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NTU Singapore scientists find new evidence to explain how we pay attention

Researchers uncover clues about how chemicals released by brain cells regulate our attention span, finding that two neurotransmitters work together in a precise sequence to regulate signal transmission. This discovery could lead to new treatments for neurological conditions associated with concentration difficulties.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Decoding depression: Researchers identify crucial biomarker that tracks recovery from treatment-resistant depression

A team of researchers has identified a unique pattern in brain activity that reflects the recovery process in patients with treatment-resistant depression. After six months of deep-brain stimulation therapy, 90% of patients exhibited significant improvement in their symptoms and 70% no longer met the criteria for depression.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 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 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.

Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood affects food choices, weight gain and the microstructure of the brain

Research from UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine found that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood can disrupt brain information processing involved in reward, emotion regulation, and cognition due to poor diet and lack of physical activity. The study analyzed the microstructure of the brain cortex and found associations between ne...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023
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.

New evidence indicates patients recall death experiences after cardiac arrest

A study published in Resuscitation found that some patients who suffered cardiac arrest reported lucid memories of experiencing death, while brain activity showed signs of electrical recovery and higher mental function. This new work sheds light on the phenomenon of near-death experiences and may guide the design of new treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalResuscitation·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

UCI researchers announce publication of an open-label clinical trial suggesting that N-acetylglucosamine restores neurological function in Multiple Sclerosis patients

A study published by UCI researchers found that N-acetylglucosamine reduced multiple inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The dietary supplement also improved neurological function in 30% of patients, suggesting a potential new treatment for the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 14, 2023

CHOOSEn fate: one brain organoid’s tale on Autism

Researchers developed a technique called CHOOSE that allows them to test the effect of multiple mutations in parallel and at a single-cell level within human brain organoids. The study identified critical transcriptional changes regulated through common networks, or GRNs, and found that some cell types are more susceptible to autism mu...

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

New MRI technology: a non-invasive look at iron balance

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking MRI technology that non-invasively assesses brain iron homeostasis, shedding light on its role in normal brain function, aging, and disease. The technology offers sensitivity to changes in iron mobilization capacity and can differentiate between tumor tissue and healthy tissue.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023
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.

Targeted ultrasound can change brain functions for up to an hour after intervention

A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

Human Brain Project celebrates successful conclusion

The Human Brain Project has achieved major breakthroughs in understanding the complex structure and function of the brain, enabling novel medical and technological applications. The project's digital atlas and personalized virtual models have provided unprecedented insights into brain conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

SourceHuman Brain Project·DateSep 12, 2023
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.

Sahmyook University researchers identify genes associated with addiction to psychostimulant drugs

Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

OHSU scientists discover new cause of Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia

Researchers found that ferroptosis, a form of cell death caused by iron buildup, destroys microglia cells in the brain's immune response, contributing to cognitive decline. The study's findings may lead to the development of compounds targeting microglial degeneration, offering new hope for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia treatments.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 5, 2023

New research sheds light on origins of social behaviors

Fruit fly research suggests visual system is involved in regulating social behaviors, which could have implications for understanding human psychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Altering GABA signaling in the brain affects social inhibitions, leading to increased courtship behavior in males.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 5, 2023

Brain cells living on the edge

A paper published in Nature Communications shows that when neurons are given task-related sensory input, they change how they behave and support the critical brain hypothesis theory. The researchers used DishBrain, a collection of 800,000 human neural cells, to demonstrate near-critical network behavior emerges when the neural network ...

SourceCortical Labs·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

Researchers predict film scores by the activity of facial muscles

A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that the activity of zygomaticus major, heart rate variability, and EEG indicators can predict film scores. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze physiological data from 21 participants who watched short films and rated them on a scale from 1 to 10.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Analog and digital: The best of both worlds in one energy-efficient system

Researchers at EPFL developed a novel system integrating 2D semiconductors and ferroelectric materials to create faster, more efficient electronics with brain-inspired operations. The technology enables significant energy reduction and advanced functionalities, including synaptic neuron function within the same device.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 31, 2023

Do smoking significantly increases the risk of mental illness?

Research from Aarhus University suggests that smoking may increase the risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia by 250 percent. The study analyzed genetic data from over half a million people and found that certain genetic variants linked to smoking also contribute to mental illness.

SourceAarhus University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Research led by the US and IBiS identifies a new cell type that is key in the development of memory and learning

Researchers have identified a new cell type, ARG1+ microglia, involved in brain development and function during early postnatal stages. This discovery sheds light on the role of microglia in neural systems and their potential link to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2023
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.

Overlooked part of brain could play critical role in addiction recovery

A neglected brain region has been identified as a key player in addiction recovery. The supplementary motor cortex was found to be hyperexcitable in individuals with cocaine use disorders, even after withdrawal periods of 45 days. This discovery may lead to new treatment approaches using transcranial magnetic stimulation.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 2023

A fitness tracker for brain health: How a headband can identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in your sleep

Researchers developed a digital biomarker that detects early signs of Alzheimer's disease using EEG headbands, identifying abnormal levels of proteins in sleep patterns. The study found measurable problems with memory reactivation in 205 aging adults, paving the way for affordable devices to monitor brain health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAlzheimers Disease & Dementia·DateAug 23, 2023

Does deafness alter brain circuits supporting social skills?

New research published in Human Brain Mapping indicates that deafness does not affect the mechanisms and brain circuits supporting social skills. Deaf individuals show greater activation in regions involved in processing visual inputs like signs and lip reading.

SourceWiley·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateAug 23, 2023
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.

How artificial intelligence gave a paralyzed woman her voice back

Researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar. The system can decode brain signals into text at nearly 80 words per minute, making it a vast improvement over commercially available technology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2023

Dog brains are tuned to female’s dog-directed speech

A study found that dogs are more sensitive to speech directed at them than adult-directed speech, with a greater response to female voices. The researchers measured dog brain activity via fMRI and found that the sensitivity was affected by voice pitch and variation.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 22, 2023

ALS and frontotemporal dementia show origins in utero, according to evidence from mice and patient-derived stem cells

Researchers found that C9ORF72 mutations impair neural stem cell renewal, leading to reduced brain regions during embryonic development. This impairment could contribute to disease symptoms later in life. The study used patient-derived nerve cells and laboratory mice to demonstrate the impact of C9ORF72 on neurodevelopment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2023

Anxious people use less suitable section of brain to control emotions

Researchers found that anxious individuals rely on a less efficient section of the forebrain for emotional control, making it difficult for them to choose alternative behavior. This leads to avoidance of social situations and prevents them from learning that they are not as negative as they think.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Largest genetic study of brain structure identifies how the brain is organised

A new study published in Nature Genetics has identified over 4,000 genetic variants linked to brain structure, revealing how the brain's organization is shaped by genetics. The research found that different sets of genes contribute to folding and size of the cortex, with some genes linked to larger or smaller head sizes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Genetics·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 17, 2023

Can we assess our own immune system?

A study by the University of Konstanz found that people's self-assessments of their immune response to vaccination corresponded surprisingly well with actual antibody levels, especially when the immune response was weak. The researchers suggest that patients' self-perceptions provide valuable clues about their state of health, and phys...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBiological Psychology·DateAug 16, 2023

Classic rock music can be recreated from recorded brain activity

Scientists successfully reconstructed recognizable versions of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1' using nonlinear modeling to decode brain activity. The study identified a unique region in the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG) responsible for rhythm perception, with electrodes from this region crucial for accurate reconstruct...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023
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.

Brain recordings capture musicality of speech — with help from Pink Floyd

Neuroscientists at UC Berkeley have successfully reconstructed a recognizable song from brain recordings, capturing the electrical activity of brain regions tuned to music attributes. This breakthrough could enable future brain implants with prosodic content, improving communication for patients with speech disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023
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 early Alzheimer’s treatment shows Improvement in cognition

Dr. Heather Sandison's study reveals significant improvements in cognitive function among individuals with cognitive decline after six months of a multimodal, individualized care plan. The study demonstrates the feasibility and impact of a holistic approach targeting various factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

AI models are powerful, but are they biologically plausible?

Researchers propose a hypothesis that astrocytes, non-neuronal cells in the brain, can perform core computation as transformers, providing insights into human brain function and machine learning success. This discovery could spark future neuroscience research and help explain transformer performance across complex tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2023
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.

How our tastes influence our creativity

Researchers studied how tastes influence creativity by analyzing brain networks and individual preferences. They found that the subjective evaluation of ideas plays a crucial role in creativity, and that individuals have different creative profiles related to their fields of activity.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

New concussion headset shows when it's safe to return to play

A new digital headset can detect subtle forces exerted on the skull as the heart contracts, revealing brain changes even in athletes whose symptoms have subsided. The device could help clinicians and coaches make more informed decisions about when athletes are ready to return to play after a concussion.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 11, 2023

Diabetes linked to functional and structural brain changes through MRI

A study found that longer duration of type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased brain structure and increased white matter hyperintensities. Despite this, cognition was not affected, highlighting the need for early screening for cognitive disorders in diabetic patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 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.

Novel information on the neural origins of speech and singing

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that speech production and singing are supported by the same neural network in the brain, challenging previous notions about their separate functions. The left hemisphere plays a crucial role in both abilities, particularly in terms of singing.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 10, 2023
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.

HSE researchers question the correctness of experiments denying free will

Researchers from HSE University challenged the famous Libet studies on free will, revealing a lack of correlation between brain activity and decision-making. The study used advanced EEG techniques to investigate the timing of intention awareness and final decision, finding that the latter could be influenced by experimental procedures.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateAug 4, 2023

Newly identified lipid in breast milk might reduce cerebral palsy in infants

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 3, 2023

A mother’s diet can protect her grandchildren’s brains: genetic model study

A Monash University study using roundworms found that certain foods, such as apples and herbs, can help protect against brain function deterioration. The researchers discovered that a molecule present in these foods, ursolic acid, causes a gene to turn on, making a specific type of fat that prevents axon fragility.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023
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.

Human vs machine

A Pitt Professor believes oligodendrocytes, the nerve insulating cells, hold the solution to BCI's nagging problem. By understanding and preserving these cells, researchers aim to improve BCI's performance and expand its applications beyond paralysis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateAug 2, 2023
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.