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Novel tissue-derived brain organoids could revolutionize brain research

Scientists have developed mini-brains from human fetal brain tissue that self-organize in vitro. These lab-grown organoids can study brain development and disease, including brain tumors. They offer a valuable means to untangle the complex network of molecules involved in directing brain development.

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.

Smoking causes brain shrinkage

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.

Can brain stimulation benefit individuals with schizophrenia?

Researchers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved event-based prospective memory in patients with schizophrenia, but not time-based prospective memory. The study suggests rTMS as a potential therapeutic option for prospective memory impairments in individuals with schizophrenia.

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

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.

New methodology to study the intricacies of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed a new microscopy technique using STED technology to visualize individual fibers in amyloid plaques, providing higher resolution than conventional light microscopy. This breakthrough allows for better understanding of the structure and morphology of Aβ aggregates and their role in Alzheimer's disease progression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New MRI technology: a non-invasive look at iron balance

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking MRI technology that non-invasively assesses brain iron homeostasis, shedding light on its role in normal brain function, aging, and disease. The technology offers sensitivity to changes in iron mobilization capacity and can differentiate between tumor tissue and healthy tissue.

Microplastics infiltrate all systems of body, cause behavioral changes

A new study by University of Rhode Island Professor Jaime Ross found microplastics infiltrate all systems of the body, causing behavioral changes and potentially leading to serious health consequences, including Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered microplastics accumulate in every organ, including the brain, and alter immun...

A new ally in fighting brain diseases: our very own skull

Scientists discover unique immune cells in skull's bone marrow, facilitating movement of immune cells between brain and skull, offering new possibilities for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. Non-invasive skull imaging may enable early detection and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's and stroke.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Human vs machine

A Pitt Professor believes oligodendrocytes, the nerve insulating cells, hold the solution to BCI's nagging problem. By understanding and preserving these cells, researchers aim to improve BCI's performance and expand its applications beyond paralysis.

LIONESS redefines brain tissue imaging

Scientists have developed a new technology called LIONESS, which allows for comprehensive and spatially resolved reconstruction of living brain tissue. This breakthrough enables observation and measurement of dynamic cellular biology in real-time.

Innovative stem cell research takes aim at origins of human cancers

A collaborative study by researchers at the University of Ottawa and McMaster University has made a groundbreaking discovery linking different types of cancers to their embryonic origins. The team found that drugs targeting specific embryonic pathways can effectively treat various tumors, including brain, colon, and leukemia cancers.

Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease: the link finally established

Researchers establish a direct link between Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease, attributing the connection to RAS overactivation caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. This dysfunction leads to increased b-amyloid protein accumulation, impairing brain cell synaptic connections and cognitive functions.

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.

Cancer cells rev up synthesis, compared with neighbors

Cancer cells in brain tumors produce lipids at higher rates than surrounding healthy tissue, offering clues for treatment strategies. The study provides insights into the unique biochemical processes fueling cancer growth in the brain.

Flexible nanoelectrodes can provide fine-grained brain stimulation

Rice University engineers developed ultraflexible nanoelectrodes that can deliver high-resolution stimulation therapy with minimal scarring and degradation. The devices showed precise spatiotemporal stimulus control, enabling the development of new brain stimulation therapies for patients with impaired sensory or motor functions.

Comparing the polarimetric properties of fresh and preserved brain tissue

Researchers found that formalin fixation does not significantly alter the polarimetric properties of brain tissue, making it suitable for training machine-learning models. The study suggests that formalin-fixed brain tissue specimens can provide high-quality data for rapid and accurate diagnostic imaging in surgery.

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 beginning is the end

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that specific start sites (TSSs) are linked to distinct end sites (TESs), shaping the RNA landscape unique to each tissue. Dominant promoters, which overrule conventional signals, drive this process and are conserved across species.

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.

Brain images just got 64 million times sharper

Researchers at Duke University have successfully improved the resolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), capturing images of a mouse brain with unprecedented sharpness. The breakthrough allows for the visualization of microscopic details within the brain, enabling new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's an...

International study shows link between brain age and stroke outcomes

A new study published in Neurology shows that younger brain age is associated with superior post-stroke outcomes, suggesting a potential biomarker for stroke rehabilitation. The research team used multi-site data sets and 3D brain structural MRIs to analyze the relationship between brain age and stroke recovery.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New insights: Eye damage in Alzheimer's disease patients

Researchers have mapped changes to the retina that correspond to brain changes in Alzheimer's disease patients, opening a path to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments. The study found accumulation of toxic proteins in retinas of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, causing severe cell degeneration.

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.

Healing the brain: Hydrogels enable neuronal tissue growth

Researchers at Hokkaido University used hydrogel materials in combination with neural stem cells to grow new brain tissue in areas of brain damage. The study showed that immune cells and blood vessels grew within the hydrogels, leading to some degree of integration between the hydrogel and host brain tissue.

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.

Medication that protects brain tissue linked to improved stroke survival

A new neuroprotectant medication called ApTOLL has been shown to improve survival and reduce long-term disability among patients with stroke. The study found that ApTOLL, when used in conjunction with standard treatments, reduced death and brain damage, suggesting a promising new approach to treating stroke.

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.

Inflammatory trigger a new clue in Alzheimer’s

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio identified a new inflammatory trigger in Alzheimer's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy, involving 'jumping genes' that form double-stranded RNA mimicking viral infections. This discovery opens new doors for understanding astrocyte biology and their role in transposable element control.

New USC study challenges previous ideas regarding Alzheimer’s disease

A new USC study found that the buildup of amyloid beta protein in the brain is not directly linked to Alzheimer's disease, but rather a general change associated with aging. Researchers discovered higher levels of soluble Aβ protein in healthy brains, while insoluble fibrillary amyloid was more closely tied to poor brain health.

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 soft, stimulating scaffold supports brain cell development ex vivo

A new type of electrically conductive hydrogel scaffold has been developed to support brain cell growth and differentiation. The scaffold mimics the soft conditions of brain tissue and enables the creation of implantable biohybrid BCIs that integrate with a patient's brain tissue.

Effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza on canids investigated

A study found that Ezo red foxes and Japanese raccoon dogs infected with HPAI virus had different outcomes due to varying diets. The fox died, while the raccoon dog survived but suffered damage to its eyes. The findings suggest that monitoring programs should be expanded to understand HPAI ecology and identify risk factors.

New expansion microscopy methods magnify research's impact

New expansion microscopy methods, dubbed Magnify, allow researchers to observe nanoscale biological structures with standard microscopes. The protocol retains biomolecules intact, enabling simultaneous imaging of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

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.

Research shows fatty liver disease endangers brain health

A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain and inflammation to brain tissue. The research identified Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) as a potential therapeutic target for protecting against NAFLD-induced brain dysfunction.

New sensor uses MRI to detect light deep in the brain

Researchers at MIT developed a new sensor that converts light into a magnetic signal detectable by MRI, allowing for the mapping of light distribution in tissue. This breakthrough has implications for optogenetic experiments and monitoring patients receiving light-based therapies for cancer treatment.

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.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation design goes deeper into brain

A new geometrical-shaped magnet structure enables deep brain stimulation to reach 11 centimeters below the scalp, 1.67 times deeper than conventional methods. This improved design offers more focused stimulation and increased treatment potential for psychiatric diseases like major depression.

Novel method automates the growth of brain tissue organoids on a chip

A team of engineers at UC Santa Cruz has developed an automated system for growing cerebral organoids, miniature models of brain tissue grown from stem cells. The new method, called Autoculture, precisely delivers nutrients to individual organoids, optimizing growth and reducing cellular stress.