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The way sensory prediction changes under anesthesia tells us how conscious cognition works

Researchers found that conscious thought requires synchronized communication—mediated by brain rhythms in specific frequency bands—between basic sensory and higher-order cognitive regions of the brain. Under anesthesia, communication was lost, highlighting the key role of frontal areas in consciousness.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

People infer the past better than the future, study finds

A Dartmouth-led study found that people are more skilled at inferring past events from conversations than predicting future events. This phenomenon is attributed to the asymmetrical nature of human knowledge about their own lives and experiences, which influences how people converse.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

Don’t believe the hype: AGI is far from inevitable

The study challenges the idea of creating artificial general intelligence (AGI) with human-level cognition, citing limitations in replicating human cognition. Researchers argue that even under ideal circumstances, it is impossible to achieve AGI due to the complexity of cognitive processes.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalComputational Brain & Behavior·DateSep 29, 2024
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.

Voice-activated cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

A randomized clinical trial found that a voice-activated cognitive behavioral therapy program improved insomnia symptoms in breast cancer survivors. The intervention, delivered in an in-home setting, demonstrated efficacy in reducing sleep disturbances and enhancing overall quality of life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 24, 2024

Out with the old, in with the new: the science behind memory clutter and aging

Aging brains struggle to clear out outdated information, leading to slower processing and more frequent forgetfulness. Beta-band neural oscillations play a crucial role in regulating working memory, with older adults showing a stronger link between these oscillations and their ability to delete irrelevant information.

SourceBoston University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2024
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.

Brain-wide decision-making dynamics discovered

Neuroscientists have discovered a global process across the brain that coordinates sensory input with motor action through learning. In trained mice, neurons link sensory evidence to action initiation, integrating information across multiple brain regions.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Dogs understand words from soundboard buttons, study reveals

A new study published in PLOS ONE shows that dogs trained with soundboard buttons can comprehend specific words and respond appropriately. The study's findings suggest that dogs are not merely 'reading' their owners' body language but are indeed processing the words themselves.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2024

Positive effects of rhythm and music in brain disorder

A scoping review from the University of Gothenburg found that music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, can improve rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with brain disorders. The method has been shown to be challenging, motivating, and enjoyable for participants, leading to improved recovery and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 21, 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.

Childhood maltreatment is associated with greater cognitive difficulties than previously thought

Research from King's College London suggests that childhood maltreatment, particularly neglect, is associated with significant cognitive deficits. The study, published in Lancet Psychiatry, used court-documented records and adult recall to test the relative associations of maltreatment with cognitive abilities.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2024

Lemurs use long-term memory, smell, and social cues to find food

Researchers found that lemurs integrate sensory information with ecological and social knowledge to locate hidden fruit. The animals' ability to remember the location of the fruit weeks later demonstrates their complex cognitive abilities.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Walking the walk, WVU develops motion compatible brain scanner

Researchers at WVU created a motion-compatible brain scanner that allows patients to move around during imaging. The Ambulatory Motion-enabling PET (AMPET) scanner can help study human behaviors, balance, and emotions, and may be used to monitor brain activity for PTSD treatment and mindfulness meditation.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study highlights scale and impact of long COVID

The review paper examines the scope of people affected by long COVID, ranging from fatigue to cognitive impairment, and current treatment options. Researchers emphasize the need for biomarkers and targeted therapies to address root causes of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2024

Research finds no difference in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome prevalence caused by COVID-19 and other acute illnesses

A new study led by UCLA found a 3% to 4% prevalence of ME/CFS-like illness among participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, similar to those who tested negative. The research suggests COVID-19 may not be the primary cause of ME/CFS.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJul 24, 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.

Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

The NTU Singapore-led study found that mothers whose parents help with childcare are more likely to show their children parental warmth. Mothers who received childcare support from maternal grandparents also reported engaging in more positive parenting, characterized by warmth and responsiveness.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 1, 2024

Neighborhood opportunities influence infant development and cognition

New research suggests that neighborhoods with more educational and socioeconomic opportunities can improve infants' brain activity and cognitive development. Infants in such neighborhoods show greater brain function at six months of age and better cognition at 12 months old.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateJun 27, 2024

Amnesia caused by sleep deprivation could be reversed with existing drugs

Researchers have found that social memories lost due to sleep deprivation can be restored in mice using a drug used to treat asthma, while spatial memories can be reversed with a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. These findings suggest potential for reversing human forgetfulness.

SourceFederation of European Neuroscience Societies·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Acting for a common goal with humanoid robots

Researchers found that humans feel jointly a sense of agency with humanoid robots when they perceive them as intentional and social agents. This teamwork is more likely to occur when the robot displays human-like behavior and emotions.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalAdvanced Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Exercise lifts mood for adults with Down’s syndrome

A new study found that physical activity and cognitive training can improve life satisfaction and mood for adults with Down’s syndrome. The Mindsets study involved 83 participants who were assigned to one of four groups for an eight-week period, including a control group, light physical exercise, or BrainHQ activities.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 13, 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.

Training cognitive control in children does not change brain or behavior

A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that training exercises designed to improve cognitive control in children do not lead to any brain changes or improvements in related behavioral measures. The study tested 235 children aged six to 13 and found that while they improved on specific tasks, these gains did not carry over i...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2024

How stress knocks out your cognitive reserve

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that stress weakens the association between cognitive reserve and improved cognition in memory clinic patients. Cognitive reserve is built through experiences like higher education and social interactions, but high or persistent stress levels can impair these benefits.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 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.

An online meeting with your dog?

Researchers trained two dogs to imitate human actions using the Do as I Do training method, with successful replication from frontal and side angles. However, dogs struggled to imitate actions from overhead perspectives. This study expands knowledge on dog perception and interpretation of human actions.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalBiologia Futura·DateMay 15, 2024
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.

In the brain, bursts of beta rhythms implement cognitive control

Beta bursts regulate neuron activity to implement cognitive control, enabling flexible but controlled patterns of neural activity for intentional thought. Studying these bursts could aid in diagnosing and treating cognitive disorders, including ADHD, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 23, 2024

Paper: To understand cognition—and its dysfunction—neuroscientists must learn its rhythms

The study suggests that understanding brain rhythms is critical for developing effective treatments for neurological disorders like schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Parkinson's. Cognition emerges from the coordinated activity of millions of neurons via electric fields, known as brain waves or rhythms.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalCurrent Opinion in Behavioral Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 17, 2024
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.

Developing best practices for human-AI collaboration in engineering design

Lehigh University researcher A. Emrah Bayrak explores best practices for human-AI collaboration in complex design tasks, aiming to maximize productivity and job satisfaction. His project uses models that predict human decision-making and combines it with AI's training data analysis to determine strategies for division of labor.

SourceLehigh University·DateApr 11, 2024

Postconcussive symptoms after early childhood concussion

A study of 303 early childhood children found concussion associated with more postconcussive symptoms than typical development up to three months after injury. The study used developmentally appropriate manifestations and behaviors to track postconcussive symptoms and aid in concussion diagnosis in young children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 21, 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.

Breathe, don’t vent: Turning down the heat is key to managing anger

Researchers analyzed over 150 studies involving more than 10,000 participants to find that lowering physiological arousal is key to managing anger. Arousal-decreasing activities such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation were effective in reducing anger, while activities increasing arousal like jogging had no effect.

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 18, 2024

Smelling danger in the water: Schreckstoff mystery solved after 86 years!

Researchers have solved the long-standing question of what triggers the alarm response in fish by identifying two distinct chemical signals: Daniol sulphate and Ostariopterin. These substances convey separate pieces of information that must be detected simultaneously to trigger a flight-or-freeze response.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 17, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Symptoms of cognitive impairment among children with atopic dermatitis

A new study published in JAMA Dermatology reveals that children with atopic dermatitis are more likely to experience difficulties in learning and memory. The research suggests that neurodevelopmental comorbidities such as ADHD or learning disabilities may play a key role in this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 6, 2024

Early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy, and cognition

A genome-wide meta-analysis study found that early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy and cognitive abilities in children. The study used data from over 17,000 English-, Danish- or Dutch-speaking children and identified multiple genetic factors underlying vocabulary size in infancy and toddlerhood.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2024

How air pollution can harm team performance

High levels of air pollution have a significant negative impact on teams' ability to solve complex problems, such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines. The study used escape-room games data to estimate that high-pollution days can lead to up to 5% longer completion times for teams.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·DateFeb 28, 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.

Playing video games may improve attention and memory, new research finds

A study published in British Journal of Psychology found that regular gamers performed better on tasks measuring cognitive functions such as attention and memory. They were able to complete number-letter tasks and maze activities faster than non-gamers, with no significant difference in cognitive fatigue experienced.

SourceLero·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Why do(n’t) people support being nudged towards healthier diets?

A study by the Universities of Göttingen and Bonn found that reducing effort required to opt out of nudged options and increasing transparency of the nudge significantly improved public support for these interventions. The perception of upholding free choice and effectiveness were key drivers of acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 15, 2024

Long-term brain structure and cognition following bariatric surgery

Researchers found that bariatric surgery led to improved cognition and overall well-being two years after the procedure. The study revealed changes in blood vessel efficiency and cortical thickness of the temporal cortex, offering new treatment options for patients with obesity and dementia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 9, 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.

Physical activity and cognitive decline among older adults

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 studies with 341,000 participants found that physical activity was associated with better late-life cognition, although the association was weak. The findings suggest that even a weak link between physical activity and cognitive decline is still important from a population health perspective.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 1, 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.

Bariatric surgery may slow cognitive decline for people with obesity

Researchers found that cognition scores remained stable two years after bariatric surgery, while secondary executive function tests showed improvement. However, one memory assessment declined following surgery. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and understand how best to treat cognitive decline associated with obesity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2024

Memory, brain function, and behavior: exploring the intricate connection through fear memories

Researchers examine the dynamic nature of fear responses in varied environments, shedding light on physical manifestation of memory in the brain. The study reveals that fear memories are linked to pathological states like PTSD and generalized anxiety, with direct translational relevance for disorders involving dysregulated fear responses.

SourceBoston University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024