attention enables us to detect potential dangers more effectively, leading to improved survival behavior.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateDec 7, 2018

Mom, I can't recognize your face from profile view!

Babies younger than 6 months fail to recognize their mothers' faces when watching mobile phones, but improve face recognition at around 5.5 months through increased brain activity in response to profile views. Longitudinal testing of 14 babies from 3-8 months old provided key insights into developmental changes in face recognition skills.

SourceChuo University·JournalNeuroImage·DateDec 6, 2018

EEG identifies brain signal that correlates with depression and anxiety

Researchers identified a unique frequency of brainwaves associated with communication between the amygdala and hippocampus, which correlates with worsening mood related to depression and anxiety. The study used intracranial EEG to measure brainwave activity in epilepsy patients and found fluctuations in electrical activity at a specifi...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 8, 2018

Brain signature of depressed mood unveiled in new study

A new study has identified a common pattern of brain activity linked to feelings of low mood and anxiety, particularly in individuals with a tendency towards depression. The findings could serve as a biomarker for developing new therapies to treat mood disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

How we remember what we read

Researchers discovered brain regions deactivated during successful reading recall, suggesting a mechanism for filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on memory commitment. The findings provide new insight into natural reading processes and the neural basis of successful text encoding.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 22, 2018

Hormone alters male brain networks to enhance sexual and emotional function

A new study by Imperial College London reveals that kisspeptin, the master regulator of reproduction, affects brain activity in healthy volunteers, leading to decreased sexual aversion and increased brain activity associated with sexual arousal. The hormone also boosts networks involved in mood and depression.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 17, 2018

How does brain structure influence performance on language tasks?

A new study using computational models shows promise in understanding how brain structure impacts performance on language-related tasks. The research found relationships between brain characteristics and task speed, potentially leading to advancements in treating diseases and enhancing human performance.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 17, 2018

It's a beautiful game, but how you see it is all in the mind...

Researchers found that fans of rival teams see the same game in a visual sense, but interpret and evaluate sensory information differently. The study suggests that group bias may be linked to the brain's reward system and reflects an interaction between multiple brain regions.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 3, 2018
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.

This is how the brain forgets on purpose

Researchers have discovered two brain regions - the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus - whose activity patterns are characteristic of the process of forgetting. Voluntary forgetting enables humans to focus on tasks and is crucial for emotional wellbeing.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 7, 2018

Great minds may think alike, but all minds look alike

Researchers discovered a universal phenomenon where all brains are composed of the same wide spectrum of strong and weak links. Dendritic learning enables fast information flow through strong entry points, explaining the stable distribution of link strengths across all brains.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2018

Potent psychedelic DMT mimics near-death experience in the brain

Researchers at Imperial College London found that DTM can model near-death experiences in the brain, with participants scoring above a threshold for determining an NDE. The study suggests that DTM may be able to alter brain activity similarly to NDEs, but with different contexts.

SourceImperial College London·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 14, 2018
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.

Neural correlates of reading

Researchers mapped brain activity in response to letters and words in specific brain regions, finding distinct representations for letter-forms and word-forms. The study sheds light on the neural basis of reading in the human brain.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Brain arousal compound noradrenaline plays critical role in sensory perception

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that noradrenaline affects the ability to detect low-contrast images, influencing early stages of visual processing. The study's findings have potential applications in developing better anesthetics and detecting early warning signs for dangerous situations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2018
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.

What articulation-relevant brain regions do when we listen

Researchers used natural conversations to study neuronal activity, finding that brain regions relevant to articulation reliably display activity during perception of spontaneous spoken language. This suggests a shared premotor-cortical substrate for speech production and perception.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 2, 2018

Reading risk behavior in the brain

Researchers have successfully measured participants' risk behavior while observing their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG), revealing a key link between anxiety and decision-making. High anxious participants chose the low-risk option more often, and specific brain activity was associated with heightened cognitive control.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJun 20, 2018
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.

Controlling robots with brainwaves and hand gestures

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system that allows people to control robots using brainwaves and hand gestures. The system uses EEG and EMG feedback to detect errors and correct robot mistakes on multi-choice problems, enabling more natural human-robot interactions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateJun 20, 2018

Reading the minds of pilots on the fly

A team of researchers at Drexel University has successfully measured the brain activity of pilots in real-time using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS. The study shows that pilots who flew a real aircraft committed more errors and had higher cognitive load than those who operated a flight simulator.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMay 21, 2018

Single 'clock' syncs action and perception

A new study published in eNeuro provides evidence for the link between the motor system and our sense of time. Participants in the research task showed synchronization between action preparation and perception, demonstrating that the brain operates at different speeds.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 21, 2018