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One shot of ketamine could reduce problem drinking

A new study found that a one-off dose of ketamine can significantly reduce urges to drink and prolonged decrease alcohol intake in heavy drinkers. After reactivating their drinking-related memories, participants who received ketamine showed rapid improvement and sustained reduction over nine months.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2019

Specific neurons that map memories now identified in the human brain

Researchers have identified individual neurons in the entorhinal cortex that target specific memories during recall. These 'memory-trace cells' exhibit spatially tuned activity corresponding to remembered locations, suggesting a mechanism for selectively recalling past events.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 2019

The way of making memories

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals the mechanisms of memory formation and learning in the brain. The research team analyzed neuronal circuits and synaptic plasticity to understand how the nervous system adapts to changing conditions.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 7, 2019

Name that tune: Brain takes just 100 to 300 milliseconds to recognize familiar music

The human brain can recognize a familiar song within 100 to 300 milliseconds, with rapid pupil dilation and cortical activation related to memory retrieval. The study suggests that the brain's temporal circuitry is fast and efficient in recognizing familiar music, which may have implications for music-based therapeutic interventions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 30, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Training for Title IX investigators lacks tested, effective techniques

New research at Iowa State University reveals that Title IX investigators are using untested techniques in interviews, which may hinder investigations. The study suggests the use of science-based interviewing strategies to improve the effectiveness of investigative interviews.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateOct 28, 2019

Research sheds new light on how the brain forms and recalls memories

Neuroscientists at University of Birmingham demonstrate directional coupling between neocortex and hippocampus during episodic memory formation and retrieval. The study reveals a bidirectional flow of information, with distinct gamma frequencies contributing to encoding and retrieval.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2019

Rest may help reduce PTSD symptoms, UCL study finds

A new UCL study has found that a period of rest following a traumatic event can reduce the development of involuntary 'memory intrusions' in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that increasing memory consolidation, which involves storing and contextualizing memories, may help prevent these disturbances.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 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.

Anticipating performance can hinder memory

A study by the University of Waterloo found that anticipating performance at work or school can hinder memory recall. The presence of an audience may also contribute to this effect. Researchers suggest strategies like presenting first to avoid pre-performance anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateOct 3, 2019

BU study: Are kids hardwired for revenge?

A new study published in Psychological Science found that children as young as 4 years old exhibit a strong tendency to retaliate against those who wrong them, rather than showing gratitude towards their benefactors. Researchers discovered that kids readily punish the thieves but struggle to reciprocate kindness.

SourceBoston University·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 10, 2019

Seeing it both ways: Visual perspective in memory

Researchers found that viewing memories in the third person reduces vividness and emotion, while recalling experiences in the first person strengthens memory. Virtual reality technology is being used to explore how perspective influences memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 27, 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.

How memories form and fade

Researchers at Caltech have discovered that strong memories are formed when multiple neurons fire in sync, providing redundancy for long-term retention. This finding has implications for understanding memory loss due to brain damage or aging.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2019

Fake news can lead to false memories

Researchers found that nearly half of respondents recalled rich details about fabricated news stories, especially those aligned with their political beliefs. The study suggests that fake news can plant entirely fabricated memories, even after explicit warnings, and that people may be more likely to act on these false memories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Firework memories

Researchers successfully recorded hippocampal ripples in humans, demonstrating their role in new memory engraving and recall. The findings suggest that synchronized neural activity is crucial for free recall.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

National narcissism rears its head in study of WWII

A study by Washington University researchers found that people ascribe an inflated weight to their country's contribution to WWII. Russians view the war differently, listing D-Day as a 'relief' for Soviet forces rather than a pivotal moment.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 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.

Revealed: How our brain remembers the order of events

Scientists have developed a theory on how the brain stores and recalls the order of events, shedding light on memory dysfunctions. This new understanding has significant implications for treating mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 14, 2019

Collective memory of national effort in WWII

A study analyzed collective memory of WWII, finding that individuals from Russia claimed their country shouldered the most responsibility for winning the war. Participants from former Axis nations collectively overestimated their role in fighting against other sides.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019

Pinpointing how cells regulate long-lasting memories

A recent study in mouse neurons reveals how the protein CPEB3 primes neurons to store long-term memories. P bodies, specialized isolation chambers within neurons, contain dormant CPEB3 and transfer it to synapses, where it strengthens connections and stabilizes memories.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019

Deep brain stimulation modifies memory

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that stimulating the cingulate cortex worsened memory recall in epilepsy patients. However, deep brain stimulation also modified hippocampal brain waves and demonstrated a direct role for the cingulate cortex in memory encoding.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 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.

Tart cherry juice may juice up the brain

Daily intake of Montmorency tart cherry juice improved memory scores among adults aged 65-73, with notable reductions in movement time and errors during visual and spatial working memory tasks. Compliance was high, but larger studies are warranted to confirm findings.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFood & Function·DateJul 28, 2019

Using visual imagery to find your true passions

Researchers at Ohio State University found that using first-person mental technique can help people overcome barriers to finding their passions. Visualizing activities from a first-person perspective can tap into memories and accurately identify what experiences are actually enjoyable.

SourceOhio State University·DateJul 22, 2019

Snails show that variety is the key to success if you want to remember more

Researchers found that snails can store and recall two unrelated memories but struggle with similar ones. They discovered an overlapping mechanism causing proactive interference, leading to the loss of older memories. Practicing interweaving and learning different topics can help retain more information.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 26, 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.

Memories form 'barrier' to letting go of objects for people who hoard

A new study published in the journal Behavior Therapy found that people with hoarding problems associate objects with positive memories, making it difficult to discard them. The researchers suggest that training individuals to respond differently to these memories could enhance cognitive-behavioral therapy for hoarding.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateJun 19, 2019

Your nose knows when it comes to stronger memories

Researchers found that unpleasant odors improve memory for images paired with the bad smell 24 hours later, as well as for related images. Individuals with larger arousal responses had better memory recall. The study suggests that aversive odors can be used to examine emotional learning and memory processes across development.

SourceNew York University·JournalLearning & Memory·DateJun 19, 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

A small electrical zap to the brain could help you retrieve a forgotten memory

Researchers at UCLA found that stimulating a specific region of the brain improves people's ability to retrieve memories. The study, published in Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to increase excitability of neurons in the left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateMay 31, 2019
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.

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

Study reveals breakthrough in understanding long-term memory retrieval

A breakthrough study reveals the anterior cingulate cortex plays a crucial role in synchronizing brain waves to retrieve long-term memories after two weeks. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia by understanding how our brains process and access older memories.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 21, 2019

How our current thinking can sway our memories of love

Studies found that writing prompts influencing positive attributes led to stronger recall of love for mothers in early childhood, but effects faded over time. Researchers also discovered that participants' current feelings were misremembered 8 weeks later.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 16, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

VR can improve quality of life for people with dementia

Researchers at the University of Kent found that virtual reality helped patients recall old memories, providing positive mental stimulation. The study also showed improved social interaction between patients and their caregivers, as well as a boost in mood and motivation.

SourceUniversity of Kent·DateMay 9, 2019

Unexpectedly big wins improve two kinds of memory

Brown University researchers discovered that unexpectedly good outcomes enhance the memory of specific events, which may have implications for treating individuals with depression. The study found that participants were better at remembering specific images from rounds where they had a high likelihood of winning.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 6, 2019
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.

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

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Like old photographs, memories fade over time

A team of Boston College researchers discovered that memories fade in quality over time, losing vibrancy and visual details. The study found that people report declines in the visual qualities of their memories, akin to applying a filter to edit a picture.

SourceBoston College·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019

Our brains may ripple before remembering

Researchers found that simultaneous ripple activity occurred in key parts of the brains of epilepsy patients before they recalled memories. The team also discovered that coordinated ripple synchronization triggered electrical activity patterns seen during learning and was associated with correct memory recall.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 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.

Note-taking jurors influence verdicts, study finds

Researchers found that note-taking during trials enhances jurors' recall of critical evidence and influences verdicts. Jurors with faster handwriting speed, higher short-term memory capacity, and better sustained attention remembered more incriminating evidence, leading to a greater likelihood of finding the defendant guilty.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2019

Remembering to forget

A human neuroimaging study suggests that intentionally redirecting attention away from an unwanted experience during memory formation and suppressing its retrieval once formed can facilitate forgetting. The research provides evidence for a new link between voluntary control of visual attention and long-term memory fate.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 11, 2019

Singing for science: How the arts can help students who struggle most

A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that incorporating the arts into science lessons can help low-achieving students retain more knowledge. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 students, discovered that arts-integrated classes improved content retention by an average of 105%.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalTrends in Neuroscience and Education·DateMar 5, 2019
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.

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

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

Men and women remember pain differently

Research confirms men and women remember pain differently, with men recalling earlier painful experiences and being stressed by later pain. Blocking memories of previous pain alleviates the stress response, suggesting a potential treatment approach for chronic pain sufferers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 10, 2019

Early development of memory for space and time

Researchers observed newborn rats navigating environments to understand brain development of episodic memory. The hippocampus plays a critical role in turning experiences into memories.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 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
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.

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

New memory study first to use intracranial recordings

Researchers used electrocorticographic data from surgically implanted electrodes to investigate memory development in a cohort of 17 children and adolescents. The study found that earlier activity predicts greater memory accuracy, and sub-second deviations in activity flow between frontal subregions predict memory formation.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 19, 2018

Unrelated events are linked in memory when they happen close together

A recent study found that people constantly record information about the order of events, even if they are unrelated, and use this order to help search memory. The researchers used real-world data from news stories to demonstrate that temporal proximity acts as a tether connecting memories for different events.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 17, 2018
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.

How returning to a prior context briefly heightens memory recall

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered a mechanism the brain employs to make returning to a familiar context lead to vivid memories. The study found that brief re-exposure to the initial context increases the electrical excitability of 'engram cells,' which encode memory through specific neural connections.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNeuron·DateDec 11, 2018

So, you think you're good at remembering faces, but terrible with names?

A new study from the University of York found that humans are more accurate at recalling names than recognizing faces, a finding that challenges our everyday experiences. Participants scored higher in remembering names (up to 83%) compared to faces (as little as 64%), especially in unfamiliar situations.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateNov 13, 2018