Articles tagged with Cognitive Neuroscience
Scientists at Texas A&M University found that transplanting intestinal epithelial stem cells can repair the gut and reduce inflammation, potentially preserving cognitive function after a stroke. The study suggests that targeting gut health may be key to developing more effective stroke therapies.
Children's brains exhibit rapid GABA boosts during learning sessions, allowing for efficient consolidation of new information. Adults' brains, on the other hand, struggle to stabilize learned knowledge due to reduced GABA levels, leading to slower learning rates.
A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...
A new MIT study found that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have distinct brain patterns linked to reading difficulties, differing from those of higher-SES students. The research suggests that tailored interventions may be necessary for different groups of children.
A new study explores how corporal punishment impacts neural systems, linking it to increased anxiety, depression, and altered brain activity. The research found that adolescents who experienced physical punishments showed a larger neural response to error and a blunted response to reward.
Researcher William Thompson's winning essay explores how social interactions shape human cognitive algorithms, shedding light on the evolutionary process of cognition. His studies show that accumulated generational knowledge is essential for adapting to new situations.
Researchers found that efficient brain networks may contribute to healthy memory performance in older adults, while postnatal stress and early life adversity can affect brain development. Studies also showed persistent effects of early childhood neglect on brain white matter into young adulthood.
A new study found that eligible older adults who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have slower memory decline than those who do not participate. Researchers measured memory function every two years over 20 years and found that SNAP users had about two fewer years of cognitive aging over a 10-year period.
A randomized controlled trial found that oral ENT-01 significantly improves constipation and possibly neurological symptoms in persons with Parkinson disease. The treatment is safe for up to 25 days, with a dose-dependent effect that persists beyond the treatment period.
A new study from the University of Ottawa reveals that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability, contrary to previous research suggesting that evening types have an advantage. The study found that accounting for factors like bedtime and age, morning individuals outperformed their evening counterparts in verbal intelligence.
Research suggests exercise-induced activation of peripheral systems, such as muscle, gut, and liver, may affect neural plasticity and cognitive health. Circulating cathepsin B (CTSB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) have been found to possess robust neuroprotective effects.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that morning blue light therapy improved sleep quality and reduced PTSD symptom severity in patients. The study's results suggest a potential non-invasive treatment approach for retaining benefits of therapy long after treatment ends.
A large study of over 5,800 tween children found that growing up in a socioeconomically disadvantaged household can have lasting effects on brain development, with different patterns of connections between brain regions observed. Parental education emerged as the most significant factor associated with variations in brain connections.
A new study published in NEJM Evidence found that crossword puzzle training significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities, reducing brain shrinkage in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that engaging with familiar activities like crossword puzzles may be more effective than computerized co...
Researchers found that actors' brain activity suppressed when hearing their own name during performance, indicating potential impact of theatre training on human brain. The study also investigated interpersonal coordination between actors and found specific brain systems involved in social interactions.
A team of researchers at USC is launching a comprehensive study to investigate the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia in adults with Hispanic ancestry. The five-year study will examine brain structure and activity, blood flow, blood glucose and insulin levels, and cognitive functioning in 200 participants.
McCullough's research advances the field of cardiovascular science, with a primary focus on sex differences in stroke. Her work has led to significant discoveries about cell death pathways during ischemic insults.
Researchers found white matter differences in post-treatment Lyme patients using advanced imaging scans, correlating with cognitive difficulties and immune response. Axonal leakage in white matter was associated with better outcomes but also indicative of changed physiology.
A new study found that psychological factors such as coping abilities play a significant role in individuals' risk or resilience to mental health disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain connectivity within specific brain networks also predicted individual vulnerability to anxiety and depression symptoms.
Dr. Louise D. McCullough is being recognized for her groundbreaking research on sex differences in stroke and their impact on immune response, which has led to a greater understanding of the biology behind these differences. Her work has also shed light on the importance of including females in pre-clinical research.
Researchers at HSE University used transcranial magnetic stimulation to suppress brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, leading to test subjects making less rational decisions. The study provides insight into the mechanisms behind gaming addiction and offers a potential new approach to understanding risky choice.
A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory. The researchers observed higher brain activity in regions associated with attention and memory, suggesting that practicing tasks related to imp...
Researchers identified a compound that reverses damage to brain cells caused by Parkinson's disease and breaks a self-sustaining molecular loop between LRRK2 and AICD. The potential drug itanapraced has passed safety tests and could improve quality of life for those afflicted with PD and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have discovered a hidden structure in the connections between neurons in the brain, which is crucial for the stability of the neuronal network. By combining mathematical models with experimental recordings, researchers found that the relative ratios of connection strengths are more important than absolute values.
Researchers successfully taught human and mouse neurons to play the video game Pong in real-time, showcasing their ability to exhibit sentience and adapt to a changing environment. The study's findings have potential applications in disease modeling, drug discoveries, and expanding our understanding of brain function.
A study modeling 1.2 million individuals found 6.2% experienced at least one Long COVID symptom cluster within three months of acute infection. Risk was higher in females and those requiring hospitalization for initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially ICU care.
A team from McGill University has created a database called neuromaps, which combines over 40 existing brain maps to help scientists find correlations between patterns across different brain regions. The tool provides standardized space to view and compare each map, improving reproducibility of results.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a new function of the cerebellum in storing emotional experiences, which is crucial for our survival. The study shows that increased activity in the cerebellum facilitates the storage of information in various areas of the cerebrum, leading to improved memory for emotional events.
A new CAPSTONE study aims to identify inflammatory biomarkers associated with positive and poor outcomes in patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) strokes. By analyzing patient blood and plasma samples, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments to prevent long-term brain degeneration.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that consuming more foods with omega-3 fatty acids during middle age can lead to better brain function and structure. The research found that participants with higher levels of omega-3s had larger brain volumes and improved cognitive abilities.
Dr. Inagaki will receive $2.895 million in funding to study the brain's ability to learn new behaviors and explore its molecular and neuronal activity. He aims to understand diseases and injuries that affect learning and memory.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that low levels of soluble amyloid-beta protein in the brain, rather than its buildup into plaques, are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with high levels of soluble amyloid-beta showed improved cognitive outcomes, contradicting previous theories.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC's Stevens INI has received a $149 million grant to study Alzheimer’s disease among diverse communities. The HABS-HD study aims to develop biomarkers that determine risk for developing the disease, addressing health disparities among Hispanic and African American populations.
Scientists at UC San Francisco's Neuroscape Center have developed video game interventions that improve key aspects of cognition in aging adults, including short-term memory, attention and long-term memory. The games use adaptive closed-loop algorithms to challenge players, keeping them engaged while adapting difficulty levels.
Researchers found significantly larger neurons in the brain's memory region of SuperAgers compared to cognitively average peers, individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and younger individuals. These larger neurons were spared from tau tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting they may maintain structural integrity.
A Kessler Foundation study found a relationship between rate of cognitive fatigue in MS and microstructural brain changes, particularly in white matter tracts and basal ganglia. The study's findings hold promise for advancing clinical interventions for disabling fatigue.
Researchers found that song elements' order strongly correlates with rhythmical timing, suggesting a similar processing mechanism as humans. This discovery sheds light on the cognitive processes of songbirds and their potential for musicality.
Alzheimer's researchers highlight the need for more diverse participation in clinical trials, citing underrepresentation of African Americans and Latinos. They offer solutions to improve recruitment, including culturally sensitive cognitive tests and partnerships with community organizations.
A study found that aberrant expression of MAO-B causes both peripheral and neuroinflammation in RA patients, leading to joint pain and cognitive impairment. Administering an MAO-B inhibitor called KDS2010 improved both joint inflammation and cognitive function in a RA animal model.
A new study finds that high blood pressure speeds up cognitive decline in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults. However, differences in blood pressure control do not fully explain the higher risk of dementia in Hispanic adults.
Researchers discovered that humans automatically integrate extralinguistic information into grammatical processing, improving communication. The study used EEG data from 37 native Russian speakers, finding both linguistic and extralinguistic features processed simultaneously.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine are conducting a five-year study to assess the tradeoffs between soccer's aerobic brain benefits and the adverse effects from heading. The study will enroll 280 young men and women and investigate whether soccer's aerobic benefits counterbalance the damage sustained from heading.
A recent study highlights the importance of physical exercise, social relationships, and passion in maintaining brain health. By adopting these three factors, individuals can improve their cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related decline.
New research shows that COVID-19 infections can lead to a range of neurological complications in the first year after infection, including strokes, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and migraine headaches. The study analyzed over 14 million medical records and found that COVID-19 survivors were at increased risk of developing the...
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center used fMRI to study how the brain processes complex audiovisual speech. The study found that watching a narrator tell a story activates an extensive network of brain regions involved in sensory processing and cognitive functions associated with comprehension. This finding has pot...
Research findings suggest that aerobic fitness, cognitive processing speed, and walking endurance are strongly associated in individuals with thalamic atrophy. Aerobic exercise training may be beneficial in restoring function for those with this biomarker of neurodegeneration.
Researchers found that experiencing reward enhances connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) and the ventral striatum. This effect was specific to the DMN and correlated with personality characteristics related to openness. The study used data from the Human Connectome Project, a database of healthy participants.
A new study from Dartmouth College found that specific intensities of exercise over a long period are associated with different aspects of memory and mental health. Participants who exercised at moderate intensities performed better on episodic memory tasks, while those who exercised at high intensities did better on spatial memory tasks.
Research found that human brain hemispheres have distinct functional patterns, with regions on the left and right sides specialized for different tasks. Individual differences in these arrangements were heritable, suggesting genetic influence, while environmental factors also play a role. The study also compared humans to monkeys, find...
A new study has found associations between plasma miRNAs and cognitive function among cognitively normal men, including those with higher MMSE scores and slower rates of cognitive decline. These findings suggest that extracellular microRNAs may play a role in the early stages of cognitive decline.
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation resulted in statistically significant cognitive improvement in older adults. The researchers estimated that three years of multivitamin supplementation roughly translated to a 60% slowing of cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that children who experience a mild traumatic brain injury are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems. The study, which analyzed data from thousands of children, revealed a 15-percent increased risk of these problems in kids with a mild TBI.
A new study by UC Berkeley neuroscientists simulated food insecurity in juvenile mice, finding lasting changes in learning, decision-making, and dopamine neurons. The stability of the food supply during young age affects cognitive flexibility in adulthood.
A study by Kyoto University and BonBon Inc found that complex games like Potion can measure distinct cognitive skills such as stealth behavior and abstract thinking in young players. However, older players did not exhibit the same level of engagement, challenging existing beliefs about gaming's impact on cognition.
Researchers found that a common autism screening test consistently excludes more women than men from research studies, creating a 'leaky pipeline' for diagnosis and treatment. This bias is attributed to the test's origins in male-dominated samples, which may not accurately capture female phenotypes.
A new Canadian study has found that older people with insomnia are at greater risk of developing memory decline and long-term cognitive impairment such as dementia. Insomnia was specifically related to worse memory performance compared to those with some insomnia symptoms alone or no sleep problems.
A study by Duke University researchers reveals that net worth poverty has a significant impact on child development, affecting cognitive scores and behavior. The research highlights the importance of considering both income and wealth when designing programs to address child wellbeing.
A large study found that obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with an increased risk of cancer. Patients with more severe OSA were also at a greater risk of developing blood clots. Additionally, a second study linked OSA to a decline in mental processing powers, particularly in the elderly.
Researchers developed a therapy using GnRH pulsatile injection to restore cognitive and olfactory functions in trisomic mice. In a pilot clinical trial, the treatment improved cognitive performance in 6 out of 7 patients with Down syndrome, including better reasoning, attention, and episodic memory.
Researchers at George Washington University found that people perceive objects differently based on their prior knowledge and experience, with manipulable objects perceived faster but with less detail, while non-manipulable objects are perceived slower but with higher detail.