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Gamified sleep-tracking app improves sleep and reduces body mass index in some users

A recent study by the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine found that a gamified sleep-tracking mobile application improved sleep parameters, including total sleep time and sleep latency, among participants. The study also showed that these improvements correlated with reduced body mass index (BMI) in some users.

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalSleep Health·DateMay 1, 2025
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.

Dopamine-producing brain circuit drives eating “for pleasure” in mice

A dopamine-producing brain circuit controls hedonic eating by promoting continued consumption of palatable food. Semaglutide temporarily suppresses this circuit, but weight loss reverses the effect. Targeted inhibition of dopamine neurons counteracts semaglutide's appetite-suppressing effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2025

URI to host international XV Progress in Motor Control Conference

The University of Rhode Island will host the international XV Progress in Motor Control Conference from June 30 to July 2, featuring over 30 invited speakers from around the world. The conference will focus on theoretical advances in motor control, motor learning and neural plasticity, motor disorders and rehabilitation.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·DateMar 25, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stressful childhood experiences accelerate brain aging

A study published in Annals of Neurology found that severe early-life adversity accelerates brain aging and amplifies neurodegenerative processes in women. Researchers analyzed biomarkers, brain scans, and cognitive tests to determine the link between childhood trauma and later dementia risk.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Uncovered: How mice override instinctive fear responses

Researchers have uncovered a neural mechanism in mice that enables them to override instinctive fear responses, which may contribute to inappropriate or excessive fear responses. Targeting these circuits could offer new therapeutic avenues for treating fear-related disorders.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2025

Hot or cold? How the brain deciphers thermal sensations

Researchers used EEG to map brain activity in response to hot and cold temperatures, finding that both invoke similar activity patterns in overlapping brain regions. The study could lead to more objective methods for evaluating thermal comfort and reducing health risks due to ambiguous subjective evaluations.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNeuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025
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.

Antibody that neutralizes inhibitory factors involved in nerve regeneration leads to enhanced motor function after acute spinal cord injury

A clinical trial showed that an antibody blocking Nogo-A protein improves motor function in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. The treatment led to significant improvements in voluntary muscle activation and everyday life functional independence. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2024

Unraveling the neural circuitry behind stress-induced respiratory changes

Studies have shown that the lateral habenula regulates stress-related respiratory responses via the monoaminergic system, which includes dopaminergic and serotoninergic pathways. Researchers found that electrical stimulation of the LHb mimicked a stress state in rats, significantly increasing respiratory frequency.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology·DateDec 10, 2024
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.

Desert ants use the polarity of the geomagnetic field for navigation

Researchers found that desert ants rely on the polarity of the geomagnetic field to navigate during learning walks, contradicting previous findings in other insects. The team manipulated magnetic fields and observed the ants' behavior, concluding that a compass-like navigation system is useful for short-distance navigation.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

A blueprint for the brain's circadian clock

A team of researchers has created the first complete map of the brain's circadian clock in the fly Drosophila, revealing at least 240 neurons involved in regulating daily rhythms. This detailed mapping provides a foundation for exploring circadian dysregulation linked to health conditions such as sleep disorders and metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 5, 2024

The heart has its own ‘brain’

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University identified a mini-brain within the heart with its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. This discovery challenges current views on how the heartbeat is controlled and may lead to new insights into heart diseases and treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

These hibernating squirrels could use a drink—but don’t feel the thirst

During winter hibernation, thirteen-lined ground squirrels reduce the activity of neurons in circumventricular organs, suppressing their sensitivity to physiological cues for thirst. This adaptation enables them to survive for months without drinking, despite their bodies crying out for water.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2024
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.

Key brain circuit for female sexual rejection uncovered

A team of scientists has pinpointed a critical neural circuit for female sexual rejection, revealing how the brain integrates signals to shape behavior. The ventromedial hypothalamus, specifically progesterone-sensitive neurons in the anterior VMH, play a crucial role in determining whether a female accepts or rejects mating attempts.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Direct hearing tests show that minke whales can hear high-frequency sounds

A new study directly measures the hearing range of minke whales, revealing they can detect high-frequency sounds as high as 90 kHz. This discovery suggests baleen whales may be more impacted by ocean noise than previously thought and highlights the need for clearer thresholds to measure their sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2024

Human sense of touch consists of 16 unique types of nerve cells

A new study has identified 16 distinct types of nerve cells in humans, challenging the long-held assumption that each type of sensation is linked to a specific nerve cell. The research reveals complex interactions between these nerve cells and their functions.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 4, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New AI can ID brain patterns related to specific behavior

A new AI algorithm, DPAD, developed by Maryam Shanechi's lab, can dissociate brain patterns related to specific behaviors, improving brain-computer interfaces for paralyzed patients. The algorithm can also discover new patterns in the brain that may be missed by prior methods.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Piecing the puzzle together: How different brain regions contribute to visual object memory

Researchers identified key brain areas, including aVTC and OFC, essential for visual object memory in macaques. Single-neuron recordings revealed top-down regulation and causal information flow between these regions, shedding light on short-term visual object memory mechanisms.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2024
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.

Navigating the future: brain cells that plan where to go

Researchers have discovered a new type of brain cell in the medial entorhinal cortex that accurately predicts future locations as an animal travels. This discovery helps explain how planned spatial navigation is possible and has important implications for understanding mechanisms of spatial navigation and episodic memory formation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2024

How epigenetics influence memory formation

Researchers found that epigenetic state affects neurons' recruitment into memory trace formation. Open chromatin states enable more efficient learning. The study opens new avenues for understanding learning and may lead to medication for improving cognitive disorders.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2024

Daily rhythms depend on receptor density in biological clock

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that altering GABA receptor density affects circadian rhythm amplitude and synchrony among SCN cells. Reducing or mutating these receptors decreased the mice's daytime wheel-running and reduced nocturnal activity.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2024

New brain-to-nerve signaling mechanism reveals potential path to migraine pain

A mouse study identifies a novel non-synaptic signaling mechanism between the brain and peripheral sensory system in migraine. The study suggests that CSF influx activates neurons, triggering aural migraine headaches and providing potential pharmacological targets for treating the disorder.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2024
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.

How GLP-1 receptor agonists mediate the feeling of fullness in mice and humans

GLP-1 receptor agonists promote preingestive satiation via neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus, increasing feelings of fullness and reducing food intake in both mice and humans. This study provides new insights into the neural pathways underlying GLP-1RAs' effects on obesity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 27, 2024

How the brain is affected by Huntington’s Disease

Research finds that Huntington’s disease damages microscopic blood vessels in the brain, affecting coordination between neuronal activity and oxygenation. The study uses non-invasive measurement techniques to monitor disease progression and evaluate potential treatments.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBrain Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 10, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

“What was that?” — How brains convert sounds to actions

A new study reveals that neural activity related to sound detection and movement are temporally separated but share commonalities, with neurons adapting their activity based on experience. The findings shed light on the brain's complex processing of sensory information and behavioral choices.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2024

Sleep resets brain connections – but only for first few hours

A new study published in Nature found that sleep weakens new brain connections forged during wakefulness only during the first half of a night's sleep. The researchers suggest that this 'reset' prepares the brain for learning and new connections the next day.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

New study reveals key role vision plays in sculpting brain development

Researchers used a new brain mapping tool called BARseq to classify and map millions of neurons across nine mouse brains. They discovered that sensory inputs influence the cellular signatures of each brain region, leading to distinct 'signatures' akin to cellular ID cards.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

The joy of sports: How watching sports can boost well-being

Researchers found that watching sports fosters a sense of community and belonging, while triggering activation in the brain's reward circuits. Regular sports viewing may also induce changes in brain structures, leading to long-term benefits for individuals.

SourceWaseda University·JournalSport Management Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024
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.

Imaging detects transient “hypoxic pockets” in the mouse brain

Researchers used bioluminescent oxygen indicator to track pO2 changes in mouse cortical astrocytes, finding transient hypoxic pockets that lasted several seconds to minutes and decreased with exercise. The findings suggest physical inactivity may directly affect tissue pO2 by favoring capillary occlusions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2024

Smelling danger in the water: Schreckstoff mystery solved after 86 years!

Researchers have solved the long-standing question of what triggers the alarm response in fish by identifying two distinct chemical signals: Daniol sulphate and Ostariopterin. These substances convey separate pieces of information that must be detected simultaneously to trigger a flight-or-freeze response.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 17, 2024
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.

Effects of “blue light” on human health still unclear

The ICNIRP panel states that research on SWL exposure is inconsistent, with some studies indicating possible effects on alertness or sleep and others not supporting such effects. The panel also notes that potential long-term adverse effects of SWL exposure are unclear, particularly regarding its impact on chronic diseases and conditions.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHealth Physics·DateMar 4, 2024

A new channel for touch

Scientists have identified a crucial role of the newly discovered ion channel Elkin1 in converting mechanical stimuli into electrical signals, enabling normal touch sensation. The findings also suggest Elkin1 may play a part in transmitting painful mechanical stimuli, opening up new potential targets for chronic pain treatment.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

New algorithm disentangles intrinsic brain patterns from sensory inputs

Researchers developed a new machine learning method to analyze brain data, separating intrinsic neural patterns from sensory inputs. The method revealed surprisingly consistent hidden patterns in three subjects' neural activity despite different tasks.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024
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.

Oxytocin: the love hormone that holds the key to better memory

Research reveals oxytocin neurons in mouse brain modulate object recognition memory, with activation boosting long-term memory and implicating Alzheimer's disease. Oxytocin's role in social memory also highlighted, suggesting a potential link to loneliness or limited social engagement.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

A flicker of truth: Piercing the “continuity illusion”

The study reveals that the superior colliculus is vital in the transition from seeing individual flashes to smooth motion, and may be a key component in creating the continuity illusion. Different methods of measuring the Flicker Fusion Frequency threshold suggest other parts of the brain also play a role in this process.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Challenging the traditional views on how the brain processes movement and sensation

A study by Fujita Health University researchers unveiled novel insights into the brain's processing of movement and sensation. The findings suggest that signals from motor cortices do not primarily modulate sensory responses in primary sensory cortices, but rather pathways from secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) and sensory thalamus (...

SourceFujita Health University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024

Researchers find possible neuromarker for ‘juvenile-onset’ Batten disease

A new study found that changes in brain function, specifically the auditory sensory memory system, may be a potential biomarker for Batten disease. Researchers measured brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) and found a decline in response as the disease progressed.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateJan 8, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Unraveling the mysteries of the brain with the help of a worm

A team of neuroscientists and physicists at Princeton University studied the brain of Caenorhabditis elegans to understand how information flows through a network of interacting neurons. They used optogenetics to activate individual neurons and observe how other neurons responded, shedding light on the complex neural connections.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Traumatic memories can rewire the brain

Researchers have discovered that traumatic memories create new neural networks and associations between distinct networks, enabling fear-based learning and recall. The study used optical and machine-learning approaches to visualize the dynamics of brain activity during memory formation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023
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.

Jellyfish are smarter than you think

Caribbean box jellyfish have demonstrated complex learning capabilities, including associative learning and memory formation, despite having only one thousand nerve cells. This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary success of jellyfish and raises questions about the universality of advanced learning mechanisms in animals.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 22, 2023

Mathematical theory predicts self-organized learning in real neurons

Researchers used a mathematical theory called the free energy principle to predict how real neural networks learn and organize themselves. The study successfully mimicked this process in rat embryo neurons grown in a culture dish, demonstrating the principle's guiding force behind biological neural network learning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2023

An escape signal for the nematode: Artificial intelligence helps elucidate structure of a novel light sensor

A team of scientists has successfully elucidated the structure and function of LITE-1, a biomolecule used by Caenorhabditis elegans to detect danger. The researchers used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of LITE-1, which is a channel protein that forms a pore in the cell membrane allowing charged particles to pass through.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023
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.

Biomarkers may hold key to precision mental health diagnosis, care

A Lehigh University professor has received $4 million in NIH grants to develop an AI-driven approach for precision mental health diagnosis and care. The project aims to identify biomarkers in the brain that can predict treatment response and personalize interventions for patients with depression and other mental disorders.

SourceLehigh University·DateJul 10, 2023