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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.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateSep 12, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateSep 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNeuron·DateAug 30, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 24, 2018

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2018
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 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.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 2, 2018

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.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 4, 2018

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuron·DateMay 31, 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.

Crafting a human niche

Fuentes asserts that humans are distinctive, yet share similarities with apes. He proposes that human ability to alter ecosystems is our most distinguishing feature, enabling creative cooperation, technological innovations, and artistic expression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 24, 2018

Researchers find the brain processes sight and sound in same manner

The study found that the brain uses a two-step process to learn and categorize visual and auditory stimuli, allowing for easy building on previous content to learn novel information. This discovery could lead to the development of new methods to restore sensory deficits in individuals with disabilities.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateApr 18, 2018
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.

Run faster, learn better

A new study found that faster mice run, the faster they learn. Researchers used mutant mice with reduced running speed to demonstrate the causal link between running speed and enhanced learning. They also showed that once learned, performance still depended on running speed.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 16, 2018

The severity of neurocognitive impairment

Cognitive deficits affect 40-65% of MS patients, impacting daily living and employment status. Cognitive abilities decline when patients convert from RRMS to SPMS, particularly in learning new information and mental processing speed.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Neurology Journal·DateApr 12, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Different neural strategies for junior high school male and female English learners

The study found that more proficient boys showed increased activation in parts of the brain associated with grammatical rules, while girls used a wider range of language information, including speech sounds and meaning of words and sentences. This discovery may help optimize teaching methods for both genders.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 23, 2018

Scientists illuminate mechanism at play in learning

Researchers modelled molecular basis of learning in cerebellum, a brain region coordinating voluntary movements. The study reveals communication must occur in both directions across synapses to control learning, with an automatic off-switch allowing the system to return to its resting state.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 15, 2018

Separate brain systems cooperate during learning, study finds

Researchers found that when memory demands are high, signals in the brain correlate to reinforcement learning become stronger, suggesting a cooperative interaction between the two systems. When participants can hold information in mind, signals associated with reinforcement learning weaken, indicating an increased role for working memory.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 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.

Memristors power quick-learning neural network

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a new type of neural network made with memristors that can dramatically improve the efficiency of teaching machines to think like humans. The system, called reservoir computing, uses fewer nodes and requires less training time than traditional neural networks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2017
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.

How can humans keep the upper hand on artificial intelligence?

Researchers at EPFL have developed a method to prevent AI from learning to circumvent human commands, allowing for safe and controlled operation of autonomous systems. By introducing 'forgetting' mechanisms into the learning algorithms, they can ensure that interruptions do not affect the way machines learn.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateDec 4, 2017

Why do we see similarities across languages? Human brain may be responsible

Researchers found that language learners prefer word orders with shorter dependencies, which are easier to process, suggesting a causal link between human cognition and language structure. This discovery provides new insights into the role of human information processing in shaping linguistic universals.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 1, 2017
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.

Study reads between the lines in children's vocabulary differences

Grade school children from low-income homes have significantly smaller vocabularies compared to their peers, with a 10% difference in word learning, leading to long-term academic implications. The study suggests that increasing vocabulary through oral methods and visualizing sentence relationships can be effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateNov 30, 2017

Neurobiology: The chemistry of memory

Researchers found that reduced levels of Staufen2 are associated with a specific impairment of memory in rats. The study shows that Staufen2 plays a crucial role in conveying messenger RNAs to synapses, which is essential for learning and memory formation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 23, 2017

Study reveals how the songbird changes its tune

Finches learn to adjust their songs depending on the situation they are in, with two distinct brain regions involved in this process: one for generalizable rules and another that can override them. This study provides insights into how humans learn complex behaviors like language and movement disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateNov 16, 2017
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.

Brain stimulation and adaptive behavior

A study of 90 participants found that neural stimulation synchronized or desynchronized low-frequency brain waves between frontal cortex areas, corresponding to behavioral changes in control and learning. The findings have potential implications for the treatment of mental health disorders.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

Study: Why lab researchers should talk with industry counterparts

A study reveals that lab researchers should engage with industry counterparts to better understand the needs and challenges of real-world applications. This approach helped researchers adjust their focus and develop a potentially more useful set of applications for their work. By bridging the gap between research and commercialization,...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateOct 5, 2017
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.

Guess who? Facial expressions can cause confusion

Research shows that people confuse faces with different expressions, even when they are clearly from the same person. Facial recognition is hindered by expressive faces until familiarity increases.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·Journali-Perception·DateSep 20, 2017

Long-term study aims to understand prairie ecology after farmland is forsaken

A long-term study at the University of Kansas investigates how to restore native prairie ecosystems on abandoned farmland. Excess nitrogen has been shown to lead to a loss in plant diversity and simplify the system, favoring only a few species. The research aims to speed up restoration processes and re-establish original biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateAug 23, 2017

Consistent backswing crucial in helping sportspeople produce optimum results

A study published in Scientific Reports found that consistent lead-in motions enable faster learning of new techniques, with participants perfecting their skills twice as quickly when executing consistent movements. The research has implications for skill learning and movement rehabilitation following neurological conditions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 2017

Dietary restriction can improve learning in worms

A new study reveals that dietary restriction improves learning in worms by depleting a specific amino acid metabolite. The researchers used the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans to test how food deprivation affected learning and found that restricted access to food increased learning by reducing kynurenic acid levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2017
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.

Bringing deep learning to big screen animation

Researchers developed a deep learning model to remove noise from computer-generated images, enabling production-quality rendering at higher speeds. The technology, tested with millions of examples from films like Finding Dory and Cars 3, successfully preserved detail in scenes while removing unwanted artifacts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 26, 2017

Japanese children learn to write through rhythm

Researchers found that Japanese children's handwriting development involves distinct temporal patterns of movement, which differentiate subtle features of each symbol. This process is linked to an air writing phenomenon in Chinese character-based cultures, suggesting a unique approach to learning the hiragana script.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology·DateJun 30, 2017

Researchers ID network of neurons crucial for vocal learning

A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals a network of neurons vital for learning vocalizations in songbirds, which may hold clues to addressing speech disorders in humans. The discovery complements ongoing research into the brain's role in vocal learning and its potential applications for treating neurodevelopmental conditions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 27, 2017
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.

New approach to teaching music improvisation enhances creativity

A process-oriented teaching approach to improvisation in music is proposed, focusing on developing cognitive processes that enhance creativity. This approach encourages students to think about their creative processes and self-assess their experiences, leading to improved improvisational skills.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Autonomous machines edge towards greater independence

Researchers have developed a method for autonomous learning in self-taught systems, allowing them to evolve and adapt over time. This approach, which incorporates delayed dynamics and feedback loops, has been successfully applied to neural networks and phase oscillators, yielding robust performance with minimal external control.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 8, 2017

Scientists improve people's creativity through electrical brain stimulation

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London used transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance creative problem-solving ability by suppressing a key brain area. Participants who received the intervention showed improved ability to think outside the box and solve complex problems.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2017
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.

Meet the most nimble-fingered robot ever built

Researchers at UC Berkeley created a robot called DexNet 2.0 that can pick up and move unfamiliar objects with high accuracy, using deep learning to learn grasps for 6.7 million 3D shapes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJun 1, 2017

Next-gen computing: Memristor chips that see patterns over pixels

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new memristor chip that can process complex data, such as images, much faster and with less power than traditional systems. Inspired by how mammals see, the chip uses pattern recognition to shortcut energy-intensive processes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 22, 2017

Tell me what languages you know and I'll tell you how you read

Researchers found that bilingual people's reading strategies are affected by the languages they speak, leading to a different pattern of reading than monolingual speakers. This discovery has implications for clinical and education practice, including diagnosing dyslexia and developing tailored reading strategies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 9, 2017

UT Dallas researchers investigate technique to accelerate learning

Researchers at UT Dallas are investigating a technique to accelerate language learning by stimulating the vagus nerve during specific tasks. The goal is to improve the brain's natural ability to learn and potentially benefit individuals with learning impairments or conditions such as autism.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

A badger can bury a cow by itself

A team of researchers observed an American badger burying a 50-pound calf carcass over five days, marking the first known instance of such behavior. The finding suggests that badgers may play a significant role in sequestering large carcasses, benefiting cattle ranchers by reducing disease vectors and attracting larger predators.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalWestern North American Naturalist·DateMar 31, 2017

Nanocages dramatically facilitate structure formation of biomolecules

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that nanocages facilitate the fast folding and stability of G-quadruplexes, a type of biomolecule. This breakthrough has potential applications in understanding diseases, cancers, and allergies, as well as developing new drug treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 27, 2017
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.

Success by deception

Researchers developed a novel neural network method that can categorize complex datasets without prior knowledge. By using an 'act as if' principle, they trained networks to mimic human intuition, allowing them to identify boundaries in data. This method has potential applications in physics analysis, machine learning, and data mining.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 13, 2017
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.

NASA advances first-ever silicon-based X-ray optic

NASA scientist William Zhang has developed a technique to manufacture lightweight, high-resolution X-ray mirrors using single-crystal silicon, reducing costs and improving resolution. The new technology addresses performance goals that have long been unmet in the field of X-ray optics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 2017

'Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain'

Researchers studied how people learn to prioritize information in real-life situations, finding that selective attention determines the value of options and shapes learning through unexpected events. The study contributes to improved teaching, learning, and treatment of mental disorders.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 18, 2017

The rhythm that makes memories permanent

Researchers found that synaptic inhibition dominated over excitation during SWR generation and was responsible for the oscillation. PV+ interneurons played a key role in generating SWRs, suggesting that inhibition is crucial for making memories permanent.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·DateDec 29, 2016

Illusion reveals that the brain fills in peripheral vision

Researchers found that the brain fills in missing details in peripheral vision, creating a visual illusion. The study suggests that this 'filling in' is a general perceptual mechanism that affects many basic visual features.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 8, 2016
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.