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Family members of children with life-threatening conditions 50% to 70% more likely than peers to suffer mental, physical issues

A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How the female brain responds to genital touch

Research found the female genital field's location varies among women and is thicker with more frequent sex. The somatosensory cortex devotes space to detecting touch, and the region's structure alters in relation to use.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateDec 20, 2021

Researchers from Tel Aviv University identified the biological mechanism causing nerve destruction in the Motor Neuron disease ALS

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have identified the biological mechanism causing nerve destruction in ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. They found that TDP-43 protein accumulation in neuromuscular junctions inhibits local protein synthesis and mitochondrial activity, leading to degeneration and death of motor neurons.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2021

Sunshine may shield children, young adults from MS

A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeurology·DateDec 8, 2021

An illuminated 3D tour of lower back pain (video)

Scientists have created a new imaging method that can detect microscopic soft tissue damage in animal spines, which may lead to improved treatments for lower back pain. The technique uses fluorescent molecules to target denatured collagen and produce precise 3D maps of spinal damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 8, 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.

Saving patients an unnecessary procedure

A new web-based application can predict which epilepsy patients will not benefit from stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), a costly and invasive procedure. The '5-SENSE' score reliably identifies patients who will not have a focal seizure onset zone, allowing clinicians to avoid unnecessary procedures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Scientists pick up the 'slack' on describing the brain networks behind motor function

A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

Personalized T cell immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors is one step closer to becoming a reality

Researchers at Children's National Hospital have successfully developed a personalized T cell immunotherapy that targets and kills unique proteins in individual tumor cells. This approach, combining genetic sequencing and protein identification, offers a promising treatment option for children with hard-to-treat brain tumors.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2021

Balancing fear

The insular cortex processes both positive and negative emotions and receives information from the body, including heart rate and breathing. In mice, the brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear, keeping it within a healthy range.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Alterations caused by ALS detected in the retina

Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid have discovered alterations caused by ALS in the retina, which can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The study found changes in microglial cells and ganglion cell loss, with modifications evolving over the course of the disease.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Obesity does not protect against subarachnoid haemorrhage

A major Finnish–Norwegian study found that obesity does not lower the risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage, as smoking habits are a significant factor in the condition. The study analyzed over 200,000 individuals and comprehensively considered confounding factors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalStroke·DateNov 11, 2021
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.

Not so great expectations: Pain in HIV related to brain’s expectations of relief

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified the anterior insula's role in predicting and emotionally processing pain in HIV-DSP patients. The study suggests that reduced anterior insula activity or increased cingulate activity may improve pain outcomes for these patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBrain Communications·DateNov 4, 2021

The goal in mind

Researchers found that future goals are represented by a pattern of neural activity resembling previous visits, and this activity can re-emerge upon decision to target a location. The orbitofrontal cortex plays a key role in representing future goals during navigation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021

AI-powered glaucoma screening test delivers rapid results

A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2021

Cleveland Clinic study of deep brain stimulation for post-stroke rehabilitation shows upper extremity functional improvement

A first-in-human study at Cleveland Clinic found that targeting the dentate nucleus with deep brain stimulation was safe and feasible for promoting post-stroke rehabilitation, enabling significant functional improvement in upper extremity hemiparesis. The study's adaptive design allowed for extended treatment duration if patients conti...

SourceCleveland Clinic·DateOct 20, 2021
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.

Neuroinflammation protein linked to worse survival in men with glioblastoma

A new study found that translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) correlates with worse survival outcomes in male glioblastoma patients compared to females. The variation in the protein's structure is associated with shorter overall and progression-free survival times, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Study: Women are underrepresented in stroke clinical trials

A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women are underrepresented in stroke clinical trials, with a participation-to-prevalence ratio of 0.84. This disparity may limit the applicability of trial results to the general population and affect access to new therapies.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 13, 2021
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.

Brain damage from long stays in space

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that long-term exposure to space can cause brain damage in cosmonauts. The research analyzed five Russian male cosmonauts who spent an average of 169 days in space, showing significant increases in biomarkers for brain cell damage upon their return to Earth.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeCase study·DateOct 12, 2021

Sleep disorder linked to neurodegeneration is focus of $35 million US grant

An international team led by McGill University is developing biomarkers to identify people with REM sleep behavior disorder at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia. The team will study over 430 participants, including those with the disorder and healthy controls, to develop targeted therapies.

SourceMcGill University·DateOct 5, 2021

Survey finds a need for pet care during hospitalizations

A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Patient Experience·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021
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.

Happiness in early adulthood may protect against dementia

A new study led by UCSF indicates that depression in early adulthood can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The research found that moderate or high depressive symptoms were associated with a 73% higher odds of cognitive impairment among older participants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateSep 28, 2021

Living with spinal cord injury: Resilience leads to better health outcomes

Research by James Krause and his team has shown that people with spinal cord injuries who develop resilience tend to have better health outcomes and live longer. This resilience allows them to adapt and thrive in the face of difficult circumstances, including neuropathic pain and feelings of isolation.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateSep 24, 2021

Adults with neurologic conditions more likely to have experienced childhood trauma

A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found that adults with neurologic conditions are more likely to have had adverse childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect. The study suggests that early recognition of these high adverse childhood experiences may improve health outcomes for individuals with neurologic conditions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateSep 22, 2021

“Second-hand” psychological stress can lead to depression in mice, finds study

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discover that vicarious social defeat can cause psychological stress in mice, leading to depression and decreased neurogenesis. The study sheds light on the pathophysiology of depression and may lead to the development of novel antidepressants.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
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.

From amateur to expert

Researchers used mice to demonstrate that acquired knowledge is stored in early visual areas of the brain, highlighting the widespread storage of semantic memories. The study showed that part of category knowledge is already present in the visual cortex.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 21, 2021

Which types of brain activity support conscious experiences?

Brain activity during wakefulness presents large integrated and dynamic network modules, which tend to vanish or fragment during sleep or under general anesthesia. The researchers built artificial time-evolving networks to test and benchmark algorithms for detecting these structures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateSep 21, 2021

Researchers study recurrent neural network structure in the brain

Scientists discovered that recurrent neural networks (RNNs) play a crucial role in the frontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, expressive language, and voluntary movement. The research also found that RNNs are more complex than previously thought, with a unidirectional structure.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2021

For the first time, stroke study reveals optimal timing and intensity for arm and hand rehabilitation

A phase II clinical trial found that intensive rehabilitation of arm and hand use after a stroke is most effective 60 to 90 days after the event. The study showed significant improvement in hand and arm function, with benefits also seen when rehabilitation started at less than 30 days post-stroke.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 20, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Heterogeneous development of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome-associated microcephaly

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that children born with congenital Zika Virus-related microcephaly have varying levels of neurodevelopmental impairment. The researchers used a routine neurological assessment to track the children's development, revealing differences in cognitive and motor skills. The findings suggest that HINE ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 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

Eight percent of Austrians suffer from pathological insomnia

A recent Austrian study found that approximately 7.8% of Austrians between the ages of 18 and 67 suffer from chronic insomnia, with symptoms affecting around 50% of respondents. The low rate of help-seeking behavior highlights a need for better public health initiatives and patient education to address this widespread issue.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalSleep Epidemiology·DateSep 6, 2021

UC researcher finds stroke risk factors in minority groups

A new study led by UC researcher Daniel Woo found high blood pressure to be a significant risk factor for strokes in Black and Hispanic patients. The study also identified sleep apnea as a novel risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes, which are often deadly and cause high disability.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2021
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.

Gut and heart signals affect how we see ourselves

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that weaker internal connections between the brain and organs are linked to negative body image. Adults with less efficient brains at detecting internal messages are more likely to experience body shame and weight preoccupation.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalCortex·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Family of proteins offers promise as ischemic stroke treatment, preclinical trial finds

A preclinical trial has found that boosting a naturally occurring protein family may reduce damage from ischemic strokes. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, discovered that administering supplemental IAIP after an ischemic stroke reduced the size of the damaged area and improved functional recovery.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2021

Study shows how a racing heart may alter decision-making brain circuits

A recent study by Mount Sinai researchers discovered that certain neurons in the brain's decision-making centers monitor body-state dynamics and hijack the decision-making process during intense states of arousal. This suggests that changes in heart rate and other bodily responses can impact the brain's ability to make rational decisions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021
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.

Struggling to learn a new language? Blame it on your stable brain

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shed light on why it's difficult to learn a second language as an adult. Researchers found that clusters of neurons in the speech cortex fine-tune themselves as listeners gain familiarity with foreign sounds, indicating a crucial step in language learning.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2021

Key mental abilities can actually improve during aging

New research from Georgetown University Medical Center found that certain brain functions associated with attention and executive control can improve in older individuals. These improvements may be due to lifelong practice and skill-building.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 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.

Machine learning analysis identifies 50 conserved genes in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans strongly associated with neurological aging, suggesting potential for further aging-related studies using fruit flies as a model organism

A machine learning analysis has identified 50 genes strongly associated with neurological aging in both Drosophila fruit flies and humans. The study suggests that fruit flies could be used as a model organism to further investigate aging-related processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Poison frogs, birds, hold clues to antidotes for deadly toxins

A team of scientists discovered molecules called 'toxin sponges' in poison frogs and birds that can act as mops to clean up the poisons, potentially leading to a treatment for paralytic shellfish poisoning. The study found that captive-raised poison frogs were resistant to deadly toxins due to these toxin-sponging proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateAug 5, 2021
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.

Dual-drug therapy shows promise for treating alcohol use disorder

Researchers have developed a dual-drug therapy for alcohol use disorder by targeting the mTORC1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme can halt cravings in mice engineered to have AUD, offering a promising alternative to current treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2021

Chronic pain might impact how the brain processes emotions

A new study found that people with chronic pain have lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate emotions, leading to increased negative emotions and impaired emotional regulation. The researchers hope their online emotional recovery program may provide a non-pharmaceutical solution for those affected.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2021

How brain cells compensate for damage from a stroke

Researchers found that undamaged neurons do not change their function after a stroke, contradicting the 're-mapping' hypothesis. Surround-responsive cells, which react to neighboring whiskers, also failed to take over damaged neurons' functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2021
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.