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Human ‘neural compass’ pinpointed in new study

Researchers have pinpointed the location of an internal neural compass in the human brain, which helps orientate itself in space and navigate through the environment. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, where navigation and orientation are often impaired.

Random robots are more reliable

Researchers developed a new AI algorithm called Maximum Diffusion Reinforcement Learning (MaxDiff RL) to improve robot reliability. The algorithm enables robots to learn complex skills more efficiently by encouraging exploration of their environments.

Built-in bionic computing

Researchers have created a method to control pneumatic artificial muscles with embedded bifurcation structures, which can generate diverse dynamics and patterns. This breakthrough enables robots to exhibit more adaptable and flexible movements, streamlining hardware and software development.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Training of brain processes makes reading more efficient

Researchers at the University of Cologne found that training can optimize word recognition, leading to improved reading efficiency. The 'Lexical Categorization Model' uses behavioral findings to predict brain activation and separates known words from unknown letter combinations.

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.

WVU Alzheimer’s disease study focuses on broken connections

Researchers investigate how early-stage Alzheimer's disease affects memory formation by examining synaptic connections and amyloid beta. The study aims to understand the role of NMDA receptors in synaptic plasticity and how they might be hijacked by amyloid beta, leading to memory dysfunction.

Improved AI confidence measure for autonomous vehicles

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University developed a new AI confidence measure that distinguishes between high- and low-confidence decision making in deep learning architectures. This breakthrough enables the creation of safer and more reliable autonomous vehicles by prioritizing human intervention when confidence levels are lower.

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.

Brainless memory makes the spinal cord smarter than previously thought

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science discovered neural circuitry in the spinal cord that enables brain-independent motor learning and recall. The study found two critical groups of neurons: one necessary for new adaptive learning and another for recalling adaptations once learned.

Taking on the global challenge of hidden hunger

Kiruba Krishnaswamy's project aims to tackle hidden hunger by developing a circular, culturally appropriate food system model. The research focuses on micronutrients and community-based solutions to address malnutrition and obesity, with the ultimate goal of reducing chronic hunger.

Can the bias in algorithms help us see our own?

A new study by Carey Morewedge and colleagues found that people are more likely to recognize bias in algorithmic decisions than their own. This is because algorithms can codify and amplify human bias, but also reveal structural biases in society. The research suggests ways to increase awareness of biases and correct them.

Does cannabis use affect cognitive decline?

A new study found that non-medical cannabis use is significantly associated with a 96% decrease in odds of subjective cognitive decline. However, medical and dual-use were not significant in reducing the risk of SCD. The study highlights the potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, but more longitudinal research is needed...

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.

Brain cerebellum can shape cognition

The study found that the cerebellum uses information about errors to refine movement and contributes to cognitive functions. The posterior lateral region of the cerebellum is interconnected with the prefrontal cortex and helps shape cognition.

Chicks prove vision and touch linked at birth

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that newly hatched chicks can link touch and vision without prior learning, suggesting a pre-wired ability for cross-modal perception. This finding contradicts long-held beliefs and opens new avenues in understanding brain processing across senses.

Artificial intelligence boosts super-resolution microscopy

Researchers have developed a new open-source algorithm called Conditional Variational Diffusion Model (CVDM) that improves the quality of images by reconstructing them from randomness. The CVDM is computationally less expensive than established diffusion models and can be easily adapted for various applications.

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.

Eggs may not be bad for your heart after all

A recent study found that eating fortified eggs had no adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels and may even have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Subgroup analyses revealed potential benefits among older adults and those with diabetes.

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.

Alcohol raises heart disease risk, particularly among women

A large study found that drinking more than one drink per day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially among young to middle-aged women. The risk was highest among those who engaged in binge drinking, with women facing a 68% higher risk compared to moderate drinkers.

Revolutionizing drone navigation: AI algorithms take flight

Researchers at University of Missouri are developing software that allows drones to fly independently, perceiving and interacting with their environment while achieving specific goals. This technology has the potential to assist in mapping and monitoring applications, such as 3D or 4D advanced imagery for disaster response.

Learning a second language helps maintain a socially healthy brain in old age

Early bilingualism may protect theory of mind abilities against normal age-related declines. The research team found that early bilingualism was associated with higher gray matter volume, greater cortical thickness, and larger surface area in brain regions involved in mental state inferences and language processes.

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.

Developmental crossroads in the brain

Researchers discovered that MEIS2 plays a critical role in activating genes necessary for the formation of inhibitory projection neurons, vital for motion control and decision-making. A MEIS2 mutation found in patients with intellectual disability disrupts these processes.

MIT-derived algorithm helps forecast the frequency of extreme weather

A new MIT-derived algorithm corrects coarse climate model predictions by 'nudging' them toward more realistic patterns, leading to more accurate forecasts of extreme weather events. The approach uses machine learning and dynamical systems theory to improve the resolution of large-scale climate models.

The power of neighbors: Neighboring synapses shape learning and memory

Researchers developed a new model that highlights the crucial role of interactions among neighboring contact sites of nerve cells for brain plasticity. Synaptic plasticity, the brain's method for learning, is shaped by the strength and stability of neuronal connections, which are influenced by both excitatory and inhibitory synapses.

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.

WVU pharmacists using AI to help lower patient readmission rates

Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.

Researchers develop deep learning model to predict breast cancer

Researchers have developed a new AI model, AsymMirai, to predict 5-year breast cancer risk from mammograms. The model performs almost as well as the state-of-the-art Mirai, but with an interpretable reasoning process, making it a valuable adjunct to human radiologists.

Feeling apathetic? There may be hope

A pilot study shows that an online course can help students develop a 'can-do' attitude in just 35-40 minutes. The course aims to equip students with strategies to evoke this feeling when needed, potentially leading to increased persistence and success.

Information overload is a personal and societal danger

The researchers highlight the need for interdisciplinary research on information overload and call for legislative action to mitigate its effects on emotional health, job performance, and societal interactions. They cite a potential solution in teaching 'information ecology' in school, similar to the Clean Air Act in the UK.

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 does AI work?

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University discovered that each filter recognizes small clusters of images, with sharpened recognition as layers progress. This breakthrough can improve AI performance by reducing latency and memory usage while maintaining accuracy.

Novel molecules from generative AI to phase II

Researchers used generative AI to design a lead molecule for treating fibrosis, a biological process associated with aging. The compound, INS018_055, demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical studies and showed promising results in clinical trials, accelerating drug discovery and providing new therapeutic options.

Early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy, and cognition

A genome-wide meta-analysis study found that early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy and cognitive abilities in children. The study used data from over 17,000 English-, Danish- or Dutch-speaking children and identified multiple genetic factors underlying vocabulary size in infancy and toddlerhood.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

AI-driven lab speeds catalysis research

Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.

New AI model could streamline operations in a robotic warehouse

A new AI model developed by MIT researchers breaks down complex warehouse navigation into smaller chunks, identifying optimal areas for decongesting robots. The technique improves efficiency by nearly four times, opening up potential applications in other complex planning tasks.

The surprising benefits of unconsciously remembering things

A new study found that unconscious reminders can strengthen memory, particularly when recalling associations between words and images. Unlike conscious reminders, which can lead to retrieval-induced forgetting, unconscious prompts facilitate a more nuanced process of memory consolidation.

Charting new paths in AI learning

A new study by EPFL researchers Antonia Sclocchi and Matthieu Wyart examines the impact of changing batch size and learning rate on stochastic gradient descent. They identify three regimes that affect AI learning differently, from exploratory to efficient approaches.

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.

Chameleons inspire new multicolor 3D-printing technology

Researchers developed a sustainable technique to 3D print multiple dynamic colors from a single ink using UV-assisted direct-ink-write printing. The new method produces structural colors in the visible wavelength spectrum, offering vibrant and potentially more sustainable alternatives.

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.

To appreciate music, the human brain listens and learns to predict

Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a precise map of what is happening in the brain’s auditory cortex when someone hears a melody. The study found that some aspects of music are entwined with how we understand speech, while other important aspects stand alone. The brain uses two sets of neurons to ass...

Telehealth is as safe as a visit to the clinic for abortion pills

A large national study of over 6,000 patients found that video visits, texting and mailing pills were effective and safe for medication abortion. The research supports the safety and efficacy of telemedicine abortion, which has become increasingly important due to clinic closures and wait times.