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NIH-funded researchers show possible trigger for MS nerve damage

Researchers find that leakage of fibrinogen into the central nervous system activates immune cells called microglia, leading to nerve damage. Targeting the interaction between fibrinogen and microglia may be an effective alternative for treating multiple sclerosis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immune cells of the blood might replace dysfunctional brain cells

Researchers found that monocytes, a type of immune cell in the blood, can rapidly repopulate the brain after microglia are removed. This discovery highlights a strong homeostatic mechanism to maintain resident immune cells and raises possibilities for delivering therapeutic agents into the diseased brain.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

Locating ground zero

Microglia, the brain's emergency workers, use a long-lasting glutamate-driven calcium wave to detect injuries, allowing them to trace the signal backwards until they reach the site of damage. This discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 24, 2012
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.

Bone marrow transplant arrests symptoms in model of Rett syndrome

A bone marrow transplant has been shown to arrest severe symptoms of Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder, by replacing faulty immune system cells. The procedure significantly extended the lifespan of Rett mouse models and improved their mobility, breathing, and overall health.

SourceRett Syndrome Research Trust·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2012

Gardening in the brain

Research reveals microglia cells prune connections between neurons, shaping brain wiring. The discovery could help understand autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2011
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.

Sex hormone precursor inhibits brain inflammation

Researchers found that a steroid hormone called ADIOL moderates inflammation in the brain and may lead to new treatments for patients with neurodegenerative conditions. The discovery could also help predict risk or responses to drugs that mimic its actions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateMay 12, 2011

How some brain cells hook up surprises researchers

Microglia, immune cells long thought to be dormant, are found to constantly interact with synapses, creating and eliminating them. This discovery challenges current views of the brain and its functions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 2, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How some brain cells hook up surprises researchers

Researchers discovered that microglia cells are constantly active and create and eliminate synapses, contributing to learning and memory. Microglia appear to be involved in creating or changing the extracellular space around synapses, affecting brain signaling.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 2, 2010

Singapore scientist leads team to discover origin of brain immune cells

A team of international scientists led by Dr Florent Ginhoux have uncovered the origins of microglia, white blood cells specific to the brain, revealing they derive from a particular structure in the mouse embryo. This understanding may lead to new strategies to manipulate microglia for treating various brain disorders.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2010

Nobel winner ties mental illness to immune defect

Researchers have discovered a direct relationship between a psychiatric disorder and the immune system, specifically microglia cells derived from bone marrow. Bone marrow transplants cured mutant mice with compulsive hair-pulling behavior, suggesting potential new treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell·DateMay 27, 2010

Dangerous custodians

Research suggests that microglia, immune cells in the brain, play a significant role in neuron loss during Alzheimer's disease. Stressed nerve cells secrete chemical messengers that attract microglia, leading to inflammation and elimination of neurons.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 22, 2010
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.

Nanowire biocompatibility in the brain: So far so good

Scientists at Lund University successfully injected nanowires into rat brains, revealing that the brain's 'clean-up' cells (microglia) take care of the wires. After 12 weeks, only minor differences were observed between test and control groups.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 22, 2009
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.

New research discovers link between smoking and brain damage

Researchers found a direct link between smoking and brain damage due to NNK, a tobacco compound that provokes white blood cells to attack healthy brain cells. This can lead to neuroinflammation, conditions like Multiple Sclerosis. NNK is present in all forms of tobacco, also affecting second-hand smokers.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateJun 23, 2009

Popular Alzheimer's theory may be false trail

Researchers found that microglial cell degeneration contributes to loss of neurons and dementia, contradicting the popular neuro-inflammation theory. The study suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs may not be effective in fighting dementia.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateJun 15, 2009

Protein protects neurons in brain from damage due to inflammation

A study by University of California, San Diego researchers identified a protein called Nurr1 that protects neurons from excessive inflammation, which can lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. The protein's protective function was found to involve shutting off inflammatory responses in microglia and astrocytes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateApr 2, 2009

Blocking toxic effects could make clot-buster safer

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have found a way to block the toxic effects of tPA, a life-saving clot-busting drug used in acute stroke treatment. By blocking LRP1, a molecule that transmits inflammation signals triggered by tPA, the researchers were able to soften the drug's impact on the brain.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 23, 2009
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.

Researchers identify novel mechanism to reduce nervous system inflammation

Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center identified a new way to limit brain cell damage by reducing microglial activation. They found that a selective activator of a key receptor can turn off microglial activity, potentially treating conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalGlia·DateSep 24, 2008

Plant flavonoid found to reduce inflammatory response in the brain

Researchers discovered that luteolin, a plant flavonoid found in celery and green peppers, can disrupt the inflammatory response in the brain. The study found that luteolin significantly reduced inflammation by inhibiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in microglial cells and mice.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2008
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.

Inhibiting blood to save the brain

A fibrous protein called fibrinogen promotes multiple sclerosis (MS) when it leaks into the brain, triggering inflammation. Researchers at UCSD have identified a specific receptor that binds to fibrinogen and inhibit this inflammation process.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 21, 2007

Gene therapy a possibility for metachromatic leukodystrophy?

Researchers have successfully treated mice with gene therapy, reversing neurological damage and deficits caused by the genetic defect that leads to metachromatic leukodystrophy. The treatment involves using hematopoietic stem progenitor cells genetically modified to express high levels of ARSA protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2006

Case Western Reserve University researchers find protein associated with brain cell death

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found a protein associated with brain cell death in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the multi-domain protein Vav plays a critical role in triggering a cascade of reactions leading to oxidative damage and neural cell death, a key characteristic of Alzheimer's.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 18, 2006

Clarifying controversy in multiple sclerosis

Research findings clarify microglia's induction and blockage of oligodendrogenesis in MS, shedding light on disease mechanisms. The study highlights the complex interplay between microglial activation and oligodendrogenesis in MS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2006
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Marijuana compound may help stop diabetic retinopathy

Researchers say cannabidiol, a compound found in marijuana, may protect the eye from growing leaky blood vessels and prevent diabetic retinopathy. Early studies indicate it works as an antioxidant to neutralize toxic superoxides and inhibit destructive systems.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 27, 2006

Canadian researchers discover a natural defence mechanism for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Canadian Institutes of Health Research find that bone marrow-derived microglia can efficiently destroy amyloid plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery provides new hope for patients by highlighting a potential therapeutic approach to curbing plaque development and prolonging autonomy.

SourceCanadian Institutes of Health Research·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 16, 2006

Researchers identify key protein involved in neuropathic pain

Microglia have been found to play a crucial role in neuropathic pain by releasing Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). BDNF disrupts inhibition in the spinal cord, leading to abnormal pain signals. The discovery offers new hope for diagnostics and treatment of chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2005
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.

Study: 'Run-down feeling' with illness may last longer as people age

Researchers found that older animals exhibited an exaggerated inflammatory response in the brain compared to younger adults when exposed to a peripheral infection. This led to prolonged sickness symptoms and cognitive disorders. The study suggests that normal aging may also prime microglial cells, making them overreact to infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 11, 2005

Watching microglia at work

Microglial cells are highly dynamic, constantly sampling their environment and interacting with neurons. In response to cerebral hemorrhage, microglial cells rapidly rush to the injured site, shielding it and decomposing damaged tissue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateApr 15, 2005
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Molecules trigger inflammation in Alzheimer disease

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered molecules that play a critical role in triggering inflammation in the brain, which speeds up Alzheimer's disease progression. The study found that blocking these molecules' interaction with amyloid plaques could lead to a slower disease progression.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateApr 29, 2003
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.