A study published in Neuron reveals the mechanisms behind learning social hierarchies, with the prefrontal cortex playing a key role. The researchers found that people can rapidly form coherent understandings of their own social hierarchy through integrating interaction outcomes.
Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new brain mapping technique to study how people update their knowledge and form new ideas. The study found that the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex work together to update conceptual knowledge, providing insight into the mechanics of learning.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2016
Researchers are developing novel approaches to process and store data in energy-efficient ways, using nanoscale devices and innovative architectures. The goal is to create computers that can learn from data and operate like the human brain.
Researchers at MPFI and NYU will use the grant to develop new optogenetic technologies, focusing on synaptic plasticity and its role in learning and memory. The goal is to improve knowledge of biochemical events underlying synaptic plasticity and provide insights into brain disorders.
SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 2016
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.
Researchers found strong associations between certain sounds and common objects/ideas across languages, including body parts and natural phenomena. The study's findings suggest that humans tend to use similar sounds to describe basic concepts, regardless of language.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2016
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that language learning boosts brain activity and increases neuroplasticity, leading to improved information processing. The more languages a person knows, the faster their brain adapts to new information.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 2, 2016
AlphaGo, a computer program, defeated an 18-time world champion of Go by integrating data-driven AI approaches and recognizing game patterns
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 25, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The study found that brains with more variability and frequent connections tend to have higher IQs and creativity. This discovery could lead to advancements in artificial intelligence and a better understanding of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and ADHD.
A study by Dr. Chantel Prat and colleagues found that a five-minute measurement of resting-state brain activity can predict how quickly adults pick up a second language. Participants with larger 'beta' networks in their brains learned French twice as quickly, suggesting a link between brain activity and language learning speed.
SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalBrain and Language·DateJun 30, 2016
Researchers found that players who worked together in a language-learning game learned more words and enjoyed the game more than solo players. The game, called Crystallize, requires players to communicate with their partners to complete quests and build relationships.
Researchers discovered that methylation of RNA can strengthen memory formation by reducing the brain's ability to remove methyl groups. This process may have significant implications for treating memory-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or phobia.
The now-or-never bottleneck theory explains how the brain processes linguistic input immediately, before it's lost. This process involves chunking linguistic material into increasingly abstract representational formats to learn and understand language.
SourceCornell University·JournalBehavioral and Brain Sciences·DateJun 10, 2016
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.
Researchers identified the mediodorsal thalamus as a key brain area involved in rapid information processing and decision-making. The study found that monkeys with lesions to this area struggled to adapt their behavior and make informed choices.
A five-minute brain activity test predicted language learning speed in adults with 60% accuracy. Researchers believe neurofeedback training can be used to strengthen desirable brain patterns and improve language learning.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBrain and Language·DateMay 10, 2016
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University have identified a brain receptor that triggers synaptic pruning in the hippocampus during adolescence. This process is crucial for normal learning but goes awry in diseases such as autism and schizophrenia.
SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·DateMay 2, 2016
A study found that public administrations in Germany rely on their own experiences in shaping participatory processes, rather than adopting best practices from other states. They also draw on experience from adjacent policy areas to optimize their processes.
SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateFeb 18, 2016
A new brain study confirms that practice makes perfect in professional ballet dancers, showing the long-term effects of learning complex dance motor sequences. The study found an inverted 'U' learning pattern, where brain activation increases during initial learning and performance, but then decreases as mastery is achieved.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new study reveals that inhibitory neurons play a crucial role in song learning in birds, rather than the bird's age. The research found that firing patterns of inhibitory neurons correspond with song accuracy, and similar patterns are seen in both juvenile and adult birds.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2016
A new study found that the thickness of the cortex in the fusiform face area (FFA) can predict a person's ability to recognize faces and objects. The researchers discovered an inverse relationship between FFA cortical thickness and visual expertise, with thicker FFA cortex linked to better non-face recognition.
SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2015
A survey of 440 female inmates and 133 prison staff found specific needs, including low self-esteem, lack of education, and past abuse. FEFI project recommendations focus on holistic reintegration through education and training programs.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateOct 14, 2015
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that individuals with dyslexia struggle to learn complex auditory categories through procedural learning, which may be an effect of the condition. This suggests that difficulty processing speech may be an outcome of dyslexia rather than its underlying cause.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCortex·DateOct 8, 2015
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.
A new study reveals that iconicity is prevalent across the vocabulary of spoken languages, including English and Spanish. The researchers found that words learned in childhood are the most iconic, which helps children grasp the concept of a word. The study suggests that iconicity plays an important role in word learning and development.
SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 9, 2015
A recent study investigates how blind individuals characterize others by race, revealing a slower and less automatic process than sighted individuals. Blind participants categorized fewer people by race due to the slower pace of assigning race, which typically occurs with extensive interactions rather than casual encounters.
A new MRI study found that having the opportunity to learn from failure can turn it into a positive experience. The study showed that certain circumstances can prompt the brain's reward mechanism instead of avoidance learning, leading to improved understanding and behavior.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2015
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.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has proposed an alternate pathway to recertification that focuses on active, adaptive, self-directed learning modules. This approach aims to enhance patient care by making the recertification process more individualized and competency-based.
SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 20, 2015
A newly discovered brain network, the Parietal Memory Network (PMN), processes incoming information based on its familiarity. Activity in this network decreases when encountering a new stimulus and increases when recognizing a familiar face or object.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 12, 2015
Researchers at the University of Basel used computational models to describe human memory processes for the first time. The study identified specific genetic profiles underlying distinct mental processes, such as learning and memory storage.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015
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.
The study provides the first complete account of the Gorkha earthquake's physical process, revealing a contained rupture at depth. The findings suggest that while the earthquake did not cause widespread destruction, it increased stress on an adjacent portion of the fault, potentially leading to future earthquakes.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2015
Researchers at University College London developed a novel AI approach to predict fine wine prices more accurately, outperforming traditional methods by 15% on average. The new method uses machine learning to learn relevant information from data and improve predictive accuracy.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Wine Economics·DateAug 4, 2015
Researchers found that infants as young as 5-7 months can use their expectations to rapidly shape their developing brains. Brain activity was detected in visual areas even when the image didn't appear as expected, indicating the brain's ability to set up expectations about incoming events.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015
Researchers found that learning enhances top-down control in the brain's visual cortex, allowing it to better predict and fill in missing information. This cognitive process has implications for understanding psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 2015
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 Rice University study found that smartphone users believed smartphones would improve their academic performance but ultimately reported detrimental effects on their ability to learn. The study suggests that providing access to smartphones without specific directed learning activities can be counterproductive to the learning process.
SourceRice University·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Technology·DateJul 7, 2015
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that providing illustrative diagrams before lectures enhances student learning and recall, particularly for students who struggle with organizing information. The research suggests that teachers should consider individual differences in learning skills when presenting material.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateJun 9, 2015
Researchers at Brown University are developing a new algorithm to assist robots in planning their actions in complex environments. The algorithm uses goal-based action priors, which can be learned by the robot through trial and error or supplied by an expert operator.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new study found that DNA breakage is a natural process that allows the brain to learn and generate memories, but weakens with age. Researchers discovered that DNA damage can lead to increased expression of genes involved in learning and memory, which could be detrimental as we age.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJun 4, 2015
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that people can be conditioned to associate images with specific pain responses without conscious awareness. This study suggests that unconscious learning may have a significant impact on higher cognitive processes, including pain perception.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2015
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed algorithms that enable robots to learn motor tasks through trial and error, mimicking human learning. The 'deep learning' technique allows robots to adapt to changing environments without pre-programmed details.
Researchers from Southwest Research Institute image thunder for the first time, capturing the sound waves created by artificially triggered lightning. The technique allows scientists to study the origins of thunder and the energetic processes associated with lightning, revealing new insights into this natural phenomenon.
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.
A researcher at the University of Kansas will investigate how organisms transition from aquatic to terrestrial existence, analyzing South American water scavenger beetles. The study aims to understand the mechanics of evolution and how species respond to environmental instability tied to climate change.
A study using fMRI scans found that unnecessary brain activity hinders learning, while reduced neural connections facilitate faster skill acquisition. The researchers' novel analysis methods revealed complex brain networks and community structures that correlate with individual differences in learning rates.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2015
Researchers found that quicker learners use different brain regions and have more interconnected networks, while slower learners rely on more individualized brain activity. The study provides insight into the neural mechanisms behind skill learning and practice.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 6, 2015
A recent study from Brown University suggests that video gamers excel in visual tasks, not just due to prior practice, but also because of enhanced learning abilities. Gamers outperformed non-gamers on two consecutive visual task learning exercises by an average of 15% and 11%, respectively.
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 new dynamic geo-simulation model integrates Multi-agent System (MAS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) to simulate complex urban public safety emergency response processes. The model enables policy makers to learn the complexity of the process quickly with more scientific and reliable emergency decisions.
SourceScience China Press·JournalSCIENTIA SINICA Terrae·DateMar 30, 2015
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have traced the brain processes that occur during learning of technical concepts. They found that new knowledge is built up in the brain through multiple stages, involving different parts of the brain, and that appropriate instruction can bring out fundamental understanding at a deep level.
Researchers developed a robot-based writing tool called CoWriter that helps children improve their handwriting and writing skills. The program uses learning by teaching, a recognized principle in pedagogy, and has been tested with over 70 students aged 6-8 years old.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateMar 4, 2015
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.
Jonathan Timcheck, an Ohio State Honors student, has been awarded a Churchill Scholarship to study applied math at the University of Cambridge. He will leverage his experience with GPUs on OSC's Oakley Cluster to explore cutting-edge mathematical methods for analyzing large datasets.
Researchers identified the anterior cingulate cortex as a key region in the teacher's brain involved in understanding students' mistakes. This finding provides insight into how teachers can guide student learning through meaningful feedback.
Researchers at National University of Singapore discover that cells exert directional forces to close gaps in protective epithelial barriers, even when underlying layers are damaged. This 'tug-of-war' mechanism drives mechanical forces responsible for gap closure.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2015
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.
A study by University of Missouri and Lehigh University researchers discovered that job seekers with learning goal orientation are more successful in achieving career goals. Individuals with this disposition tend to react to failures by intensifying their search process, while those with low LGO decrease intensity. The study suggests t...
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 21, 2015
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that the hippocampus, a region involved in spatial learning and memory, reacts differently to virtual reality than it does to real-world environments. In the virtual world, hippocampal neurons fire randomly, whereas in the real world, they process activity with precision.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 24, 2014
Researchers found that successful language learners had more connected brain networks than less successful participants, both before and after learning. This suggests that learning a second language can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Neurolinguistics·DateNov 12, 2014
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.
Two design competition winners, Intuitive Company and Georgia Tech Student Chapter, received recognition for their innovative solutions to improve the voting process. Their prototypes include smartphone apps to inform voters and train election volunteers, as well as a web-based platform to streamline the voting experience.
A new study challenges a long-held belief that offshore islands protect the mainland from tsunamis. Instead, islands focus the energy of the tsunami, increasing flooding on the mainland by up to 70 percent. Researchers used machine learning to analyze various island geometries and found that this setup amplifies tsunami power.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 6, 2014
Researchers at UCL discovered that new myelin must be made each time a skill is learned later in life, and its structure changes during practice. The team found that once a new skill has been learnt, it is retained even after myelin production stops.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014
Researchers showed subjects a list of positive and negative words, then asked them to walk on a treadmill while measuring their gait and posture. The study found that those who walked in a depressed style recalled more negative words from the earlier list, suggesting a link between walking style and mood.
SourceCIFAR·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·DateOct 15, 2014
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.
Quantum computing enables robots to learn and adapt faster, with a significant speedup in response times. This breakthrough has implications for machine learning, climate modeling, and internet search engines, leading towards a more ambitious objective of creating intelligent and creative robots.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 6, 2014
A study published in PNAS found that the Foxp2 gene enhances learning ability, allowing humans to acquire and creatively manipulate spoken language more quickly than other animals. The gene modulates the balance between conscious and unconscious learning processes, enabling faster language acquisition.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2014
Physics researcher Alice Bean will work with the US Department of State's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives to communicate global climate change policy to critical faith-based audiences. She aims to foster communication, respect, and alliance between scientists and religious communities to combat climate change.
Scientists discovered that people learn new motor tasks faster when they recall the errors made during the first attempt. The brain uses this information to fine-tune its performance and adapt to future similar tasks. This study sheds light on how our brains learn from mistakes.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014
A Dartmouth study tested brain waves and found that automatic word processing skills do not develop until after fifth grade, contrary to the fourth-grade reading shift theory. This suggests that teachers at all levels of elementary school should think of themselves as reading instructors.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJul 21, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.