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How does “learning” turn into memory”? Input type-dependent synaptic dynamics in the motor cortex during learning

The study reveals that top-down information from the higher-order motor cortex to the primary motor cortex is crucial for motor learning, while newly formed synapses in the thalamus store acquired motor memories. This challenge to the widely held view suggests a two-step process for motor skill learning.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022

Russian scientists teach AI to analyze emotions of participants at online events

Researchers developed a neural network algorithm that recognizes emotions and engagement from video images of faces, outperforming existing models in accuracy. The system can be integrated into video conferencing tools and online learning systems to analyze participant engagement and emotions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalIEEE Transactions on Affective Computing·DateJul 4, 2022

Black nursing home residents, those under age 65 more likely to have repeat transfers to hospital, MU study finds

A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBMC Health Services Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 1, 2022

The octopus’ brain and the human brain share the same “jumping genes”

A recent study has identified an important molecular analogy between the octopus brain and the human brain, specifically with LINE transposons active in both species. This discovery sheds light on the secret of the intelligence of these fascinating organisms, suggesting a convergent evolution of cognitive abilities.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2022

How the brain interprets motion while in motion

Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered a novel neural mechanism involved in causal inference that helps the brain detect object motion during self-motion. This discovery may have applications in designing artificial intelligence devices and developing treatments for brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournaleLife·DateJun 21, 2022

Whole-body learning can boost children's letter sound recognition - the first step towards reading

A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that children who move while learning sounds of letters significantly improve their ability to recognize individual letter sounds. This embodied learning approach can help give beginner readers a good start and may lead to better reading skills in the long run.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEducational Psychology Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2022

Physical consequences improve motor learning

Research published in eNeuro found that physical consequences, such as slipping, can improve motor learning by refining movement responses to mistakes. Participants who experienced a slip improved their ability to adjust steps to new situations, demonstrating better generalization of learned skills.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Protein linked to intellectual disability has complex role

The study found that the fragile X protein regulates the opening and closing of the GABA-A receptor in neurons from the brain's memory center, influencing how such neurons process information. This nuanced understanding may hold the key to developing effective therapies for fragile X syndrome.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

The numbers don’t lie: Australia is failing at maths and we need to find a new formula to arrest the decline

Australian secondary students' math rankings have dropped to 29th place globally, with a new study suggesting hand gestures are crucial for understanding mathematical concepts. Online learning has exacerbated the issue, making it harder for students to grasp math concepts without human motor and sensory skills.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalIntegrative Psychological and Behavioral Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2022

Researchers now able to predict battery lifetimes with machine learning

Scientists have developed a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict the lifetimes of different battery chemistries using as little as a single cycle of experimental data. The technique could reduce costs and accelerate the development of new battery materials, enabling researchers to quickly evaluate and test multiple ma...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMay 5, 2022

How our brain influences language change

The study analyzed over 40,000 words from English texts and found that monosyllabic Middle English words predominantly had long vowels, which were more easily processed by the brain. This suggests that our brains are wired to learn and prefer frequent sound patterns, leading to gradual language changes.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCognitive Linguistics·DateMay 5, 2022

Study shows sharing behavior among young children may be related to their counting skills

A new study found that symbolic counting skills are strongly related to young children's fair sharing behavior. Researchers developed a counting intervention that improved sharing behavior in preschoolers, suggesting that learning to count may be a key factor in developing this social skill.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2022

Lighting up artificial neural networks

Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed an 'optomemristor' device that facilitates three-factor learning and emulation of biological computations, making it possible to perform complex machine learning tasks. The device uses both light and electrical signals to interact and consume very little energy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

How to keep knowledge alive for emergencies

A multidisciplinary systematic review of 58 studies found that feedback, brain stimulation, and tools like gaze-guiding can help learn and retain complex skills. Minor refresher interventions, such as observing videos or practicing practical exercises, also have an impact on retaining knowledge.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSafety·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 7, 2022

The early pandemic’s effect on engineering students’ learning

The study found that while some students felt a sense of loss due to limited access, others saw the challenge as an opportunity to problem-solve and build flexibility. The researchers emphasize the importance of interpersonal relationships and instructors' resources in enhancing educational experiences.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Engineering Education·DateMar 16, 2022

Exploring the strategies of categorization

Researchers explored pigeons' categorization strategies using computer-generated stimuli and machine learning analysis. The study found that pigeons attach importance to specific characteristics of stimuli, leading to individualized categorization preferences.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAnimal Cognition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Story tips: DNA in a drop, printing in the wind, drier air, revealing hidden biology and calculating better batteries

Researchers use environmental DNA to monitor aquatic species near hydropower facilities, while also developing a novel method for printing full-strength steel components using additive manufacturing. These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective monitoring and renewable energy production.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

Researchers report cognitive effects of aerobic exercise on persons with significant memory loss caused by traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that moderate aerobic cycling improved auditory verbal learning and processing speed, as well as increased volumes of the hippocampus and cerebellar cortex. The study suggests exercise interventions may be an attractive option for improving cognitive function in individuals with traumatic brain injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeurocase·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 24, 2022

Some birds sing the same song for hundreds of thousands of years

A recent study by UC Berkeley and Missouri State University scientists found that East African sunbirds have retained their songs for over 500,000 years, with some changes occurring in pulses. This discovery suggests that environmental stability may constrain the evolution of social signals like song.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Orangutan mothers help offspring to learn

A new study reveals that orangutan mothers are proactively involved in teaching their young, tailoring behavior to match age and abilities. They adjust tolerance levels during feeding interactions, facilitating learning opportunities and enabling immatures to acquire complex foraging skills.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2021

Scientists pick up the 'slack' on describing the brain networks behind motor function

A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Balancing fear

The insular cortex processes both positive and negative emotions and receives information from the body, including heart rate and breathing. In mice, the brain uses bodily signals to regulate fear, keeping it within a healthy range.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

How do we learn to learn? New research offers an education

A new study on mice finds that cognitive training designed to focus on what's important while ignoring distractions can enhance the brain's information processing. The research suggests that this type of training can lead to improved learning and memory, particularly in novel tasks. By analyzing neural activity in the hippocampus durin...

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Giving AI penalties to get better diagnoses

A new study improves AI diagnoses by penalizing algorithms for false negatives, which can be more urgent than accuracy. Researchers achieved significant improvements in precision and recall for chronic kidney disease and other conditions using cost sensitivity techniques.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalInformatics in Medicine Unlocked·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2021