Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Gene therapy reverses effects of autism-linked mutation in brain organoids

Researchers used gene therapy to recover the TCF4 gene's function in human brain tissue, rescuing neural structure and function in brain organoids. The study offers promising insights into treating neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2022

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists pinpoint what makes brain cells develop in a specific order

Researchers have identified the complete series of 10 factors that regulate the development of brain cell types in the visual system of fruit flies. This discovery opens new avenues of research to understand how brain development evolved in different animals and holds clues for regenerative medicine.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Newborn cells in the epileptic brain provide a potential target for treatment

Researchers discovered newborn neurons and immature astroglia in patients with epilepsy, which could lead to new anti-seizure medications. The study suggests that targeting immature astroglia may be an effective approach to controlling seizures without aggressive brain surgery.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022
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.

Decoding the molecular clock that controls neurogenesis in the visual center of Drosophila

In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers uncovered the molecular players involved and how timing is controlled for creating neural diversity. Single-cell RNA sequencing technology revealed a temporal patterning gene network in Drosophila medulla neuroblasts, including nine new transcription factors.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2022

Nano therapy for micro-preemies protects lungs, brain in lab study

Researchers have discovered a novel nano-therapy that prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature babies. The therapy uses tiny particles released by mesenchymal stromal cells, which travel to the brain and lungs, reducing damage and improving lung and brain health.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Oleic acid, a key to activating the brain’s ‘fountain of youth’

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered oleic acid as a key regulator of neurogenesis in the hippocampus, enabling learning, memory, and mood regulation. This finding has major therapeutic implications for treating diseases like Alzheimer's and depression.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Key advance in neurological disorder pre-clinical testing

Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new petri-dish that can grow and age live brain cells from patients, enhancing future studies on conditions like dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and autism. The innovation could lead to more effective targeted drug treatments with reduced wait times.

SourceFlinders University·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022
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.

Human miniature brain models may boost drug screening for neurological diseases

Neuroscientists have designed neural organoids with both mature neurons and astrocytic glial cells to study interactions between brain cells. The new technology enables the emulation of brain activity during healthy and disease states, opening doors to rapid drug screening for neurological diseases.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Scientists create vast data resource to uncover ALS subtypes

A new cloud-based data resource has been developed to help identify new subtypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The tool, part of the Answer ALS collaborative effort, uses biological and clinical data from over 1,000 patients to better understand the disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 3, 2022
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.

Old neurons can block neurogenesis in mice

Researchers discovered that old neurons can block neurogenesis in mice, highlighting excessive senescence as a driving factor behind aging. By destroying senescent cells, the study showed enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function in middle-aged mice.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

“Mini-brains” provide clues about early life origins of schizophrenia

Researchers grew 'mini-brains' from stem cells of patients with and without schizophrenia, finding reduced gene expression in patient samples that stymied brain cell development. Replacing the missing genes restored normal brain cell production, suggesting a potential target for therapy.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2021

Mouse study suggests manipulation of certain nerve cells can help regenerate lost heart muscle

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that manipulating certain nerve cells may trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells, restoring heart function after heart attacks. The study found that removing specific genes associated with circadian rhythms increased neonatal heart size and cardiomyocyte numbers by up to 10%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2021
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.

Cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration tested as therapy of Tay-Sachs disease

A new study investigates the effects of cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration on Tay-Sachs disease. The results show an increase in enzyme production and a decrease in inflammation after transplantation, as well as improved symptoms and reduced GM2 ganglioside levels when combined with curcumin.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Nerve repair, with help from stem cells

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers uses human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to guide nerve growth and regeneration, achieving similar results as traditional autograft procedures. The approach has potential for treating larger nerve gaps, including those resulting from oral cancer surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Brain molecule helps ‘wake up’ cells that could help tackle MS and similar diseases, study shows

Researchers have identified a molecule called fractalkine that can boost the production of brain cells producing myelin, a key factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that fractalkine could be used to treat certain neurodegenerative disorders by restoring lost myelin.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 9, 2021
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.

Stem cells model genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that astrocytes carrying the AD-associated APOE4 gene released more cholesterol, leading to increased beta-amyloid production in neurons. This study suggests modulating brain cholesterol could be a potential treatment option for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 26, 2021

Scientists develop brain organoids with complex neural activity

Researchers at UCLA developed brain organoids that mimic human brain structure and function, allowing for the study of neurological disorders like Rett syndrome. The organoids showed organized waves of activity similar to those found in living brains and responded to treatment with an experimental drug.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021
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.

New fossils show what the ancestral brains of arthropods looked like

Rare fossils from the Cambrian period confirm the presence of an ancestral frontal domain in arthropods, which gives rise to crucial neural centers involved in decision-making and memory. The discovery also sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of visual systems in arthropods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Scientists discover inherited neurodegenerative disease in monkeys

Researchers identified a genetic mutation in nonhuman primates that closely resembles Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, a rare and progressive disorder affecting the central nervous system. The discovery was made possible by a massive genomic database built at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2021

Researchers identify a cellular defect common to familial and sporadic forms of ALS

A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a common cellular defect in ALS that can be treated with an antisense oligonucleotide drug. Researchers found that the accumulation of CHMP7 protein in the nucleus leads to nuclear pore injury and TDP-43 mislocalization, ultimately causing cell death.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Uncovering the genetic mechanism behind Rett syndrome

A study by Kyushu University researchers found that deficiencies in key genes lead to an imbalance in neural stem cells, resulting in fewer neurons and more astrocytes. This imbalance disrupts brain function and leads to Rett syndrome symptoms.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 2, 2021
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.

Tiniest of moments proves key for baby's healthy brain

A new study by University of Virginia researchers identifies the final step in cell division as crucial for proper brain growth and function. Understanding this process may lead to potential treatments for microcephaly, a birth defect affecting brain development.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMay 28, 2021
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.

Oregon researchers find cell division machinery that makes brain cells

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a cell division machinery in fruit flies that produces brain cells, revealing a mechanical cycle involved in differentiation. The study provides insights into brain development and potential regenerative therapies for injuries.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 18, 2021

Teaching a computer program to track cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create an artificial intelligence system that can follow hundreds of cells in a petri dish, revealing key findings on cell behavior and leadership patterns. The AI approach provides a comprehensive view of how cells cooperate and form complex organs, with potential applications for therapeutic purposes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 13, 2021
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.

U-M RNA scientists identify many genes involved in neuron development

A team of University of Michigan researchers identified many genes crucial for fruit fly neuron development, including three previously unknown ones. The discovery provides insights into the complex process of neurogenesis and may lead to new approaches for understanding human brain development and regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 27, 2021

Miniaturized models of neuron-muscle interactions give insight in ALS

Researchers created mini-chambers on a microfluidic device where human motor neurons and skeletal muscle cells grew, forming neuromuscular junctions. The study found that ALS motor neurons formed fewer connections and regenerated axons less efficiently than healthy ones.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 22, 2021

Scientists reveal origin of neuronal diversity in hypothalamus

Researchers mapped the developmental landscape of the mouse hypothalamus, revealing a stepwise strategy for neural progenitors to generate extreme neuronal diversity. The study provides insights into hypothalamic plasticity and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as anorexia and narcolepsy.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 21, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

USC Stem Cell study reveals neural stem cells age rapidly

A new study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that neural stem cells in the nervous system age rapidly, leading to a decrease in their ability to divide and replicate. The researchers found that certain genes, including Abl1, play a key role in this process, which may contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 12, 2021

Light shed on the coordination of neural stem cell activation

Scientists at Institut Pasteur have successfully visualized neural stem cell activation in adult zebrafish brains, demonstrating coordinated events in time and space. This breakthrough may improve understanding of regulation processes during brain tumor formation.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 8, 2021
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.

Nanobiomaterial boosts neuronal growth in mice with spinal cord injuries

Researchers used layered double hydroxide (LDH) to inhibit inflammatory environments surrounding spinal cord injuries, accelerating neuron regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction in mice. LDH promotes the activation of channels for neuron excitation and induction of action potential, improving locomotive behavior.

SourceDepartment of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 22, 2021

Reactivating aging stem cells in the brain

A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals that increasing lamin B1 levels in aging mice stem cell division improves, leading to increased new neurons. The findings offer hope for future therapies targeting neurogenesis in older individuals or those with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 24, 2021

Study reveals how a longevity gene protects brain stem cells from stress

A new study reveals that the Forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) gene helps preserve brain stem cells by preventing them from dividing until the environment is safe. This mechanism may contribute to the longevity of certain individuals and explain why exercise boosts mental sharpness.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2021

Wake-up call for neural stem cells

Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that activates dormant neural stem cells, enabling them to proliferate and generate new neurons. The study found that the enzyme Pr-set7 plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle, leading to reactivation of neural stem cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Brain stem cells divide over months

Researchers have discovered that brain stem cells in the hippocampus of mice can divide repeatedly over several months, leading to new insights into the formation of nerve cells. This finding has significant implications for future therapeutic approaches to conditions such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2020
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.

Radicals seem to be good for the brain

Researchers discover that reactive oxygen molecules control cellular processes important for brain adaptation in mice. Free radicals are necessary for healthy aging and neuroplasticity, contradicting previous harmful views.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

Unraveling a mystery surrounding embryonic cells

Researchers have identified the precise timing and molecular signals involved in neural crest cell formation, shedding light on human neural crest-related pathologies. The study provides a high-resolution temporal map of gene expression and epigenetic changes during neural crest development.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalStem Cell Research·DateNov 18, 2020

Scientists discover new mechanism controlling brain size

Researchers at University of Copenhagen uncover crucial role of RRP7A gene in brain development and formation of primary cilia, which play a key role in controlling neural cell proliferation. The study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying primary microcephaly, a rare congenital disorder characterized by reduced brain size.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2020
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.

Stem cells can help repair spinal cord after injury

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that stem cells in the mouse spinal cord can form new oligodendrocytes, essential for neuronal signal transmission, to help repair damaged tissue. This finding indicates a conceptually new strategy for stimulating repair after nervous system damage.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020