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How the ear can inform the brain of whether hearing is impaired

A study by Pierre Hakizimana at Linköping University found that the DC signal in the cochlea can provide an indication of ear health status, allowing the brain to decode faint sounds. The discovery may contribute to new research on diagnosing noise-induced hearing loss and has implications for preventing permanent damage from loud sounds.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2023

Keeping time: Understanding the master clock in the brain

A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found a key molecule involved in sleep homeostasis also plays a critical role in circadian behavior. The SIK3-HDAC4 pathway modulates the length of the circadian period through NMS-producing neurons, contributing to the sleep/wake rhythm.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2023

CHOP researchers comprehensively assess the safety of using your head in youth soccer

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that repeated soccer headers equivalent to a throw-in did not cause immediate neurophysiological deficits for teens. However, oblique headers resulted in higher levels of angular head motion, suggesting proper training is necessary to reduce the risk of injury.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023
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.

Diet/lifestyle program reverses biological age: a female case series

A new case series study found that an 8-week methylation-supportive diet and lifestyle program reduced biological age by 4.60 years, with five of six participants exhibiting significant age reversal. The study suggests that this intervention may favorably influence biological age in both sexes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Origins of pleasurable touch traced from skin to brain in mice

Researchers have identified a full pathway from skin neurons to brain pleasure centers, revealing the neurobiological basis of pleasurable social touch. The study suggests that touch-based therapies may alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression, with potential applications for autism and other conditions.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

I do not see, I do not hear, but I know

A new study by Italian neuroscientists found that blind and deaf individuals' brains possess an innate functional architecture for integrating sensory information. This suggests that brain architecture can develop independently from sensory experience, adding weight to the 'nature versus nurture' debate.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

How animals find their way

A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateNov 25, 2022

Latest neural signals recorded with ABILITY brain-computer interface and new details of the system presented at Society for Neuroscience meeting

The Wyss Center's ABILITY system, a fully implantable brain-computer interface, records neural activity in sheep with high accuracy, decoding fine movement intention from small brain areas. The device is designed to improve quality of life and independence for people with severe paralysis.

SourceWyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering·DateNov 9, 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.

Why late-night eating leads to weight gain, diabetes

Research at Northwestern University finds that eating during the daytime is ideal for dissipating energy as heat, while nighttime eating disrupts this process. This study's findings have broad implications for dieting, sleep loss, and patient nutrition, particularly in cases of Type II Diabetes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2022

Shedding light on the happy hormone

A novel fluorescent sensor has been developed to visualize the release of oxytocin, also known as the 'happy hormone', in living animals. The sensor, called MTRIA OT, allows for real-time measurement of extracellular oxytocin dynamics in the brain, revealing variability in OT levels dependent on behavioral and physical conditions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Can we reverse the effects of age related memory loss? Experts say yes

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that a 20-minute non-invasive treatment regimen can improve both short-term and long-term memory in individuals 65 years and older. The treatment involves electrical brain stimulation delivered through scalp electrodes, and its effects were observed to last at least one month.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

Neurofeedback shows promise for addressing ‘chemo brain’ in UCLA pilot study

A pilot study from UCLA researchers found that neurofeedback training significantly normalized brain wave frequencies and improved cognitive function in cancer patients with chemo brain. The study's results support further research into the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 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.

A warming planet could mess with our sleep – and make us more vulnerable to infectious disease

Research suggests rising temperatures could disrupt sleep patterns and blunt the immune response, making people more susceptible to infections. This is particularly concerning for low-income communities and communities of color who face heightened risks from heat and limited access to air conditioning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalTemperature·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2022

Wireless activation of targeted brain circuits in less than one second

Researchers from Rice University, Duke University, Brown University and Baylor College of Medicine developed a magnetic technology to wirelessly control neural circuits in fruit flies. They used genetic engineering to express heat-sensitive ion channels in neurons that control the behavior, and iron nanoparticles to activate the channels.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022
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.

How sound induces pain relief in mice

Researchers discovered that low-signal-to-ambient noise ratio sounds cause analgesia by inhibiting inputs from the auditory cortex to specific somatosensory thalamus regions. This finding provides a model for investigating the mechanistic underpinnings of sound-induced pain relief.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2022

Social defeat stress in mice triggers restorative, anxiety-reducing sleep

Researchers have discovered a small group of neurons in the ventral tegmental area that detects stress after social defeat and induces restorative sleep. This process alleviates stress levels and mitigates stress-induced anxiety in mice, restoring mental and body functions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2022

Baby’s kick in the womb may be key to treating disease and training robots

A new model from researchers at the University of Southern California and Lund University suggests that spontaneous movements made by a fetus in the womb are key to getting the body's nervous system 'wired up.' This discovery has implications for treating neuromuscular disorders and designing better robots.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2022

Nerve stimulation promotes resolution of inflammation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes healing in acute inflammation by shifting the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding opens new avenues for treating inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 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.

Both nature and nurture contribute to signatures of socioeconomic status in the brain

A new study found that genetics and environmental influences both contribute to socioeconomic status's impact on the brain, with different effects on various brain regions. The research used the UK Biobank dataset to analyze nearly 24,000 individuals and identified specific brain regions related to socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2022

Eating sea squirts may reverse the signs of ageing, study shows

A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Deep brain stimulation driven by motor cortical activity can effectively treat Parkinson’s disease

Researchers developed a new method of deep brain stimulation driven by motor cortical activity to treat Parkinson's disease. This approach, known as adaptive DBS (aDBS), uses γ2 band activity from the primary motor cortex to modulate stimulation parameters and reduce battery consumption.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 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.

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

Astrocyte networks in the mouse brain control spatial learning and memory

A study found that intact astrocyte networks are essential for neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and spatial cognitive abilities in adult mice. Disrupting these networks impairs spatial learning and memory due to altered neuronal excitability and compromised synaptic transmission.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2022

Discovering dopamine’s involvement in transition to REM sleep in mice suggests a druggable sleep disorder target

A new study found that increased dopamine levels in the brain's basolateral amygdala trigger the transition from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This discovery raises hopes for developing targeted treatments for sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and Parkinson's disease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 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.

A bioelectronic tongue ‘tastes’ sweetness

Researchers have developed an ultrasensitive bioelectronic tongue that mimics human taste buds to measure sweetness. The device responds to sweet-tasting compounds at the 0.1 femtomolar level, making it a powerful tool for industries such as healthcare and food.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 26, 2022

Constant tinnitus is linked to altered brain activity

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet developed a novel method to diagnose constant tinnitus using auditory brainstem responses (ABR). The study found that people with occasional tinnitus are at increased risk of developing constant tinnitus, while those with existing constant tinnitus are more likely to experience persistent symptoms.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2022

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
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.

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

Seeing and hearing: how they interplay in the brain

A recent study published in iScience found that congenitally blind individuals and normal sighted people are equally good at discriminating between sounds. However, those who lost sight later in life had more difficulties with tasks requiring detailed auditory processing, suggesting an adaptation to the new condition.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

The insular cortex balances the mind and body’s responses to fear in mice

A new study in mice reveals that the insular cortex plays a crucial role in balancing fear responses, integrating sensory and bodily signals to maintain an adaptive range. The InsCtx function depends on bodily feedback signals, dampening excessive fear-evoked activity and promoting healthy fear regulation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 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.

When algorithms get creative

Researchers at the University of Bern have developed an approach called 'evolving-to-learn' (E2L) that enables computers to discover mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, leading to improved learning capabilities. The algorithm was tested in three scenarios and successfully solved new tasks by mimicking biological evolution.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2021

New life for a cancer drug that reprograms pain pathways to treat chronic pain

Researchers at Duke University and UC Irvine identify Kenpaullone, a cancer drug, as an effective analgesic for chronic and challenging-to-treat pain. The compound enhances Kcc2 gene expression, which resets maladaptive genetic switches in neurons, leading to pain signal silencing.

SourceWrite Science Right·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Dragging your feet? Lack of sleep affects your walk, new study finds

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lack of sleep affects gait control, with students who stayed awake all night performing poorly. However, those who compensated for lost sleep by catching up on weekends showed improved walking control.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 26, 2021

Prefrontal neurons in monkeys and bats facilitate group communication

Studies in rhesus monkeys and Egyptian fruit bats found that prefrontal neurons represent details of interactions, including identity context and history. This discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying complex social structures and group communication.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 21, 2021

Circuit approach could improve deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease

A new deep brain stimulation (DBS) method has been developed by researchers using optogenetics and machine learning to target specific neural circuits in the brain. This approach produced long-lasting effects in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, with therapeutic benefits that lasted on average 4.5-fold longer than conventional DBS.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 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.

Fractal brain networks support complex thought

Researchers used fractal analysis to study brain network patterns while listening to a story. The results show that complex thoughts are reflected in high-order dynamic correlations in neural activity patterns.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2021

Increased serotonin prevents cocaine addiction in mice

Researchers have discovered that elevated levels of serotonin can prevent the development of compulsive cocaine seeking and addiction in mice. This is achieved through the activation of serotonin receptors and inhibition of synaptic transmission between key brain regions, thereby reducing the risk of addiction.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 9, 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
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.

The Daylight Award 2022 is open for nominations

The Daylight Award 2022 is now open for nominations, honoring groundbreaking research on the effects of daylight on human health and well-being. The award also recognizes innovative architectural projects showcasing unique uses of daylight, aiming to improve living conditions and environmental impact.

SourceThe Daylight Award·DateAug 25, 2021

Brain refreshing: why the dreaming phase matters

Researchers found increased capillary blood flow in mice brains during REM sleep, indicating a possible role of adenosine A2a receptors in brain refreshing. This unique state may be crucial for waste removal from the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease development.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 24, 2021

Wearable technology can help in at-home assessment of myoclonic jerks

A new study developed a wearable technology-based method to assess myoclonus symptoms in the home environment. The method, which measures electrical neuromuscular function and movement, correlates well with assessments performed by experienced physicians.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateAug 5, 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.

More than just walking: a new role for core brain region

Researchers have discovered distinct populations of neurons in the mesencephalic locomotor region that control different body movements. These findings could improve therapies for Parkinson's disease by targeting specific neuronal populations involved in postural changes and body extension.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 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.

'A Bluetooth mouse'--you can wirelessly read a mouse's mind

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a lightweight, compact, Bluetooth-low-energy-based wireless neuronal recording system for use in mice. The system weighs less than 3.9g and offers high signal quality, good versatility, and low cost compared to wired recording.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateMar 2, 2021

Brain processes concrete and abstract words differently

Research reveals distinct brain regions process concrete and abstract word meanings separately, with a network of areas working together in different languages. The findings provide new insights into how our brains represent word-meaning structure.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateFeb 28, 2019

Who's listening? Mosquitos can hear up to 10 meters away

Researchers at Cornell University found that mosquitoes can detect sound waves from distances of up to 10 meters, including human speech and the buzzing of female mosquitoes in flight. This discovery could lead to the development of more sensitive directional microphones and hearing aids.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2019

Do all people experience similar near-death-experiences?

A study of 154 individuals with near-death experiences found that while common phenomena like feeling peacefulness and seeing a bright light occur frequently, the order of appearance varies greatly between participants. The most commonly reported sequence was out-of-body experience followed by a tunnel, bright light, and finally peace.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 26, 2017
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.