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Goals, opportunities, guides for advancing soft tissue and soft materials research

Researchers at UMass Amherst have outlined high-priority goals and opportunities for advancing knowledge on cavitation science, which occurs in soft materials and tissues during traumatic brain injury. The team proposes using cavitation as a unique tool to understand soft tissues and develop new medical devices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2020

APS tip sheet: Untangling neurons with scattered light

Researchers recreated a three-dimensional image of brain connectivity using tissue scattering and biophysical models. The findings enhance scientists' ability to conceptualize the brain's architecture by allowing the creation of high-resolution images of nerve fiber arrangements.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drug shows promise in reducing deadly brain swelling after stroke

A new compound has been discovered that targets a pathway causing brain swelling after stroke, potentially reducing cases of brain injury and death. The compound, called ZT-1a, was tested on mice and rats with stroke or hydrocephalus and showed promise in effectively reducing brain swelling.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2020

Stroke: Macrophages migrate from the blood

Researchers discovered that shortly after a stroke, macrophages from the blood attack dead and adjacent healthy brain tissue. This process was hindered by inactivating the Cxcr4 gene, which acts like an antenna for inflammatory processes in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2020
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.

Army research may improve stroke, TBI treatment

Researchers have discovered that the glymphatic system goes awry during a stroke, promoting brain cell drowning and swelling. This finding may lead to novel interventions to reduce stroke severity and improve outcomes.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2020

Brain drowns in its own fluid after a stroke

Research in mice shows that the glymphatic system floods the brain during a stroke, triggering severe swelling and cell death. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies focused on restoring blood flow and inhibiting the spread of depolarization.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2020

Reducing dangerous swelling in traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that injecting nanoparticles into the bloodstream can significantly reduce brain swelling and damage after a traumatic brain injury. The treatment may provide new hope for individuals with significant traumatic brain injuries, including young athletes and soldiers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 22, 2020

Exosomes promote remarkable recovery in stroke

Researchers have found that an exosome treatment can promote full recovery in swine with severe stroke, even in cases where brain cells are at risk of dying. The treatment works by interrupting the process of cell death and reducing damage signals throughout the brain network.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTranslational Stroke Research·DateJan 14, 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.

Gut microbes may improve stroke recovery

Research suggests that supplementing with short chain fatty acids can improve stroke recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroinflammation. The study found that mice who drank water with added fatty acids experienced better stroke recovery, including reduced motor impairment and increased spine growth.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateJan 8, 2020

Illinois team develops first of a kind in-vitro 3D neural tissue model

Researchers created living biohybrid nerve tissue using stem cells to develop 3D models of neural networks, enabling better understanding of brain function and disease development. The 3D models can be controlled with optogenetics and used for drug testing and studying complex behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2019

New ultra-miniaturized scope less invasive, produces higher quality images

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University created a lens-free, ultra-miniaturized endoscope that produces higher quality images while minimizing brain tissue damage. The microendoscope achieves this by using coded apertures and computational reconstruction to create a clearer image from a 'messy' projection.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 2019
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.

New study provides insight into chronic kidney disease

Researchers discovered a link between uremic solutes and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) activation in CKD patients. This finding may lead to new clinical blood tests and medication development targeting AHR inhibitors for treating CKD complications.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalKidney International·DateDec 4, 2019

Shaking head to get rid of water in ears could cause brain damage

Researchers at Cornell University and Virginia Tech found that shaking the head to free trapped water in the ear canal can cause brain damage in small children, due to acceleration of up to 10 times gravity. A solution using liquids with lower surface tension, such as alcohol or vinegar, may help remove water without causing harm

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2019
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.

Complex organ models grown in the lab

Researchers develop a new technique to grow miniature organs with functional blood vessels and immune cells, simulating human embryonic tissues. This breakthrough allows for more efficient disease research and potential transplantation of transplanted tissue.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 19, 2019

Lithium can reverse radiation damage after brain tumor treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that lithium can reverse cognitive problems caused by radiation damage in mice, improving memory capacity and learning capability. The study suggests a potential new treatment for damage caused by brain tumor radiotherapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 13, 2019

Tiny transporters could deliver treatment to stroke patients

Research at the University of Manchester shows that tiny vesicles called liposomes can potentially transport life-saving drugs across the brain's blood-brain barrier following a stroke. This breakthrough offers a new way to get vital drugs to the lesions and stop further damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 6, 2019
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.

Potential drug targets for glioblastoma identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified 10 novel glioblastoma-specific endothelial cell transcripts that could represent potential tumour-targets for therapy. The study uses a new method to process human brain tissue data and identifies disease-related changes in cells lining tumour blood vessels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 5, 2019

McLean's Brain Bank receives new contract from NIH

The McLean Hospital Brain Bank has received a new contract from the NIH to fund 180 brains per year, allowing for enhanced procedures and deeper understanding of brain pathology in psychiatric disorders. The center is part of the NeuroBioBank national resource for investigators using postmortem brain tissue.

SourceMcLean Hospital·DateOct 28, 2019

Protein in blood protects against neuronal damage after brain hemorrhage

Researchers have discovered a protective protein called haptoglobin that prevents free hemoglobin from damaging neurons after brain hemorrhage. By administering purified haptoglobin directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, they were able to prevent vasospasms and block toxic effects.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 21, 2019
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.

Newly discovered virus infects bald eagles across America

A new virus, BeHV, has been found in nearly a third of the US bald eagle population, causing seizures and liver damage. The virus is related to human hepatitis C and was found in eagles without symptoms of the fatal disease, Wisconsin River Eagle Syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2019

Stanford study shows why even well-controlled epilepsy can disrupt thinking

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that even people with well-controlled epilepsy often experience cognitive deficits due to abnormal brain electrical activity called high-frequency oscillations. The research suggests that certain medications or implantable devices could be improved to alleviate these deficits.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 16, 2019

Study focuses on repair and reversal of damage caused by Huntington's disease

A study led by UCLA researchers found that suppressing the mutation in astrocytes can stop the progression of Huntington's disease in mice and repair some of the damage. The findings suggest that impaired astrocytes play a role in many neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and ALS.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 16, 2019

New brain research could change how concussions are treated

A recent study has found greater signs of blood vessel damage than nerve damage in traumatic brain injuries, challenging the ongoing hypothesis that blunt force causes nerve damage. The researchers' discovery could influence the development of new treatments and therapies for TBI.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalBrain·DateOct 13, 2019
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.

Brain tissue kept alive for weeks on an artificial membrane

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to keep brain tissue viable for months using a semi-permeable membrane, allowing gas exchange while preventing dehydration or drowning. This breakthrough enables long-term study of biological development and organogenesis, facilitating drug discovery and tissue research.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAnalytical Sciences·DateOct 9, 2019

Repetitive impacts key to understanding sports-associated concussions

A study using sensor-enabled mouthguard technology and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI found that repetitive impacts cause damage to small blood vessels in the brain, leading to 'leaky' blood vessels visible on MRI scans. The research aims to improve player safety in sports with robust return-to-play guidelines.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 9, 2019

Not just images

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed an MRI technique that can detect molecular changes in the brain, allowing for early disease diagnosis and treatment. This non-invasive method provides biological readouts of brain tissue, enabling doctors to compare scans over time and differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2019
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.

Zika virus infects the adult human brain and causes memory deficits in animal models

Researchers found that Zika virus replicates in adult human brain tissue and impairs synapse function and memory in infected mice. The study showed that the virus causes a strong inflammatory response, leading to microglia activation and synapse damage, resulting in memory loss.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2019

Big brains or big guts: Choose one

A global study finds that birds with smaller brains thrive in variable environments by using alternative ecological strategies, such as large bodies and high reproductive rates. In contrast, big-brained birds are less adaptable and invest more time in raising fewer offspring.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2019

Brain takes a beating as arteries age

As humans age, their brains receive increased load from the heart's beating due to stiffening large arteries, causing damage to smallest blood vessels. The hippocampus, crucial for episodic memory, is particularly vulnerable to this increased stress.

SourceUmea University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 20, 2019
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.

Tissue model reveals role of blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's

Researchers developed a tissue model that mimics blood-brain barrier disruption in Alzheimer's disease, showing how damaged barriers allow harmful molecules to enter the brain. The model also revealed that restoring the blood-brain barrier with certain drugs can slow down neuron cell death.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 12, 2019

Researchers show how side hit to the head could damage brain, lead to concussion

Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology have identified two brain regions vulnerable to side hits that lead to concussions. The study reveals how rotational accelerations cause mechanical vibrations in these regions, resulting in tissue and cell damage. This knowledge can help develop safer sports helmets.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 31, 2019
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.

Promising treatment option for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

A study published in PNAS has identified a potential treatment for CRPS by targeting IL-1-induced neuroinflammation. The researchers transferred antibodies from patients with long-lasting CRPS to mice and found that blocking IL-1 with a clinically available drug, anakinra, helped prevent and reverse the condition.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2019

The body responds to variations in light between the day and night independently of the brain

New research reveals that tissues can respond to light changes independently of the central clock in the brain, maintaining minimal functions even when other tissues fail. This autonomy has significant implications for health, particularly in regards to premature aging and pathologies caused by daily phase differences.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell·DateMay 31, 2019

UTA earns equipment grant to expand research into brain injuries

The University of Texas at Arlington has received a DURIP grant to purchase equipment that can determine the severity of brain injuries, even those that are not immediately apparent. The new equipment will be used to expand associate professor Ashfaq Adnan's research in damage detection for blast-related traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 23, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Head injury effects halted by xenon gas, finds first ever life-long study in mice

Researchers found that xenon gas treatment shortly after a head injury prevents early death and long-term cognitive impairment in mice. The treatment also protects brain tissue and reduces inflammation, which may lead to new treatments for people with TBI. This study provides promising results for future human trials.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateMay 21, 2019

Artificial intelligence tool vastly scales up Alzheimer's research

Researchers developed a machine-learning approach to distinguish critical markers of Alzheimer's disease using computer-aided analysis. The tool can process large amounts of data quickly and accurately, enabling neuropathologists to analyze thousands of times more samples than before.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

In vivo super-resolution photoacoustic computed tomography by localization of single dyed droplets

Researchers at Caltech Optical Imaging Laboratory created a technique to break the acoustic diffraction limit in PACT by localizing single dyed droplets flowing in blood vessels, achieving six-fold finer resolution. The droplets provide excellent tracers for super-resolution imaging and enable tracking of blood flow speed.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateApr 18, 2019
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.

New study reshapes understanding of how the brain recovers from injury

Researchers found that retinal ganglion cells depend on the primary visual area of the brain to remain healthy, leading to permanent visual impairment. However, some eye cells remain connected to unscathed neurons in the visual cortex, suggesting a potential for vision recovery through neuroplasticity-based therapies.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 20, 2019
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.