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How neuroimaging can be better utilized to yield diagnostic information about individuals

Researchers from Dartmouth and University Medicine Essen found that strong links between brain measures and traits can be obtained when machine learning algorithms are utilized. This approach allows for high-powered results from moderate sample sizes, opening up studies of many traits and clinical conditions previously inaccessible.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2023

Celebrity sightings have a built-in contradiction

A University of California, Riverside study found that people's memories for celebrity faces are sharper but less accurate than those for non-celebrity faces. This 'variance-bias tradeoff' suggests that humans prioritize precision over accuracy to accommodate the natural variability in face recognition.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Bees follow linear landmarks to find their way home, just like the first pilots

Researchers have found that honeybees use linear landscape elements, such as irrigation channels, to guide their search flights when looking for their hive in new areas. The bees retain a navigational memory of their home area based on these elements, which they generalize to the new area to find their way home.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Tiny worm plays a big role in learning whether Parkinson’s really starts in the gut

A tiny worm called C. elegans is enabling scientists to explore the emerging theory that Parkinson’s disease starts in the gut, where a sticky protein causes neurons to die. The worms have a digestive tract and neurotransmitters similar to humans, making them a great model for studying cognitive problems associated with Parkinson's.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateFeb 28, 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.

Any regular physical activity at any age linked to better brain function in later life

A long-term study found that regular leisure time physical activity at any age is associated with better brain function in later life. Maintaining an exercise routine throughout adulthood was particularly beneficial for preserving mental acuity and memory. The study, which included over 1,400 participants, showed that being physically ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2023

What is clinically meaningful to slow Alzheimer’s progression?

The work group reframed what is clinically meaningful to slow Alzheimer's disease progression, including the need for combination therapies and realistic expectations of benefits and risks. Slowing brain deterioration by four to six months in early stages may preserve function, leading to meaningful outcomes for patients and families.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateFeb 7, 2023

Healthy lifestyle linked to slower memory decline in older adults

A decade-long study found that a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and cognitive activity, slows memory decline in older adults. Participants with the APOE gene, associated with Alzheimer's disease, also experienced slower memory loss.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2023

Why do we remember emotional events better?

Columbia Engineering neuroscientists identified a specific neural mechanism in the human brain that enhances memory for emotional events. High-frequency brain waves in the amygdala and hippocampus are critical to this process, and disruptions can impair memory specifically for emotional stimuli.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 18, 2023

New smartphone app designed by University of Toronto researchers shown to significantly improve memory recall

Researchers developed HippoCamera, a new smartphone app that significantly improves memory recall by boosting attention to daily events. Users record videos and audio descriptions of everyday experiences, which are then replayed to reinforce memory consolidation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 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.

Blood pressure drug holds promise for treating PTSD

Researchers found that clonidine, a common blood pressure medication, can reduce the consolidation of traumatic memories in PTSD patients. By interacting with the adrenergic receptor axis, clonidine interferes with cofilin's ability to form mushroom-shaped dendritic spines, which are essential for memory formation. This suggests that c...

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 5, 2023

The major chord that cures nightmares

A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Video games offer the potential of “experiential medicine”

Scientists at UC San Francisco's Neuroscape Center have developed video game interventions that improve key aspects of cognition in aging adults, including short-term memory, attention and long-term memory. The games use adaptive closed-loop algorithms to challenge players, keeping them engaged while adapting difficulty levels.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2022

New therapeutic target could check the progress of Alzheimer’s disease

A new study proposes reducing toxic proteins in the blood as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease. By doing so, it aims to improve memory and learning capacity, as well as correct cognitive impairments. The next step is to test this treatment at a clinical level.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022
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.

Fitness trackers reveal links between exercise, memory, and mental health

A new study from Dartmouth College found that specific intensities of exercise over a long period are associated with different aspects of memory and mental health. Participants who exercised at moderate intensities performed better on episodic memory tasks, while those who exercised at high intensities did better on spatial memory tasks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Making a memory positive or negative

Salk researchers identify neurotensin as a key molecule in the brain's valence assignment process, which associates good or bad feelings with memories. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of why some people retain more negative emotions than positive ones, and may pave the way for new therapeutic targets.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 20, 2022

Research probes how people control unwanted thoughts

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that proactively avoiding associations can help prevent the repetitive looping of unwanted thoughts. Researchers found that most people use reactive control, which can strengthen unwanted thoughts, but also discovered that preemptive control can partially mitigate this effect.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How sleep builds relational memory

Research suggests that during deep sleep, neurons representing related items fire in close temporal order, triggering synaptic plasticity and forming strong connections. This process strengthens or creates new relational memories, which can be essential for learning connections between objects or people.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 31, 2022

Where the mind is without fear: Scientists discover mechanism behind the chemically induced suppression of fearful memories

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Association of subjective memory complaints with structural brain abnormalities, cognitive decline among older adults

Researchers found a strong association between subjective memory complaints and larger white matter hyperintensity volumes, indicating abnormal brain structure. The study also showed faster cognitive decline among those with subjective memory complaints, highlighting their importance as an early sign of cognitive impairment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2022
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.

Study: Naptime may bolster early literacy skills among preschoolers

A new study found that napping can positively affect preschool children's learning of letter-sound mappings and transfer this knowledge to reading unfamiliar words. The research suggests that naps may facilitate the acquisition and application of these fundamental literacy skills.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 29, 2022

Photo or the real thing? Mice can inherently recall and tell them apart

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University found that mice can perceive the difference between a picture of an object and the actual 3D object, employing higher-order cognitive processes. The study suggests that mice's hippocampus plays a significant role in associating memories with visual stimuli.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

Remembering faces and names can be improved during sleep

New research by Northwestern University found that reactivating memories during sleep significantly improves face-name learning. The study also discovered that uninterrupted deep sleep is crucial for this improvement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Scientists pick up the 'slack' on describing the brain networks behind motor function

A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

One and done: Researchers urge testing eyewitness memory only once

A team of psychological scientists and criminologists recommend testing eyewitness memory only once to prevent contaminated memories from convicting innocent people. The first identification is the most reliable test, which can avoid further contamination and ensure justice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateNov 3, 2021

Maya rulers put their personal stamp on monumental complexes

Researchers found that Maya rulers altered their cities' structures and alignments to reflect their own desires and authority. Many temples were built on top of existing ones or abandoned altogether, shifting the focus from community ritual to ruler-centric politics.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAncient Mesoamerica·TypeCase study·DateSep 21, 2021

Altering traumatic memories

Texas A&M researchers have developed a method to indirectly retrieve and weaken fear memories, which could lead to more effective therapy for treating trauma. By reactivating traumatic memories through conditioning procedures, scientists can make them vulnerable to disruption.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2021
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.

Paper: Emotionally appealing ads may not always help consumer memory

A new study by Hayden Noel found that emotionally arousing advertisements can have a negative effect on immediate memory but a positive effect on delayed memory if the level of emotional arousal is congruent with the ad's claims. The research has practical implications for advertisers seeking to develop effective message strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Advertising·DateJan 7, 2021

Perfect imperfection: Electrode defects boost resistive memory efficiency

Thicker electrodes with greater surface roughness improve resistance switching memory cell characteristics. The study found that such electrodes reduce forming and switching voltages, increase endurance to 50 million cycles, and enhance device performance.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Positive outlook predicts less memory decline

A new study found that individuals with higher levels of positive affect had less steep memory decline over a nearly decade-long period. Positive emotions are associated with healthier aging, contradicting the notion that memories fade with age.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2020

Sport and memory go hand in hand

Neuroscientists at UNIGE discover that intense physical exercise improves memory and brain activation, particularly in young individuals. Regular sports activity can potentially enhance learning and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 23, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Protein 'chameleon' colors long-term memory

Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered how a chameleon-like protein, CPEB3, interacts with actin filaments in neurons. This interaction enables the protein to adapt its binding sites to either SUMO or actin, allowing it to form long-lived aggregates that store memories.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

NIH study finds out why some words may be more memorable than others

Researchers found that brains use common words like 'pig' and 'tank' more often when recalling memories, suggesting a neural network connection. The study used memory tests, brain wave recordings, and surveys to support the idea that brains search for memories like search engines track information online.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 29, 2020

A fair reward ensures a good memory

Research reveals that a reward should neither be too small nor too large to optimize memory encoding. The brain needs rewards to motivate us, but also challenges, and the perfect balance allows for better memory consolidation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2020

Dreaming with purpose

Adult-born neurons in the hippocampus play a crucial role in memory consolidation during REM sleep, according to a study published in Neuron. The researchers found that activity in these neurons is necessary for memory consolidation and that synaptic changes occur during learning, enabling memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNeuron·DateJun 5, 2020

Certain personality traits may affect risk of 'pre-dementia'

A study of 524 adults aged 65+ found that openness was linked to a 6% reduced risk of motoric cognitive risk (MCR), while neuroticism increased the risk of non-amnestic MCI. Personality traits played an independent role in pre-dementia syndromes, emphasizing their importance in dementia risk assessment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 3, 2020

Scientists explore links between genetics, gut microbiome and memory

A new study identifies lactate, a molecule produced by a common gut microbe, as a key memory-boosting molecular messenger. The researchers found that mice fed specific probiotics experienced improved memory, with increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in their brains.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 29, 2020
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.

New tool measures quality of life in people with dementia

A new tool measures quality of life in people with dementia by assessing five key domains: physical health, mood, memory, living situation, and ability to do fun activities. The tool reveals that living situation is the most important contributor to quality of life, followed by the ability to engage in fun activities.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPharmacoEconomics·DateApr 26, 2020

Could high blood pressure at night have an effect on your brain?

A new study shows that people with high blood pressure and reverse dipping may have small areas in the brain damaged from vascular disease, leading to memory problems. Those with high blood pressure and reverse dipping also had lower scores on a memory test, with average scores of about 33 compared to 40 for those without these conditi...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 15, 2020
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.

Trauma relapse in a novel context may be preventable

A Korea Brain Research Institute study found that the posterior parietal cortex plays a role in fear renewal in novel contexts. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and fear-related disorders.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalMolecular Brain·DateMar 18, 2020

How associative fear memory is formed in the brain

Researchers demonstrate that fear memory involves strengthening neural pathways between the hippocampus and amygdala, which can be erased by weakening these connections. This discovery provides potential therapeutic strategies to suppress maladaptive fear memories in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2020

How decline in memory, gait speed are associated with dementia risk

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that declines in both memory and gait speed are associated with an increased risk of dementia in adults 60 and older. The observational meta-analysis included six studies with over 8,700 participants from the US and Europe.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 21, 2020

Memory games: Eating well to remember

A study of 139,000 older Australians found strong links between certain food groups, such as fruit, vegetables, and protein-rich foods, and reduced memory loss and comorbid heart disease. Age-specific dietary guidelines may be necessary to prevent cognitive impairment in older populations.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 17, 2020
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.

Cannabis and false memories

A study by Kloft et al. found that cannabis use increases susceptibility to false memories and misinformation in mock crime scenarios. This research has significant implications for the questioning of cannabis-intoxicated eyewitnesses and suspects during investigative interviews.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Epilepsy study shows link between brain activity and memory

A new study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found that abnormal electrical pulses from specific brain cells cause temporary memory disruptions in epilepsy patients. The study's findings could lead to better treatments for cognitive impairment in epilepsy patients, with the potential to improve their quality of life.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateJan 6, 2020
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.