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Tweaking the immune response might be a key to combat neurodegeneration

A recent study suggests that manipulating the immune response in adult zebrafish brains could lead to the activation of neural stem cells and the proliferation of new neurons. This finding has significant implications for the potential development of novel therapies against Alzheimer's disease.

SNPRC scientists develop MRI-guided neural stem cell delivery method

Researchers at SNPRC have developed an operational technique for delivering neural stem cells to the brain with low invasiveness and high accuracy, targeting the basal ganglia to treat Parkinson's disease. The technique revealed a pulsatile dispersion of injected cells, which could enhance cell survival and efficacy.

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.

Dysfunction in neuronal transport mechanism linked to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have confirmed that mutation-caused dysfunction in a process cells use to transport molecules within the cell plays a previously suspected but underappreciated role in promoting Alzheimer's disease. The study found that treating mutated neurons with a beta-secretase inhibitor rescued endocytosis and transcytosis functions.

Human stem cells treat spinal cord injury side effects in mice

Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries in mice, finding that the cells produced GABA, reduced neuropathic pain and bladder dysfunction, and improved voiding ability. The study suggests a new approach for treating chronic pain and bladder issues in spinal cord injury patients.

Nijmegen breakage syndrome: Molecular pathways that lead to microcephaly

Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem cells from Nijmegen breakage syndrome patients and found that the P53 gene plays a crucial role in neural development, leading to cancer and neurological impairments. The study provides a powerful tool for understanding the disease and may lead to new treatments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Yale team discovers how Zika virus causes fetal brain damage

A Yale team discovered that Zika virus diverts a key protein necessary for neural cell division, causing microcephaly. Researchers found an FDA-approved drug, Sofosbuvir, may prevent Zika virus infection of neural stem cells and keep phospho-TBK1 involved in cell division.

Stem cell therapy heals injured mouse brain

A new study found that a combination of stem cell grafts and a compound called 3K3A-APC significantly improves motor and sensory functions in mice with stroke-induced brain damage. The therapy increases the production of nerve cells, forming functional connections with the host's nervous system.

Hope for reversing stroke-induced long-term disability

A new study found that a human protein combined with stem cell therapy can repair brain damage caused by stroke. The treatment, known as 3K3A-APC, was tested in mice and showed promising results, including the growth of functional neurons and improved motor function. Researchers believe this could pave the way for a potential breakthro...

Neural stem cells in adult mice also vulnerable to Zika

Researchers discover Zika virus kills off neural stem cells in adult mice, raising concerns about its impact on the adult brain. The study found a 4- to 10-fold drop in adult stem cell proliferation, which could have implications for learning and memory.

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.

Neural stem cells control their own fate

Researchers found that neural stem cells in the hippocampus use the Drosha protein to regulate their differentiation into specific cell types. The discovery challenges the long-held view that stem cell differentiation is controlled solely by the local environment.

Two Zika proteins responsible for microcephaly identified

Researchers have identified two Zika proteins responsible for thousands of microcephaly cases in Brazil and elsewhere. These proteins stunt brain development and promote autophagy, leading to reduced neural stem cell differentiation and growth.

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 microfluidic chip replicates muscle-nerve connection

A microfluidic device has been developed to replicate the neuromuscular junction, enabling precise stimulation of nerve cells and observation of muscle interactions. This innovation may help identify effective treatments for ALS and other neuromuscular disorders.

New neurons reveal clues about an individual's autism

A new study co-led by Salk Institute scientists found that some people with autism spectrum disorder have brains that grow faster than usual, often before diagnosis. The researchers used stem cell reprogramming technologies to model the earliest stages of complex disorders and evaluate potential therapeutic drugs.

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.

Unsilencing silenced genes by CRISPR/Cas9

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 technique to unleash silenced genes, changing cell fates. They used DNA repair mechanism MMEJ with CRISPR/Cas9 to replace off-switches with on-switches, enabling efficient gene expression in cultured cells.

Lab-grown nerve cells make heart cells throb

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown lab-grown human nerve cells that can partner with heart muscle cells to stimulate contractions. The nerve cells, derived from pluripotent stem cells, were found to connect with and control heart muscle cells, similar to their natural counterparts.

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.

Brain power

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have pinpointed a specific long non-coding RNA that regulates neural development and drives human brain expansion. The lncRNA, called lncND, binds to microRNAs and regulates the expression of Notch proteins, which are critical for cell differentiation and development.

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.

Adult brain prunes branched connections of new neurons

A recent study tracked developing cells in an adult mouse brain, finding that the brain prunes back excess dendrite branches to achieve optimal design. This pruning process may hold implications for understanding neurological disorders such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia.

Could a cancer drug be repurposed for fragile X syndrome?

A cancer drug has improved learning and memory in mice with fragile X syndrome by coaxes neural stem cells to generate neurons critical for cognitive function. The treatment targets the MDM2 enzyme, which is overactive in FMRP-deficient cells, leading to enhanced proliferation but reduced differentiation.

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.

Zika is test case for brain organoid mini-reactors

Brain-region-specific organoids were used to model Zika virus exposure, showing the virus prefers to infect neural stem cells and causing cell death. The technology has potential as a preclinical testing ground for therapies against Zika.

Zika virus tested in brain precursor cells

Researchers tested Zika virus in human neural stem cells to understand its effects on developing brains. The study found that the virus preferentially killed brain cells, reducing growth by 40% in a brain organoid model.

'Honeycomb' of nanotubes could boost genetic engineering

Researchers have developed a new method for gene transfer using an array of carbon nanotubes, overcoming limitations of existing technologies. The device successfully delivers DNA into tens of thousands of cells simultaneously with minimal toxicity and no restrictions on genetic payload.

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.

Why neural stem cells may be vulnerable to Zika infection

The study found that the AXL surface receptor is highly abundant on human neural stem cells, but not on neurons in the developing brain. This discovery suggests that the Zika virus may be able to hijack this receptor to infect vulnerable cells, leading to devastating cases of microcephaly and eye lesions.

Unraveling the mystery of stem cells

Researchers have deciphered an early step in the process of stem cells transforming into neurons, revealing a fundamental understanding of stem cell differentiation. The discovery identifies a new pathway, known as the PAN axis, which plays a crucial role in determining a stem cell's final form.

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.

Single brain cells reveal genes controlling formation, development

University of Wisconsin-Madison neuroscientist Xinyu Zhao has identified the genetic machinery that causes maturation in a young nerve cell, revealing four stages of gene activation. The study found hints about the origin of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases and autism, suggesting a link between stem cell impairment and complex disorders.

3-D technology enriches human nerve cells for transplant to brain

Researchers developed a 3D micro-scaffold technology that promotes reprogramming of stem cells into neurons and supports growth of neuronal connections. The system improved cell-survival rates by nearly 40-fold compared to individual cell injections, enabling the potential treatment for human neurodegenerative disorders.

Likely biological link found between Zika virus, microcephaly

A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found that Zika virus selectively infects and kills cells in the brain's cortex, leading to disruptions in cell division and growth. This discovery using lab-grown stem cells may lead to identifying potential therapies for protecting these susceptible cells.

Zika virus infects human neural stem cells

Researchers have found that Zika virus infects a type of neural stem cell responsible for brain development, leading to cell death and disruption of growth. The study provides new insights into the potential effects of Zika on neural tissue and may lead to the development of therapeutics.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Stemming the flow: Stem cell study reveals how Parkinson's spreads

A stem cell study published in Stem Cell Reports has discovered that the GBA1 mutation creates problems with protein processing and recycling in cells, leading to an accumulation of alpha-synuclein. This excess protein is released into the brain, contributing to Parkinson's spread and symptoms.

New drug target for Rett syndrome

Harvard researchers have identified a disrupted signaling pathway that, when corrected, can ameliorate symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The findings may lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that can benefit children affected by the disease.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Slow stem cell division may cause small brains

Researchers at Duke University found that delayed neural stem cells can cause premature differentiation into neurons and increased cell death, leading to smaller brain development. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of microcephaly and its potential links to other neurodevelopmental disorders.

First serotonin neurons made from human stem cells

Researchers have successfully created human stem cell-derived serotonin neurons, a breakthrough that could lead to more effective drug treatments for depression and anxiety. The cells were generated using induced pluripotent stem cells from patients' skin cells.

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.

Master switch for brain development

Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz have identified a key gene that drives brain cell development, revealing a complex regulatory mechanism. The discovery has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders and developing new treatments.

Using microfluidic devices to sort stem cells

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a microfluidic device to sort neural stem cell populations, making them easier to study. The device uses inertial forces to isolate single stem cells, reducing stress on the cells and preserving their multipotency.