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Dehydration’s role in learning and memory

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered how dehydration enables calcium to pass through the NMDAR channel, revealing key molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. This finding has implications for brain development and disease, including GRIN disorders that cause severe developmental disabilities.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2026

Study sheds light on how pediatric brain tumors grow

Research uncovers how glutamate regulates pediatric brain tumor growth, suggesting novel approaches to treating these cancers. Inhibiting glutamate receptors has been shown to reduce human pediatric brain tumor growth in mice.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2025
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.

Ketamine: From club drug to antidepressant?

Researchers have uncovered ketamine's mechanism of action, revealing how it affects the brain's NMDA receptors. The study provides hope for synthesizing new versions of the drug with fewer harmful side effects.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 14, 2025

‘Ding-dong:’ A study finds specific neurons with an immune doorbell

Research identifies IL-1R1-expressing neurons in key brain regions, including the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus, which regulate sensory processing, mood regulation, and memory. The study provides new insights into how inflammation contributes to sensory, mood, and memory disorders.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 17, 2025

Feeling itchy? Study suggests novel way to treat inflammatory skin conditions

Researchers found that SYM2081 suppressed mast cell degranulation and proliferation in mouse models and human skin samples, paving the way for new topical treatments to prevent itching and inflammation. The study suggests that activating GluK2 could be a promising way to prevent rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 11, 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.

Super-chilled brain cell molecules reveal how epilepsy drug works

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered the mechanism of action of the widely-used epilepsy drug perampanel, which targets the AMPA receptor to dampen brain cell excitability. The study provides new insights into the potential applications of perampanel in treating other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 10, 2024

Serine racemase expression in the brain during aging in male and female rats

Researchers found a significant reduction in serine racemase protein levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal subfields of aged rats compared to young rats, suggesting a role in age-associated decline of NMDA receptor function. No sex differences were observed in serine racemase expression.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·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.

Astrocytes induce sex-specific effects on memory

Researchers found that increasing astrocytic mGluR3 levels enhanced memory in older females, while reducing these levels impaired memory in young females. In males, reducing mGluR3 enhanced memory, and increasing the receptor had no effects.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell·DateMay 30, 2024

Blocking glutamate release reduces oxycodone intake and seeking behavior

A preclinical study found that the drug ADX106772 reduced oxycodone intake and relapse in animal models of opioid use disorder without disrupting other reward responses. The therapeutic was tested in rats trained to self-administer oxycodone and showed significant reduction in oxycodone intake for up to 12 hours.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateJul 25, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Riluzole and Sorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors: a Phase I trial

Researchers found a partial response in a patient with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma, as well as stable disease in 11 patients, when combining riluzole with sorafenib in a phase I trial. The combination was safe and tolerable, and further exploration of its potential is warranted.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023

A new look at brain function and psychiatric disorders

The study provides detailed pictures of NMDA receptors, which mediate essential signals between neurons. The findings have significant implications for treating schizophrenia, depression, and other neuropsychiatric conditions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 2, 2022

Widespread brain receptor hides surprising mechanism of action

Researchers discovered that glutamate binds to specific patterns on its receptors, overturning the prevailing view of simple stepwise transitions. This finding may aid the development of more effective treatments with fewer side effects for conditions like depression, dementia, and epilepsy.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 20, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Plants under anaesthesia

The Venus flytrap has a sensitive system for stimulus transmission, with electrical impulses triggered by touch and transmitted quickly to catch prey. Anaesthetizing the plant with ether reveals that it does not react to touch during this time, mirroring human anaesthesia.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Study reveals structure of key receptors involved in memory and learning

Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of three major complexes of glutamate receptors in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and learning. The discovery has significant implications for treating epilepsy and seizure disorders, as it enables the development of targeted drugs to modulate specific receptor activity.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021
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.

Why drugs sometimes cause receptor potentiation rather than inhibition

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that certain drugs can activate glutamate receptors, rather than inhibiting them, due to their binding to specific receptor subtypes. This potentiation effect can lead to a stronger response and longer-lasting effects.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2020

Insight into the synapses

A recent study published in Science Advances has shed light on the molecular organization of synapses, revealing that glutamate receptors are directly connected to calcium channels and Munc-18-1. This new understanding could lead to a better comprehension of brain function and signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 2020

Dietary supplement may help with schizophrenia

A dietary supplement called sarcosine may help people with schizophrenia by improving glutamate receptor function. Researchers urge clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness and establish guidelines for its use.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 9, 2019
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.

A dietary supplement improves skills of an atypical Rett syndrome patient

A dietary supplement called L-serine has been shown to improve the neuronal function of a patient with a mutation associated with atypical Rett syndrome. The study, led by Dr Xavier Altafaj, found that supplementation with L-serine reversed alterations caused by the mutation and improved the patient's motor and communicative abilities.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 18, 2019

Johns Hopkins scientists chart how brain signals connect to neurons

Scientists at Johns Hopkins used supercomputers to create an atomic scale map of how glutamate binds to a neuron in the brain. The study reveals that glutamate molecules follow specific pathways on the surface of glutamate receptors, with positively charged atoms guiding its negatively charged atoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateDec 14, 2017
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.

What do sex in moss and neurons have in common?

Researchers discover moss sperm uses glutamate receptors to navigate towards female organs, fertilize eggs and develop spores. The study also shows that glutamate receptors play a crucial role in controlling gene expression essential for spore development.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2017

Scientists capture first image of major brain receptor in action

Researchers captured three-dimensional snapshots of the AMPA-subtype glutamate receptor in action, shedding light on its role in memory and learning. The study's findings provide new insights into the fundamental process involved in brain function.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2017

Alcohol prevents ability to extinguish fearful memories in mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that alcohol strengthens emotional memories associated with fearful experiences and prevents mice from pushing aside their fears. The study identified the molecular mechanism responsible for alcohol-related fear relapses and used a drug to reverse its effects.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJan 10, 2017
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.

Flipping a protein switch to illuminate brain functions

Scientists at Kyoto University have engineered an artificial switch that can selectively activate neurotransmitter receptors, a breakthrough that could contribute to the development of new drugs for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. This innovation sheds light on the role of these receptors in memory formation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 27, 2016

Receptors inside nerve cells may be a key to controlling pain

Blocking receptors inside nerve cells may offer a more effective and safer pain relief option by reducing drug-induced side effects. The study found that targeting glutamate receptors in the nucleus of spinal nerve cells can effectively relieve neuropathic pain in rats, with no changes in pain sensitivity observed in normal rats.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2016
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.

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.

Research reveals new therapeutic target for Huntington's disease

Research reveals Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5) as a potential therapeutic target for treating movement disorders like Huntington's disease. The study found that blocking mGluR5 improved motor behaviors in a mouse model, suggesting its potential for treating Parkinson's disease as well.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 8, 2014

Research team discovers new kind of signalling mechanism in plant cells

A research team at Ruhr-University Bochum has identified a new type of signalling mechanism in plant cells, involving the glutamate-like receptor AtGLR1.4. The receptor responds to multiple amino acids, including methionine, which is an essential nutrient for humans but can be produced by plants.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 25, 2013
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.

How repeated stress impairs memory

Research reveals that repeated stress affects memory by reducing glutamate receptors in the prefrontal cortex, impairing high-level cognitive processes. The study provides critical insight into how chronic stress influences mental illnesses and offers potential targets for prevention and treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 7, 2012

New research reveals brain's protection mechanism during stroke

Scientists have identified a natural protection mechanism in some brain nerve cells during stroke, which could be used to develop treatments to protect other nerve cell types. The research found that one type of nerve cell, the CA3 cell, is more resistant to stroke-induced damage and possesses a mechanism for reducing its susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateAug 16, 2011
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.

Tackling cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease: 1 'STEP' at a time

Lowering STEP protein levels reversed cognitive deficits in mice with Alzheimer's disease, according to a Yale University study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research found that reducing STEP levels is sufficient to reverse cognitive defects in mice without the Alzheimer's mutation.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2010

Drugs to treat cocaine abuse?

A new study explores pharmacological strategies to reduce cocaine self-administration in animals, finding that dysregulation of mGlu2/3 and mGlu5 receptors may play a role in the transition to cocaine addiction. The research suggests that targeting mGlu2/3 receptors could be effective for treating severe cocaine-addicted individuals.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2010

Understanding the brain's natural foil for over-excited neurons

High concentrations of glutamate activate the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlu1 receptors), which become protective against toxic effects. This finding may lead to rational drug design for therapeutic approaches to protect against excitotoxic brain damage following injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateOct 19, 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.

Hitting cell hot spot could help thwart Parkinson's disease

Researchers present findings on stimulating metabotropic glutamate receptors to stop glutamate release in brain cells, potentially reversing Parkinson's disease symptoms. Current treatments only alleviate symptoms, but new approach aims to protect and repair dying cells.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateJul 7, 2009

Scientists discover an ancient odor-detecting mechanism in insects

Rockefeller University scientists have discovered a new family of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the fly nose, which explains how cells in coeloconic sensilla detect odors. The finding fills a missing piece in the organizational logic of the insect olfactory system and raises questions about their evolutionary origin.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJan 8, 2009

Matrix fragments trigger fatal excitement

A study by Chen et al. reveals that chopped-up ECM triggers excitotoxicity through the kainate receptor's KA1 subunit, leading to brain damage. Drugs blocking KA1 might provide an alternative way to save brain cells after stroke or head trauma without causing cognitive impairment.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 29, 2008

How is our left brain is different from our right?

Researchers found asymmetrical synaptic structure and molecule composition between left and right hippocampus synapses. This discovery sheds light on the distinct neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory processes.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2008
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.

Researchers explore the antidepressant effects of ketamine

A new study finds that ketamine's antidepressant effects are mediated by its ability to increase AMPA receptor stimulation, suggesting drugs enhancing this function may have rapid antidepressant properties. Researchers now aim to develop AMPA-boosting drugs without ketamine's side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2008

Potential new approach to treat cognitive impairments in schizophrenia

Researchers found that administering a drug to stimulate another type of glutamate receptor can normalize abnormal brain function associated with schizophrenia. This finding provides promising therapeutic potential for improving treatments available to patients struggling with the disorder.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 24, 2007