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How we play together

Scientists studied how players' brains react when working together in a computer game called Pacman. They found that the brain's response is linked to the player's role during cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPsychophysiology·DateNov 21, 2023

"Zoom fatigue": Exhaustion caused by video conferencing proven on a neurophysiological level for the first time

A new study has provided neurophysiological evidence for videoconference fatigue, a feeling of tiredness and alienation caused by prolonged video-based communication. The study found that video conference-based lectures exhausted test subjects more than traditional in-person lectures.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Real-world context increases capacity for remembering colors

A study led by Dartmouth College researchers found that participants' color memory improved when stimuli were meaningful and part of real-world objects. The results demonstrate that the capacity for visual working memory of colors is more continuous and flexible than previously thought, with better recall of colors in meaningful contexts.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Cortical thinning is associated with altered neurotransmission in young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence

Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 12, 2023

Nightmares in middle age linked to dementia risk

Research at the University of Birmingham suggests that people who experience frequent bad dreams in middle age are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia later in life. The study found that middle-aged individuals with weekly nightmares were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over a decade.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

Neurofeedback shows promise for addressing ‘chemo brain’ in UCLA pilot study

A pilot study from UCLA researchers found that neurofeedback training significantly normalized brain wave frequencies and improved cognitive function in cancer patients with chemo brain. The study's results support further research into the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a treatment approach.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Do wolves sleep like dogs?

Researchers measured wolf sleep using non-invasive EEG, finding similarities with dog sleep but less REM time. The study offers a unique opportunity to understand the effects of domestication and cohabitation on wolf sleep phenotypes.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 11, 2022

Seeing how odor is processed in the brain

Researchers at University of Tokyo used machine learning-based analysis of scalp-recorded EEG to see when and where odors are processed in the brain. Unpleasant odors were found to be processed earlier than pleasant ones, suggesting potential early warning system against dangers.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Russian scientists create biomimetic algorithm to find epileptogenic areas of the brain

Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 12, 2022

Decoding brain signals to control a robotic arm​

A team of researchers from KAIST has developed a mind-reading system that can interpret arm movement directions from neural signals in the brain. The new system, based on a machine-learning algorithm and mathematical probability model, successfully classified arm movements in 24 directions in three-dimensional space.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalApplied Soft Computing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 18, 2022

Cognitive brain function in youth football players can be impaired by repetitive “subconcussive” head impacts

Research finds that subconcussive head impacts in youth football can impair cognitive brain function, particularly in attention and processing sensitivity. The study used brain vital signs to track changes in brain function over time, providing a predictive relationship between head impact exposure and cognitive impairment.

SourceHealthTech Connex Inc.·JournalBrain Communications·DateFeb 23, 2022

Brain circuit biomarkers to predict response to treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers identify distinct functional connectivity patterns in brain circuits using EEG, enabling subtyping of patients independent of clinical diagnosis. These patterns can predict treatment outcomes, with some subtypes responding better to psychotherapy or medication while others benefit from non-invasive TMS treatment.

SourceCohen Veterans Bioscience·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 19, 2020

How words get an emotional meaning

A study at the University of Göttingen found that people learn positive associations with words much faster than neutral or negative associations. The researchers used electroencephalography to analyze brain activity, revealing specific neuronal reactions after just 100 milliseconds for words associated with loss.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateJan 9, 2019