A recent neuroscientific study by UPF and Oxford reveals that long-range connections between brain regions are scarce but play a fundamental role in explaining brain dynamics. These rare connections serve to transmit information more quickly and directly, yielding optimal and efficient information processing.
SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2025
Researchers investigated how people build grammatical structure in Dutch using brain activity measurements, finding that Dutch speakers use a predictive strategy to build sentences, unlike English speakers who adopt a 'wait-and-see' approach.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025
A study found that individuals with sickle cell disease have brains that appear 14 years older than their actual age, and socioeconomic status is also linked to brain health in adults. This can lead to cognitive problems and challenges in school and work.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025
Researchers at the University of Parma and Sant'Anna School in Pisa developed a new approach to understand how the brain controls spontaneous movements in natural situations. The study used telemetric devices to record hundreds of neurons from the brains of monkeys, revealing complex synergies between individual neurons that allow for ...
SourceSant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 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.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed durable neural implants that can withstand chronic use, enabling safe and effective brain-computer interfaces. The study found that PDMS coating significantly enhances the longevity of implantable chips.
SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2025
The study found that female infants had significantly more grey matter than male infants, while male infants had more white matter. These sex differences are average and do not imply better or worse brains, but rather reflect biological sex differences during prenatal brain development.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 7, 2025
A preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists found that estrogen surges promote binge drinking in females, causing them to 'pregame' and consume large quantities of alcohol. The study identifies a neural circuit in the brain where estrogen increases activity, leading to enhanced binge drinking behavior.
SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 30, 2024
Researchers created a whole-brain atlas to visualize regions of the brain connected to V1 interneurons, a group of cells necessary for movement. The findings provide a framework to further understand the anatomical landscape of the nervous system and how the brain communicates with the spinal cord.
SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateDec 23, 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.
Dr. Gail Cornwall is investigating the structure of the brain extracellular matrix, a network of proteins and polysaccharides found in the space between neurons and glia. Her research aims to identify novel structural elements and mechanisms that enable brain plasticity and sex-specific responses.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateDec 20, 2024
Researchers investigate how perturbed gene expression contributes to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. Alternative polyadenylation, a mechanism regulating protein production, is being studied for its potential role in the disease.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateDec 13, 2024
A social work graduate has published her research on cognitive decline among refugees, finding that those who have experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. The study highlights the need for interventions that address these gaps in care and promote healthier aging.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Gerontological Social Work·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2024
Researchers used machine learning to predict multiple types of intelligence from brain connections, with general intelligence performing best. The model's accuracy improved when trained on theory-driven connections, suggesting there are still unknown aspects of intelligence to discover.
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.
Researchers found that autistic children prioritize faces in different ways, particularly when first seeing them, using an exploratory pattern characterized by larger face regions of interest. This may be associated with autism-related symptomology and decreased visual sensitivity to face information.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2024
A new brain mapping technique has revealed fresh insights into how higher-order functions like language, thought, and attention are organised. Researchers used data from fMRI scans to create accurate models of brain activity and interactions between regions.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2024
Researchers have identified structural grey matter differences in the brains of women with a history of peripartum depression compared to those without. The study found that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and childbirth may be key to understanding this condition.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 5, 2024
Researchers found overlapping genetic underpinnings between rhythm-related skills and language-related traits, including dyslexia. The study identified 16 regions of the genome that overlapped between rhythm and language, suggesting a complex genetic architecture shared by these fundamental human traits.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2024
A new study in Nature identifies strategies for tying brain function and structure to behavior and health, improving the reliability of brain-wide association studies. By strategically selecting participants and collecting multiple scans, researchers can obtain more dependable results with fewer participants.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that treating the intestine after a stroke can significantly reduce long-term cognitive impairment. The study suggests that repairing the gut is crucial in facilitating stroke recovery and reducing the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024
Researchers developed MoPEDE, a method combining genetic data and brain activity to pinpoint epileptic seizure origins. This approach offers deeper insights into epilepsy mechanisms, potentially leading to personalized treatments.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJCI Insight·DateNov 26, 2024
EPFL researchers developed detailed computational models of rat hippocampal and somatosensory cortex regions, simulating brain activity and studying the roles of each part. The models' three-dimensional geometry allows for testing with new experimental data and exploring a wide range of phenomena.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 21, 2024
A new study found that cannabis use worsens reduced brain connectivity in individuals at high risk of psychosis. This deficit is associated with symptoms like social withdrawal and lack of motivation, which are difficult to treat with current medications.
SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 20, 2024
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.
A team of MIT engineers developed an algorithm to identify causal links in complex systems, taking data from various sources and analyzing interactions between variables. The method generates a causality map linking variables with likely cause-and-effect relationships, including synergistic and redundant links.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2024
A team of researchers has identified a genetic link between rare brain malformations and protein folding defects in children. The study found that specific genetic changes can affect the function of proteins within cells, leading to abnormal cell behavior.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2024
The F.M. Kirby Research Center has driven critical breakthroughs in understanding the human brain in health and disease, aiding discoveries of effective diagnoses and interventions for various conditions.
Researchers at EPFL have created a unique experimental setup combining non-invasive deep-brain stimulation, virtual reality training, and fMRI imaging to improve spatial memory. The study shows that targeted electric impulses to the hippocampus can temporarily increase brain plasticity, leading to better navigation and recall.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 30, 2024
The TTUHSC team will conduct a needs assessment and create an action plan to strengthen clinical and community-based research, guided by strategic translational research themes. The goal is to address health disparities in the region through community-based participatory research.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 30, 2024
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.
A study found that people's choices between safe and risky options are influenced by their perception of an observer's opinion. After initial biases, participants learned to correctly predict their partners' choices and adjusted their behavior accordingly.
SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2024
Scientists have discovered a long non-coding RNA called CHASERR that regulates the production of the CHD2 gene, which is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that patients with a deletion of this RNA had excessive CHD2 protein production, leading to severe intellectual delays and other symptoms.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 23, 2024
A new Concordia study reveals that bilingualism is associated with larger and healthier hippocampi in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The research found no evidence of hippocampal atrophy in bilinguals across the continuum of Alzheimer’s development.
SourceConcordia University·JournalBilingualism Language and Cognition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 22, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A team of researchers at Penn State College of Medicine has developed a high-resolution 3D atlas of the developing mouse brain, providing a comprehensive view of brain development and structure. The atlas, published in Nature Communications, will help researchers understand neurodevelopmental disorders and analyze large-scale data sets.
SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2024
Scientists have developed novel magnetic nanodiscs that can remotely stimulate parts of the brain, potentially treating neurological and psychiatric conditions. The devices were injected into specific brain regions in mice and triggered by a weak electromagnet, demonstrating precise control over neural activity.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 11, 2024
A recent study found that tau protein buildup disrupts the salience network, a crucial communication network in the brain, leading to behavioral changes. The study used advanced medical imaging to analyze the brains of 128 people with early-stage dementia and showed a strong association between tau disruption and behavioral symptoms.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 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.
A large cohort study found that early exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides can alter the development of white matter in the brain, with some effects persisting throughout adolescence.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateSep 25, 2024
Researchers identified the external globus pallidus as responsible for impaired decision-making in mice with Parkinson's disease treated with pramipexole. Hyperactivation of this region was linked to poor risk-taking behavior and reduced effectiveness of treatments.
SourceFujita Health University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024
Researchers used fMRI to observe brain activity in participants exposed to varying levels of pain stimuli, manipulating their expectations about the level of pain. The study found that higher-level networks integrated pain-related signals into the experience of pain by adding preserved expectation and stimulus information together.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 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.
Researchers at Emory University used spiny mice as a laboratory model to study the neural mechanisms of group living in mammals. The study found that neural signaling from the brain's anterior cingulate cortex drives the preference for spiny mice to affiliate with large peer groups.
SourceEmory University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024
A new study using advanced MRI techniques has discovered a functional backbone formed by robust, delay-free interactions that serve as the core of communication in the brain. Weaker connections amplify the system's potential functional states, providing flexibility.
SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalCell Systems·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 9, 2024
Researchers Dr. Marx and Prof. Gilon propose a novel tripartite mechanism of neural memory based on metal-centered complexes within the nECM/PNN, enabling the encoding of emotive states through biochemical interactions. This new understanding underscores the need for a more holistic approach to grasp brain function and mental processes.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Psychiatry Research·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 2, 2024
Researchers have developed novel photoacoustic probes for neuroscience applications, enabling visualization of neurons in specific brain regions. The probes use a combination of protein and synthetic dye to bind to chemicals and emit sound waves that can be detected by imaging equipment.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2024
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.
A study at the University of Helsinki discovered a new type of degenerative brain disease, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), prevalent among the oldest old. LATE is associated with similar symptoms to early Alzheimer's but progresses more slowly and is milder.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2024
A new study from the University of Washington suggests that cortical implants like Blindsight, developed by Neuralink, will not provide high-resolution vision. Instead, researchers found that a single electrode stimulates only one neuron, and image sharpness is determined by thousands of neurons in the brain.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 29, 2024
Researchers have developed Nano-MIND technology, which uses magnetism to selectively activate specific deep brain neural circuits, modulating complex brain functions such as cognition and emotion. The technology has been successfully tested in animals, demonstrating its potential to regulate feeding behaviors and maternal instincts.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024
A new study from University of Florida researchers found that quick learners rely on the visual cortex in their brains when acquiring new motor skills. The study used brain-monitoring electrodes to analyze how people learn to walk at different speeds, revealing a clear difference between fast and slow learners.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024
Research reveals that neurons expressing estrogen receptor 1 (LS Esr1) in the lateral septum are crucial for reward-seeking and methamphetamine addiction. Targeting these neurons and HCN1 channels may be a promising strategy for treating drug addiction.
SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNeuron·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 3, 2024
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.
Nerve cells in the hippocampus region of the bat brain encode information on multiple characteristics of other individuals, including sex and dominance hierarchy. This study sheds light on how the brain operates and generates thinking processes and behavior.
SourceFederation of European Neuroscience Societies·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024
Researchers found that patterns of neural activity in the hypothalamus predict performance in survival tasks, while associations with other brain regions were observed for hunting and escaping behaviors. The study provides new insights into how the human brain coordinates survival strategies.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2024
A study published in Radiology found that brain connectivity on MRI scans can predict the progression of brain atrophy in patients with mild Parkinson's disease. The researchers used MRI data to generate a map of the brain's neural connections, which showed potential in predicting gray matter atrophy accumulation over time.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 25, 2024
Researchers found that women who had their ovaries removed before menopause experience reduced white matter integrity in multiple brain regions. This reduction may contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateJun 20, 2024
A new technology combining holographic acoustic devices with genetic engineering allows precise targeting of affected neurons in the brain, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases. The technique, AhSonogenetics, uses a noninvasive wearable ultrasound device to alter genetically selected neurons in mice, alleviating Parkinson's-...
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 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.
Researchers from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions found that traumatic life events do impact the perception of trauma-related imagery. Viewers' personal history of adversity and trauma was associated with stronger reactions to images depicting injury/trauma.
SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 11, 2024
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that depressive symptoms are linked to subsequent memory decline in older people, and conversely, poorer memory is associated with an increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers suggest that addressing depressive symptoms may help slow down memory decline.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 11, 2024
Using fMRI, researchers analyzed brain activity while participants experienced sustained pain and pleasure induced by capsaicin and chocolate fluids. The study identified common brain regions activated by both experiences and developed predictive models to capture affective intensity and valence information.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024
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.
Researchers discovered that brain's structural features are consistent with a phase transition in humans, mice and fruit flies, suggesting a universal governing principle. The findings could enable new designs for computational models of the brain's complexity.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 10, 2024
Researchers found a significant reduction in serine racemase protein levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal subfields of aged rats compared to young rats, suggesting a role in age-associated decline of NMDA receptor function. No sex differences were observed in serine racemase expression.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024
A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024
A study published in Radiology found that low-level light therapy increased resting-state functional connectivity in patients with moderate traumatic brain injuries. The treatment showed improved brain connectivity within the first two weeks, but its long-term effects are still unclear.
SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 28, 2024
A study published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is critical for prosocial behaviors, including helping others. Participants with vmPFC damage exhibited reduced motivation to help, exert less effort, and earned less money compared to control groups.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2024
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.
A study found distinct brain connectivity patterns in six-week-old infants at risk for developing autism spectrum disorder. These early differences predict behavior and may lead to ASD-related behaviors by altering social development.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 22, 2024
A team of visionaries at the Carney Institute developed 3D-printed brain and spinal cord implants, revolutionizing surgical implantations and optical access. Bioluminescence imaging overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent microscopy, providing unprecedented observation of neural and vascular activity.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateMay 20, 2024
A study of 23 elderly patients with hypertension found that evening aerobic exercise improved baroreflex sensitivity, a mechanism that regulates blood pressure. This improvement led to better blood pressure regulation and reduced muscle sympathetic nerve activity, making evening exercise more effective than morning exercise.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 17, 2024
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.