Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Sugar molecules help keep the brain’s electrical signals on track

Researchers discovered branched O-mannose glycans play a crucial role in maintaining nodes of Ranvier and efficient nerve signaling. The study found that these sugar structures help preserve the narrow architecture required for fast and reliable communication.

Shorter strides can be an early warning sign of dementia in senior dogs, just as in people

A new study has found that changes in a senior dog's gait can be an early warning sign of dementia. The research tracked the stride length of 88 geriatric dogs over time, revealing a significant decrease in front leg stride length with worsening cognitive decline. This change was found to be more pronounced than age-related decline alone.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2026

Precision empowerment for brain "eavesdropping": CAS team develops triple-electrode integrated functional electrode for simultaneous monitoring of neural signals and chemical transmitters during sleep-wake cycles

Researchers developed a triple-electrode integrated functional electrode for synchronized monitoring of neural signals and dopamine release during sleep-wake transitions. The study highlights the critical role of dopamine in regulating sleep-stage transitions and identifies distinct neuronal populations involved in this process.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJan 5, 2026

Extreme manufacturing enables ultra-soft, ultra-small, high-density neural implants

Researchers propose a new design approach for intracortical electrodes that can record from many neurons at once without damaging them. The authors outline various manufacturing approaches, including advanced silicon micromachining and thermal fiber drawing, to create flexible devices with low stiffness.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 17, 2025

Deep sleep supports memory via brain fluid and neural rhythms

Researchers have discovered that deep sleep plays a crucial role in controlling cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, which is essential for clearing waste from the brain. During slow-wave sleep, changes in cerebrospinal fluid signals are time-locked to slow brain waves and other neural events.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2025

New study uncovers brain damage progression in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptomes from early, middle, and late stages of AD to identify subtle shifts in cellular activity. They found that mitochondria in vulnerable brain areas began to fail early in the disease, even before amyloid plaque buildup. The study also identified a gene called MEG3 involved in regulating mito...

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJun 25, 2025

KAIST research team develops stretchable microelectrodes array for organoid signal monitoring​

The KAIST research team developed a highly stretchable microelectrode array to monitor organoids' functions, enabling real-time analysis of their states. The technology showed promise in high-throughput drug screening applications, revealing changes in signal characteristics according to size and identifying potential drug interactions.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

Researchers from Korea University explore how ascorbic acid and FGF4 revolutionize regenerative medicine

Researchers from Korea University have developed a groundbreaking technique to transform fibroblasts into mature cardiomyocytes, holding promise for regenerative medicine in treating cardiovascular disease. The method combines fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) with vitamin C to accelerate cell maturation and enhance function.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 24, 2024

Recycled pacemakers function as well as new devices, international study suggests

A University of Michigan-led study suggests that recycled pacemakers can be used safely and effectively in patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions. The international clinical trial involved nearly 300 people across seven countries and found no significant differences in pacemaker function up to 90 days after the procedure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 20, 2024

London Health Sciences Centre first in Canada to implant cutting edge cardioverter defibrillator

The London Health Sciences Centre was the first and only hospital in Canada to implant a new extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) during clinical trials. The device has been shown to provide long-term safety, efficacy, and performance, offering better comfort and care for patients.

SourceLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2024

Heart data unlocks sleep secrets

Researchers at USC developed an approach that matches polysomnography using a single-lead echocardiogram, allowing anyone to create their own low-cost, DIY sleep-tracking device. The software significantly outperformed other EEG-less models and assesses sleep stages at the highest level.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateAug 19, 2024

Coinfecting viruses impede each other’s ability to enter cells

Researchers used advanced techniques to study phage infection at the level of individual bacterial cells. They found that coinfecting phages impede each other's entry, perturbing the cell's electrophysiology and affecting the outcome of infection. This discovery opens a new avenue for research in bacterial electrophysiology.

Comparative study on dual vs single cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in obese patients

A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that dual direct-current cardioversion is significantly more effective than single cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm in obese patients with atrial fibrillation. The study demonstrated a 98% success rate for dual cardioversion, compared to an 86% success rate for single cardioversion.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 4, 2024

Illusion helps demystify the way vision works

A new study using electrophysiology and optogenetics has shown that neurons in the primary visual cortex respond to brightness illusions, settling a long-standing debate in neuroscience. The findings suggest that higher-level neurons play a crucial role in modulating activity in lower-level neurons.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Espresso yourself: Wearable tech measures emotional responses to coffee

Researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of using wearable technology to measure the emotional responses of coffee experts during tastings. The study found significant correlations between biomedical signals and data from conventional questionnaires, confirming the viability of this approach for enhancing coffee quality assessment.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 6, 2024

"Zoom fatigue": Exhaustion caused by video conferencing proven on a neurophysiological level for the first time

A new study has provided neurophysiological evidence for videoconference fatigue, a feeling of tiredness and alienation caused by prolonged video-based communication. The study found that video conference-based lectures exhausted test subjects more than traditional in-person lectures.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

AI can accurately predict potentially fatal cardiac events in firefighters

Researchers at NIST and their colleagues used machine learning to identify abnormal cardiac rhythms in firefighters, achieving 97% accuracy. The Heart Health Monitoring model could lead to a portable heart monitor to detect early warning signs of heart trouble and prevent fatal cardiac events.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire Safety Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Chronic stress-related neurons identified

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a group of nerve cells involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which are sensitive to oestrogen levels, were mapped using advanced techniques such as Patch-seq, Neuropixels, and optogenetics.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Leadless pacemakers soon available for all patients

An international consortium led by Amsterdam UMC has developed an improved version of the wireless pacemaker, enabling placement in both the atrium and ventricle of the heart. This innovation expands treatment options for patients with slow heart rhythms, improving contraction and reducing the need for multiple mini pacemakers.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 22, 2023

HRS, APHRS, and LAHRS release cardiac physiological pacing guideline

The new guideline provides guidance on the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy and conduction system pacing in patients with indications for pacemakers or heart failure. The authors emphasize the importance of shared decision-making between providers and patients, and highlight areas for future research.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes to prevent ventricular arrhythmias

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin receive a four-year, $2.37 million NIH grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for preventing and managing ventricular arrhythmias. Researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of pacing the heart using the hydrogel in a porcine model.