Articles tagged with Cognitive Neuroscience
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A study by Emmanuelle Volle's group at the Paris Brain Institute has identified two semantic memory search processes involved in creativity: clustering and switching. Clustering is linked to divergent thinking, while switching relates to combining distant associations between concepts.
A study found that men exhibiting mild behavioural impairment symptoms are at risk of faster cognitive decline compared to women. Researchers identified key behavioral changes, such as apathy and false beliefs, which may help identify people at higher risk of developing dementia.
A research team has developed supernumerary robotic arms that users can feel as part of their own body, expanding the possibilities for human augmentation. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that users can embody artificial objects and perceive them as extensions of their own body.
A study from Japan's University of Tokyo reveals that users can form a strong sense of ownership with virtual robotic arms, expanding their perceived personal space. The research aims to inform the design of real-life supernumerary robotic limb systems that people can use naturally.
Researchers elucidated the molecular mechanisms of acetylcholine in learning and memory, revealing a signaling cascade involving protein kinase C. The study opens doors to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 76,373 participants found a significant association between visual impairment and cognitive decline in older adults. The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of treating sight problems to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have proposed three guiding principles for improving AI, inspired by infant learning. The new approach aims to enhance machine learning with in-built preferences and developmental trajectories, using richer datasets that capture multiple senses.
Researchers found hyperactive amygdala-pons connectivity in individuals with major depressive disorder, associated with severity of psychological symptoms. The pons interacts with the amygdala to process sad affective information, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for mood regulation.
Researchers found that people with higher grit scores showed different patterns of cognitive performance, characterized as cautious control, but not necessarily enhanced cognitive ability. Grit was linked to low impulsivity and high mindfulness, related to self-regulation.
Researchers found that walking enhances performance on cognitive tasks in 14 participants by increasing frontal brain function, while 12 others showed no improvement. This discovery highlights the flexibility of a healthy brain and has implications for understanding aging and neurological disorders.
A new study reveals that inhaled fine particles can take a direct route from lungs to brain through blood circulation, potentially contributing to brain disorders. The particles were found to stay longer in the brain than in other organs, raising concerns about the long-term effects of air pollution on cognitive function.
A study published in Psychological Science found that our brains treat some emotions as wrong and react as if there was an error. The research, conducted by Ben-Gurion University psychologists, used experiments to assess emotion responses and discovered similarities between counter-normative emotion reports and perceptual errors.
A study from the University of California, Davis, shows how humans use cognitive maps to infer indirect outcomes, allowing for accelerated learning and faster decision-making. The researchers found activity linked to inferential learning in the prefrontal cortex and midbrain, implicating dopamine in updating beliefs through inference.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC suggests that willingness to give away money may be linked to the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. Participants who gave more money scored significantly lower on cognitive tests known to be sensitive to Alzheimer's disease.
A UC San Diego longitudinal study found that most COVID-19 long-haulers continue to suffer from neurological symptoms six months after infection, with memory impairment and decreased concentration being the most prevalent. Researchers identified a new subgroup with advanced symptoms, including tremor and difficulty balancing.
A study found that older Latinos who participated in a culturally relevant Latin dance program for eight months significantly improved their working memory compared to those in a control group. The program used four types of Latin dance styles and incorporated elements of social engagement, increasing physical activity levels.
A new study published in Nutrients found that individuals with higher red blood cell DHA levels have a 49% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted on 1,490 participants aged 65 and older, suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 DHA levels may slow the development of the disease.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that individuals who had contracted COVID-19 reported significantly more cognitive failures at work, including memory and attention problems. The study suggests that returning to work after contracting COVID-19 may require accommodations such as reduced workloads or flexible arrangements.
Researchers will track changes in the blood-brain barrier, neurovascular function, and cognition in over 850 participants with genetic variants at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study aims to improve understanding of the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and identify effective interventions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science has shed new light on the mysterious process of soothing a distressed infant. The research found that mothers' heart-rate changes precede those of their infants, creating a 'soothing dance.' However, for mothers with postpartum depression, it is the infant'...
A study found that the brain uses data compression to eliminate irrelevant information and adopt temporary 'tunnel vision' for optimal performance. This principle extends beyond sensory processing to cognitive functions.
A groundbreaking cognitive science study at Stevens Institute of Technology shows how rare digital collectibles, like NFTs, can lose their value over time due to distorted information landscapes. Researchers found that a focus on rarity can become self-defeating, leading collectors to assign less value to unique features.
Researchers applied machine learning to MRI brain scans and found that autism does not cluster into distinct subtypes but rather exists as continuous variation in brain structure. The study's findings suggest that dimensional approaches can provide a better account of individual variation than discrete diagnostic categories.
A new neurobiological model provides a unified framework for understanding various forms of creativity, including abstract thinking, improvisation, and divergent problem-solving. The model suggests that different brain areas are activated depending on the type of creativity, with dopamine playing a crucial role in controlling and optim...
A meta-analysis by Dr. Maggi Price and colleagues found that Black youth living in communities with high levels of anti-Black racism are less likely to benefit from psychotherapy. The study suggests that addressing stigma and incorporating advocacy into treatment is crucial for improving mental health outcomes. Training programs must e...
Researchers are assessing cognitive decline in aging Latinos, exploring the long-term impact of COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease on brain function and impairment. The study will gather data to develop real-world therapies and potentially lessen the disease burden of dementia affecting Latinos.
A new MIT study finds that noradrenaline helps the brain learn from surprising outcomes by stimulating behavior that leads to a reward, particularly in uncertain situations. The researchers also discovered that noradrenaline promotes taking a chance on getting a reward, even when the outcome is unknown.
Kessler Foundation researchers use signal detection theory to characterize cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis. The study reveals an association between subjective 'state' fatigue, response bias, and brain activation patterns in both MS and control groups. This finding supports the use of signal detection metrics as an objective me...
Research suggests that during deep sleep, neurons representing related items fire in close temporal order, triggering synaptic plasticity and forming strong connections. This process strengthens or creates new relational memories, which can be essential for learning connections between objects or people.
A naturalistic study using eye-tracking technology found that intensive care unit nurses experience a higher level of mental workload, especially during the start of shifts, with shorter fixation and more sporadic gaze behavior in stressed nurses.
Researchers found that care coordinators identifying illnesses early and providing timely care allowed most residents to 'age in place,' reducing need for nursing home care. Exercise and socialization opportunities also improved physical and mental health outcomes.
Researchers will investigate neural mechanisms during learning in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with and without clinical depression. The study aims to identify new knowledge about the effect of depression on the injured brain, which may lead to interventions for rehabilitation.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive test scores in children up to age 14. After adjusting for socioeconomic position and maternal cognitive ability, the researchers discovered that longer breastfeeding durations were linked to higher cognitive scores.
A Columbia University study found that altered thalamic activity in adolescence can lead to long-lasting cortical abnormalities, which may contribute to cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia. Boosting thalamic function during adolescence could potentially treat these symptoms.
A new study suggests that oxidative stress overactivates a glucose metabolism enzyme in the developing hippocampus, impairing learning and memory. However, inhibiting this enzyme can reverse cognitive deficits, paving the way for treatment of neonatal brain injuries.
Internet addiction parallels other addictive behaviors, driven by pleasure and reduced negative moods. Evaluating the root cause may help identify vulnerable individuals and prevent problematic use.
Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis vaping is the most popular method of cannabis delivery among all adolescents, with frequent use rising faster than occasional use. The study also highlights disparities in vaping use among different demographic groups and its link to nicotine use.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming cranberries for 12 weeks improved participants' memory of everyday events and neural functioning. The study also showed a significant decrease in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels, contributing to improved vascular health and brain perfusion.
A research team developed a model that mimics human judgment to distinguish between reflective and transparent materials. The model outperformed humans in accuracy but struggled to identify image clues.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge used ultra-high strength '7T' MRI scanners to measure changes in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease, PSP, or good health. The study found that damage to the locus coeruleus region correlates with severe cognitive symptoms and apathy.
A study found that high blood adenosine levels at 15 days of life correlated with white matter lesions and brain injury in very low birth weight premature infants. Adenosine may play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal development, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for complications of prematurity.
A Swedish study of over 9,000 children found that playing video games increased their intelligence by 2.5 IQ points compared to TV-watching or social media. The study controlled for genetic differences and socioeconomic background, suggesting a positive effect of video games on cognitive abilities.
A new study finds that having three or more children is negatively correlated with late-life cognition, with the effect strongest in Northern Europe. The researchers suggest that this may be due to financial stress and reduced social interaction, leading to potential cognitive deterioration.
A new study found that acute stress and repeated traumas in adolescents alter functional connectivity between the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. This may lead to a maladaptive response to stressful experiences and increased neural vulnerability.
During the first lockdown, people felt more creative and focused on activities related to the situation, such as cooking and gardening. A positive correlation was found between mood and creativity, with better emotional states leading to increased creative thinking.
A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found a significant biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths, with psychopaths having a larger striatum region in the brain. This finding is linked to increased need for stimulation, impulsive behaviors, and higher likelihood of violent behavior.
A study by Hebrew University researchers reveals that individuals overestimate the presence of minority groups in social settings. This 'diversity illusion' can hinder policies promoting diversity and leads to less support for related initiatives. The research team suggests that awareness and education are key to addressing this bias.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found significant improvement in processing speed among individuals with MS after a five-week training intervention. The treatment effect was maintained six months later, with dosage correlating with improved outcomes.
A new study reveals that urban residents have a simplistic understanding of coastal ecosystems and are less likely to take pro-environmental actions. The research highlights an issue known as urbanized knowledge syndrome, which can harm natural ecosystems and undermine community resilience.
A new study found that half of older adults with both hearing and vision impairment have serious cognitive decline, compared to 28% with only vision impairment. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory impairments in identifying those at risk for cognitive decline.
A systematic review of 71 studies finds paranormal beliefs associated with differences in cognitive function, particularly intuitive thinking style. Methodological quality has improved over time, but areas for improvement remain, including discussion of limitations and generalizability to the population.
The study demonstrates that professional development with a focus on neuroscience equips teachers to reduce learning gaps in eighth-grade students. Students who received SMART training showed improvements exceeding the statewide average in Reading, Mathematics, and other subjects.
Researchers found that seven hours of sleep per night is associated with improved cognitive performance, better mental health, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Disrupted slow-wave sleep may contribute to cognitive decline and memory consolidation issues.
Research using Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study data found that urban environments with socioeconomic challenges increase psychotic-like experiences in pre-adolescent children. Early prevention is crucial as these exposures are already present in late childhood.
A new study by MIT scientists reveals that propofol anesthesia significantly alters the state of brain waves, with lower frequency delta waves dominating. Higher frequency beta waves decrease in structure and power, with their traveling nature disrupted by the surging delta waves. The findings suggest a profound impact on consciousness.
A study led by Richard Isaacson found that individualized, multi-domain interventions improved cognition and reduced Alzheimer's risk in both men and women. Women demonstrated greater improvements in certain risk scores and biomarkers compared to men.
Researchers developed a machine-learning method that allows robots to pick up and place never-before-seen objects in random poses, requiring only 10 human demonstrations. The system uses a neural network specifically designed to reconstruct 3D shapes, enabling the robot to generalize to new object orientations.
A recent study by NYU researchers reveals that our eyes stay focused on what we reach for due to a complex neurological process called gaze anchoring. By inhibiting eye movements, neurons in the brain enhance accuracy when grasping objects.
A study of 447 former college football players found an association between playing football and increased rates of cognitive and neurological disorders, as well as higher mortality rates. The findings suggest that football players may face unique health challenges beyond their playing careers.
Researchers found a clear link between elevated amyloid beta levels and the development of anxiety and apathy in Alzheimer's patients. These symptoms occur mainly due to underlying brain changes, not psychological reactions. The study suggests that psychiatric symptoms could be used as alternative outcome measures in treatment trials.