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Longer, intense rehabilitation boosts recovery after brain injury

Researchers found that a longer, more intense period of rehabilitation boosts brain recovery after injury, with rats showing significant restructuring of the brain and dramatic functional recovery. The study highlights the critical role of the basal forebrain cholinergic system in rehabilitation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

Stroke patients' speech loss linked to loss of brain interconnections

Research found that damage to brain connections can impact aphasia severity, with some patients having more severe symptoms despite similar stroke volumes. Investigators used MRI imaging to map neural connections and identified patterns associated with language difficulties.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2016
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.

Mesh-like scaffold is disordered in Alzheimer's-affected cells

Researchers found a disordered mesh-like scaffold in Alzheimer's-affected cells, which surrounds the nucleus and controls brain cell function. This discovery may lead to new treatments for the earliest biological events leading to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2016

What goes wrong in the brain when someone can't spell

Studies of stroke victims with spelling impairments reveal distinct brain regions responsible for long-term and working memory, offering new insights into the mechanics of language and memory. Damage to these regions can lead to different symptoms, including difficulty guessing or assembling words.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalBrain·DateFeb 2, 2016

Delivering genes across the blood-brain barrier

Caltech biologists have developed a vector capable of noninvasive delivery of genetic cargo to adult mice brains, holding promise for novel therapeutics. The approach overcomes the blood-brain barrier problem, allowing for efficient gene delivery and targeting specific brain cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Penn-engineered neural networks show hope for axonal repair with minimal disruption to brain tissue

Lab-grown neural networks can replace damaged axon tracks in patients with severe head injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases. The micro-TENNS, made of mature cerebral cortical neurons and long axonal projections, integrate into existing brain structures and reconstitute missing pathways.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJan 20, 2016
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.

Poor sleep in seniors linked to hardened brain arteries

Researchers found a significant association between poor sleep quality and severe arteriosclerosis in the brain, as well as increased oxygen-starved tissue, among elderly individuals. Sleep fragmentation was linked to higher odds of stroke and cognitive impairment, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateJan 14, 2016

'Homing' treatment could aid recovery for brain damaged patients

Cardiff University scientists have engineered a new dual 'homing' agent that inactivates the complement system in the brain, reducing inflammation and aiding recovery. The treatment has shown promise in mice with traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to life-changing benefits for humans.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2015
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.

New step toward determining the cause of MS

The study found that stromal cells, specialized fibers, and T helper 17 cells collaborate to form tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) in the brain of MS patients. This discovery may lead to potential treatment options, such as targeted Th17 blockers, by understanding how TLTs are formed.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalImmunity·DateDec 15, 2015

Study shows white matter damage caused by 'skunk-like' cannabis

A recent study by King's College London and Sapienza University of Rome found that frequent use of high potency 'skunk-like' cannabis can cause damage to the white matter in the brain. White matter consists of large bundles of nerve cell projections, enabling communication between different regions of the brain.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateNov 26, 2015

Ancient brains turn paleontology on its head

Scientists have found definitive evidence that ancient brain tissue can fossilize. A team of researchers has discovered seven fossils of the extinct arthropod species Fuxianhuia protensa, which contain preserved brains. The brains were preserved as flattened carbon films and demonstrate a density similar to modern crustacean brains.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 8, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists identify main component of brain repair after stroke

Researchers found that growth and differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) is a crucial protein in the brain's repair mechanisms following stroke. Studies suggest that increasing GDF10 levels can lead to faster recovery after stroke.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 28, 2015

Discovery could lead to better recovery after stroke

Researchers have identified growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) as a molecule that promotes brain cell formation of new connections after a stroke. The discovery may lead to the development of a treatment to enhance brain repair and functional recovery in people who have suffered a stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 26, 2015

Noninvasive imaging method looks deeper inside the body to study living brain

Researchers have developed a new noninvasive light-based imaging technology that can see inside the living brain, providing a tool to study how diseases change brain tissue over time. The method doubles the image depth range, enabling examination of acute and chronic morphological or functional vascular changes in the deep brain.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateOct 13, 2015

Breakthrough for electrode implants in the brain

Researchers at Lund University have developed implantable electrodes that capture signals from single neurons without causing brain tissue damage. The electrodes, called 3-D electrodes, are extremely soft and flexible, enabling stable recordings over long periods.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Medical diagnosis: Will brain palpation soon be possible?

Inserm researchers have developed a noninvasive brain imaging method using MRI that provides the same information as physical palpation, allowing for early diagnosis of brain tumors or Alzheimer's disease. The technique uses noise correlation to detect natural shear waves in the brain, enabling building images of the brain's elasticity.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2015

Brain plasticity in the most dreaded biblical disease

Researchers found changes in brain representation for affected muscles due to nerve damage caused by leprosy, indicating evidence of brain plasticity. The study may lead to new treatment strategies for individuals suffering from this ancient disease.

SourcePublicase International·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 9, 2015

New type of prion may cause, transmit neurodegeneration

Researchers have identified a new type of prion causing Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative disorder with similarities to Parkinson's disease. The discovery raises concerns about treatments and research involving contact with brain tissue from MSA patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The brain is not as cramped as we thought

EPFL scientists have developed a new method called cryofixation to preserve the brain's true structure, overcoming distortion caused by traditional fixation methods. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented detail in brain imaging and has significant implications for understanding brain anatomy and function.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateAug 11, 2015

Super-small needle technology for the brain

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a methodology to temporarily enhance the stiffness of flexible microneedles, allowing them to penetrate biological tissues without causing damage. The dissolvable material expands opportunities for flexible microneedles used for brain penetrations.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateAug 10, 2015

Brain teaser: 3-D printed 'tissue' to help combat disease

Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science develop a 6-layered structure incorporating neural cells, mimicking brain tissue. The breakthrough enables important insights into brain function and provides an experimental test bed for new drugs and electroceuticals.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 2, 2015
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.

Injectable electronics

Researchers developed a method for fabricating nano-scale electronic scaffolds that can be injected via syringe, monitoring neural activity, stimulating tissues and promoting neuron regeneration. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the interface between electronics and biology.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2015

Researchers pinpoint epicenter of brain's predictive ability

Researchers have identified the epicenter of the brain's predictive ability in limbic tissue, which also plays a key role in emotions. This discovery challenges traditional theories on emotion and suggests that the brain is wired to ask questions about past experiences rather than react to external stimuli.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateJun 2, 2015

Alzheimer's culprit causes memory loss even before brain degeneration

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals a direct link between amyloid-beta protein and memory loss in healthy brains, even before physical signs of degeneration appear. The research found that administering amyloid-beta to pond snails caused significant impaired memories, despite no visible brain damage.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 29, 2015

Imaging test may identify biomarker of Alzheimer's disease

A new study published in Radiology found that degeneration of white matter in the brain may be an early marker of specific types of Alzheimer's disease. White matter damage was found to be more severe and widespread in patients with atypical AD forms, suggesting a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 27, 2015
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.

Study identifies possible role for carbon monoxide in treating hemorrhagic stroke

A new study finds that carbon monoxide can help accelerate the natural process of clearing heme, a toxic component of red blood cells, and reduce neuronal injury in mice with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study suggests that low amounts of CO may be used to treat patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 26, 2015

Drug perks up old muscles and aging brains

Researchers at UC Berkeley discover a small-molecule drug that perks up old stem cells in the brains and muscles of mice, potentially leading to multi-tissue rejuvenation. The drug inhibits TGF-beta1, a growth factor that depresses stem cell activity with age.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 12, 2015

Say what? How the brain separates our ability to talk and write

Researchers found that writing and speaking are supported by different parts of the brain, revealing a high-level distinction between word construction. This understanding could help educators teach children to read and write more effectively and improve therapies for those suffering from aphasia.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 5, 2015
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.

Fat signals control energy levels in the brain

The study found that a key enzyme produced by fat tissue regulates brain function and energy levels, suggesting an optimal amount of body fat for maximizing health and longevity. Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had impaired energy levels and physical activity, while those with high NAMPT exhibited increased physical activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Surprising contributor to Rett syndrome identified

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System identified a surprising contributor to Rett syndrome: immune cells bearing a mutated MeCP2 gene. These macrophages amplify disease progression by failing to maintain tissue homeostasis, highlighting the immune system as a promising therapeutic target.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalImmunity·DateApr 21, 2015

Mechanism outlined by which inadequate vitamin E can cause brain damage

Vitamin E deficiency may lead to neurological damage by interrupting the supply of essential nutrients and robbing the brain of necessary building blocks. The study found that zebrafish fed a vitamin E deficient diet had lower levels of DHA-PC, a critical component of brain cells.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateApr 13, 2015

Brain scan study shows clot-busting drug benefits stroke patients

A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology has found that a clot-busting drug called alteplase can benefit stroke patients without increasing the risk of bleeding. Researchers analyzed over 3,000 people and discovered that patients with early tissue damage from strokes still benefit from receiving the drug.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 9, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

High-tech method allows rapid imaging of functions in living brain

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a high-speed imaging method that enables the visualization of blood flow, blood oxygenation, and oxygen metabolism in living mouse brains. The new technique, called photoacoustic microscopy, achieves high-resolution images with capillary-level resolution at a rate of 100 ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 30, 2015

Magnetic brain stimulation

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to stimulate brain tissue using external magnetic fields and injected magnetic nanoparticles. The approach can provide an implant-free means of providing brain stimulation and mapping, potentially treating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2015

Bioelectricity plays key role in brain development and repair

Research at Tufts University reveals that bioelectrical signals regulate embryonic brain development and can even repair genetic defects. The study found that manipulating these signals can induce the growth of new brain tissue in locations where it would not normally grow, offering a promising approach for regenerative medicine.

SourceTufts University·DateMar 10, 2015
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.

Epilepsy drug could aid stroke victims

A study found that retigabine, an epilepsy drug, protected the brain against ischemic stroke damage in mouse models. The medication acted directly on nerve cells to minimize damage, showing protective effects up to five days after the stroke.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateFeb 11, 2015

NSU researchers discover DNA repair is high in heart, nonexistent in brain

Researchers discovered that organs have varying DNA repair capabilities, with the heart exhibiting the highest capacity, followed by other tissues. The brain showed no ability to repair damaged DNA, leading scientists to suggest that this may be linked to memory loss and dementia.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalPhotochemical & Photobiological Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2015

Anti-epilepsy drug preserves brain function after stroke

Researchers found that retigabine, an approved anti-epilepsy drug, preserved brain tissue in a mouse model of stroke and prevented loss of balance control. Histological analysis showed significantly reduced damage to the tissue after the stroke, up to five days after.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateFeb 4, 2015
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.

Beer compound could help fend off Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Researchers found that xanthohumol, a compound in hops, can protect neuronal cells from oxidative damage, potentially slowing the development of brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study suggests xanthohumol could be a promising candidate for fighting neurodegenerative conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 28, 2015

Diaper compound may expand power of microscopes

Scientists used a modified form of superabsorbent chemical to expand brain structures, enabling the use of common microscopes for high-resolution imaging. This technique, called expansion microscopy, has potential to study diseases in human brain tissue and answer various scientific questions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2015

MIT team enlarges brain samples, making them easier to image

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to enlarge tissue samples by embedding them in an expandable polymer gel, making it easier to image large biological specimens with nanoscale resolution. This technique allows for the imaging of brain cells and mapping how they connect across large regions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 15, 2015
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.

Extra-short nanowires best for brain

Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 15, 2015

Development of psychosis: Gray matter loss and the inflamed brain

A new study finds that gray matter loss in the brain is a precursor to psychosis, with increased inflammation accelerating this process. Researchers analyzed brain scans of young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis and healthy controls, revealing a significant correlation between proinflammatory cytokines and gray matter thinning.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 13, 2015

'Microlesions' in epilepsy discovered by novel technique

Scientists used genetic analysis and mathematical modeling to discover millimeter-sized abnormalities in brain tissue that may cause unpredictable seizures. These 'microlesions' could lead to spontaneous electrical currents causing epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalBrain·DateDec 16, 2014

Images of brain after mild stroke predict future risk

A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found that CT scans taken within 24 hours of a mild, non-disabling stroke can identify patterns of damage associated with different levels of risk for a subsequent stroke. The analysis revealed that patients with certain types of brain damage were at a higher risk o...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

Scientists develop drug to reduce side-effects of 'binge drinking'

A new compound, ethane-beta-sultam, has been developed to reduce brain cell loss and inflammation caused by binge drinking. This breakthrough could lead to a treatment for Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases that damage the brain.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence·DateNov 27, 2014

Stroke damage mechanism identified

A team of researchers discovered a mechanism linked to brain damage after stroke and found that removing it reduces damage. They identified an ion channel called TRPM2, which opens in the presence of reactive oxygen species, causing neuronal cell damage.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateNov 27, 2014

Penn-Dresden study blocks multiple sclerosis relapses in mice

A new study by Penn and Dresden researchers has identified the protein Del-1 as a key player in blocking multiple sclerosis relapses in mice. The protein, also found to prevent inflammation and bone loss in gum disease, shows promise as a potential therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 11, 2014
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.

Images of a nearly invisible mouse

Researchers at RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center in Japan have developed a method to image tissues and whole organisms with high precision. They discovered that aminoalcohols included in the CUBIC reagent can elute heme from hemoglobin, making organs dramatically more transparent.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell·DateNov 6, 2014