A new study by Northwestern University found that a simulation-based training program can help medical students develop the skills to break bad news to patients in a clear and compassionate way. The training, which uses a mastery learning approach, has been shown to improve patient outcomes and increase student satisfaction.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2020
Army researchers developed a new algorithm that enables collaborative and communication-efficient deep learning, reducing the need for centralized data pooling. The algorithm decreases communication overhead by up to 70% without sacrificing performance accuracy or learning rate.
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.
Researchers found that neurons in the hippocampus become more synchronized when a memory is formed, enabling animals to form and retrieve episodic knowledge. This finding provides clues for the development of future therapies for diseases like dementia, autism, and PTSD.
SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 6, 2020
Effective leadership is driven by four distinct mindsets: growth, learning, deliberative, and promotion. Leaders with these mindsets are more likely to engage, navigate change, and lead effectively. Prioritizing mindset development can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.
SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateFeb 5, 2020
Researchers developed an autonomous machine learning-based method to determine crystal structure from EBSD data with high accuracy. The platform enables high-throughput evaluation of material properties, opening doors for rapid discovery and analysis.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A role-playing game called Citizenship Quest helped students build trust and empathize with immigrants from China, India, and Mexico. The exercise increased understanding among students who had little direct contact with immigrants.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalNew Media & Society·DateJan 30, 2020
Researchers at KAIST discovered a computational and neural mechanism for human meta reinforcement learning, enabling the porting of key human intelligence elements into AI algorithms. The study highlights how humans adapt to complexity and uncertainty in decision-making.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2020
A high-resolution catalog of earthquakes from the 2019 Ridgecrest sequence reveals complex rupturing and crosscutting fault structures. The catalog helps researchers understand the triggering and evolution of the sequence, shedding light on the physics and processes involved.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJan 22, 2020
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.
Researchers from UMA developed a method using deep learning to increase brain image quality and detection of pathologies with increased accuracy. This breakthrough technique enables specialists to identify brain-related disorders more accurately and definitionally, reducing the need for additional tests.
SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNeurocomputing·DateJan 17, 2020
Researchers analyzed how juvenile male zebra finches learn to sing using a novel framework that revealed multilayered changes in brain wiring. Good songs improve slowly over time, while bad ones change quickly but are often forgotten the next day.
Scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have developed novel biosensors to study CREB dynamics in living brains. They found that sensory experiences shape CREB activity over hours to days after a stimulus, and this effect can be observed even when visual stimuli are absent.
SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateDec 26, 2019
Researchers have found that the cerebral cortex can directly control the activities of globus pallidus neurons in a manner that depends on the type of neuron. This discovery could improve our understanding of why certain symptoms occur in movement and learning behavioural disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
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.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that coordinated brain activation, including 'replay' events, helps rats learn how to navigate toward goals. Reverse replay is crucial for reflecting on past paths, while forward replay supports planning for future choices.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNeuron·DateOct 30, 2019
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2019
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.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateSep 17, 2019
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.
SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2019
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.
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 9, 2019
A team of scientists from UMass Amherst and China has developed a new dynamic, two-step process to break down tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a persistent global pollutant. The process uses sulfidated nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI) to degrade TBBPA into harmless carbon dioxide and water.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 8, 2019
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.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalCognitive Science·DateJul 24, 2019
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.
Researchers developed Deep-CEE, a deep learning technique to speed up finding galaxy clusters. The novel approach uses AI models trained on images to identify galaxy clusters, replacing manual analysis by astronomer George Abell.
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.
Artificial intelligence is being incorporated into a first-year mass communications class at Lehigh University, equipping students with skills to adapt and shape AI. The new approach aims to prepare students to report on AI's impact on journalism and help shape its future.
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.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 11, 2019
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.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 10, 2019
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.
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.
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.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 4, 2019
Researchers at Aalto University developed a new method to assess the impact of moving Arctic ice on physical structures. The technique uses numerical experiments to simulate the effects of micro-level changes in ice loads, revealing that thickness is the most important factor in determining the wear and tear of ice on structures.
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.
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019
Researchers developed an automated system using facial recognition to predict high-risk behavior in ICU patients, such as removing breathing tubes. The tool achieved moderate accuracy and has the potential to continuously monitor patient safety.
SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·DateJun 2, 2019
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.
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.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2019
The insular cortex sends warnings to brain areas involved in threat learning, enabling animals and humans to avoid future harm. This process is crucial for survival and involves the encoding of pain in the brain.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019
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.
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.
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.
SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalAquaculture·DateMay 7, 2019
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.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019
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.
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.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2019
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.
SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 28, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFamily Business Review·DateFeb 27, 2019
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.
SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalJournal of Vision·DateFeb 20, 2019
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.
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 16, 2019
The study reveals four key themes: gravity of losses, logistics of care, personal versus professional conflicts, and increased student cohesion. The school counselors' reflections provide valuable insights into how they navigated crises while balancing their own needs.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateJan 9, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateJan 9, 2019
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.
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.
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...
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered the physiological mechanism behind memory formation and forgetting in fruit flies. A single dopamine neuron is responsible for driving both learning and forgetting processes, reversing cellular changes made during learning to degrade older memories.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2018
Researchers found that the brain recognizes familiar faces more uniformly across the visual field through repeated social interactions. The study suggests that early visual processing is tuned for consistent recognition of personally familiar faces.
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.
SourceKanazawa University·JournalAsian Journal of Criminology·DateNov 5, 2018
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.
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.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2018
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.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 31, 2018
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.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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.
SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateOct 24, 2018
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.
A study by Cameron Buckner using deep neural networks suggests that human knowledge stems from sensory experience, a school of thought known as empiricism. The networks demonstrate how abstract knowledge is acquired and can be used to understand complex tasks in neuroscience and psychology.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSynthese·DateOct 8, 2018
Researchers recommend creating simple formats with limited answer options to enhance learning and recall. The study also advises engaging 'real-world' cognitive processes in test questions and avoiding 'none of the above' and 'all of the above' answer choices.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateOct 2, 2018
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.
Researchers found that testing students throughout a lecture enhances learning by facilitating association between old and new information. However, excessive questioning or easy questions may have detrimental effects.
SourceIowa State University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateOct 1, 2018
University of Pittsburgh professors Samuel Dickerson and Renee Clark are using computer-aided simulations to promote reflective and metacognitive thinking among engineering students. They aim to improve learning and development by encouraging frequent use of reflection and metacognition.
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.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateSep 19, 2018
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.
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.
The Exploratorium has launched its new Global Climate Change Explorer website, offering a platform for the public to engage with climate data and scientific research. The site features five areas of exploration, including Atmosphere, Oceans and Water, Ice, Land and Living Systems, and Looking Ahead.