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Clues to why 'they' all look alike

Scientists discovered that brain activity increases when viewing same-race and other-race faces, but only predicts whether an other-race face will be remembered. The study suggests that individuation process is fragile for other-race faces due to lack of practice and social categorization.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 30, 2011

Our own status affects the way our brains respond to others

A new study found that people with higher social status respond more strongly to information about others of higher status, while those with lower status respond more strongly to information about others of lower status. This effect is linked to the brain's value system and has important implications for social behavior and interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 28, 2011

Reading in 2 colours at the same time

A recent brain imaging study has identified the neural patterns that enable some individuals to perceive two colors at once while reading. The research, published in Cortex, suggests that the same areas of the brain responsible for processing color also support synesthetic experiences.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMar 9, 2011

The hair brush that reads your mind

Researchers developed a novel 'brush optrode' that threads fibers through hair to improve functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signal levels 3-5 fold. The device increases scalp contact, enhances brain imaging, and is more comfortable for patients compared to conventional fiber ends.

SourceOptica·DateOct 19, 2010

Brain study shows that the opinions of others matters

Researchers found that when people agree with our opinions, the 'reward' area of the brain is activated, indicating a satisfying experience. The study used fMRI to examine brain activity in response to expert opinions on music preferences, finding that agreement tends to increase brain reward activity.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 17, 2010

Discarded data may be gateway to new brain insights

Researchers found significant patterns in discarded brain wave data, revealing connections between low-frequency and high-frequency brain waves. These connections suggest important aspects of brain architecture and function, potentially shedding light on the brain's organizational structure.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMay 12, 2010

How to read brain activity?

Researchers have found that specific waves in EEG signals can reliably predict neural activity in the brain. By combining EEG and direct neuron recordings, scientists identified a link between 'frequency band coupling' and cell firing rates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateDec 7, 2009

How to read brain activity?

Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics develop new method to interpret EEG signals, providing insights into neural activity. By combining EEG and neuron recordings, researchers can accurately predict brain cell activity, shedding light on abnormal EEG waveforms in neurological disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateDec 4, 2009

Sniffing out memories

Researchers found that the first association between a smell and an experience leaves a lasting impression in the brain. After one week, they could predict which associations would be remembered based on brain activity alone.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 9, 2009

Scans show learning 'sculpts' the brain's connections

Researchers discovered that learning a new task alters the brain's spontaneous activity patterns, particularly in regions involved in attention and visual processing. This 'anti-correlation' between brain areas improves task performance and facilitates future skill retrieval.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2009

Researchers develop 'brain-reading' methods

Scientists at Rutgers University and UCLA have developed a highly accurate way to peer into the brain to uncover a person's mental state. They found that specific mental functions do not correspond directly with certain brain areas but rather a unique pattern of neural connections.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 27, 2009

Young adults at future risk of Alzheimer's have different brain activity, says study

A new study by scientists from Imperial College London and University of Oxford found that young adults with a genetic variant associated with Alzheimer's Disease exhibit changes in brain activity decades before any symptoms appear. The researchers used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to compare the brains of healthy young...

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009

Study shows brain activity associated with phantom limbs

Researchers found brain activity in a patient who experienced a supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) that could be felt, seen, and moved intentionally. The study suggests multiple areas of the brain may be involved in SPLs, potentially offering insights into how the brain constructs normal bodily awareness and the self.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 25, 2009

Behind closed eyes

Researchers have discovered that brain activity remains active even when the eyes are closed, with slow fluctuations dominating during rest. The study's findings could lead to advanced diagnostic techniques and a better understanding of brain function.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 4, 2009

Brain mechanisms of social conformity

A study published in Neuron found that conflict with the majority opinion triggers a neural response in the brain's error-monitoring system, leading to long-term conforming adjustments. This mechanism is based on reinforcement learning and reinforces social conformity by signaling the most fundamental social mistake.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJan 14, 2009

Learning to shape your brain activity

A unique study successfully used instrumental sensorimotor rhythm conditioning (ISC) to improve sleep spindles, decrease sleep onset latency, and increase memory performance. Participants who trained their brain activity to shape SMR amplitude showed significant improvements in sleep quality and memory performance after two weeks.

Why an exciting book is just as thrilling as a hair-raising movie

Researchers found that the same brain regions are activated when observing facial expressions of disgust in others and experiencing it oneself. This study suggests that reading a book can elicit emotional responses comparable to those experienced while watching a movie, thanks to the shared brain activity patterns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2008

Brain noise is a good thing

A new study from Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care overturns the notion that brain noise decreases with maturity. Brain maturation leads to more stable and accurate behavior in memory tasks, but also correlates with increased brain signal variability.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 3, 2008

Unconscious decisions in the brain

A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that unconscious brain activity can predict decisions made by participants up to 7 seconds before they consciously make a choice. This suggests that the decision is unconsciously prepared ahead of time, but the final decision may still be reversible.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 14, 2008

Indiana University research at Neuroscience 2007

Researchers at Indiana University found that women's brains respond differently to male faces depending on the menstrual cycle stage. During ovulation, their brains show more activity in areas related to rewards and less activity in areas associated with inhibition. Additionally, training has been shown to improve balance in older adul...