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Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists shine light to measure blood flow in the brain in real time

Researchers at GIST create an optical technique called optical speckle image velocimetry that can image dynamic changes in cerebral blood flow, allowing for the diagnosis of brain health. The technique provides high-time resolution and measures both speed and direction of blood flow.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Mutated enzyme weakens connection between brain cells that help control movement

Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Neurobiology·DateAug 17, 2021
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Mapping of genetic control elements in the cerebellum

Researchers mapped genetic control elements of active genes in the mouse cerebellum, identifying over 200,000 control elements and a temporal pattern shared between different cell types. The study also shed light on the evolution of gene regulatory programmes in mammals.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScience·TypeNews article·DateJul 30, 2021

Researchers overcome winking, napping pigs to prove brain test works

A team of scientists has successfully developed an eyeblink test for pigs, a model species for studying nutritional neuroscience in human infants. The test assesses cognitive processing in the cerebellum and demonstrates associative learning in pigs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2021

European Virtual Institute to study the neural basis of emotion

The European Virtual Institute will study the neural basis of emotion using a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, focusing on the role of the cerebellum in controlling emotions. The network aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for emotional disorders by combining fundamental and clinical research.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateJun 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are autism drugs on the horizon?

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to autism that affects brain function and development. The study found that the mutation impacts brain cells, leading to hyper-social behavior and learning disabilities in mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments targeting the cerebellum's neural processes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2021

CU Anschutz researchers shed light on split-second decision making

A new study from CU Anschutz researchers has identified the cerebellum as a critical region for making fast `go-no go' decisions. The study used mice to investigate the molecular layer interneurons in the cerebellum, which were found to play a role in learning valence and determining whether something is good or not.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2020

Roadmap for linking neurological and locomotor deficits

Scientists developed a new automated movement-tracking system, LocoMouse, to capture fine details of locomotion in mice. The study identified highly-detailed 'locomotor signatures' for two mouse models, providing a roadmap for linking neurological and locomotor deficits.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

'Little brain' or cerebellum not so little after all

New research using ultra-high-field MRI reveals the cerebellum has a surface area equal to 80% of the cerebral cortex's surface area, challenging the long-held idea that it is smaller. This expansion is linked to human behavior and cognition evolution, enabling the processing of complex concepts like language and abstract reasoning.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2020

Closer threats inspire a more primitive kind of fear

Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain circuits respond to threats at different distances. They found that near threats engage survival circuitry, making them harder to extinguish, while distant threats are processed by higher-order thinking areas. This could lead to new therapies for PTSD.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Identified a brain circuit that could indicate the risk of developing Alzheimer's

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has identified a brain circuit that could indicate the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Researchers discovered that poor connectivity between the brainstem and cerebellum may be predictive of Alzheimer's risk, specifically targeting those with a family history.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateFeb 12, 2020

Overactive brain waves trigger essential tremor

Researchers identify excessive brain activity in the cerebellum as the source of essential tremor, a condition affecting 4% of people over 40. Using neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial direct-current stimulation or drugs to reduce transmission between nerve cells, may provide new treatment options.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020
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.

Multifunctional small brains

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience found that the cerebellum is involved in higher perceptual abilities beyond motor coordination. The discovery highlights the importance of functioning small brains in social cognition and suggests that problems with the cerebellum may impair aspects of this cognitive function.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalBrain·DateNov 21, 2019

Stress hormone helps control the circadian rhythm of brain cells

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that stress hormones, such as corticosterone, play a crucial role in controlling the circadian rhythm of brain cells. By using test rats and a new method involving medical micropumps, they were able to restore the rhythmic activity of clock genes in the cerebellum even after t...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalEndocrinology·DateNov 8, 2019

Finding upends theory about the cerebellum's role in reading and dyslexia

A new study published in Human Brain Mapping found that the cerebellum is not engaged during reading in both typical readers and children with dyslexia. The research suggests that difficulties in phonological processing, a key feature of dyslexia, are more closely related to brain regions in the left cortex.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateOct 9, 2019

An overactive cerebellum causes issues across the brain

A recent study by Kyoto University found that acute cerebellar inflammation causes 'depression-like' behavior in rats, characterized by decreased motivation and sociability. The research team discovered that microglia activation led to increased neuronal firing, causing the cerebellum to become hyperexcited.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 10, 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.

Untangling the where and when of walking in the brain

Scientists used a split-belt treadmill to study mouse locomotor learning and found that the brain separates spatial and temporal components of movement. The findings show similarities with human learning and suggest potential therapeutic approaches for people with asymmetric walking patterns.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 19, 2019

Biggest ever map of human Alzheimer's brain published

A team of researchers has created the largest dataset of its type ever, mapping the relative levels of over 5,825 distinct proteins across six regions of the brain. The study reveals new molecular targets for Alzheimer's disease and identifies changes in the cerebellum that may protect it from damage caused by the disease.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Brain's cerebellum found to influence addictive and social behavior

The study found that the cerebellum influences reward processing and social behaviors, which could lead to new treatments for addiction. The researchers used optogenetics to activate cerebellar neurons connected to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), triggering pleasurable behaviors in mice.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2019

The cerebellum's hidden roles in social and reward-driven behavior

Research reveals an important cerebellar function in cognitive and emotional control, shedding light on connections between cerebellar damage and mental challenges. The study also identifies a direct pathway between the cerebellum and the ventral tegmental area, which regulates dopamine release.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2019

New maps hint at how electric fish got their big brains

Researchers mapped the regions of the brain in electric fish, finding that the cerebellum is bigger than expected and associated with their use of weak electric discharges. The study challenges the idea that big brains always mean big cerebellums, suggesting alternative explanations for brain evolution

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 2018
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.

Making moves and memories, are they connected?

A recent study found that the cerebellum plays a crucial role in cognitive functions, including short-term memory. The research team discovered that activity in the cerebellum during periods of stillness was linked to memory activity in both the frontal cortex and other parts of the brain.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2018

Mind's quality control center found in long-ignored brain area

Researchers discover cerebellum's involvement in higher-order cognition, including attention, thinking, planning, and decision-making. The cerebellum was found to be responsible for quality control over thoughts and actions, with 80% of its networks devoted to these functions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateOct 25, 2018

Cells in 'little brain' have distinctive metabolic needs

Researchers discovered that cells in the cerebellum, or 'little brain', have unique metabolic needs. The study found that blocking an enzyme regulating mitochondria impairs cerebellar development more than other parts of the brain.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

MPFI scientist receives more than $2 million in funding

The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) awards Dr. Jason Christie $2,082,074 to investigate neural circuits in the cerebellum and their role in motor learning. The goal is to understand how neurons interact with each other to facilitate learning outcomes.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·DateSep 12, 2018
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.

Perinatal hypoxia associated with long-term cerebellar learning deficits and Purkinje cell misfiring

A study by Children's National Health System researchers found that chronic sublethal hypoxia causes locomotor miscoordination and long-term cerebellar learning deficits. Restoring GABA levels with an off-the-shelf medicine improves Purkinje cell firing and locomotor performance in a model of neonatal brain injury.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2018

Newly identified role for inhibition in cerebellar plasticity and behavior

Researchers have identified a new role for inhibition in regulating motor learning in the cerebellum, finding that inhibitory cell class molecular layer interneurons play a key role in modulating plasticity and learning behavior. This discovery provides fundamental insights into neural computation and mechanisms underlying motor learning.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateAug 16, 2018

Surprise finding in neurons

Researchers discovered a high infection rate of Purkinje neurons with HHV-6 in patients with bipolar disorder and/or severe depression. The study suggests viruses can cause cognitive disturbances leading to mood disorders, contradicting the belief that dormant viruses never cause disease.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 9, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Autism spectrum disorder linked to shape of brain's cerebellum

Researchers found that boys with autism had lower fractal dimension in the right cerebellar cortex, indicating a flatter surface structure related to communication difficulties. This finding suggests rethinking the role of cerebellar function and structure in young individuals at risk for atypical brain development.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2018

Neuroscientists uncover secret to intelligence in parrots

Researchers discovered a neural circuit in parrots that may underlie their intelligence, similar to the pontine nuclei found in primates. The medial spiriform nucleus, located in birds, is comparable in function to the pontine nuclei and plays a key role in higher-order processing and sophisticated behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 3, 2018

Complexity of NMDA receptor drug discovery target revealed

Researchers at Emory University have discovered that GluN2C is rarely paired with another subunit, challenging current understanding of NMDA receptors. This finding has implications for developing treatments for diseases such as schizophrenia and treatment-resistant depression.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateJun 28, 2018
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.

Decoding the brain's learning machine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant discoveries about the cerebellum's role in learning and prediction. By studying monkey brains, they found that Purkinje cells communicate through simple spikes (predictions) and complex spikes (error feedback), organizing into small groups to learn together.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 3, 2018

Difference in gene switching discovered in different parts of brain

A study published in Science Advances reveals significant differences in molecular machinery that turns on and off gene expression between cerebellum and prefrontal cortex. The research provides insights into the molecular apparatus involved in conscious thinking and may lead to the development of drugs to treat mental illnesses.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2018

Run faster, learn better

A new study found that faster mice run, the faster they learn. Researchers used mutant mice with reduced running speed to demonstrate the causal link between running speed and enhanced learning. They also showed that once learned, performance still depended on running speed.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 16, 2018

Scientists illuminate mechanism at play in learning

Researchers modelled molecular basis of learning in cerebellum, a brain region coordinating voluntary movements. The study reveals communication must occur in both directions across synapses to control learning, with an automatic off-switch allowing the system to return to its resting state.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 15, 2018

Research reveals a mechanism that drives ataxia type 1

A study has identified a critical protein interaction that triggers the development of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), a rare neurodegenerative disease. The researchers found that polyQ-ATAXIN1 forms a complex with capicua, which disrupts gene expression and leads to neurodegeneration.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 8, 2018
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.

Autism therapy: Social behavior restored via brain stimulation

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made a breakthrough in treating autistic children with neuromodulation, which restored social impairments. The study found that stimulating a specific part of the cerebellum improved social behaviors in both mice and humans, offering new hope for autism treatment.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 13, 2017

In autism, too many brain connections may be at root of condition

A study from Washington University School of Medicine found that a defective gene linked to autism influences how neurons connect and communicate in the brain. Mice lacking this gene formed more connections, leading to difficulties in learning and social interactions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017

A molecule for proper neural wiring in the cerebellum

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that the GLAST molecule facilitates functional wiring of brain cells involved in motor coordination. Glutamate transporters, like GLAST, enable high-fidelity signal transmission between nerve cells.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2017
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.

Eye test could help diagnose autism

A new study suggests that an eye test could be a useful tool in diagnosing Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by assessing the ability of individuals to adapt saccade amplitudes. This test may indicate deficits in the brain's emotional and social development areas, which are often impaired in individuals with ASD.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJul 24, 2017

Getting a leg up: Hand task training transfers motor knowledge to feet

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that learning a new task involving the hands can also improve performance with the foot, as measured by changes in brain activity between the motor cortex and cerebellum. This study demonstrates the brain's ability to adapt and transfer motor knowledge across body parts.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateMar 30, 2017
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.

Brain's role in Tourette tics simulated in new computational model

A new computational model simulates the role of the brain in Tourette syndrome, suggesting that motor tics arise from interactions between multiple brain areas. The model predicts how dysfunctions in neural circuits can lead to an increased number of tics, which could aid in identifying new treatment targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 30, 2017

Brain stimulation improves schizophrenia-like cognitive problems

A study from the University of Iowa Health Care found that cerebellar stimulation in rats with schizophrenia-like thinking problems restored normal brain activity in the frontal cortex and corrected timing deficits. The researchers used optogenetics to stimulate the rats' cerebellar region, which led to improved cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 28, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

WSU researcher finds mechanism affecting alcohol consumption

A Washington State University researcher has identified a mechanism in the cerebellum of the brain that influences an animal's likelihood of heavy drinking. This discovery offers a potential new target for drug therapies aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among problem drinkers.

SourceWashington State University·DateAug 30, 2016

Genetic mutation causes ataxia in humans and dogs

A new genetic mutation in the CAPN1 gene has been identified as a cause of ataxia in humans and Parson Russell Terrier dogs. Calpain-1, an enzyme involved in brain development, is found to be neuroprotective, preventing excessive neuronal death.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

Researchers optimize methods to study neurons during motor activity

Max Planck Florida scientists have optimized techniques for studying motor learning in neurons of the cerebellum, enabling prolonged assessment of neural activity. This breakthrough allows for further characterization of continuously engaged neurons during motor activity and normal behavior.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateMar 9, 2016
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.

Repetitive blast exposure causes cerebellar dysfunction in combat veterans

Researchers at VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington find chronic changes in neuron activity in specific brain regions with repeated blasts. Chronic brain damage can lead to emotional difficulties such as mood problems, irritability, and impulsivity in veterans.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 13, 2016

Brain FM: Purkinje cells sing different tunes

Researchers at NCBS discovered that Purkinje cells have two modes of electrical signaling based on voltage: a constant 'up' state and a burst-like 'down' state. This allows the cells to choose whether to respond to instructions or not, and the study suggests that this mechanism may play a role in motor learning.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·DateSep 29, 2015

Our elegant brain: Motor learning in the fast lane

Researchers at McGill University discovered that a small cluster of brain cells in the cerebellum engage in elegant computations to quickly compare expected and actual sensory feedback. This allows neurons to rapidly readjust and form new patterns in the brain to accomplish tasks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 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.