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Learning to read boosts the visual brain

A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that learning to read does not harm the brain's ability to process culturally relevant objects like faces and houses. In fact, reading may even enhance overall visual processing.

The market in your head

A study by neuroscientists from HSE University found that brain signals in the striatum and parietal cortex influence price adjustments in competitive markets. The results provide insight into the brain mechanisms at work when determining prices in such conditions.

AI learns to model our Universe

Researchers developed a neural network model using machine learning to predict Universe structure formation. The new model is more accurate than existing analytic methods and efficient enough for large-scale simulations.

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.

Take a break! Brain stimulation improves motor learning

Researchers found that brain stimulation during short breaks improves recall of learned motor sequences, even after several hours of practice has stopped. The study suggests that pauses between practice sessions solidify learning in the brain, and stimulation can enhance this process.

New study explains a secret to more efficient learning

Researchers found that students who see objects first and then hear the name process inconsistent information better than those who hear the name first. This 'frequency boosting' ability helps learners identify and use the most frequent rule, leading to more consistent learning outcomes.

Improving the odds of synthetic chemistry success

University of Utah chemists developed an algorithm that analyzes previous chemical reaction data to predict hypothetical reactions, narrowing the range of conditions needed for successful synthesis. The model successfully predicted outcomes for various reactions, offering a time-saving solution for pharmaceutical and materials research.

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.

Holistic view of planning energy self-sufficient communities

Researchers have integrated power grid considerations into the model of a newly planned net-zero energy district, enabling expansion of sustainable urban areas. The study found that centralized planning provides a means to proactively ensure reliable electricity service and mitigate daily and seasonal fluctuations.

How cryptocurrency discussions spread

Data scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory studied three years of discussions on Reddit from January 2015 to January 2018, analyzing the speed and scale of discussion spread related to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. The findings reveal that Bitcoin discussions grow the fastest, followed by Ethereum and then Monero.

Mature galaxy mesmerizes in new Hubble view

The Hubble Space Telescope's Wide Field Camera 3 has captured a breathtaking image of NGC 7773, a mature barred spiral galaxy. The galaxy features a luminous bar-shaped structure, thought to be a sign of galactic maturity and stellar nursery.

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.

Deep learning techniques teach neural model to 'play' retrosynthesis

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new technique using reinforcement learning to train a neural network model to plan synthetic routes to any target molecule. This approach is more successful than existing strategies and can optimize user-specified objectives such as cost, time, and sustainability.

Synapse-boosting factors in young blood

Researchers identified two proteins in young mouse blood that enhance neuronal connectivity and synaptic function in human neurons. These findings suggest that young blood contains multiple synapse-promoting factors that could contribute to cognitive aging and decline.

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.

Brain stimulation enhances visual learning speed and efficiency

Researchers found that transcranial random noise stimulation improved participants' motion integration thresholds, enabling better learning of visual cues. The technique also showed long-term retention of benefits, suggesting a promising approach for overcoming key hurdles in vision therapy.

Automatic neurological disease diagnosis using deep learning

Researchers at Osaka University developed an automatic diagnosis system using deep learning and MEG, achieving high accuracy in classifying patients with neurological diseases. The system outperformed conventional methods using waveforms, offering a promising approach for clinical practice.

Learning language

Researchers discovered that the right hemisphere plays a crucial role in processing foreign speech sounds at the beginning of language learning. Successful learners showed increased activity in the right hemisphere during sound recognition tasks. The study's findings have the potential to improve instructional methods for adult learners.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Threatened sturgeon learns for the fitness

A recent study led by IGB demonstrates complex learning behaviour in Atlantic sturgeons. The fish trained to search for food in a sandy environment showed improved feeding behavior and increased formation of the transcription factor neurod1 in their brains.

Research explores ways to bridge gaps in science communication

Research by Laurie Weingart and Matthew Cronin focuses on respect to promote learning and consensus building in science communication. The study highlights the importance of bridging representational gaps, or rGaps, which occur due to fundamental differences in values, perspectives, and knowledge bases.

Relationship benefits can be seen in your eyes

A recent BYU study used infrared cameras to measure pupil diameter and found that couples who worked together experienced reduced stress levels. The research, published in PLOS ONE, builds on previous landmark studies showing the benefits of relationships for longevity.

Arbitrary categories improve visual learning transfer, study finds

A new study at Brown University found that using arbitrary categories can improve the transfer of visual learning to real-life skills. Participants trained on categorizing blurry striped circles showed significant improvement in recognizing patches with the same angle, even when not training specifically on it.

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.

Family businesses should prepare for the unexpected if next generation to succeed

Modern family businesses should prioritize equipping all members for the unexpected, rather than focusing on internal relationships. The study's findings highlight the importance of interactive socialization, where younger family members network with external stakeholders and peers to bring new skills and knowledge into the business.

Did you get it? I can see it in your eyes

Researchers at Università di Trento's Center for Mind/Brain Sciences found that preparatory, unconscious eye movements can be a window into the learning process. By analyzing these eye movements, scientists can infer what people know before responding to external stimuli, potentially advancing our understanding of learning and attention.

'Ambidextrous' robots could dramatically speed e-commerce

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed an ambidextrous approach that enables robots to grasp various objects without training, paving the way for faster and more efficient e-commerce fulfillment. The system uses a common reward function for different gripper types, allowing it to rapidly decide which gripper to use for each situation.

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.

How words get an emotional meaning

A study at the University of Göttingen found that people learn positive associations with words much faster than neutral or negative associations. The researchers used electroencephalography to analyze brain activity, revealing specific neuronal reactions after just 100 milliseconds for words associated with loss.

Machine learning award powers Argonne leadership in engine design

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are using machine learning algorithms to optimize engine simulations, significantly reducing design time and increasing accuracy. The project aims to create a more efficient and emissions-free combustion process, with potential applications in the automotive industry.

New approach towards an improved treatment of anxiety disorders

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center have developed a new approach to treating anxiety disorders by anchoring positive experiences in the brain's memory. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that administering a commercially available drug that increases dopamine levels can reinforce fear extinction memories a...

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.

Peers, student attitudes, and student deviance in Japan and the United States

This study examines the relationship between peer reactions, peer behavior, student attitudes, and student deviance in Japan and the US. It finds that peer reactions more strongly predict student attitudes toward deviance in both countries, while peer deviance predicts student deviance in the US more strongly than in Japan.

'Posture cells' encode 3D body position in the brain

Researchers discovered that the brain's 'posture cells' can predict an animal's position in three-dimensional space. These neurons, found in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and frontal motor cortex (M2), encode body posture and spatial awareness in mice.

Changes to RNA aid the process of learning and memory

A study published in Nature reveals that the RNA modification m6A facilitates learning and memory in mice by promoting translation through the Ythdf1 reader protein. The researchers found that knockout mice showed significant deficits in spatial learning and fear memory, but these deficits were reversible upon re-expression of Ythdf1.

Machines that learn language more like kids do

A new parser developed by MIT researchers can learn language through observation, mimicking a child's process, to improve human-machine interaction and natural language processing. The parser uses captioned videos to associate words with objects and actions, allowing it to accurately predict sentence meaning without direct context.

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.

Humans help robots learn tasks

Researchers at Stanford University have created two frameworks, RoboTurk and SURREAL, that enable humans to teach robots basic skills more efficiently. The systems allow people to direct robot arms to perform tasks like picking up objects in real-time using a smartphone and browser.

Army scientists develop computational model to predict human behavior

Researchers developed a new dynamic model that quantitatively incorporates group behavior into individual decision-making, predicting the sensitivity of individuals to persuasion and deception. The model uses non-integer derivatives to compress the influence of groups into a single parameter.

RIT researchers use deep learning to help preserve the Seneca language

RIT researchers are building an automatic speech recognition application using deep learning to document and transcribe the traditional Seneca language. The project aims to support other rare or vanishing languages as well. The team has collected over 50 hours of recorded material and achieved promising results.

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.

Heartbeat paces learning

Researchers found that the cardiac cycle modulates neural responses to external information in humans and rabbits, with improved learning rates observed during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle. This suggests a potential link between bodily rhythms and learning, warranting further investigation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New insight into aging

Researchers at McGill University found that aging brains retain neuroplasticity but experience dysregulation leading to unstable learning. Increasing GABA levels in older rats prolonged the effects of audio tone exposure, suggesting a potential strategy for improving retention in the aging brain.

We may hear others' footsteps, but how do we ignore our own?

Scientists have uncovered how mice ignore their own footsteps, offering insights into human speech and music learning. The study shows that mice develop an adjustable sensory filter to suppress movement-related sounds, improving sound detection in their environment.

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.

Beatboxers' and guitarists' brains react differently to hearing music

A new study found that the brains of professional beatboxers and guitarists respond uniquely to their respective sounds, with increased activity in areas associated with movement and language. The research suggests that experience of producing music can shape brain responses and perception.

Presynapses come in a packet

Researchers discovered that vesicle and scaffold proteins arrive at nascent synapses as preformed functional units, enabling instantaneous neurotransmitter release. The findings may aid in designing better nerve-regenerating therapies and accelerating synapse formation after injuries.

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.

UTA art lecturer wins Puffin Grant

Billi London-Gray, a UTA art lecturer, has won a Puffin Grant for her ongoing project, The Loop and Saw Choir. She collaborates with volunteers of all ages and abilities to create music using unique instruments such as musical saws and analog synthesizers.

How birds learn

Zebra finches learn to distinguish between birdsongs using trial and error or observation. Trial-and-error methods are more robust for generalization, while observation is faster but less effective.

The ultimate combination: A 3D-printed optical deep learning network

A new 3D-printed optical deep learning network called Diffractive Deep Neural Network (D2NN) has been developed by Xing Lin and colleagues. This system processes information through layers of optically diffractive surfaces that work together to recognize handwritten digits with high accuracy.

What people want from a trip to the ER

ER patients often want more than just a diagnosis; they seek reassurance, symptom management guidance, and navigation of the healthcare system. Research reveals that addressing these concrete needs can improve patient care outcomes.

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.

Easter Islanders used rope, ramps to put giant hats on famous statues

The ancient Rapa Nui people used a parbuckling technique to transport massive stone hats (pukao) onto statues, weighing up to 12 metric tons. The analysis of pukao shapes reveals physical constraints associated with transport, supporting the idea that Rapa Nui people were ingenious in their use of resources.

This is your brain detecting patterns

The brain processes pattern learning in a distinct way compared to probabilistic learning, with different parts of the brain being activated. Participants showed increased activity in the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex when figuring out patterns, indicating a sense of reward and improved learning speed.