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Living near woodlands is good for children and young people's mental health

A study of 3,568 children aged 9-15 found that proximity to woodlands was linked to better cognitive development and lower risk of emotional problems. Higher exposure to woodland was associated with higher scores in cognitive development and a 16% lower risk of emotional and behavioural problems.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 19, 2021

Not only humans got talent, dogs got it too!

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that a handful of dogs learn multiple toy names effortlessly, despite struggling with object labels. The research suggests that talent in a specific field may not be exclusively human, with gifted word learner dogs displaying exceptional learning capacity.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 7, 2021
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.

Largest-ever pre-adolescent brain activation study reveals cognitive function maps

A new study provides valuable information on the cognitive processes and brain systems underlying adolescent development. The data from the largest longitudinal neuroimaging study to date reveals which brain regions are involved in key psychological processes, including cognitive control, reward processing, and social/emotional function.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 7, 2021

The impact of early childhood interventions on mothers

Research shows that ECD interventions can improve maternal mental health, women's financial wellbeing, and overall empowerment. However, many studies overlook the indirect benefits for mothers and caregivers, leading to policy misinvestment.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 20, 2021

Placental genetic risk factors for schizophrenia

A significant link between placental gene-expression loci and neonatal brain volume was found, with stronger correlations in males than females. Early life complications may exacerbate the risk of neurodevelopmental illness in individuals with schizophrenia-associated genetic markers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Compulsivity and goal-directed behavior

Adolescents with compulsivity traits show reduced brain development and delayed goal-directed behavior, suggesting a link between compulsivity and atypical cognitive development. Compulsivity is associated with less-pronounced remodeling of brain circuitry during adolescence.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020
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.

How brain flexibility emerges in infants

Infants exhibit increased brain activity and neural flexibility from birth, indicating early development of higher-level brain functions. This emerging flexibility is positively associated with reading ability, academic success, and creativity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Scientists show how brain flexibility emerges in infants

Infants as young as two years old exhibit increased brain flexibility, a key factor in cognitive development, according to UNC-Chapel Hill researchers. This emerging neural ability enables early learning of new motor skills and supports the maturation of higher-level cognitive processes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Composing creativity: Children benefit from new painting materials

New research reveals that children's paintings contain valuable insights into their cognitive development, spatial relationships, and artistic abilities. Digital image analysis technology helps identify areas of improvement in art education, such as focusing on object size, composition, and creative methods.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalHealthcare·DateJul 16, 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.

The brain may need iron for healthy cognitive development

Research finds that brain iron levels increase during childhood and adolescence, correlating with improved cognitive abilities. Decreased iron levels in certain brain regions are associated with impaired performance on cognitive tasks, highlighting the importance of iron for healthy brain development.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 27, 2020

UA study looks to measure benefits of eyeglasses for toddlers

The study aims to measure whether using eyeglasses to correct astigmatism in toddlers improves language, cognitive, and motor development. Researchers will divide children with astigmatism into two groups: one receiving traditional support and the other with significant additional clinical support to encourage wear.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateOct 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Slower growth in working memory linked to teen driving crashes

A new study suggests that slower growth in working memory is associated with motor vehicle crashes among teenagers. The research found that young drivers with less-than-average working memory growth were more likely to report being involved in a crash, while those with greater-than-average growth were less likely.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2019

Association of blood extracellular vesicle biomarkers with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers analyzed blood samples from cognitively normal participants who developed Alzheimer's and found an association between neuronal-enriched extracellular vesicles and the disease. The study suggests these biomarkers may play a role in Alzheimer's progression, potentially serving as diagnostic or monitoring tools.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 15, 2019

Examining cognitive, motor development of children exposed prenatally to opioids

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies found that prenatal opioid exposure is associated with delayed cognitive and motor development in children. The study suggests that early prenatal exposure to opioids may have long-term consequences for child development, highlighting the need for further research into this area.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 12, 2019

Can computer use, crafts and games slow or prevent age-related memory loss?

A new study found that mentally stimulating activities like using a computer, playing games, crafting, and participating in social activities are linked to a lower risk of delay or prevention of age-related memory loss called mild cognitive impairment. Engaging in more activities during later life was associated with an even lower risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 10, 2019
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.

Help for youth who have experienced sexual or physical abuse

A new form of psychotherapy developed for teens and young adults has been shown to effectively reduce psychological stress. The treatment, which consists of 30-26 sessions over four to five months, demonstrated improved symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 22, 2019

Connectivity in human and chimpanzee brains

A study comparing human and chimpanzee brain networks reveals that humans have a more modular network with stronger connections between language areas. The research suggests that evolutionary modifications to the brain's architecture may have contributed to human cognitive advancements.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019
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.

Prefrontal cortex development and mental illness

A mouse study reveals that abnormal brain development and maternal stress interact to produce schizophrenia, bipolar, and depressive disorders. Disrupting a specific molecule in the prefrontal cortex during embryonic development can lead to similar cognitive impairments.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 2019

Researchers classify Alzheimer's patients in 6 subgroups

Researchers identified six distinct subgroups of Alzheimer's patients based on cognitive functioning and genetic data. The study found substantial biological differences among these subgroups, which may lead to the development of precision medicine approaches for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2018

Reproductive cycle may foreshadow Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that female mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology spent more time in stages with high estrogen levels than control mice, associated with impaired learning and memory. Beta-amyloid production also increased during these stages, highlighting the importance of female biology in nervous system disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateDec 3, 2018

Ant soldiers don't need big brains

A study published in BMC Zoology found that ant soldiers have smaller brain sizes than workers despite being larger, as their tasks place less cognitive demand. This suggests that investment in brain development may be reduced for individuals with simpler behaviors.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Zoology·DateJul 12, 2018

Researchers use 'League of Legends' to gain insights into mental models

Novices organize mental models based on natural language connections, while journeymen rely on procedural connections. Expert mental models display abstract connections and subnetworks as they gain expertise. This study has potential applications for training programs and game design.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making·DateMay 8, 2018
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.

Patients and families who experience delirium report more distress than those who do not

Researchers found that delirium episodes cause distress for both patients and their families, with severity playing a role in emotional pain. The Delirium Burden questionnaire provides a reliable tool to measure this experience, potentially aiding future clinical trials in finding solutions.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMay 8, 2018

Postnatal depression has life-long impact on mother-child relations

Research found that postnatal depression continues to impact mother-child relationships into later life, affecting emotional, cognitive, and physical development in children. Women who experienced PND reported lower relationship quality with their offspring, even those now adults.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPeerJ·DateFeb 20, 2018

Falling IQ scores in childhood may signal psychotic disorders in later life

Research found adults with psychotic disorders experience cognitive decline in early childhood and adolescence, suggesting potential for early intervention to prevent illness onset. The study tracked IQ scores and cognitive abilities throughout the first two decades of life among individuals who developed psychotic disorders in adulthood.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 31, 2018

Altered brain development, cognitive abilities in preemies

A recent study published in JNeurosci found that premature babies undergoing painful procedures exhibit abnormal thalamic development and cognitive/motor impairments. Minimizing painful procedures could help promote brain health and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 18, 2017

Smart people have better connected brains

Research at Goethe University Frankfurt finds that more intelligent individuals have brain regions more strongly connected to each other within their own 'family', but less connected to others. This may help them filter out irrelevant information and focus on important tasks.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2017
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.

Living close to green spaces is associated with better attention in children

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who live close to green spaces have improved attention skills. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 children and showed a positive correlation between residential exposure to greenness and better scores on attention tests.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 25, 2017

Maternal signals and cognitive development

Researchers found a correlation between predictable maternal sensory signals and improved cognitive function in children, with unpredictable signals linked to memory problems. Maternal predictability may influence cognitive development across species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2017

Development of games prevents cognitive decline in elderly people

A nine-month research project involved a control group and two groups of older people who learned to play video games or developed their own games. The results showed that the game developers performed significantly better than the control and player groups in terms of mental health, quality of life, cognition, and functional capacity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateAug 23, 2017

Cognitive abilities seem to reinforce each other in adolescence

A new study found that cognitive abilities in adolescence are positively related, suggesting a 'mutualism' model where skills help each other develop. This research has implications for understanding developmental challenges and life outcomes, such as academic success and longevity.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

Research finds increased risk of dementia in patients who experience delirium after surgery

A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia has found that delirium after surgery is associated with a significant increase in dementia risk in elderly patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 patients and found that those who developed postoperative delirium were three times more likely to suffer permanen...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 27, 2017

Predicting cognitive deficits in people with Parkinson's disease

A newly developed research tool may help predict a patient's risk for developing dementia in Parkinson's disease, enabling improved clinical trial design and treatment development. A computer-based risk calculator was built from data on 3,200 people with Parkinson's disease, evaluating seven known risk factors.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 21, 2017

Study finds social challenges amplify negative effects of childhood lead exposure

A new study found that lead exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and language development in preschoolers, with poverty amplifying these effects. The research analyzed data from the Bellevue Early Language and Education Project and showed that even low levels of blood lead above 5 micrograms per deciliter can cause reduced cogni...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 4, 2017

How depression can muddle thinking

People with depression experience trouble processing information and solving problems, with symptoms persisting even after other symptoms fade. Researchers identified molecular mechanisms affected by depression on a rat model, shedding light on potential new treatments addressing associated cognitive problems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateFeb 15, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

White matter structure in the brain predicts cognitive function at ages 1 and 2

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that patterns of white matter microstructure present at birth and after birth predict cognitive function in children at ages 1 and 2. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to identify 12 white matter fiber tracts important for cognitive function, which wer...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

New CBT resource shows promise in reducing children's dental anxiety

A new cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) resource has been developed to manage children's dental anxiety. The study found a significant reduction in dental anxiety and an increase in health-related quality of life among children who used the guided self-help CBT resource.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateNov 1, 2016

A third of young children in LMICs are failing to meet basic milestones

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 32.9% of 3- and 4-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries are struggling with cognitive or socioemotional development. The research estimated that 80.8 million children, or 32.9% of those living in these countries, are failing to meet basic milestones.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 7, 2016
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.

Nature versus nurture

Research by UCSB psychologist John Protzko found that environmental interventions can temporarily boost general intelligence in low-birth-weight children. The effects, however, diminish over time, a phenomenon known as the 'fadeout effect'. This suggests that underlying cognitive abilities may not be the primary drivers of intelligence.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalIntelligence·DateMar 14, 2016

Consuming omega-3 during pregnancy enhances fetal iron metabolism

A study by University of Granada researchers found that maternal DHA supplementation enhances fetal iron metabolism, improving iron reserves and preventing anemia-related complications. The research involved 110 healthy pregnant women who received either a balanced diet or a balanced diet with omega-3 supplements.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateFeb 22, 2016

Greater weight loss during aging associated with increased risk for MCI

An association between declining weight and an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been found, particularly among those who experience greater weight loss per decade from midlife to late life. The study suggests that this decline in weight may serve as a marker for MCI and help identify individuals at increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 1, 2016
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.

Prenatal exposure to flame retardants linked to poorer behavioral function in children

A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests that prenatal exposure to flame retardants and PFASs may have a lasting impact on executive function in children, characterized by impairments in focus, working memory, delegation of tasks, and emotional control. The research evaluated levels of PBDEs and PFASs in mothers during pr...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 27, 2016

Study finds no link between surgical anesthesia and MCI

A Mayo Clinic study found no association between surgical anesthesia and development of mild cognitive impairment in people aged 40 and older. Researchers evaluated over 1,700 participants and found that exposure to anesthesia did not increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJan 20, 2016

Zebrafish study sheds new light on human heart defects

A recent study using zebrafish has uncovered new insights into the causes of congenital heart defects associated with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. The research found that lowering levels of a specific cohesin protein in embryonic zebrafish produces similar types of heart defects as those found in people with CdLS.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateOct 15, 2015

Seeing the world through assistive glasses

The ADAMAAS project aims to create a mobile assistance system that identifies problems and provides situation-dependent assistance through intelligent glasses. The technology combines eye tracking, memory research, object recognition, and augmented reality to support users in daily activities.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJul 2, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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