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Warning to those wanting to spice up their lives

A 15-year study of 4582 Chinese adults found evidence of faster cognitive decline in those who consistently ate more than 50 grams of chili a day. Memory decline was even more significant if the chili lovers were slim.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNutrients·DateJul 22, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A NEAT discovery about memory

A team of researchers has identified a tissue-specific non-coding RNA called NEAT1 that regulates memory formation in the hippocampus region of the brain. Increasing NEAT1 levels in younger mice impaired learning and memory, while decreasing NEAT1 levels improved cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 2, 2019

Health checks from age 40 avoid 'black hole'

A study of 561 healthy adults found an average of five unidentified health problems per person, including undiagnosed high blood pressure and hearing loss. Regular health checks can help identify these issues and improve health outcomes through individualized screening and self-management recommendations.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJun 30, 2019

Pink noise boosts deep sleep in mild cognitive impairment patients

A small pilot study found that sound stimulation played during specific times of deep sleep enhanced slow-wave sleep in people with mild cognitive impairment. Participants who showed the greatest improvement in deep sleep also recalled more words on a memory test the next morning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 28, 2019

Dementia study links gene with damage to brain connections

A study by University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that a protein called clusterin builds up in vital parts of neurons, disrupting brain cell connections and contributing to dementia symptoms. The findings shed light on the causes of Alzheimer's disease and will help accelerate the search for a treatment.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBrain Communications·DateJun 27, 2019
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.

Overcoming PTSD: Study reveals memory disruption drug target

Researchers identified a key molecule, mir-135b-5p, found elevated in the brain's emotional memory processor that drives PTSD symptoms. Suppressing this molecule enables faster recovery from trauma, and it may also serve as a novel biomarker for treatment.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 19, 2019

Researchers identify hidden brain signals behind working memory

A new study has found that artificial manipulation of brain signals can improve working memory in rats, with extended ripples capturing more information when learning a new place. The findings offer insights into the mammalian brain's mechanisms and may guide future treatments for memory disorders.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 2019

Rhythmic control of 'brain waves' can boost memory -- study

Neuroscientists have discovered that controlling brain waves through rhythmic neural stimulation can improve memory performance. The study, published in Trends in Neurosciences, suggests that this technique may be a promising tool for improving memory and potentially treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateJun 6, 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.

Proof it's possible to enhance or suppress memories

A study by Boston University neuroscientist Steve Ramirez shows that stimulating different parts of the brain can dial up or down a specific memory's emotional oomph. The hippocampus, a small structure in the brain, stores sensory and emotional information associated with memories.

SourceBoston University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2019

Researchers define Alzheimer's-like brain disorder

Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE) is a newly-defined brain disorder resembling Alzheimer's disease but caused by misfolded TDP-43 protein. It affects 25% of individuals over 85 years old, causing gradual cognitive decline and impacting daily life.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateApr 30, 2019
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.

What makes memories stronger?

Studies in rats reveal that highly demanding and rewarding experiences result in stronger memories due to replay processes in the hippocampus. This finding provides new insights into memory consolidation, which could lead to treatments that strengthen memories and better understand memory decline in diseases like dementia.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 29, 2019

Exercise activates memory neural networks in older adults

A new University of Maryland study reveals that acute exercise increases activation in the hippocampus and other key brain regions associated with memory. This finding suggests that single sessions of exercise can promote adaptations and improve network integrity, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateApr 25, 2019

Brain stimulation reverses age-related memory loss

A new Northwestern University study found that electromagnetic pulses can improve memory in older adults with age-related memory loss, reversing it to the level of young adults. The technique targets the brain's memory center and rebuilds part of memory that helps recall everyday tasks.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurology·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Brain stimulation shows promise for understanding memory decline in older adults

A pilot study found that transcranial magnetic stimulation temporarily increases activity in the brain's hippocampal-cortical network, leading to improved memory recall. The treatment showed temporary improvements in memory function compared to a placebo, with participants recalling memories 31% better after stimulation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 17, 2019

Crucial 'electrical switch' in brain revealed in study published by Science

Scientists have discovered the native structure of AMPA receptors in rodent models, which may lead to new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The research could provide novel approaches for therapies by understanding how these receptors differ in people with devastating diseases.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2019
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.

Unique patterns of brain activity predict treatment responses in patients with PTSD

A neuroimaging study identified unique brain activity patterns that predict poorer responses to talk therapy in patients with PTSD. Patients with impaired verbal memory and VAN function had poorer outcomes after psychotherapy, while those with intact verbal memory or normal VAN function were more responsive.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How the brain fights off fears that return to haunt us

Neuroscientists identify 'extinction neurons' in the hippocampus that suppress fearful memories, but can also lead to relapse when activated. This discovery may help explain why exposure therapy sometimes stops working and could lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 1, 2019

Study examines how high altitude affects memory

A new study investigated the impact of high altitude exposure on short-term memory, identifying effects on spatial and verbal memory. The study found that high altitude exposure can lead to deficits in these aspects of cognition, affecting daily functioning.

SourceWiley·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateMar 20, 2019
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.

Measuring differences in brain chemicals in people with mild memory problems

A pilot study by Johns Hopkins researchers found decreases in GABA and glutamate in people with mild cognitive impairment compared to healthy individuals. The study used strong magnets to measure multiple brain metabolites simultaneously, potentially revealing the earliest changes in brain chemistry associated with dementia.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMar 19, 2019
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.

Exposure to trauma impacts ability to squash bad memories

Research finds that trauma-exposed individuals, regardless of PTSD status, struggle with suppressing memories. Neuroimaging data reveals reduced activation in the right middle frontal gyrus, a critical region for memory suppression, among trauma-exposed participants.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateMar 4, 2019

Extinguishing fear memories relies on an unusual change to DNA

Researchers discovered a DNA modification that enhances fear extinction, enabling the brain to rapidly adapt to changing conditions. They found adenosine modifications in neurons involved in fear extinction, which increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and promote new non-fearful memories.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 20, 2019

New molecules reverse memory loss linked to depression, aging

Researchers at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health develop new therapeutic molecules that rapidly improve memory symptoms and renew underlying brain impairments. The compounds target specific impaired brain receptors causing memory loss, reversing cognitive deficits and improving brain function.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateFeb 14, 2019
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.

How exercise may protect against Alzheimer's

Researchers found that exercise increases brain levels of irisin, a hormone linked to improved memory and reduced Alzheimer's risk. Studies in mice suggest that irisin can protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline and may even help prevent or treat dementia.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2019

Puerto Rico's 'fear lab' mentors neuroscience rigor amid diversity

A Puerto Rico-based neuroscience lab, supported by NIH's National Institute of Mental Health, fosters intellectual growth and diversity among its young trainees through journal clubs, lab meetings, one-on-ones, and philosophy retreats. The lab has published over 80 papers and generates more than 2,000 citations annually.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·DateJan 30, 2019

'Bugs' in the gut might predict dementia in the brain

Research found differences in gut microbiota between patients with and without dementia, with higher levels of ammonia and indole associated with increased dementia risk. Lower levels of beneficial Bacteroides organisms were also observed in dementia patients.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJan 30, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

What you eat could impact your brain and memory

Researchers at Iowa State University discovered a link between the satiety hormone Cholecystokinin and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, with higher levels associated with a 65% decrease in cognitive impairment. The study suggests that dietary factors may play a role in preventing or slowing disease progression.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateJan 28, 2019

Unexpected link found between feeding and memory brain areas

A multidisciplinary team has found a new connection between the lateral hypothalamus, a feeding center, and the hippocampus, a memory center, revealing how the protein complex NCOR1/2 regulates memory. The study sheds light on potential links to autism, intellectual disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 21, 2019

Signs of memory problems could be symptoms of hearing loss instead

A recent Baycrest study found that many older adults being evaluated for memory concerns had mild to severe hearing loss. Addressing hearing issues may mitigate or fix what appears to be a memory problem. Hearing loss is a common chronic condition affecting 50% of those over 65 and 90% of those over 80.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalCanadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement·DateJan 18, 2019

Epigenetics contribute to male and female differences in fear memory

A mouse model of traumatic memory found that male mice recall fear-related memories better than female mice due to natural activation of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in males. Artificial activation of Cdk5 reduced the strength of fear memories in female mice, highlighting sex differences in how fear is remembered.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2019
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.

Moving more in old age may be linked to sharper memory

A study found that moving more, even simple routine physical activity like housework, can protect the brain from damage and preserve memory and thinking skills. The study looked at 454 older adults and found that those who moved more had better thinking and memory skills compared to those who didn't.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 16, 2019

The human brain works backwards to retrieve memories

A new study at the University of Birmingham reveals that when retrieving memories, the human brain focuses on the core meaning first and then recalls specific details. This reversed reconstruction process challenges our understanding of how memories are formed and retrieved.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2019

Do you recognize this image?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo found that histamine improved people's long-term memory test scores, especially for those with poor memories. The study showed mice could recognize toys they'd seen as long as 28 days ago after receiving a medication that increases histamine in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2019
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.

Racial differences in Alzheimer's disease unveiled

Researchers identified racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and progression among African-American participants, who had lower levels of brain protein tau. This may lead to under-recognition of the disease in African-Americans, as they often have lower tau levels than Caucasians, according to a new study.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 7, 2019

Stroke produces dysfunctional brain cells

New research published in JNeurosci finds that stroke generates dysfunctional brain cells that fail to develop properly, leading to memory impairments. Intervening in the production of these cells may help mitigate stroke-induced memory loss.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJan 7, 2019

Fungi cause brain infection and impair memory in mice

Researchers found that Candida albicans can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering an inflammatory response and forming granuloma-type structures, leading to temporary memory impairments in mice. The findings also suggest a possible link between fungal infections and chronic neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2019

Study yields new insight on how memory works

Researchers discover that conscious knowledge is key to declarative memory, a type of memory linked to facts and events. The study, using amnesic patients with MTL lesions, found impaired performance in recognizing changes in images, highlighting the role of the hippocampus in memory acquisition.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2018

Brain health not affected by major heart surgery

A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found no major impact on brain health after major heart surgery. Researchers compared cognitive decline between patients undergoing heart surgery and those who received a catheter-based procedure, and found that the two groups showed little difference in memory performance.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateDec 18, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New approach towards an improved treatment of anxiety disorders

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center have developed a new approach to treating anxiety disorders by anchoring positive experiences in the brain's memory. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that administering a commercially available drug that increases dopamine levels can reinforce fear extinction memories a...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Hysterectomy may be linked to brain function

A recent rat study published in the Endocrine Society's journal found that hysterectomy can cause short-term memory loss in rats. Removing the ovaries alongside the uterus did not result in a similar impairment, suggesting a unique negative effect of hysterectomy on brain function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateDec 6, 2018
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.

Drawing is better than writing for memory retention

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that drawing enhances memory retention in older adults more than traditional study methods. Drawing's unique combination of visual, spatial, verbal, semantic, and motoric representations led to better recall in both young people and senior citizens.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalExperimental Aging Research·DateDec 6, 2018

Hysterectomy linked to memory deficit in an animal model

Researchers found that hysterectomy in rats with intact ovaries led to a memory deficit, suggesting the uterus may have functions beyond reproduction. The study tested rats with different types of menopause surgical interventions and found that only those with just the uterus removed had a negative effect on working memory.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEndocrinology·DateDec 6, 2018
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.