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Generative AI helps to explain human memory and imagination

A new study using generative AI models simulated how the brain learns and remembers events, revealing how memories are re-constructed in our minds. The model showed how the hippocampus and neocortex work together to create efficient 'conceptual' representations of scenes, enabling us to both recall past experiences and imagine new ones.

Why do some older adults show declines in their spatial memory?

A new study by University of Arizona psychologists investigated the possible scenarios leading to waning memory in older people. The researchers found that the hippocampus contributes to the difficulty in learning new environments and locations in some older adults.

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.

Smaller hippocampus linked to cognitive decline

A new study published in Neurology finds that shrinkage in the hippocampus area of the brain is associated with cognitive decline, regardless of amyloid plaques. The study involved 128 participants and found that faster hippocampus atrophy was linked to faster cognitive decline.

Rats have an imagination, new research finds

Researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus have discovered that rats can think about places and objects not in front of them, generating specific neural activity patterns in the hippocampus. This ability is fundamental to remembering past events and imagining future scenarios, indicating that animals possess a form of imagination.

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.

High metabolism is an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a metabolic increase in the hippocampus is an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that changes in mitochondrial metabolism precede synaptic disorganization and impaired autophagy, highlighting potential new methods for early intervention.

New study reveals role of hippocampus in two functions of memory

A Cornell University-led study has separated the role of the hippocampus in two functions of memory, which are crucial for associating time, place, and past experiences with future actions. The breakthrough has significant implications for treating memory and learning issues found in Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

How the hippocampus distinguishes true and false memories

Researchers found that electrical signals in the hippocampus differ immediately before recalling true and false memories. The study used epilepsy patients to measure neural activity leading up to correct or false recall, revealing a reduction in low-frequency activity associated with contextual similarity.

Protein p53 regulates learning, memory, sociability in mice

Researchers discovered protein p53's role in regulating sociability, repetitive behavior, and hippocampus-related learning and memory in mice. Lowering p53 levels led to changes in gene expressions related to behavior, while elevated p53 levels were linked to positive learning outcomes.

Trigonelline derived from coffee improves cognitive functions

A recent study published in Geroscience found that trigonelline, a plant alkaloid in coffee, significantly improved spatial learning and memory performance in senescence-accelerated mice. The researchers also identified the underlying molecular mechanisms, including reduced neuroinflammation and increased neurotransmitter release.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A butterfly effect

Researchers at MPFI discovered Protein Kinase C delta's (PKCd) role in regulating cell-wide gene expression through synaptic plasticity. The study found that PKCd activates biochemical reactions that spread throughout the neuron, influencing gene transcription and memory formation.

New theory better explains how the brain stores memories

Researchers propose a new mathematical neural network theory that consolidates memories to the neocortex if they improve generalization. This view contradicts the classical understanding of systems consolidation, which assumes all memories move from the hippocampus to the neocortex over time.

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.

Social contact may help preserve brain function in later life

A study found that social isolation is associated with a decrease in hippocampal volume, poorer cognitive performance, and an increased risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's dementia. Conversely, maintaining a healthy social network can help preserve brain structure and function.

Discovery of neurons that recognize others

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have identified specific neurons in the hippocampus that allow us to recognize individual social counterparts and update their value through interactions. The dorsal CA1 region plays a crucial role in this process, enabling long-term memories of individuals to be formed.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

AI helps understand learning processes

Researchers used AI to study how the hippocampus produces varied replay types efficiently and their purpose. The model showed that sequences are prioritized stochastically according to familiarity and reward positions.

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.

Study identifies genetic mutations that contribute to adult epilepsy

Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...

Exercise boosts brain health with chemical signals

Researchers found that exercise releases chemical signals that promote neuronal development in the hippocampus, a crucial area for learning and memory. Astrocytes play a critical role in mediating the effects of exercise on brain health, helping to regulate neuronal activity and prevent hyperexcitability.

Key memory receptors are located on interneurons

Researchers have identified α5-GABAARs on interneurons as key receptors regulating memory formation in the hippocampus. Selectively knocking out these receptors from interneurons impaired spatial memory, while leaving pyramidal neurons unaffected.

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.

This is your brain on everyday life

Researchers used functional MRI scanners to monitor brains of subjects watching real-life videos, finding that different parts of the brain work together to understand and remember situations. The study suggests the brain creates mental sketches of people that can be transposed from one location to another.

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.

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.

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.

The brain’s ability to perceive space expands like the universe

Researchers found that neurons in the hippocampus represent space in a nonlinear hyperbolic geometry that grows outward exponentially with time spent exploring an environment. This discovery provides valuable methods for analyzing data on neurocognitive disorders involving learning and memory.

How the brain stores remote fear memory

Researchers found that remote fear memories are permanently stored in connections between memory neurons in the prefrontal cortex. The study suggests that a dysregulation of fear memory consolidation can lead to chronic maladaptive fear in PTSD, affecting about 6% of the population.

For memory formation, organization matters

Small cell clusters in hippocampus are vital for fear-based memories, while sleep helps stabilize these clusters to improve memory. The study uses immediate early gene imaging to visualize active cells throughout the entire rat hippocampus.

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.

Most detailed map of brain’s memory hub finds connectivity puzzle

Researchers created a detailed map of the hippocampus's connections to the rest of the brain, finding fewer links with frontal lobes but more with visual networks. This discovery may change how we think about human memory and cognition, potentially shedding light on why some primates excel at certain memory tasks.

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.

Study links omega-3s to improved brain structure, cognition at midlife

A study published in Neurology found that eating omega-3 fatty acids can protect the brain from aging and cognitive decline in midlife. The research, conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, suggests that even small amounts of omega-3s can have a significant impact on brain health.

Unlocking the power of our emotional memory

Researchers at Boston University have found a way to manipulate emotional memories using optogenetics, allowing them to rewrite and reduce the potency of negative memories. The study reveals that positive and negative memories are stored in distinct regions of the brain and communicate through different pathways.

Ascoli receives funding for study of brain & learning

Ascoli and Adam propose a novel data-driven methodology using neuroscience experimental knowledge and computer science advances. The study aims to benchmark learning rules in a spiking neural network simulation of the CA3-CA1 region, exploring dynamic synaptic plasticity and fixed neuroanatomy.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

One zip of alcohol is enough to modify the brain

Research finds that a single dose of alcohol permanently changes brain structure and function, leading to increased risk of addiction. The study used fruit flies and mice models to show that ethanol-induced changes in mitochondrial dynamics and synapse balance contribute to long-lasting behavioral changes.

A sense of place

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have made a breakthrough in understanding how the brain forms spatial maps. A new study reveals that the gene Fos plays a crucial role in this process, helping the brain use specialized navigation cells to form and maintain stable representations of the environment. The findings provide new insights...

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.

The brain already benefits from moderate physical activity

Research reveals that physical activity has a noticeable effect on almost all brain regions, with higher intensity and duration increasing brain volume and cortical thickness. The hippocampus, a key memory center, benefits most from physical activity, which can help counteract age-related loss of brain matter.