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Robot learns to follow orders like Alexa

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL developed ComText, a system that allows robots to understand contextual commands, enabling them to perform complex tasks. With this technology, Baxter, a two-armed humanoid robot, achieved success in executing commands with a 90% accuracy rate.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 30, 2017

No direct flights for memory retrieval

Research finds that a neural stopover in the subiculum is necessary for retrieving episodic memories, but not forming them. Activating or inhibiting this pathway affects memory recall and stress hormone levels related to fear responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell·DateAug 17, 2017

A new technique isolates neuronal activity during memory consolidation

Researchers have developed a new technique to isolate neuronal activity during memory consolidation, revealing that individual hippocampal neurons respond selectively to specific memories. This study provides insight into the neural mechanisms of memory formation and its potential link to brain diseases like epilepsy.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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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.

New clues about the aging brain's memory functions

A European study led by Umea University Professor Lars Nyberg found a positive link between the dopamine D2 receptor and long-term episodic memory, which often declines with age. The research suggests that impairment of the dopamine system may play a crucial role in understanding age-related cognitive decline.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2016

Stave off cognitive decline with seafood

A study published in Neurology found that eating seafood at least once a week can help mitigate age-related cognitive decline. Participants who consumed more seafood showed slower rates of decline in semantic memory and perceptual speed, while those with the APOE-ε4 gene showed an even stronger protective association.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateMay 10, 2016

Study finds training with unpredictability improves memory recall

Researchers found that unpredictable components in memory training enhance episodic memory recall, particularly in older adults. The study suggests that training with unpredictability increases cognitive control, leading to better performance in recalling autobiographical events.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 29, 2016
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.

Being overweight linked to poorer memory

Researchers found an association between high BMI and poorer performance on a test of episodic memory in young adults. The study suggests that obesity may be linked to changes in brain structure and function, potentially affecting memory and decision-making abilities.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2016

Mental time travel: An exclusively human capacity

A new theoretical model proposes that humans have an exclusively human capacity for mental time travel, composed of episodic memory and scenario construction. However, no definitive evidence supports foresightful behavior in animals, suggesting they may not possess the same level of mental time travel capabilities.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateDec 22, 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.

Eating sweets forms memories that may control eating habits, study finds

Researchers found that consuming sweets activates neurons in the dorsal hippocampus, a critical region for episodic memory. This process is necessary for making memories, including those related to eating behavior. The study suggests that forming memories of meals can help control eating habits.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalHippocampus·DateNov 12, 2015

'Brain training' app may improve memory and daily functioning of people with schizophrenia

A brain training iPad game has been shown to improve the memory of patients with schizophrenia, enabling them to function better in their daily lives. The study found significant improvements in episodic memory and global functioning, suggesting a potential therapeutic tool for managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateAug 2, 2015

New insights into how the brain forms memories

Researchers recorded individual neuron activity in patients to understand episodic memory creation. They found that neurons signal new contextual associations between people and places with dramatic changes after a single trial.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJul 1, 2015
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Memory loss among the elderly is lower than what was originally thought

According to a study by the University of the Basque Country, cognitive decline starts at age 20 but may not be noticeable. Episodic memory deteriorates with age, while semantic and procedural memories remain relatively stable or even improve in some cases.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateJun 5, 2015

New images of the brain show the forgetful side effect of frequent recall

A new study using brain imaging shows that intentional recall can lead to the suppression of competing memories, altering their accessibility. The research found that remembering dynamically changes which aspects of our past remain available, and this mechanism is not limited to specific memory types.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 16, 2015

Lift weights, improve your memory

A new study found that a short bout of resistance exercise, such as lifting weights for 20 minutes, can improve episodic memory by 10% in healthy young adults. The researchers tested participants before and after the exercise, using a series of photos to assess their memory recall.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalActa Psychologica·DateOct 1, 2014

BRAIN Initiative to fund first decoding of a key brain circuit in mammals

A team of researchers will study the complex connections between brain cells that allow us to make and retrieve lasting memories. The project aims to build a complete computational model of a neural network in vertebrates using experimental data, with potential transformative insights into mammalian brain abilities.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·DateOct 1, 2014
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.

Hope for more accurate diagnosis of memory problems

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a new diagnostic tool to distinguish between different types of dementia and memory damage. The model takes into account both semantic and autobiographical memories, leading to better approaches for rehabilitation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJul 30, 2014

New research shows memory is a dynamic and interactive process

Recent studies have shown that memory is composed of two distinct forms: episodic memory, dependent on the hippocampus, and semantic memory, reliant on the neocortex. The 'multiple trace/transformation theory' proposes that memories are re-encoded with each retrieval, leading to a transformation from context-rich to general memory.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 28, 2014
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.

Outside the body our memories fail us

Studies show that when participants experience an 'out-of-body' illusion, their memories are fragmented and stored improperly. The research suggests a close relationship between body experience and memory, with implications for understanding psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and schizophrenia.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2014

Study reveals how the brain links memories of sequential events

Researchers have identified a previously unknown circuit that suppresses the monosynaptic circuit, allowing for longer time-linked memories to be formed. This discovery sheds light on how the brain balances fear and caution in response to sequential events.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Tip-of-the-tongue moments may be benign

Researchers found that older participants experienced more tip-of-the-tongue moments, but these experiences were not associated with actual memory problems. The study suggests that these frustrating occurrences are largely independent of each other.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 16, 2013

Some parts of memory still developing deep into childhood

Research suggests that young children may struggle to remember overlapping elements of events, such as time and place, until later childhood. This has significant implications for learning in school and the reliability of testimony in court cases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 23, 2013

MIT neuroscientists show ability to plant false memories

Researchers successfully created and stored false memories in mice using optogenetics, a technique that allows them to activate specific brain cells. The study suggests that many neurological traces of false memories are identical to those of authentic memories.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2013
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.

Alcoholism's short-term effects on memory functioning are harmful

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that alcoholism impairs associative memory, a component of episodic memory, which is essential for remembering face-name associations. Working memory, another short-term memory system, is also affected, leading to difficulties in holding information in mind.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateApr 16, 2012

Experience puts the personal stamp on a place in memory

Researchers found that rats' place cells behave like new environments when they don't explore, highlighting the importance of direct experience in creating stable episodic memories. This discovery translates to humans, where recalling past experiences relies on autobiographical memory and direct recollection of events.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

NYU neuroscientists identify how the brain remembers what happens and when

Researchers at NYU's Center for Neural Science have identified the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex as crucial brain areas involved in integrating 'what' and 'when' information. This discovery enhances our understanding of how memories are processed and may lead to new approaches for addressing memory-related disorders.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2011
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.

New research might help people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder

A new study by University of Bristol researchers has identified a mechanism in the brain that explains why people form long-lasting memories of stressful events. The discovery could lead to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related psychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2011

Penn researchers find neural signature of 'mental time travel'

University of Pennsylvania researchers have identified a brain-based explanation for how memories become linked, revealing that contextual associations are retained across time scales. The study uses precise brain activity data from epilepsy patients to pinpoint the region of the brain responsible for episodic memory.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2011

Alcohol dependence damages both episodic memory and awareness of memory

A new study found that individuals with alcohol dependence not only experience impaired episodic memory but also a distorted perception of their own cognitive abilities. This distortion leads to an overestimation of memory capacities and a failure to recognize actual memory deficits.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateAug 24, 2010

Traces of the past: Computer algorithm able to 'read' memories

A computer algorithm was able to predict which film a volunteer was recalling based on their brain activity, suggesting that memories are recorded in regular patterns. The key areas involved in recording episodic memories were the hippocampus and its immediate neighbors.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 11, 2010
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.

Cracking the spatial memory code

Scientists have discovered that the hippocampus works in a structured and predictable way, enabling them to predict where someone is standing within a virtual reality room based on brain activity. The findings offer compelling evidence for mindreading and could potentially decode individual episodic memory traces from human brain imaging.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2009

Mixed feelings not remembered as well as happy or sad ones

Researchers found that people tend to underestimate the intensity of their mixed feelings when recalling them. This effect is more pronounced over time and affects individuals from different ethnic backgrounds differently.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 25, 2008

Total, genetically-based recall

Psychologists Agneta Herlitz and Jenny Rehnman found significant sex differences in episodic memory, favoring women. Women excel in verbal episodic memory tasks and are better at remembering faces, especially of females.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 20, 2008
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.

Lack of imagination in older adults linked to declining memory

A study found that older adults with declining imagination are less able to recall detailed memories, hindering their ability to create imagined future events. Researchers discovered a link between episodic memory and the constructive-episodic-simulation process.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 7, 2008

How the brain weaves a memory

Studies using fMRI reveal that the hippocampus integrates perceptual strands to form coherent memories. The intraparietal sulcus plays a crucial role in binding multiple features of stimuli into a common representation, essential for episodic memory formation.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 8, 2006

Older people with the 'Alzheimer's gene' find it harder to 'remember to remember' even if healthy

A study found that healthy older adults with the e-4 allele of the ApoE gene exhibit significantly worse prospective memories, struggling to remember tasks even when instructed to do so. The findings suggest a strong impact of genetic variation on cognitive function and recommend reevaluating the role of ApoE in cognition.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateJan 23, 2005
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.

What happens in the brain when we remember our own past?

A new fMRI study found that autobiographical memories engage different parts of the brain, even when recalling the same content. The study used 'diary' method to collect memories, revealing the frontal lobes involved in self-awareness and visual memory are more strongly activated for episodic memories.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateNov 22, 2004

Human gene affects memory

A study has identified a specific human gene variant, nicknamed 'met,' that affects memory and hippocampal function in humans. Individuals inheriting at least one copy of the 'met' version showed lower verbal episodic memory scores compared to those with two copies of the more common 'val' version.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalCell·DateJan 23, 2003
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.