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IBMT meditation found to boost brain connectivity

Research published at the University of Oregon found that 11 hours of integrative body-mind training (IBMT) meditation training induces structural changes in brain connectivity, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This brain area is linked to self-regulation and behavior control.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2010

Neurochip technology developed by Canadian team

A team of Canadian scientists has developed a new neurochip technology that can track subtle changes in brain activity at the level of ion channels and synaptic potentials. This breakthrough allows for the analysis of several brain cells networking and performing automatic, large-scale drug screening for various brain dysfunctions.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·DateAug 10, 2010

15,000 beams of light

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method called beam-pen lithography, which uses tiny beams of light to draw patterns on surfaces. This technology offers a means to rapidly and inexpensively make and prototype circuits, optoelectronics, and medical diagnostics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 1, 2010

Idaho STEM gets million dollar boost

The University of Idaho is launching a new STEM Educational Research Initiative, supported by a four-year, $1.2 million funding from the Micron Technology Foundation. The initiative aims to identify and address root causes of why Idaho students may not perform well in STEM fields and develop programs to overcome those barriers.

Harvard's Wyss Institute uses nature's design principles to create specialized nanofabrics

Bioengineers at the Wyss Institute have developed a new technology to regenerate heart and other tissues by replicating natural design principles. The resulting protein nanofabrics can be customized to generate specific properties, making them ideal for tissue engineering scaffolds and high-performance textiles.

Radio tags could save lives after earthquakes

New research suggests that radio frequency identification (RFID) could be used to provide critical information on casualties and losses in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake. RFID readers installed at entry and exit points and around critical areas in a building could help rescue personnel locate trapped individuals more precisely.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development·DateMay 6, 2010

BSSA tip sheet for April 2010

This BSSA tip sheet documents the long history of earthquake monitoring by the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN), detailing its evolving sensitivity over time. Researchers also examine the predictive capability of models to estimate ground shaking during large earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 11, 2010