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A sweet solution to hard brain implants

Researchers at McGill University developed a novel approach using silicone and sugar to create the softest brain implant yet. The new implants have shown reduced inflammation and higher neuronal density compared to traditional hard implants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMay 4, 2021

White matter structural hubs and cognitive impairment

Damage to densely-packed white matter regions is strongly associated with cognitive impairment compared to gray matter regions; this suggests that white matter hubs are crucial for cognition. The study's findings provide insights into how brain damage affects cognitive abilities and may help explain differences in cognitive decline.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021

Tiny implantable tool for light-sheet imaging of brain activity

Researchers developed a miniature light-sheet generator that can be implanted into a living animal's brain, enabling high-speed and high-contrast imaging of brain activity. The technology uses nanophotonic technology to create ultrathin silicon-based photonic neural probes that emit multiple addressable thin sheets of light.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateApr 19, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coronavirus does not infect the brain but still inflicts damage

A new study found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19 patients' brains, despite significant pathological changes and neurological effects. Inflammation triggered by the virus may cause damage to the brain's blood vessels and lead to 'brain fog' in mild cases.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateApr 16, 2021

Materials Research Society Fellow

David C. Martin, a University of Delaware professor, is advancing novel polymeric materials to integrate electronics with human brain tissue. He has been named a Materials Research Society Fellow for his work on conjugated polymers for interfacing electronic biomedical devices with living tissue.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateApr 15, 2021

'Brain glue' helps repair circuitry in severe TBI

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a hydrogel, known as 'brain glue,' that mimics the composition and mechanics of the brain. The gel has been shown to protect against loss of brain tissue after severe TBI and may aid in functional neural repair.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 6, 2021

Controlled scar formation in the brain

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a new role for the protein drebrin in controlling scar formation and astrocyte reactivity following brain injury. This mechanism, which regulates membrane trafficking, may hold promise for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Leaky blood-brain barrier linked to brain tissue damage in brain aging disease

A new study has found that people with cerebral small vessel disease who have blood-brain barrier leakage have more brain tissue damage over two years than those with less leakage. The study also found a higher leakage rate at the start of the study resulted in more loss of tissue microstructure around brain lesions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 24, 2021
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.

'Zombie' genes? Research shows some genes come to life in the brain after death

Researchers found that certain genes in inflammatory cells called glial cells increased their activity and grew longer appendages after death. This discovery challenges current understanding of post-mortem gene expression and cell activity, which may impact research on disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2021

Focusing on the unhealthy brain to speed drug discovery

A new toolkit developed by researchers at the University of Houston, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, enables rapid drug development for brain diseases and injuries. The toolkit uses high-resolution imaging to analyze unhealthy brain tissue, revealing multiple biological processes at once.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2021
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.

Criteria published for diagnosing the clinical syndrome of CTE during life

The new NINDS Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome provide a standardized approach to diagnose CTE's clinical manifestations during life. These criteria require substantial exposure to repetitive head impacts and progressive cognitive impairment or neurobehavioral dysregulation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateMar 15, 2021

Improved tool to help understand the brain, one section at a time

Researchers have developed an automated silicon-substrate ultra-microtome to improve the speed and quality of brain neural connection reconstruction. The device reduces manual collection skill requirement and ensures high-quality imaging without post-processing operations.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 15, 2021
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.

OHSU study advances field of precision medicine

Researchers at OHSU have developed a new method to quickly map single-cell genomes and clarify spatial cell positions within complex tissues. This technique has the potential to precisely identify and target cells in diseases like cancer or stroke, allowing for novel therapies.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2021
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.

Ultrabright dots see beyond skin deep

Researchers at KAUST have developed custom polymer dots that emit ultrabright light in the shortwave infrared region, allowing for high-resolution imaging of structures deep within biological tissues. This breakthrough enables detection of nano-sized particles and single molecules with single-molecule sensitivity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 16, 2021

Researchers create a molecular 'Google map' of the brain

Scientists have developed a technology that allows pinpointing millions of RNA molecules mapped inside tissues with nanoscale resolution. This breakthrough enables researchers to advance treatment of complex diseases and Alzheimer's research by analyzing RNA molecules in 3D tissue samples.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2021

Fine tuning first-responder immune cells may reduce TBI damage

Researchers find that using metformin can restore a healthier balance between immune cell subtypes, inhibiting chronic inflammation and improving outcomes in traumatic brain injury patients. The study suggests a potential new therapy approach to reduce TBI damage and promote recovery.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJCI Insight·DateJan 25, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Development of plaques in Alzheimer's disease resolved

A team of researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have determined the development stages of Aβ fibrils, which form the basis of Alzheimer's disease plaques. The study provides new insights into the formation of oligomers, potentially harmful structures that contribute to the toxic effect of Aβ.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateDec 21, 2020
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.

Brain tissue yields clues to causes of PTSD

A post-mortem analysis of brain tissue from people with PTSD reveals distinct differences in gene expression patterns between those with and without the disorder. These changes affect two cell types - interneurons and microglia - which may contribute to impaired stress response, particularly in women.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2020

Emerging from the fog: Little understood post-stroke cognitive issues are verified

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study brain functioning in patients with minor strokes and found diminished neural processing, indicating a disruption of network dynamics. The study suggests that post-stroke acute dysexecutive syndrome is the result of global connectivity dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Marine mammals' adaptations to low oxygen offer new perspective on COVID-19

A study by UC Santa Cruz professor Terrie Williams explores how marine mammals' physiological adaptations can help understand the effects of COVID-19. Marine mammals have evolved mechanisms to protect critical organs during low-oxygen conditions, which may inform strategies for humans to mitigate long-term damage from oxygen deprivation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateDec 3, 2020
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.

The ebb and flow of brain ventricles

Researchers observed that brain ventricles expanded in MS patients during inflammation, but then shrunk back to normal size after symptoms subsided. This finding suggests that ventricle volume fluctuations may be reversible and have clinical relevance for monitoring disease progression.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJCI Insight·DateNov 5, 2020

New assay screens human brain organoids, doubles known candidate genes for microcephaly

A new tissue screening assay for human cerebral organoids identified 25 additional candidate genes for microcephaly, nearly doubling the number of currently known genes linked to the rare neurological condition. The CRISPR-LICHT technology revealed these genes associated with both known and previously unknown microcephaly-driving pathw...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

A groundbreaking genetic screening tool for human organoids

Researchers developed a new technique, CRISPR-LICHT, allowing for the analysis of hundreds of genes in human tissue using cerebral organoids. The method identified a specific mechanism controlling brain size and pinpointed microcephaly genes, shedding light on a genetic disorder.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Discovery of new cell may be key to treating incurable neurological diseases

Researchers at Ohio State and the University of Michigan discovered a new type of immune cell that rescues damaged nerve cells from death and partially reverses nerve fiber damage. The unique cell subset promotes nervous system repair and has been identified in human immune cells with similar characteristics.

SourceMediaSource·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Inhibiting epileptic activity in the brain

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a protein called DUSP4 that may help prevent or treat epilepsy. Boosting levels of DUSP4 could potentially block the spread of epileptic centers in the brain and reduce seizure activity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateOct 8, 2020

A hydrogel that could help repair damaged nerves

Researchers have created a stretchable conductive hydrogel that can help restore lost tissue in damaged nerves. The material, containing polyaniline and polyacrylamide, allows nerve cells to enter and adhere, helping to improve nerve conduction and recovery.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 7, 2020

Our health: New focus on the synergy effect of nanoparticles

A new study reveals that nanoparticles can damage human cells when combined, even if individual types do not cause harm. Researchers call for more studies on the effects of lifelong exposure to nanoparticles, which are used in various products and manufacturing processes.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalParticle & Particle Systems Characterization·DateOct 1, 2020

Building a better stroke diagnosis

A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has identified new biomarkers in the blood that can indicate damage to brain tissue, which could help emergency clinicians quickly recognize minor strokes. The discovery has the potential to reduce delays in treatment and improve patient outcomes.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2020

Technology for printing customized neuroprostheses on a 3D bioprinter

A team of researchers has created a patient-specific approach to customizing muscular and neural implants for restoring motor and autonomic functions. The NeuroPrint hybrid 3D printing technology allows for rapid production in just 24 hours, making it faster and cheaper than traditional methods.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 23, 2020
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.

Live imaging method brings structural information to mapping of brain function

Researchers have developed a new method that pairs functional mapping in live mice with distinguishing structural information, providing unprecedented insights into the coupling of visual areas in the mouse brain. This technique enables scientists to distinguish borders and contents of regions more precisely, shedding light on how stru...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateSep 17, 2020

Telomere length varies across human tissue types

A new study reveals that telomere length in whole blood cells can serve as a reliable proxy for other tissues, with 15 out of 23 tissues showing positive correlation. The findings help clarify conflicting results on relationships between individual traits and telomere length.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020

Examining neurotoxicity of pure prions

Researchers have discovered that pure prions do not exhibit neurotoxicity, but instead cause disease through a distinct species. Brain tissue from symptomatic prion-infected mice is found to be toxic to healthy neurons, highlighting the complexity of prion-induced neurodegeneration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020
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.

Using magnetic resonance elastography to detect epilepsy

Researchers used magnetic resonance elastography to detect changes in the hippocampus of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, which is resistant to medication. The study found that MRE can improve early detection and characterization of the disease.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·DateSep 2, 2020

New blood, new hope: Transfusions protect the brain from stroke damage

Researchers at West Virginia University discovered that blood substitution therapy can rescue the brains of mice from ischemic damage and improve outcomes. The study found that replacing 20% of the blood reduces damage to the brain, and the technique may be administered beyond the current three-hour window for stroke treatment.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2020

Targetd ultrasound for noninvasive diagnosis of brain cancer

Washington University researchers are developing a method to diagnose brain tumors without incisions, using ultrasonic energy to target tumors deep in the brain. The technique involves injecting microbubbles that rupture, releasing biomarkers from the tumor into the blood for testing with a blood draw, called a liquid biopsy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 6, 2020
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.

Trying to listen to the signal from neurons

Researchers developed a coaxial cable-inspired needle-electrode for multichannel and local-differential recordings of neuronal activity. This innovation achieved high-quality neuronal signal acquisition with a high signal-to-noise ratio, while reducing tissue damage compared to conventional electrodes.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateJul 29, 2020

Advanced MRI scans may improve treatment of tremor, Parkinson's disease

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed new MRI techniques to more precisely target brain structures linked to Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These methods, including diffusion tractography, aim to reduce adverse effects associated with previous treatments.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateJun 14, 2020
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.

Researchers develop new method to map cholesterol metabolism in brain

Researchers developed a new technology to monitor cholesterol in brain tissue, revealing major locations of cholesterol and its metabolites. This breakthrough could lead to the discovery of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease.

SourceSwansea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2020

Taking a deep look into animals

A new method dubbed 'DEEP-Clear' allows researchers to visualize individual cells and their extensions in complex tissues like the brain. This approach enables scientists to capture 3D images of cells and tissues without sectioning, opening up new avenues for studying neural stem cell biology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2020

Determining the quantity and location of lipids in the brain

Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new technique to quantify lipids in rat brain tissue, providing more information than previous methods. The technique allows for the localization and amount of ceramides to be determined, which are important in learning and memory.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 19, 2020
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.

Technology makes tissues elastic and lasting for easier imaging

A team of MIT researchers has developed ELAST technology, which provides a fast way to fluorescently label cells, proteins, and molecules in brain and other large tissues. The technology enables fully reversible tissue shape transformation while preserving structural and molecular information.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 18, 2020

3D brain-like tissue model links Alzheimer's disease with herpes

A 3D brain-like tissue model has demonstrated a possible causal relationship between sporadic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus I infection. The model allowed researchers to observe the formation of amyloid plaques, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation in response to HSV-1 infection.

SourceTufts University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2020