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New research shows no evidence of structural brain change with short-term mindfulness training

A team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found no significant differences in structural brain changes between participants who received short-term mindfulness training and those who did not. Despite this, participants reported increased mindfulness, suggesting that benefits may be related to wellness interventions more broadly.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 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.

Circuit model may explain how deep brain stimulation treats Parkinson’s disease symptoms

A new circuit model provides an explanation for how deep brain stimulation (DBS) relieves Parkinson's disease motor symptoms by interrupting a vicious cycle between the subthalamic nucleus and the striatum. The model suggests that DBS restores a balance with other rhythm frequencies, enabling better movement control.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

How sleep helps to process emotions

Researchers at the University of Bern have identified how the brain processes emotions during dream sleep. During REM sleep, the brain favors the discrimination of safety versus danger in the dendrites, but blocks the over-reaction to emotion, particularly danger. This decoupling is essential for optimizing survival and stability.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2022

What makes some more afraid of change than others?

Researchers found that genes expressed in the brains of fearless birds differ from those of fearful birds, influencing their behavior and adaptation to new environments. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of fear and boldness in wild animals, potentially leading to novel approaches for addressing anxiety disorders.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
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.

New sleep molecule discovered: “It shows just how complex the machinery of sleep is”

Researchers have discovered a new sleep molecule, microRNA-137 (miR-137), that regulates hypocretin levels for normal sleep. The study found that miR-137 is associated with hypocretin regulation and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Neuronal plasticity in chronic pain-induced anxiety revealed

Chronic pain causes maladaptive emotional states and is often comorbid with psychiatric disorders. Researchers identified the neuronal circuit involved in chronic pain-induced anxiety in mice, finding that restoring its activity attenuates anxiety.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 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.

Lighting up artificial neural networks

Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed an 'optomemristor' device that facilitates three-factor learning and emulation of biological computations, making it possible to perform complex machine learning tasks. The device uses both light and electrical signals to interact and consume very little energy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022
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.

The ethics of research on conscious artificial brains

A team of researchers from Kobe and Kyoto universities proposes an ethical framework for conducting research on conscious brain organoids. The framework assumes that brain organoids already possess consciousness and recommends guidelines similar to those for animal experiments. Key considerations include minimizing the number of organo...

SourceKyoto University·JournalNeuroethics·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 12, 2022

Concussion worse if fighters rapidly cut weight before boxing and MMA matches, ground-breaking study reveals for the first time

Researchers found that fighters who rapidly cut weight before bouts are more likely to suffer concussions or be misdiagnosed with head trauma. The study also discovered that the practice may not offer a competitive advantage and can leave fighters at a disadvantage more often than not.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalClinical Journal of Sport Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 11, 2022

Brain circuit strength predicts a child’s ability to understand numbers

Research finds that brain circuit strength is linked to a child's ability to understand numbers. A four-week number sense training program targeting the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and hippocampus improved learning outcomes for elementary school-aged children across abilities.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

Psilocybin rewires the brain for people with depression

A new study by UC San Francisco and Imperial College London found that psilocybin therapy reduces connections within brain areas tightly connected in depression, while increasing connections to other regions. This leads to improved depressive symptoms and better cognitive functioning in participants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 11, 2022

Nerve stimulation with the help of implantable mini solar cells

Scientists have created a new technology using colour pigments from the food industry to stimulate nerve cells with the help of implantable mini solar cells. This innovation could lead to accelerated healing and prevention of complications in severe brain injuries, as well as potential applications in pain therapy and retinal implants.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

Autism-associated brain differences can be observed in the womb

Researchers analyzed prenatal MRI scans of children later diagnosed with autism and found significant differences in brain structures at 25 weeks' gestation. These differences may be a strong biomarker for predicting ASD emergence, with the insular lobe showing increased volume.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 5, 2022
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.

Loss of neurons, not lack of sleep, makes Alzheimer’s patients drowsy

A study reveals that Alzheimer's patients experience lethargy due to the degeneration of neurons that keep them awake, not a lack of sleep. Researchers developed a hypothesis that these patients have trouble staying awake and are testing a treatment approach to shut down the system keeping them awake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 4, 2022

Blood vessels are guides for stimulating implants

Rice University engineers have developed a tiny, wireless device that can stimulate nerves and treat neurological diseases. The implant, powered by a magnetic transmitter, uses blood vessels as guides to reach targeted nerves.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

A “perfect storm” of genetic mutations is behind rare sporadic brain malformations that cause stroke, seizures

A new study by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine has identified a set of sporadic genetic mutations that make it more likely a person will develop cavernous angiomas, which can lead to stroke and seizures. Understanding these underlying causes is key to identifying patients at risk and finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateMar 30, 2022

CHOP researchers redefine the mechanisms of Dravet syndrome

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that dysfunction in a key brain cell subtype contributes to chronic symptoms in Dravet syndrome. The study suggests that increasing expression of Nav1.1 in parvalbumin interneuron axon may be a viable therapeutic target for patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2022

Identifying risk factors following ICH strokes

A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers analyzed outcome data from a large cohort of patients and found correlations between different risk factors, including age, hemorrhage size, location, and cognitive impairment, which were associated with poor outcomes. The results also showed that Black and Hispanic populations were m...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 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.

Scientists discover body's natural alarm to battle blood loss

Researchers at UVA Health System discovered a cluster of cells in the brainstem that controls the body's response to severe blood loss. The study found that re-activating these neurons can restore blood pressure and heart rate in lab rats, offering new hope for treating traumatic injuries.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 28, 2022

Waste coffee grounds could someday help detect brain waves

Scientists have created electrodes from recycled coffee grounds that can detect trace levels of biomolecules in vitro, offering a more sensitive surface for neurochemistry detection. The researchers hope to boost their neurochemical detection abilities by fabricating entire electrodes with carbon from coffee grounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 20, 2022
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.

Extended napping in seniors may signal dementia

A new study found that excessive daytime napping among seniors is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. After a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's, daytime napping duration triples, suggesting that the brain's wake-promoting neurons may be affected by dementia pathology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateMar 17, 2022

For accuracy, brain studies of complex behavior require thousands of people

Brainwide association studies need thousands of individuals to yield higher reproducibility, as smaller samples often uncover strong but spurious associations. Larger sample sizes lead to more likely reproductions of correlations, with effect sizes decreasing as the number of participants increases.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

When it comes to sleep, it’s quality over quantity

Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified five genes that enable efficient sleep, contrasting with current thinking that lack of sleep accelerates neurodegeneration. These genes may confer protections against neurological disease and improve sleep quality, paving the way for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournaliScience·DateMar 15, 2022
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.

Seniors with memory issues take multiple meds, but most are willing to cut down

A new study led by UC San Francisco reveals that 87% of seniors with dementia would stop at least one medication if their doctor said it was possible. Polypharmacy contributes to challenges with adherence and adverse interactions, but most patients are willing to reduce their medications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 10, 2022
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.

Just follow the yellow brick road: new genetic-labeling method uses a single gene to reveal neuronal circuits from multiple upstream regions

A new genetic-labeling method developed by Osaka City University researchers uses a single gene to reveal neuronal circuits from multiple upstream regions. The 'intersectional, anterograde transsynaptic targeting system' demonstrates enhanced synaptic specificity in two different mouse brain circuits.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

The stuff of thought is the stuff of experience

Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin uncovered that conceptual knowledge is tied to perceptual and experiential information. They used fMRI to measure neural activity while participants read hundreds of words, finding that experiential information was key to understanding word meaning.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2022

Does nerve damage contribute to “long-COVID” symptoms?

A new study published in Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation suggests that some patients with long-COVID experience long-lasting nerve damage due to infection-triggered immune dysfunction. The study found peripheral neuropathy in 59% of patients, with symptoms including weakness, sensory changes, and pain.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNeurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation·DateMar 1, 2022
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.

Nostalgia can relieve pain

Researchers found that viewing nostalgic images from childhood reduced pain perception in adults, with the strongest effect on low-intensity pain. Nostalgic images decreased activity in brain regions involved in pain perception, including the left lingual gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Touch sensitive brain cells controlled by micromagnets

Researchers at UCL have created a technique called magnetomechanical stimulation that uses microscopic magnetic particles to control touch-sensitive brain glial cells. This allows for precise and remote activation of astrocytes, providing a new tool for understanding their function and potential treatment of neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Rats can estimate their timing accuracy

Researchers developed behavioral task for rats to press lever within 3.2 seconds, earning rewards based on accuracy. Rats chose correct feeder based on temporal error, showing 'error monitoring' ability.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022
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.

Can machine-learning models overcome biased datasets?

Researchers studied how diverse neural network training datasets impact generalization. They found that data diversity is key to overcoming bias, but also degrade performance when neural networks are trained for multiple tasks simultaneously. The study highlights the importance of designing diverse and controlled datasets in machine le...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 21, 2022

Not just a sprained ankle: Scientists show musculoskeletal injury may affect gut microbiome

A recent study by researchers from Ritsumeikan University found that athletes with a history of sprained ankle showed reduced gut bacteria diversity compared to those without such a history. This suggests that musculoskeletal injury may have a negative impact on the gut microbiota, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tinnitus, blood flow, and the brain

Studies using magnetic resonance imaging found a correlation between decreased blood flow in specific brain areas and tinnitus severity. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explored these links to better understand the causes of tinnitus.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalCurrent Research in Neurobiology·DateFeb 2, 2022

Cerebrospinal fluid offers clues to post-covid 'brain fog'

Researchers found elevated protein levels and unexpected antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with post-COVID cognitive symptoms, suggesting inflammation and a systemic response. The study suggests an activated immune system may be the cause of brain fog, a common after-effect of COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJan 18, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Exercise alters brain chemistry to protect aging synapses

A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that regular exercise enhances the connections between neurons in older adults, maintaining healthy cognition. The research, led by Kaitlin Casaletto and William Honer, suggests that physical activity may help boost synaptic functioning and safeguard against dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJan 7, 2022

Novel brainstem circuit gives rise to the rhythms of vocalization

UCSF researchers discovered a small cluster of neurons in the brain stem that regulates tempo and coordinates breathing with vocalization. This finding has implications for understanding speech pathologies, as altered wiring in this system may cause difficulties with speaking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateJan 7, 2022
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.