Imagined movements can alter our brains
Researchers found measurable changes in brain regions after BCI training, which occurred within hours, not weeks. This suggests BCI could be used to stimulate specific brain areas for rehabilitation.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Articles tagged with Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive ability, grit, and success
A study analyzing data from over 10,000 cadets found that noncognitive attributes like grit were better predictors of graduation than cognitive ability. Cognitive ability was strongly linked to academic and military grades, while physical ability predicted physical grades.
The fetal brain possesses adult-like networks
Research published in JNeurosci found that fetal brains possess adult-like networks by 20-40 weeks gestation. The study discovered a 61% overlap in motor, visual, auditory, and cognitive functions between fetal and adult connectomes.
Researchers find risk factors for unemployment with multiple sclerosis vary by age
A recent study found that risk factors for unemployment among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) differ by age group. Factors such as physical symptoms, psychological issues, and person-specific traits were identified as contributing to the high unemployment rate among MS patients, with younger and older adults experiencing diffe...
Brain studies show chronic fatigue syndrome and gulf war illness are distinct conditions
Two new studies found that Gulf War Illness (GWI) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are distinct disorders with unique effects on the brain. GWI was associated with decreased activation in the cerebellum, while CFS had increased activation in this region after exercise.
In Alzheimer's research, MIT scientists reveal brain rhythm role
Research at MIT's Picower Institute has shown that stimulating a specific brain rhythm via light or sound can reduce amyloid buildup and improve memory in Alzheimer's model mice. The technique, called GENUS, also shows promise in reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function.
Monkeys outperform humans when it comes to cognitive flexibility, Georgia State study finds
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that monkeys were more willing to explore efficient options when solving problems, whereas humans tend to stick with familiar strategies. This cognitive bias can lead to inefficient decisions and missed opportunities.
New addiction treatments hold promise for stemming the opioid crisis, scientists say
Researchers propose novel treatment strategies that can help prevent opioid abuse by identifying vulnerable individuals through advances in brain science. These findings have implications for addressing the opioid epidemic, particularly in understanding the neurological response to opioids.
Kessler scientists receive grant to study exercise benefits in multiple sclerosis
A new grant from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers will allow researchers to investigate different types of exercise regimens in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study aims to measure the effects of exercise on various aspects of MS-related symptoms, such as cognition, fatigue, and physical functioning.
Teens sleep 43 more minutes per night after combo of 2 treatments, study finds
A study from Stanford University School of Medicine has found that a combination of light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can increase teen sleep duration by 43 minutes per night. The treatment consists of brief flashes of bright light to reset the body clocks, followed by motivation techniques to encourage earlier bedtimes.
Teens sleep 43 more minutes per night after combo of two treatments, Stanford study finds
A new Stanford University study has found that a four-week combination therapy involving brief light flashes and cognitive behavioral therapy can increase teenagers' sleep duration by 43 minutes per night. The treatment helped teens adjust their body clocks and motivated them to try earlier bedtimes.
Menopausal night sweats linked with cognitive dysfunction
A new study finds that night sweats are associated with decreased attention and executive function in menopausal women, even as total sleep time increases. In contrast, daytime hot flashes have no impact on sleep duration.
The market in your head
A study by neuroscientists from HSE University found that brain signals in the striatum and parietal cortex influence price adjustments in competitive markets. The results provide insight into the brain mechanisms at work when determining prices in such conditions.
How the eyes might be windows to the risk of Alzheimer's disease
A new study suggests that measuring how quickly a person's pupils dilate during cognitive tests may be a viable method for detecting Alzheimer's disease risk before symptoms appear. The study links pupillary dilation responses to identified AD risk genes, providing proof-of-concept for this screening tool.
Watching music move through the brain
A new study reveals that listening to music involves activity in sensory regions, while recalling melodies activates frontal regions. The findings suggest a complex network of brain regions involved in music processing.
In the largest study of its kind, no evidence that testosterone reduces cognitive empathy
A large-scale study found no evidence that testosterone reduces cognitive empathy, challenging the 'extreme male brain' hypothesis of autism. The study, involving nearly 650 men, used randomized controlled trials and behavioral tasks to measure cognitive empathy.
Number of years in NFL, certain positions portend greater risk for cognitive, mental health problems
A new study found that NFL players who experienced concussions had elevated risk for serious cognitive problems, depression, and anxiety, persisting even 20 years after injury. Players in high-impact positions like running backs, linebackers, and special teams faced greater risks compared to those in lower-risk positions.
Think declining mental sharpness 'just comes with age'? Think again, say experts
Researchers say increasing evidence suggests age-related diseases, rather than age itself, may be the key cause of cognitive decline. This shift in thinking highlights the importance of addressing bodily changes that lead to diseases like dementia.
New method classifies brain cells based on electrical signals
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute have developed a new way to classify brain cells based on electrical signals. By analyzing data from nearly 2,500 neurons, they identified four distinct classes of cells with different properties and functions in various regions of the brain.
New brain map could improve AI algorithms for machine vision
A new study has mapped the primate brain's visual system organization, revealing that distinct types of cells may work differently than previously thought. The research found that specific regions of the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual pulvinar share the same type of connectivity with the cortex.
Online brain games can extend in-game 'cognitive youth' into old age, UCI-led study says
A UCI-led study found that online brain game exercises can improve cognitive multitasking skills in people aged 70 and above. The research showed that consistent training can retain cognitive youth into old age, making it an increasingly valuable skill in today's information-rich environment.
Lupus antibody target identified
Human research published in JNeurosci identified a specific target of antibodies implicated in lupus' neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain cytoplasmic RNAs are targeted by the immune system in people with lupus, hindering cellular signaling and leading to seizures and cognitive impairments.
Negative memory storage affects depression symptoms
Research in mice suggests that physical manifestations of negative memories in the hippocampus could underlie cognitive symptoms of depression. Inhibiting these manifestations could be a future treatment route for depression.
JHU study explains how some older brains decline before people realize it
A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that older adults with weaker brain connections experience interference, making it harder to access long-term memories. The research highlights the importance of suppressing irrelevant information for optimal cognitive function.
A computer that understands how you feel
A new computer system called EmoNet can accurately categorize images into emotional categories, suggesting that the visual cortex plays a crucial role in emotion processing. The study found that EmoNet could recognize emotions with high accuracy, even for nuanced emotions like confusion and awe.
Older adults: Daunted by a new task? Learn 3 instead
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that older adults who learned three to five classes simultaneously showed significant increases in cognitive abilities, similar to those of middle-aged adults. The study suggests that intense learning experiences can improve cognitive functioning in older populations.
Risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease differ by sex
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that women accumulate more tau protein in their brains than men, leading to a faster spread of the protein and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. This sex-specific difference in tau spread may require tailored approaches for prevention and treatment.
Ben-Gurion University researchers train dogs to respond to haptic vibration commands
Dogs can be trained to respond to haptic vibration commands using a modified canine vest containing vibrating motors. The technology has promising results for human-canine communication in search and rescue and service animal applications.
Low-carb 'keto' diet ('Atkins-style') may modestly improve cognition in older adults
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet improved brain function and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The modified Atkins diet showed small but measurable improvements on standardized tests of memory compared to a low-fat diet.
How to help patients recover after a stroke
Researchers propose two criteria for selecting optimal brain stimulation strategy, considering interactions between hemispheres and neuronal phenotype. This approach aims to improve effectiveness of non-invasive neuromodulation methods in stroke patients.
Predictors of cognitive recovery following mild to severe traumatic brain injury
A study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that younger age and higher intelligence are associated with greater cognitive recovery after TBI. Cognitive reserve also plays a significant role in the recovery process, suggesting that rehabilitation strategies should take these factors into account.
Kessler researchers explore social cognitive deficits in progressive multiple sclerosis
A recent study by Kessler Foundation researchers found evidence for differential effects of progressive MS on cognitive and affective Theory of Mind. The study used Virtual Assessment of Mentalising Ability (VAMA) to measure Theory of Mind in individuals with progressive MS, who showed poorer performance on the cognitive ToM subtest co...
Healthy blood vessels may delay cognitive decline
Research in hypertensive rat models found impaired glymphatic transport and increased ventricles, suggesting hypertension's impact on brain clearance of waste molecules. Treatments targeting hypertension could reduce Alzheimer's disease buildup and delay onset.
Neurons' 'antennae' are unexpectedly active in neural computation
A recent study from MIT has found that dendrites are nearly always active when the main cell body of a neuron is active, suggesting a larger role in neural computation. The researchers used calcium imaging to measure activity in both soma and dendrites of individual neurons in the visual cortex.
Weber receives grant to study cognitive screening for persons with spinal cord injury
Researchers aim to identify cognitive deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury, enabling them to receive necessary care and achieve maximal independence. A multi-site study will develop and test an abbreviated cognitive screening tool using portions of well-regarded neuropsychological tests.
The power of empathy in product development
Researchers found that considering an end-user's feelings increases cognitive flexibility, leading to more creative and practical solutions. This technique can be used by companies to boost their generation of innovative product ideas.
Broken brain cells repaired in dementia mouse model
A study published in JNeurosci reports that dysfunctional neurons in the hippocampus of adult mice modeling dementia can be repaired and reconnected to distant parts of the brain. The findings suggest potential new treatments for cognitive decline in the elderly.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder research needs more focus on patients, new study asserts
A new review of OCD research by Adam Radomsky and colleagues found that cognitive science has drifted away from treating patients effectively. Instead, the study suggests focusing on individual beliefs about cognitive functioning, which can be worked with in therapy.
NUS pilot study opens new possibilities for AI to enhance cognitive performance
A NUS pilot study demonstrates the potential of CURATE.AI to create individualized profiles for customized training, leading to improved cognitive performance. The AI platform tailors training intensity and duration based on a person's unique response data.
Good fellows: 2019 Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellows announced
The 2019 Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellows are announced, supporting innovative research in areas of importance to the DoD. The fellows will receive up to $3 million over five years to pursue their research.
Examining ethical issues surrounding wearable brain devices marketed to consumers
A team of neuroethicists examined 41 wearable brain devices, identifying issues with claims made by companies about their products. The study highlights the need for more transparent communication about potential outcomes, as well as consideration of ethical implications and potential risks.
New cognitive training game to improve driving skills among the elderly
Researchers developed a new cognitive training game to improve road safety among elderly drivers, CTCD showed improved car driving skills and cognitive functions in older adults after six weeks of play.
Cognitive enhancers to boost abilities at work considered acceptable by the public
A study published in AJOB Neuroscience found that the general public views cognitive enhancers as acceptable in the workplace when positively framed and used by non-students and athletes. However, misuse continues to rise among adolescents and adults, with limited evidence supporting their cognitive benefits.
Dataset bridges human vision and machine learning
Researchers have created a new dataset called BOLD5000, which comprises brain scans of four volunteers viewing 5,000 images. This dataset allows cognitive neuroscientists to leverage deep learning models that have improved artificial vision systems.
Paul Sajda awarded DoD's Vannevar Bush Fellowship
Paul Sajda, a professor at Columbia University, has been awarded the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship for his research on cognitive neuroscience. The fellowship will support his project to develop a testable model of human brain dynamics governing rapid decision-making in natural environments.
When a 'she' becomes an 'it'
A study published in Scientific Reports found that the human brain perceives women less humanity and more like an object when they are dressed in a swimsuit or underwear. This perception might trigger treatments typically observed in interactions with objects, leading to gender violence.
Morning exercise can improve decision-making across the day in older adults
A morning bout of moderate-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance like decision-making across the day compared to prolonged sitting without exercise. Brief light-intensity walking breaks can also boost short-term memory by disrupting uninterrupted sitting.
KAIST unveils the hidden control architecture of brain networks
The study identifies a distinct control architecture in brain networks, characterized by a distributed and overlapping control system that enables robustness against targeted attacks and high efficiency in switching between network states. This finding has broad implications for cognitive neuroscience and clinical applications.
ICU patients with non-brain-related injuries may suffer undetected cognitive dysfunction
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that ICU patients with non-brain-related injuries often experience cognitive deficits, despite lack of brain injury. The study used online tests to detect cognitive impairments in 20 patients and revealed significant cognitive deficits in memory, attention, decision-making, and reasoning.
Research underscores value of cognitive training for adults with mild cognitive impairment
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth found that combined cognitive training with Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) improved executive functions, episodic memory, and subjective memory satisfaction in adults with mild cognitive impairment. However, tDCS failed to...
Towards new indicators of vulnerability to psychotic disorders
A study by SISSA investigated the decision-making processes of healthy subjects with sub-clinical psychotic episodes, finding alterations similar to those in schizophrenia patients. The research highlights reduced motivation, emotional dysregulation, and delusions as possible indicators of vulnerability to psychosis.
When robots commit wrongdoing, people may incorrectly assign the blame
Researchers explore how humans perceive robot responsibility and argue that key capacities, such as autonomy and appearance, can influence moral judgments. This understanding is crucial for real-world public policy decisions as robots become increasingly integrated into society.
Small vessel disease MRI marker linked to worse cognitive health in older adults
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with compromised cognitive skills in older adults. This challenges the long-held belief that these areas are harmless imaging markers.
Brain-inspired AI inspires insights about the brain (and vice versa)
Researchers from UT Austin developed an LSTM-based language model that predicts brain activity with greater accuracy than ever before when listening to stories. The model incorporates context up to 20 words, improving predictions even with minimal context.
Engaging in physical activity could reduce long-term mortality
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that physical activity can significantly reduce mortality risk in older adults with cognitive frailty. The research, which followed 3,677 participants for 14 years, revealed that being physically active lowered the risk by 36% compared to inactive individuals.
Was diet quality in midlife associated with later risk for dementia?
A large study of over 8,200 adults found no association between midlife diet quality and later risk of dementia. The study followed participants for nearly 25 years, but repeated assessments of diet quality during midlife didn't show any significant link to subsequent risk for dementia.
Green spaces can help you trust strangers
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that green spaces and colourful urban design elements increase happiness, trust of strangers, and environmental stewardship. Simple interventions like adding greenery or rainbow crosswalks can enrich public spaces.
Social support and a purpose in life may help preserve cognitive abilities with age in Hispanics/Latinos
Research presents findings on the role of social support and sense of purpose in preserving cognitive abilities with age among Hispanics/Latinos. Higher scores on ethnic identity, life engagement, and social support are associated with higher cognitive functioning, whereas loneliness and familism are linked to lower cognitive function.
Genetic factors influence human brain expansion
A recent study published in JNeurosci analyzed brain scans from over 600 children and adolescents, revealing genetically-mediated associations between brain region size and intelligence. The research suggests that evolutionary expansion of the human brain is largely under genetic control.
Review suggests a reciprocal relationship between obesity and self-control
Research suggests a reciprocal relationship between obesity and self-control, with reduced prefrontal cortex activity leading to overeating and weight gain. Exercise and mindfulness can improve prefrontal cortex activity, promoting better dietary choices.