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Between arousal and inhibition

Scientists have found that granule cells and interneurons in the brain process incoming signals differently due to their distinct structures and functional characteristics. This discovery sheds light on how malfunctions can arise in information processing, leading to memory impairments and neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2019

Uncovering hidden intelligence of collectives

Researchers discover that the physical structure of animal groups, not individual animals, plays a crucial role in processing information and responding to environmental changes. By changing the group's structure, individuals can amplify risk signals and respond effectively to threats, highlighting the importance of social connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019

Sacrificing accuracy to see the big picture

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania propose that humans' ability to detect patterns stems from the brain's desire for simplicity. By prioritizing overall structure over individual details, people can more quickly recognize complex patterns and anticipate what comes next. The study's findings have significant implications for ...

Visualizing mental valuation processes

A new computer model has been developed to map mental valuation processes in the brain, enabling accurate predictions of food choices. The model takes into account individual valuations and efficiency principles, allowing for the prediction of decision behavior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 19, 2019

Study suggests that fear and anger had different effects on conservatives and liberals

A recent study by University at Buffalo researcher Janet Yang found that fear and anger have distinct effects on how conservatives and liberals process information about elections and climate change. Fear was linked to a systematic approach to information processing, while anger was associated with higher perceived knowledge of climate...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateJan 9, 2019

How much will we pay for something? Depends on the value of what we've just encountered

A study by New York University researchers found that when we encounter low-valued items, we're willing to pay more for products later seen; conversely, high-valued items lead to lower prices. This previously undetected factor affects consumer behavior and suggests adaptation is a universal feature of cognitive information processing.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2017

Republicans less likely to be critical about Obamacare when thinking of their own medical needs

A study by University of Exeter researchers found that US Republicans are less likely to be critical of Obamacare when reminded about their own medical needs. When asked to assess the performance of the Affordable Care Act in a more personal context, Republicans viewed evidence in a more balanced way.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Public Administration Research and Theory·DateMar 23, 2017

The prototype of a chemical computer detects a sphere

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences developed a chemical computer that can recognize the shape of a sphere with great accuracy. The system uses a network of oscillating droplets, where each droplet acts as a 'neuronal' unit, to process information and make decisions.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalComputational Methods in Science and Technology·DateMar 9, 2017

The architecture of audition

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that the auditory cortex of profoundly deaf and hearing people has virtually identical neural architecture. The research raises questions about the role of experience in processing sensory information and could lead to potential new avenues for intervention in deafness.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2016

Small brain -- astounding performance

Researchers found that the elephantnose fish switches between electrical and visual senses for optimal perception, with its brain prioritizing reliable information. The fish demonstrated unexpected abilities, such as trusting electrical signals over visual stimuli at close range, and using a combination of senses for distant objects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2016

Digital media may be changing how you think

A new study published in ACM CHI '16 found that processing information on digital versus non-digital platforms affects construal levels, with digital platforms leading to more concrete thinking. Participants scored higher on concrete questions and lower on abstract questions when reading on digital platforms.