Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Maryland leads multi-university research initiative to build smarter intelligence

A new research initiative aims to harness the potential of astrocytes, a type of brain cell often overlooked in AI development. By studying how astrocytes process information, researchers hope to create next-generation AI systems that learn faster and adapt more reliably.

SourceUniversity of Maryland College of Computer Mathematical & Natural Sciences·Journalnpj Unconventional Computing·DateJun 3, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New hand sensors turn post-stroke rehab into an on-screen game

Researchers developed piezoelectric patch sensors that track finger movements to play rock-paper-scissors, promoting self-motivated healthcare and entertainment. The sensors provide quantifiable data and objective feedback, improving patient outcomes through accessibility, independence, and motivation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJun 2, 2026

Sophisticated neuroimaging reveals PTSD in WTC responders is linked to measurable physical changes in brain structure

A study among WTC responders with chronic PTSD found measurable physical changes in their brain structure, including cortical changes and imbalance of myelinated to unmyelinated neurons. These changes were most strongly associated with re-experiencing symptoms in individuals with PTSD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 17, 2025

94% of the grey matter in the brains of mothers undergoes changes during pregnancy

A study analyzing the brains of women during pregnancy for the first time reveals that 94% of grey matter undergoes changes, particularly in social cognition regions. The research shows a reduction and partial recovery of brain volume, associated with steroid hormone fluctuations and maternal well-being.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025

Sex differences in brain structure present at birth

The study found that female infants had significantly more grey matter than male infants, while male infants had more white matter. These sex differences are average and do not imply better or worse brains, but rather reflect biological sex differences during prenatal brain development.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 7, 2025
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.

New study finds neurobiological evidence of peripartum depression in women, distinguishing it from major depressive disorder

Researchers have identified structural grey matter differences in the brains of women with a history of peripartum depression compared to those without. The study found that hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and childbirth may be key to understanding this condition.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 5, 2024

Cerebral blood flow and arterial transit in older adults

Researchers identify modifiable determinants of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) in older adults. A higher BMI was associated with lower CBF and longer ATT, while cardiorespiratory fitness linked to longer ATT in specific brain regions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateOct 8, 2024

New study reveals changes in the brain throughout pregnancy

Researchers have created the first map of a human brain over the course of pregnancy, documenting changes in gray and white matter. These findings suggest that the adult brain is capable of undergoing extended periods of neuroplasticity, which may support behavioral adaptations tied to parenting.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Huge study identifies suicide risk factors to improve preventions

Scientists at the University of Warwick have investigated a range of contributing risk factors for suicide in a large-scale study. The study identified biological and behavioral predictors, including elevated white blood cells, neuroticism, childhood experiences, and reduced grey matter in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 2, 2024

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024
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.

Volume of grey brain matter significantly lower in people with Early Onset Psychosis

A large brain imaging study discovered reduced grey matter volume across nearly all brain regions in individuals with Early Onset Psychosis, a critical period of brain development. The study provides unprecedented levels of detail about the illness and may assist in future diagnosis and track treatment effects.

SourceKing's College London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2024

Physical fitness since childhood predicts cerebellar volume in adolescence

A recent study published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that physical fitness since childhood is associated with increased cerebellar grey matter volume in adolescents. Those with better neuromuscular fitness had larger Crus I grey matter volume, while those with cardiorespiratory fitness had smaller to...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateNov 10, 2023

Exposure to plasticizers in pregnancy associated with smaller volumetric measures in the brain and lower IQ in children

Exposure to plasticizers during pregnancy has been linked to smaller total gray matter in the brains of children at age 10. Additionally, maternal exposure to certain phthalates is associated with lower child IQ at age 14. The relationship between exposure and lower IQ is partially influenced by total gray matter volumes.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023
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.

Tiny, flexible spinal probe system could lead to better therapies

Rice University scientists have developed a tiny, flexible spinal probe system that can record high-quality data from spinal cord neurons and provide localized stimulation. The new tool aims to improve our understanding of spinal cord function and potentially bring new hope to patients with injuries or conditions.

SourceRice University·DateAug 7, 2023

Inflammation hotspots in MS spill over to damage grey matter

A mouse model of multiple sclerosis reveals evidence of inflammatory gene expression spilling over from the brain's barrier to grey matter. The study uses spatial transcriptomics to show a gradient of immune genes and inflammatory markers from meninges to surrounding brain tissue.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateJul 11, 2023

Eyeing the brain: Predicting cerebrovascular diseases with retinal imaging

Researchers developed an innovative imaging approach using two-photon microscopy to analyze retinal microcirculation, revealing significant changes in blood flow that may indicate brain diseases. The study suggests that microcirculation in the retina could serve as a promising predictor of cerebrovascular diseases.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateJun 14, 2023
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.

Cortical thinning is associated with altered neurotransmission in young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence

Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 12, 2023

Fibromyalgia changes the brain

Researchers found changes in grey matter volume in pain-processing areas of the brain, with decreased volume in regions responsible for inhibiting pain. The study also revealed altered signal transmission in the thalamus and correlations between brain structure and perceptional characteristics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 26, 2023

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateMay 25, 2023

How music can prevent cognitive decline

A study found that practicing music and active listening can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by promoting brain plasticity. The researchers discovered an increase in grey matter volume in four brain regions involved in high-level cognitive functioning.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuroImage·TypeNews article·DateApr 17, 2023
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.

Common brain network for psychiatric illness discovered

Researchers identified a common brain network underlying several psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. The transdiagnostic network shows gray matter decreases in specific brain regions across most studies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 12, 2023

Metabolism linked to brain health say UniSA researchers

A study from UniSA researchers found associations between metabolic profiles and adverse brain findings, including lower hippocampal and grey matter volumes. People with metabolic profiles linked to obesity were more likely to have higher accumulation of iron in the brain.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDiabetes Obesity and Metabolism·TypeCase study·DateSep 29, 2022
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.

Keys to keeping your brain healthy

A recent study highlights the importance of physical exercise, social relationships, and passion in maintaining brain health. By adopting these three factors, individuals can improve their cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related decline.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

War-zone related stress may lead to changes in the microstructure of the brain

A study at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that war-zone related stress can alter the brain's limbic gray matter regions, affecting basic emotions and drives. These structural changes are associated with cognitive functioning, including improved verbal short-term memory and processing speed.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2022

Chronic pain in Gulf War veterans linked to brain structure changes

Research published in JNeurosci found that Gulf War veterans with chronic pain have changes in brain structure involved in pain processing, including larger frontal cortex areas and smaller insular cortices. These structural differences may contribute to the development of effective treatments for Gulf War Illness.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 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.

Grey matter volume could inform treatment decisions for developing mental health disorders

A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

USC experts discover brain differences in young children with binge eating disorder

A USC-led study reveals that children with binge eating disorder show abnormalities in gray matter density compared to unaffected peers, indicating a possible link between the disorder and brain development. The findings suggest that treatment may need to address underlying brain abnormalities.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 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.

Anxiety and PTSD linked to increased myelin in brain's gray matter

Researchers found increased myelination in areas associated with emotions and memory in individuals with anxiety and PTSD, correlating with specific symptoms. This study provides a possible explanation for individual variation in stress response and may lead to targeted treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

The relationship of education and income to brain and cognition varies across groups of people

A large study found that education and income have varying relationships with brain volume and cognitive scores across different populations. The associations were strongest in childhood development, suggesting socioeconomic status may not specifically protect the brain from aging effects.

SourceUniversity of Oslo, Department of Psychology, Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 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.

Making the gray cells happy

Research using neutrons reveals a connection between lithium concentration and depression, with healthier individuals having more lithium in their gray matter. The findings suggest that lithium may play an important role in the body, with implications for therapy and understanding of physiological processes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2021

Regular caffeine consumption affects brain structure

A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that regular caffeine intake can change the gray matter of the brain, but these effects are temporary. The study involved 20 healthy young individuals who were given caffeine or placebo tablets for two 10-day periods, with no sleep disruption observed.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateFeb 15, 2021
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.

Risk-taking behavior has a signature in the brain, big data shows

A massive study of brain scan and genetic data from over 12,000 people reveals how a genetic disposition toward risky behavior is embodied in the brain. The research found associations between risk-taking and lower levels of gray matter in many brain regions, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 28, 2021

How genetic variation gives rise to differences in mathematical ability

A study published in PLOS Biology found that genetic variants of the ROBO1 gene in young children are associated with grey matter volume in the right parietal cortex, predicting mathematical test scores. The research suggests that genetic variability may shape mathematical ability by influencing early brain development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 22, 2020

Bilingual children may lose less brain matter as they grow up

A new study found that bilingual children and adolescents had less shrinkage in grey matter compared to monolingual peers during brain development. This suggests that bilingualism may have long-term cognitive benefits. The study also revealed increased white matter, indicating more efficient brain communication.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateSep 2, 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.

How does our brain fold? Study reveals new genetic insights

A new pre-clinical study identified genes linked with the development of brain folds in the grey matter of the brain. The research found differences in genetic expression and neuron shape during the folding process, which can lead to cognitive deficits and neurological conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceRMIT University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJul 1, 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.

Which came first: Brain size or drinking propensity?

New research challenges traditional idea about relationship between alcohol use and brain size, suggesting that reduced brain volume may represent a genetically-conferred predispositional risk factor for heavier alcohol consumption. Longitudinal and family data from three independent brain imaging studies confirm this association.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 2019

Do children's brains really get thinner?

Researchers found that children's brains are becoming more myelinated, which could affect estimates of cortical thickness. This discovery challenges previous hypotheses on brain development and has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2019
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.

Scientists shed light on processes behind age-related decline in brain structures

A new study by Cardiff University reveals that aging damages white matter cells, which can affect grey matter in the hippocampus and cognitive function. Researchers found that damage to support cells in white matter may lead to tissue health issues in the hippocampus, a region important for memory and involved in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019