Articles tagged with Cognitive Neuroscience
A new study by University of Arizona psychologists investigated the possible scenarios leading to waning memory in older people. The researchers found that the hippocampus contributes to the difficulty in learning new environments and locations in some older adults.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that older adults with a fear of falling tend to be less physically active. The research tracked the physical activity and sedentary behavior of 90-year-olds, revealing an average daily step count of around 3,000.
The study used various tests to analyze the memory performance of jackdaws, finding that their performance decreased when working memory demands increased. The researchers found that corvids, like humans, show reduced accuracy and biased representations when working memory demands are high.
A study found that immune cells in the meninges release IL-17, which activates inflammation and fights off infections, leading to cognitive decline. Targeting overactive T cells may be a new approach to treating hypertension-induced dementia.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that controlling high blood pressure may not prevent cognitive declines due to immune protein IL-17. Increased levels of IL-17 in the brain suppressed blood flow and induced cognitive impairment in a preclinical model.
Researchers developed two models to evaluate personal learning performance, combining biometric responses with demographic data. The simplified forecast model showed higher accuracy and reduced overfitting than the full forecast model.
Researchers found 48% of Ojibwe tribal elders reported frequent visions of benevolent spiritual beings and/or ancestors. The study emphasizes the importance of cultural context in diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis of neuropsychiatric disease.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that accurately predicted improvements in brain health using neural biomarkers. The study achieved 90% accuracy and confirmed a functional relationship between the BrainHealth Index and neural markers.
Researchers found that combined use of alcohol and THC affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing synaptic plasticity in rats. The effects were more pronounced in females and were likely due to changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid signaling.
A breakthrough study found that light exercise can improve cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome, leading to improved information processing and attention. After just eight weeks of walking, participants showed significant increases in physical fitness and reductions in errors during cognitive assessments.
A study will examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood, shedding light on potential long-term benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. The research aims to better understand how childhood experiences shape health and well-being across the life course.
A new study finds that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) therapy for OCD improves cognitive control by strengthening connections between brain networks. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms underlying EX/RP's effectiveness in treating OCD, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A new study links soccer heading to a measurable decline in brain function and microstructure, with high levels of heading exposure associated with changes similar to mild traumatic brain injuries. The research used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess the impact of repetitive head impacts on verbal learning performance.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher cognitive ability were more likely to vote Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Additionally, people whose spouses had higher cognitive ability were also more likely to cast their ballots for Remain.
Researchers linked hearing loss to microstructural differences in auditory areas of the temporal lobe and frontal cortex. The study suggests that compensatory brain changes may lead to increased dementia risk, and interventions like subtitles or speech-to-text apps could protect against this.
A recent study at Eötvös Loránd University found that 'smarter' dogs process information similarly to humans, with object appearance mattering as much as its location. The researchers measured spatial bias in 82 dogs and found that those with better cognitive performance linked objects more easily to places.
A team of international experts is pushing for evidence-based policy making by investigating the neural mechanisms underlying social media usage. Current studies have shown that excessive use can affect brain systems related to motivation, emotion, and cognition.
Researchers analyzed contestant behavior on the British TV show 'Mastermind' to examine human physiology under conditions of stress. They found that blinking acts like a 'punctuation of thought,' reducing during periods of intense thinking, and increased blink rate in stressed contestants.
Researchers tested EMDR, a therapy proven to treat PTSD and depression, to reduce addiction cravings. The study found Addiction-focused EMDR was as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for cravings, reducing symptoms by clinically significant amounts.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that AI's deep convolutional neural networks can identify faces but struggle to capture other important information like emotional state and trustworthiness. Brain activity scans revealed a weak correlation between AI's codes and human brain represent...
Researchers found CBT reduced fatigue and physical limitations in nearly 1300 patients with ME/CFS, regardless of symptoms or diagnosis. Younger, less impaired patients benefited most from CBT.
A study from MIT found that Tsimane' speakers who learned Spanish as a second language began to use separate words for blue and green, which are not typically used in their native language. The researchers also found that the bilingual group became more precise in describing colors such as yellow and red.
Greater PTSD symptoms were associated with higher carotid atherosclerosis and brain small vessel disease among midlife women. Women carrying the APOEɛ4 gene showed poorer cognitive performance in response to PTSD.
A recent study published in Nutrients found that daily strawberry consumption can improve cognitive performance and reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. The research, led by Professor Robert Krikorian, suggests that strawberries contain antioxidants and micronutrients that may help mitigate the risk of dementia.
A new study in Nature Communications presents a large-scale chart of cognitive development in teens, revealing that executive function usually matures by 18 years old. The findings have significant implications for psychiatrists, neuroscientists, parents, educators, and the judicial system.
Older adults with a GED certificate have higher odds of cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, and limitations in daily activities compared to high school graduates. The study suggests that the cognitive reserve hypothesis may partially explain these disparities, as well as access to healthcare services.
The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause offers updated guidance on assessing and treating women with menopausal health issues. The toolkit includes new advice on hormone therapies, bone health, and treatment guidelines, aiming to improve care for women globally.
A virtual, home-based exercise program using cognitively enriched tai ji quan improved global cognition and reduced walking interference associated with dual tasking in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The intervention also showed favorable improvements in cognition, function, executive function, and working memory.
A recent study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and colleagues found that Rumination-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RF-CBT) can reduce rumination in adolescents. The study also showed correlated shifts in brain connectivity, suggesting that RF-CBT can help young people break the painful mental loops that contribu...
Researchers used computational models to analyze thousands of hours of transcribed audio recordings of children and adults interacting. The findings suggest that adults' ability to make context-based interpretations provides crucial feedback for babies acquiring language. These interpretations are critical for understanding what small ...
Research from the University of East Anglia found that children who are too short for their age can suffer reduced cognitive ability due to differences in brain function as early as six months. The study discovered a link between stunted growth and disrupted visual working memory, making them more easily distracted.
Researchers investigated rooster mirror self-recognition, finding that their behavior indicates recognition despite failed traditional tests. The study's results provide new insights into the cognitive ecology of mirror self-recognition in birds.
Researchers are designing joint 3D solid-state learning machines inspired by the brain's hippocampus region. The project focuses on developing a hippocampal-aware framework for enhancing chip design and enabling online learning in resource-constrained environments.
Researchers found that hierarchical cortical organization is impaired in people with schizophrenia, leading to disruptions in processing stimuli from the external world. This disruption affects secondary processing of sensorimotor-visual gradients, explaining behavioral and clinical symptoms of the disease.
Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.
A new study finds that short and long-term blood pressure fluctuations increase the risk of dementia and vascular problems in older people. Higher systolic BP variations are also linked with stiffening of the arteries, a key factor in heart disease.
A study published in Trends in Cognitive Science found that infants are capable of conscious experiences from birth, which can shape their sense of self and understanding of the environment. This breakthrough has important implications for clinical, ethical, and legal aspects of infant care and development.
A new trial combining an Alzheimer's medication with two other drugs may amplify its effects and arrest disease progression. The trial, funded by a $150M grant, will recruit 900 participants with early-onset Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that ordinary sleepers can pick up verbal information and respond to it by contracting facial muscles, even during most stages of sleep. The study suggests that standardized communication protocols may be possible with sleeping individuals to better understand mental activity changes during sleep.
A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.
A study using virtual reality led by UCL researchers found people with early Alzheimer's consistently overestimated turns and showed increased variability in sense of direction. These specific impairments were not observed in healthy older participants or those with mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers measured metabolite concentrations of two herbicides in urine samples from Ecuadorian adolescents and found negative associations with attention, memory, and language. Glyphosate was also linked to social perception issues.
A clinical trial led by Western Sydney University's NICM Health Research Institute has revealed that Sailuotong, a novel herbal extract, shows promise as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment. The study found improvements in memory and executive function in participants taking SLT compared to those on a placebo.
The UK Biobank study found that racial minority status increased dementia risk by 24%, with socio-economic status attenuating this effect. Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, physical activity, and sleep were identified as crucial in reducing racial and socio-economic disparities in dementia.
Middle-aged Chinese surgery patients experience subjective cognitive impairment within 12 months after surgery, with identified risk factors. Preoperative psychological interventions and optimized perioperative management may help prevent postoperative cognitive impairment.
Previous studies suggest that psychedelics can induce an altered state of consciousness leading to new thought patterns, which is promising in treating OCD. Research analyzing the experience of past users found dissipation of obsessive thoughts, reduced anxiety, and increased acceptance of OCD symptoms.
A new study aims to identify environmental and social factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease in older Black adults, who are up to two times more likely to develop the condition. Using remote cognitive assessments and biomarkers, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the biopsychosocial factors behind this disparity.
Researchers used custom-designed headsets to evaluate headpulse biometrics among Australian Rules Football players and found brain abnormalities in 81% of those inflicted with concussion. These alterations lasted 14 days beyond expected recovery times.
A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy suggests a possible association between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted on 44,447 individuals between 18-65 years old, found that those with chronic stress or depression had a higher risk of d...
A new study suggests that life satisfaction has limited benefits for cognitive function in older adults experiencing health or socioeconomic challenges. High life satisfaction was associated with increased cognitive functioning among most individuals, but it was less beneficial for those with low SES, poor health, or adverse psychologi...
Researchers identify somatostatin-positive interneurons as crucial in maintaining cognitive function, and their dysfunction leads to impaired memory and learning. The study uses a toxin to ablate these cells, resulting in mice exhibiting cognitive deficits similar to those seen in aging humans.
A study of 1,500 participants found that certain brain regions, including the hippocampus, exhibit stronger activation in individuals with better memory performance. The researchers identified functional networks in the brain linked to memory performance, shedding light on individual differences in memory recall.
A study using ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI found that the locus coeruleus is essential for regulating REM sleep, with increased activity during wakefulness associated with poorer quality sleep. This effect was particularly pronounced in older individuals (50-70 years), who were more likely to experience insomnia.
A study found that two brain areas, typically associated with language processing, are also linked to social-semantic working memory. This challenge traditional views of language comprehension and its connection to social cognition.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that greater activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus predicts better recovery from early PTSD symptoms. This breakthrough suggests a potential role for cortical/cognitive regions in regulating fear and PTSD development.
A randomized clinical trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces fibromyalgia pain and improves daily living. CBT alters brain connectivity to reduce catastrophizing, a key contributor to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Researchers developed A-CensNet, a fusion model predicting cognitive scores from movie-watching fMRI and eye-tracking data. The model outperforms individual modalities and leading techniques, suggesting synergy between brain functionality and behavior.
Researchers found that a two-nap schedule of 90-minute and 30-minute naps can help counteract drowsiness and fatigue during long night shifts. This strategy may also be beneficial for new parents experiencing sleep deprivation.
In a new study, researchers deciphered mice's behavior during reward-based learning tasks, finding they persistently blend multiple strategies. The findings suggest mice do not fully adopt optimal approaches, and their ability to shift between strategies is crucial for understanding their decision-making process.
Researchers have confirmed that human brains use Bayesian inference to process visual information, allowing for precise interpretation and speed. This natural ability enables people to outperform machines in tasks such as recognizing objects in images, with implications for fields like artificial intelligence and clinical neurology.