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.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2023
A new biomarker test, called BD-tau, can detect Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration in blood samples with high accuracy. The test outperforms current methods and correlates well with CSF biomarkers, providing a valuable tool for improved diagnosis and clinical trial design.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalBrain·DateDec 27, 2022
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 22, 2022
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.
SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2022
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 found that white matter hyperintensities are independently associated with premature brain aging, leading to progressive age-like brain atrophy. The study used machine-learning algorithms to estimate brain age and analyzed the relationship between WMH load and BrainGAP scores.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2022
Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered gene usage similarities between COVID-19 patients' brains and aging brains. This study suggests a link between severe COVID-19 and accelerated brain aging, with potential implications for neurological follow-up in recovered individuals.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Aging·DateDec 6, 2022
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.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022
Researchers found that excess fat triggers immune cells to overeat serotonin in the brain of developing male mice, leading to depression-like behavior. Female mice are not affected in the same way, with higher levels of oxytocin linked to social withdrawal.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022
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 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.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 28, 2022
A new study published in the journal Nature has identified medin as a key player in Alzheimer's therapies. Medin, a protein that accumulates in the blood vessels of the brain, promotes vascular pathology and cognitive decline. The researchers hope to develop a treatment targeting medin to prevent vascular damage and cognitive decline.
SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022
A recent study reveals that Down syndrome brains develop the same amyloid beta and tau prions as Alzheimer's disease, causing neurological dysfunction. With over 50% of people with Down syndrome developing Alzheimer's by age 40, this discovery offers new insights into the common underlying causes of these two diseases.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2022
The DiaQNOS project aims to develop quantum sensors for improved brain tumor surgery. Magnetic field sensors will refine neuronavigation, enabling more precise incision paths. Researchers from Mainz University and partners will create a device suitable for use in surgery.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateNov 15, 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.
A three-year research project led by Aston University aims to prevent epileptic seizures in children. The team will explore how epilepsy becomes established in the brain and test new drugs using living tissue samples.
A University of Gothenburg study finds that light physical activity can lead to milder symptoms and improved survival rates for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The research shows a clear link between physical activity and reduced severe symptoms, as well as higher survival rates compared to those who are less active.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022
Researchers found drastic differences in microglia marker Iba1 and factors influencing Sirt1 levels and activity between elder groups. Preserving microglia and Sirt1 functional efficiency is crucial for longevity.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022
Scientists at WashU Medicine have discovered that immune cells surrounding the brain play a crucial role in clearing toxic clusters of proteins. Treating old mice with an immune-stimulating compound rejuvenates these cells, improving waste clearance and holding promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022
Researchers discovered that cephalopods develop their large nervous systems using similar mechanisms as vertebrates, with a focus on the retina. This study provides insight into the developmental process of these intelligent creatures and could lead to new discoveries about human brain development.
SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022
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.
Research suggests that glial cells in the cerebellum 'eat' neighboring neuronal elements to improve synaptic efficiency during motor learning. This process, known as phagocytosis, is enhanced during learning and memory tasks, leading to improved neural function.
SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 2, 2022
A large stroke trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal compromises the return of blood flow to the affected area, leading to more brain tissue deterioration and major disability. The study suggests that this increasingly common treatment strategy should be avoided in clinical practice.
SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022
Researchers found white matter differences in post-treatment Lyme patients using advanced imaging scans, correlating with cognitive difficulties and immune response. Axonal leakage in white matter was associated with better outcomes but also indicative of changed physiology.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 2022
Researchers found that individuals who underwent hemispherectomy surgery at a young age can still recognize differences between pairs of words or faces with remarkable accuracy. The study, published in PNAS, sheds light on brain plasticity and its limitations.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2022
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in understanding schizophrenia by analyzing individual brain cells. The study identified specific neurons and networks affected by the disease, suggesting that targeting these areas could lead to new treatment options.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The platform enhances neurosurgical procedures by delivering precise treatment and diagnosis in deep brain tissue. Researchers successfully implanted the catheter in live sheep without damage or infection, paving the way for potential human trials within four years.
SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2022
A recent study identifies a specific gene, GNL3, that regulates neural proliferation in response to lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder. This gene plays an important role in brain function and has been implicated in risk for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and inter-individual variations in intelligence.
SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022
Scientists have developed a new method to study human brain development by growing millimetre-sized three-dimensional tissues called organoids from pluripotent stem cells. The researchers characterized the cells in molecular-genetic terms, creating a kind of map showing the molecular fingerprint of each cell within the organoid.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022
Researchers have developed an RNA-based editing tool that targets individual cells, enabling precise modification of cell functions to manage diseases. The tool uses the ADAR enzyme to selectively add proteins of interest, offering endless potential applications across the animal kingdom.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022
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.
A mouse study found that female brains express higher levels of an X-linked enzyme called USP11, leading to greater accumulation of tau protein and increased vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that excessive activity of USP11 drives this increased susceptibility in females.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022
A Brazilian study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 targets astrocytes in the brain, reducing neuron viability and causing damage. Infection was confirmed using MRI scans of mild COVID-19 patients and experiments on human nerve cells.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 30, 2022
The study used a weakly supervised deep learning algorithm to analyze human brain autopsy tissues and predict the presence or absence of cognitive impairment. The model identified a signal associated with decreasing myelin staining, which was linked to cognitive impairment in the white matter.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateSep 20, 2022
A new study reveals that European moles reduce their brains by 11% in winter and regrow them by 4% in summer to conserve energy. This phenomenon, known as Dehnel's phenomenon, is driven by cold conditions rather than food shortage alone.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 20, 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.
Scientists developed a laser-based zebrafish model to simulate traumatic brain injuries and identify molecular targets for treatment. The model revealed the importance of microglia activation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain recovery.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalPharmaceutics·DateSep 15, 2022
A novel 937-nm laser source has been developed for multiphoton microscopy, enabling deep tissue imaging at depths of over 600 µm with only 10 mW of power. This breakthrough technology offers a good balance between sensitivity, penetration depth, and imaging speed.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateSep 13, 2022
Researchers developed a novel way to visualize densely packed molecules using expansion microscopy, allowing for the first time their imaging. The technique enables visualization of nanostructures found in neurons and Alzheimer's-linked amyloid beta plaques.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 29, 2022
A study reveals that four nonexcitatory amino acids can cause irreversible brain destruction after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. The amino acids flood the brain cells, leading to swelling and cell death.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGlia·DateAug 23, 2022
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 new study found that high-grade gliomas remodel the surrounding brain environment to protect tumour cells and hide them from the body's defences. Lower grade tumours often develop a new mutation allowing rapid cell division, potentially progressing to higher grade forms.
A study of 350 older adults found that those with multiple chronic health conditions, especially women, are more prone to large blood pressure drops and lower brain oxygenation after standing up. This increases their risk of dizziness, faints, and falls, highlighting the importance of detecting and managing multi-morbidity.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022
Research shows that exposure to commonly used insecticides can profoundly impair honeybees' visually guided behavior, crucial for flight and survival. The study found that pesticide-exposed bees have impaired optomotor responses, with increased asymmetry in left and right turns.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022
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 team of researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital has made a groundbreaking discovery into the genetic and molecular mechanisms that predispose individuals to Alzheimer's disease. They identified 21 candidate risk genes, including SPI1, which regulates microglia and AD risk.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 5, 2022
Researchers found higher levels of brain cell damage and inflammation markers in women with severe preeclampsia compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. The study used health record data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project and explored extracellular vesicles as potential early risk indicators.
Researchers found that microscopic blood vessel disease in the brain's white matter is associated with worse cognitive function and memory deficits in individuals with Alzheimer's. Lifestyle changes such as reducing hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and inactivity may help prevent or slow disease progression.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGeroScience·DateAug 2, 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 new study introduces a novel epigenetic predictor, PCBrainAge, that captures aging heterogeneity across multiple brain regions. The tool demonstrates stronger associations with AD dementia and pathologic AD compared to existing age predictors.
SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022
Researchers at MPI-CBG found that modern human variants cause longer metaphase and fewer chromosome segregation errors in neural stem cells, leading to more efficient brain development. This suggests that some aspects of modern human brain evolution may be independent of brain size.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022
A new study from Tel Aviv University found a promising treatment for long-term COVID-19 symptoms using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Patients treated with HBOT showed significant improvement in cognitive function, attention, and executive functions.
Researchers found reduced levels of Histone Deacetylase I (HDAC I) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, linked to deleterious effects of misfolded beta-amyloid and tau proteins. HDAC inhibitors, currently being tested against mild Alzheimer's disease, may be harming patients rather than helping them.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2022
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.
Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a new method using quantitative MRI to diagnose early-stage Parkinson's disease. This technique reveals biological changes in the brain, enabling early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 15, 2022
Biomedical engineers have created a novel 3D synthetic structure that mimics the extracellular matrix, guiding neural progenitor cells and promoting their differentiation. The results show promise for developing brain-healing treatments, including biogels that can repair and regrow brain tissue after a stroke or other trauma.
SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022
Astrocytes in the thalamus play a key role in susceptibility to seizures after brain injuries. Targeting a specific protein, GAT3, in these cells may prevent long-term damage.
SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 6, 2022
A study by researchers at Uppsala University found that crocodiles can regenerate their hair cells due to the activation of support cells and efferent nerves. This discovery may lead to new treatments for people with impaired hearing, who affect over 1.2 billion worldwide.
SourceUppsala University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2022
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.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022
A newly expanded data set of brain scans from stroke patients called ATLAS now includes 1,271 MRI images with manually segmented lesions, facilitating large-scale stroke recovery research. Researchers hope to develop algorithms to automate lesion segmentation, enabling clinicians to predict patient responses to therapies.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScientific Data·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 27, 2022
A new study reveals that inhaled fine particles can take a direct route from lungs to brain through blood circulation, potentially contributing to brain disorders. The particles were found to stay longer in the brain than in other organs, raising concerns about the long-term effects of air pollution on cognitive function.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 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 collaborative initiative aims to establish common protocols for assessing and comparing diffuse optics systems used in medical diagnosis. The study presents the results of a multi-laboratory comparison of 12 institutions and 28 systems, proposing simple numeric values for easy comparison across instruments.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJun 15, 2022
A team of MIT researchers has developed drug-carrying nanoparticles that can efficiently penetrate the brain and kill glioblastoma cells. Using a human tissue model, they showed that the particles could get into tumors and deliver chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin, which effectively killed tumor cells.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2022
Researchers discovered a specific glycoprotein, RPTP zeta S3L, that connects to CD33 receptors in the brain, limiting its ability to clean up harmful proteins. This finding may lead to new drug targets and early diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2022
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 Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein called STING responds to clean-up signals in brain cells damaged by Parkinson’s disease by creating a cycle of inflammation that accelerates the disease’s progression. In mice with deactivated STING proteins, there was less microglial activity and brain cell death.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2022
Researchers found signs of concussions and head trauma in the brains of deceased headbutting muskoxen and bighorn sheep. The study provides insights into human injuries and opens the possibility that studying these animals could help researchers understand and reduce traumatic brain injuries.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022
The new American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guideline refines care for people with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages. The guideline recommends alternative treatments, such as intermittent pneumatic compression, and updates standard care practices.
SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalStroke·DateMay 17, 2022
A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.
SourceMcGill University·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2022
A new study found a consistent increase in PHGDH expression among Alzheimer's patients and asymptomatic individuals, suggesting increased serine production in the brain. The findings prompt caution against taking serine supplements for Alzheimer's disease treatment or prevention.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 3, 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.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that amyloid fibrils in the brains of patients with frontotemporal degeneration are composed of the protein TMEM106B, not TDP-43 as expected. This finding may lead to new focus on TMEM106B in FTLD and similar brain diseases.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateApr 19, 2022