Articles tagged with Cognitive Neuroscience
Researchers found that subtle differences in cognitive performance can predict the progression of Alzheimer's disease, even before abnormal levels of beta-amyloid plaques accumulate. Low-cost, non-invasive cognitive testing can identify at-risk individuals, making them ideal candidates for therapeutic intervention and clinical trials.
A functional MRI study found that social anxiety characterized by fear of making others uncomfortable is associated with weakened connectivity in the cognitive-empathy brain network. This suggests impaired cognitive processing during embarrassing situations may contribute to social anxiety.
A Japanese study found increased traffic injuries among older drivers who lost their licenses after undergoing cognitive tests, as they became unprotected road users. The research suggests that the policy may not adequately consider the dangers facing those who lose a main mode of transport.
A Tufts University team won a grand prize in the NSF Idea Machine Competition with their project 'From Thinking to Inventing,' focusing on what machines can invent and how. They aim to create resilient robots that can creatively solve problems, addressing pressing issues like climate change and wealth inequality.
A new study found that a single bout of intense cardiovascular exercise can improve video game performance. The research, led by Dr. Marc Roig, challenged the idea that video gaming and physical activity are antagonistic activities. Exercise was shown to benefit players regardless of their fitness level or emotional response.
Researchers at the University of Liège developed a novel algorithm based on neuromodulation, enabling intelligent agents to efficiently solve new tasks. The innovative architecture was successfully tested on navigation problems with variable wind directions, showcasing its potential for multi-tasking applications.
A new study by researchers at the University of Limerick found that men and women employ different strategies to solve spatial cognition tasks. The research used eye-tracking technology to investigate cognitive proficiency in individuals and gamers, with results showing no male advantage in mental rotation abilities.
Research finds that brain iron levels increase during childhood and adolescence, correlating with improved cognitive abilities. Decreased iron levels in certain brain regions are associated with impaired performance on cognitive tasks, highlighting the importance of iron for healthy brain development.
A University of Exeter study found that grey squirrels with strong left-right preferences performed poorly on a learning task, suggesting a negative relationship between laterality and cognitive performance. The researchers measured the speed of learning among over 30 squirrels to assess both learning and lateralization.
Research shows that children aged 3-6 consider dominant individuals to be boys, with a power-masculinity association observed in both boys and girls. However, in some situations, particularly when considering power relations with the opposite gender, girls do not significantly identify with the dominant character.
Researchers found that individuals with objective subtle cognitive difficulties accumulated amyloid protein faster than cognitively normal individuals, even before symptoms appeared. This suggests that sensitive neuropsychological measures can detect subtle cognitive changes earlier in the disease process.
Research found that high fat diets limit newborn and developing neurons in adult female mice, but not males, potentially linking metabolic disorders to brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The study may inspire metabolism-based preventions and treatments.
A new study suggests that individuals with psychotic disorders experience persistent cognitive impairment across all areas of ability measured. Cognitive decline in these individuals may exceed expected age-related changes in some areas, particularly those related to symptoms and employment.
The mind composes meanings from separate words through a dynamic interaction between brain regions, using multi-modal cues. Humans and artificial intelligence systems differ in representing meaning, with humans using contextual knowledge and emotional cues.
A Penn State study found that hydration levels among women are associated with lower scores on tests measuring motor speed, sustained attention, and working memory. The researchers suggest that being 'in the sweet spot' of hydration is best for cognitive function, particularly for tasks requiring sustained attention.
A recent study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that the presence of meaning in life is associated with better physical and mental well-being, while the search for meaning in life may be associated with worse mental well-being and cognitive functioning. The researchers also discovered an inverted U-shaped ...
Researchers identified key brain areas linked to limited sense of touch, including somatosensory cortex and prefrontal cortex. The study supports findings from previous research on body awareness and discovers new brain regions associated with touch perception.
Researchers used virtual reality to test how humans remember positions in space with distorted grid cell patterns. In trapezoidal environments, participants were worse at learning positions than in square environments, and their memories remained distorted even when no longer in the environment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.