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Pain exposure and brain connectivity in preterm infants

Research found greater pain exposure in early life associated with altered maturation of neonatal brain connectivity, particularly in female infants. This alteration was linked to regional specificities in neurodevelopmental outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 15, 2024

How fear unfolds inside our brains

Researchers at UC San Diego discover that acute stress triggers a switch in neurotransmitters, leading to generalized fear responses. They also find that suppressing GABA production and using antidepressants can prevent this effect.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Poor neighborhoods linked to elevated dementia risk and faster brain aging

A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.

SourceDuke University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

How the brain wakes us from daydreams

A recent study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that activity in the dentate gyrus helps keep us focused on our environment when our mind wanders. This neural activity also aids in forming memories.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2024
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.

First recognition of self in the mirror is spurred by touch

A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that babies who were prompted to touch their own faces developed self-recognition earlier than those who did not. This suggests that active experiences, such as touching one's body, play a crucial role in the development of self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024

Blast-related concussions linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk

Research at the University of Washington School of Medicine found that veterans who suffered mild traumatic brain injuries from blasts had changes in spinal fluid proteins similar to those seen in people with Alzheimer's. The study suggests a possible link between mTBI and an increased risk of developing dementia.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNeurology·TypeCase study·DateMar 13, 2024

Researchers expand our understanding of how the body and brain communicate

Researchers have discovered that specific neurons in the thalamus are actively involved in processing cardiac and respiratory signals. This breakthrough understanding of brain-body integration may help characterize how subcortical regions process signals through a functional pathway from internal organs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Discovery of a natural protective response in the brain could lead to treatments for concussions

A team of researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina has discovered a novel protective response by which the brain naturally repairs itself after traumatic brain injury. Protein p17 plays a crucial role in this process, triggering the restorative mechanism of mitophagy to remove damaged tissue and initiate healing.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 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.

AI language model provides new insights into the development of brain diseases

A new AI language model identifies clinical symptoms in medical summaries and links them to brain tissue, providing new insights into individual disease progression. The model contributes to a better understanding of common misdiagnoses of brain diseases and may assist in making more accurate diagnoses.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 12, 2024

Low-cost versatile mesoscope makes brain imaging in rodents more accessible

Researchers developed a custom-built, low-cost mesoscope that can adapt to different neuroimaging experiments in live mice and rats. The system offers excellent spatial and temporal resolutions, achieved through its reversible tandem lens configuration, which enables flexible experimentation.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateMar 12, 2024

Flexible artificial intelligence optoelectronic sensors towards health monitoring

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a flexible paper-based sensor that operates like the human brain, enabling low-power and efficient health monitoring. The device can distinguish 4-bit input optical pulses and generate currents in response to time-series optical input, with rapid response times.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

Lack of focus doesn’t equal lack of intelligence — it’s proof of an intricate brain

Researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science discovered how the brain coordinates attention and filtering functions to perform complex tasks. The study found that multiple brain regions work together to adjust focus and filter out distractions, providing insight into human cognitive flexibility.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brain waves travel in one direction when memories are made and the opposite when recalled

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that brain waves move from back to front while forming new memories, but reverse direction when recalling information. The study's findings advance fundamental neuroscience research and may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for memory-related disorders.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 8, 2024

Amyloid blood levels associated with brain changes in Alzheimer's study

A study published by the University of Florida suggests a connection between elevated amyloid blood levels and subtle brain microstructural changes in individuals without dementia. Researchers used diffusion MRI to detect free-water in the brain, revealing associations with structural abnormalities even when PET scans were negative.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

Virtual reality exposure plus electric brain stimulation offers a promising treatment for PTSD

A new study combines virtual reality exposure with transcranial direct current stimulation to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans. The innovative approach shows significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity and accelerates psychological adjustment, offering hope for an effective treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2024

Does iron accumulate in brain after concussions?

A preliminary study found that people with headaches after concussions tend to have higher levels of iron in areas of the brain, suggesting damage to brain cells. The more concussions and frequent headaches individuals experience, the greater the likelihood of increased iron accumulation in certain brain regions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 5, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

University of Houston engineer Metin Akay featured in study highlighting 50 scientists' contributions to biomedical engineering advancements

A new study highlights the contributions of 50 top scientists from elite universities to transforming medicine through cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances. Five primary medical challenges are identified, including precision engineering for personalized care and tissue engineering for human health.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 4, 2024

A better way to deliver fetal therapy for serious genetic disorders

UCSF scientists discover delivering therapeutic molecules to amniotic fluid can effectively treat Angelman syndrome and other neurological conditions. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides, which can alter gene expression, and has shown improved motor function and learning outcomes in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 4, 2024

Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s

Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024
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.

Researchers model blood-brain barrier using “Tissue-in-a-CUBE" system

A research team developed a model of the blood-brain barrier using modularized tissue derived from human cells. The 'Tissue-in-a-CUBE' system accurately mimics the real blood-brain barrier in terms of structure and function, allowing for the testing of drugs without animal testing.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024
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.

More than just neurons: A new model for studying human brain inflammation

Researchers at Salk Institute have created a novel organoid model of the human brain that includes mature, functional astrocytes. This allows for the study of inflammation and stress in aging and diseases like Alzheimer's with greater clarity, revealing a relationship between astrocyte dysfunction and inflammation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 28, 2024

Could we assess autism in children with a simple eye reflex test?

Scientists at UCSF discovered a new way to test for autism by measuring how children's eyes move when they turn their heads. Children with severe autism have an unusual form of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which can be measured with a simple eye-tracking device.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 27, 2024

Therapy could be effective treatment for non-physical symptoms of menopause

A meta-analysis of 30 studies involving 3,501 women found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved anxiety, depression, memory, and concentration difficulties. CBT was also the most cost-effective option for menopause management.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024
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 music emotionally moves us more than streamed music

A recent study conducted at the University of Zurich found that live performances stimulate a stronger emotional response in the brain compared to listening to recorded music. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity during both live and recorded music sessions, revealing a significant difference in amy...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Researchers move obesity up into the brain

Recent research shows that many mechanisms contributing to obesity affect the brain, particularly dopamine pathways. This insight may impact treatment approaches, including medication and initiatives to make fattening foods less accessible. Society must also take responsibility for destigmatizing obesity.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·DateFeb 26, 2024

May I have a quick word? Study shows talking faster is linked to better brain health as we age

A new study by Baycrest and the University of Toronto suggests that talking speed is a more important indicator of brain health than difficulty finding words. Changes in general talking speed may reflect changes in the brain, indicating its importance in detecting cognitive decline faster.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalAging Neuropsychology and Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024
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.

Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds

Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Living in violent neighborhoods affects children's brain development

Research finds that living in violent neighborhoods can alter a child's brain to detect threats more easily, leading to poorer mental health. Nurturing parents can help protect kids from these detrimental effects by reducing exposure to community violence and promoting resilience.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Researchers use deep brain stimulation to map therapeutic targets for four brain disorders

A new study from Mass General Brigham used deep brain stimulation to identify specific brain circuits associated with different disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and obsessive compulsive disorder. The researchers were able to apply these findings to fine-tune DBS treatments and demonstrate preliminary improved results in three cases.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2024

Releasing “brakes” in the brain

A team of researchers used deep brain stimulation to localize disrupted neural pathways in patients with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, OCD, and Tourette's syndrome. The study identified specific brain circuits associated with each disorder, revealing overlapping malfunctions that suggest a complex network of brain dysfunctions.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2024
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.

NIH study offers new clues into the causes of post-infectious ME/CFS

Researchers found differences in brain and immune systems of people with post-infectious ME/CFS. Abnormalities in the temporal-parietal junction and low levels of catecholamines were associated with fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and motor performance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

iTalkBetter app significantly improves speech in stroke patients

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that the iTalkBetter app significantly improved patients' ability to talk after six weeks of use. The app provided digital speech therapy for over 200 commonly used words, with a 13% increase in naming items and improvements in spontaneous speech.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024

To appreciate music, the human brain listens and learns to predict

Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a precise map of what is happening in the brain’s auditory cortex when someone hears a melody. The study found that some aspects of music are entwined with how we understand speech, while other important aspects stand alone. The brain uses two sets of neurons to ass...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2024

The brain processes speech and its echo separately

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that the human brain can segregate direct speech from its echo, allowing for reliable recognition of echoic speech. This neural separation is essential for understanding conversations in noisy environments and is supported by magnetoencephalography recordings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024
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.

Nature vs nurture: shedding light on heritable brain activity

A recent twin study published in Human Brain Mapping has found that genetics play a significant role in brain activity during emotional and cognitive tasks, with some factors being exclusive to environment. The study used functional MRI scans on twins to analyze the relationship between genetics and environment in brain function.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeCase study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Neural prosthetic device can help humans restore memory

A team of scientists has successfully used a neural prosthetic device to recall specific memories in adults with epilepsy. The device uses a person's own memory patterns to facilitate the brain's ability to encode and recall memory, showing promise for cognitive enhancement technologies.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2024

Newly discovered brain cells play a key role in right and left turns

Researchers have identified a network of neurons controlling right-left movements in the brain, which may help treat Parkinson's disease. The discovery provides insight into how essential movements are produced by the brain.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Immune genes are altered in Alzheimer’s patients’ blood

A Northwestern University study found epigenetic changes in Alzheimer's patients' blood that increase the risk of the disease. The researchers discovered altered immune genes and proteins in the blood that could be triggered by previous viral infections or environmental pollutants, potentially leading to brain damage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2024
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.

Johns Hopkins researchers make progress toward developing blood tests for psychiatric and neurological disorders

Johns Hopkins researchers have made progress toward developing a blood test to identify disease-associated changes in the brain linked to postpartum depression and other psychiatric disorders. They identified 26 placental mRNAs present in maternal blood only during pregnancy, which reflected changes occurring inside the tissues.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 7, 2024

Mount Sinai study shows that circulating immune cells drawn to the brain during stress can control emotional behaviors

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered that circulating immune cells can be drawn to the brain during stress and alter emotional behavior. The study found that these immune cells release an enzyme called MMP8, which breaks down proteins in the brain and impairs social behavior.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Music may bring health benefits for older adults, poll suggests

A new poll of people aged 50 to 80 found that nearly all older adults say music helps relieve stress and improve their mental health. The study also revealed that music plays a significant role in social connections and brain health, with 98% of respondents benefiting from engaging with music.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateFeb 7, 2024
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.

WVU researcher determines ADHD gives entrepreneurs an edge

A study by WVU researcher Nancy McIntyre reveals that individuals with ADHD tend to use routines and patterns to store stimuli from their environment, allowing them to make connections and file away resources for future use. This helps entrepreneurs with ADHD excel in qualities such as alertness, adaptability, and entrepreneurial intent.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalInternational Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research·DateFeb 6, 2024