Attention

Improved life satisfaction linked to being in nature

Using real-time brain signals to predict and prevent attention lapses in kids

Epilepsy "brain blips" revealed by high-definition probes

Researchers discovered that interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) occur in a predictable pattern, unfolding sequentially in individual neurons. Nearly 80% of IED-involving neurons are also involved in language and perception, suggesting the brain blips can derail cognition.

Competitive interactions are key to explaining the dynamics of the human brain

Researchers analyzed brain interactions to explain attention, decision-making, and memory. Models with competitive interactions outperform cooperative ones, enabling flexible activation of regions and intelligent behavior. This breakthrough brings us closer to creating realistic digital twins of the human brain for personalized medicine.

Struggling to identify emotions may increase vulnerability to TikTok addiction

A study published in Frontiers found that young people with attachment anxiety and difficulties identifying emotions are more susceptible to short video addiction. Mental training, such as mindfulness and attention regulation, can help prevent this addiction by strengthening emotional awareness and cognitive regulation.

Differences in brain activity between ADHD and neurotypical adults

Researchers found that adults with ADHD exhibit more sleep-like brain activity, leading to more lapses in attention. This increased activity may be a key brain mechanism underlying attention problems in ADHD. Further study is needed to explore potential strategies to mitigate this activity.

Study shows link between ADHD and mental ill health in teens

Researchers found that self-esteem and parental mental health have a small but statistically significant link to both ADHD and mental health risk. Additionally, difficulties with peers had a small but significant link for girls. The study suggests that targeted wellbeing support systems can help reduce the risk of mental health issues ...

Cannabis intoxication disrupts many types of memory

A new study found that cannabis intoxication disrupts many types of memory, including verbal, visuospatial, and episodic content memory. Participants who consumed cannabis performed significantly worse than the placebo group on most measures, with significant differences appearing in 15 of the 21 tests.

Study finds teens spend nearly one-third of the school day on smartphones, with frequent checking linked to poorer attention

A new study found that middle and high school students spend nearly one-third of the school day on their smartphones, with frequent checking linked to weaker attention and impulse control. The study also found that students who checked their phones more frequently showed poorer cognitive control, a key skill for learning and academic s...

Smartphone use during school hours and association with cognitive control in youths ages 11 to 18

A cross-sectional study found that smartphone use during school hours is associated with reduced cognitive control in youths aged 11-18. The study highlights the need for school-level policies and digital literacy programs to address habitual smartphone-checking behaviors that fragment attention.

How some skills become second nature

A team of MIT engineers identified tacit knowledge in volunteers who classified images, shifting focus to easier-to-classify areas without awareness. Bringing this concealed knowledge to the surface enhances experts' performance, suggesting a method for boosting learning experience in disciplines requiring keen observation skills.

Frequently distracted? Science says, blame it on your brain rhythms

A new study reveals that brain rhythms shift attention multiple times per second, affecting focus and increasing susceptibility to distractions. This rhythmic occurrence may help us avoid overfocus on one thing, but also make us more prone to digital alerts and visual stimuli.

Research reveals impact of tinnitus on employment

A new study found that nearly one in five adults with tinnitus have had to reduce their working hours or leave employment due to the condition. The research also revealed that targeted interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can improve work productivity and overall wellbeing.

Not thinking about anything: Toward a brain signature of mind blanking

Mind blanking is characterized by decreased connectivity between neural networks, disrupted visual information processing, and reduced sensory input. The study's findings suggest that being awake does not necessarily mean being conscious of something, and mind blanking corresponds to a genuine interruption in the stream of thoughts.

Using social media may impair children’s attention

Children who spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms experience a gradual decline in their ability to concentrate. The study found no association between TV watching or video game playing and attention symptoms.

Rise in ADHD diagnoses can leave parents confused about ‘typical’ behavior for kids

A new book by experts highlights how the prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder has increased, but suggests it may not be due to a genuine increase in cases. The authors argue that 'typical' behavior can vary greatly among children, and that acceptance and understanding of individuality is key.

The basic mechanisms of visual attention emerged over 500 million years ago, study finds

The superior colliculus, an ancestral brain structure, enables the brain to distinguish objects from the background and detect relevant stimuli in space. It generates centre–surround interactions independently, allowing for the detection of contrasts, edges, and salient features.

Distracting adults during task makes them behave like children

Researchers found that adults behave like children when their working memory is overloaded, showing distributed attention and difficulty in focusing on the task goal. This suggests that children's distractible behavior may be a natural consequence of their developing memory system.

Music training can help the brain focus

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that music training strengthens the brain's ability to focus under distracting conditions. Musical people were better at using top-down attention while being less sensitive to bottom-up distractions.

Brain wiring in early childhood could hold key to flagging future ADHD risk, SFU study says

A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers has identified a critical period in early childhood as a key indicator of future attention difficulties. The research found that children who exhibit organized brain networks similar to social connections have better attention skills.

How reward modulates attention in humans

A study found that reward expectation modulates attention in humans, with distinct effects on sensory processing and decision-making. Sensitivity to visual stimuli was linked to sensory attention centers, while decision-making biases were linked to brain regions involved in impulsive decisions.

Focus in flashes: How the brain handles overload

The brain processes visual information in rapid snapshots roughly eight times per second, resolving competition through rhythmic switching between competing inputs. This 'attentional sampling' mechanism is a fundamental solution to the deep problem of cognition's neural implementation.

Friendship promotes neural and behavioral similarity

Researchers found that friends tend to perceive products similarly and exhibit synchronized brain activity when viewed together, even predicting each other's purchasing intentions. As friendships deepen, this similarity strengthens.

USC study: mindfulness meditation can sharpen attention in adults of all ages

A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that just 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance key aspects of attentional control. The study demonstrates that even short-term meditation can lead to measurable cognitive improvements, particularly in reaction speed.

A nutritional epigenetics study protocol indicates changes in prenatal ultra-processed food intake may reduce lead and mercury exposures to prevent autism and ADHD

A new nutritional epigenetics study protocol aims to reduce lead and mercury exposures in pregnant women to prevent childhood autism and ADHD. The protocol provides a valid method for measuring changes in ultra-processed food intake and diet, which may impact child neurodevelopment.

The how and why of the brain’s division across hemispheres

Research by MIT neuroscientists reveals that the brain separates its processing of spatial information to maintain cognitive advantage, yet seamlessly blends it with other features. The study also explores how the brain 'hands off' visual information between hemispheres.

Low iron could cause brain fog during menopause transition, OU study suggests

Research from the University of Oklahoma suggests that women with adequate iron levels in their blood perform better on cognitive tasks during menopause. Having enough iron does not necessarily mean accumulating more iron in the brain, which is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Trial explores drug-free approach to treat ADHD symptoms in children exposed to alcohol before birth

Researchers at UCLA Health are launching a clinical trial to test whether wearable nerve stimulation can ease ADHD symptoms in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. The study aims to improve focus and behavior by gently stimulating the trigeminal nerve, which is linked to attention and executive function.

How thoughts influence what the eyes see

Researchers found that the brain's visual system adapts in real-time to make sense of information, depending on current tasks. This challenges traditional views and opens new approaches for designing AI systems with adaptive capabilities.

Come with: WVU study shows few people mind when others invite themselves to group activities

Researchers found that most people are open to their friends asking to join plans, but hesitate to self-invite due to concerns about offending others. The study's findings suggest that people tend to underestimate the likelihood of getting invited and overestimate how much others consider them.

Challenging long-held beliefs about eye contact in autistic children

A groundbreaking study reveals that autistic children exhibit social attention patterns similar to their typically developing peers during play, with a primary focus on toys rather than faces. This challenges the longstanding assumption that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism.

Exploring why some athletes perform better than others under stress

Researchers identified a brain signal involved in impaired attentional control from sleep deprivation that could predict worsened athletic performance. Athletes with stronger attention control may be more easily able to overcome the negative effects of lack of sleep and stress on their competitive performances.

Study of top 100 ADHD TikToks finds significant misinformation about symptoms

A study of top 100 ADHD TikToks found that fewer than half of claims about ADHD symptoms aligned with clinical standards. Young adults' perceptions of the informational value of these videos differed from those of psychologists, leading to a potential spread of misinformation.

Attention can be used to drive cooperation – new study

Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered that presenting information in areas where participants are naturally drawn to it can influence cooperative choices. This is particularly effective when cooperation information is placed at the bottom of the screen, contrary to natural reading patterns.

Live, laugh, lotus: Why group texting during ‘The White Lotus’ feels so good

New research reveals that second-screening can create a sense of social connection, increasing engagement and repeat viewing intentions. When viewers are alone, reaching for their phone can deepen the experience by connecting with others in real-time. In contrast, second-screen use creates a disconnect when shared with others.

New model from WashU scientists can improve understanding of human attention

Researchers at WashU created a new model that uncovers brain mechanisms behind focusing amid distractions, finding people ignore past distractions but stay open to other inputs. The model demonstrates attention control by modulating focus on distractors and target tasks.

Scientific insights into how humans access deep spiritual states

Researchers discovered a common cognitive feedback loop used by Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues practices to achieve profound focus and joy. This 'Attention, Arousal and Release Spiral' offers insights into cultivating deep states of tranquility and bliss.

Minecraft: a gamechanger for children’s learning

Research at the University of South Australia found that Minecraft fosters teamwork, communication and social skills in children through collaborative play. The game also promotes problem-solving skills, creativity and language abilities, making it a powerful tool for learning and social development.

Exposure to cold and heat could affect adolescents’ mental health

A study by ISGlobal found that exposure to cold temperatures was associated with increased internalizing problems, while heat exposure was linked to attention problems in adolescents. Psychiatric symptoms affect about one in seven adolescents worldwide, and climate change may exacerbate these conditions.

Coming AI economy will sell your decisions before you take them, researchers warn

Researchers warn that AI assistants will combine intimate psychological and behavioral data with persuasive technologies to build trust and manipulate social behavior. The 'Intention Economy' could lead to a lucrative yet troubling marketplace where human intentions are commodified.

Staying sharp: Study explores how brain changes may affect financial skills

A new study sheds light on how age-related changes affect financial skills, finding that verbal representations and language processing play a crucial role. Individuals with better language skills and higher household income are more likely to excel in financial tasks.

Too much screen time can reduce sleep quality in preschool-age children, making behavioral problems worse

A new study suggests that excessive screen time can lead to reduced sleep quality in preschool-age children, worsening behavioral problems such as poor attention and emotional symptoms. The research also found a correlation between screen time and decreased sleep quality.

Secret of the female orgasm uncovered by psychologists

A study by University of Essex researchers found that women who notice and attend to internal bodily signals, such as heartbeats and sensual touch sensations, experience more frequent orgasms. The research suggests that focusing on the body rather than the mind can lead to increased orgasm satisfaction.

Astronauts found to process some tasks slower in space, but no signs of permanent cognitive decline

Researchers examined 25 astronauts' cognitive performance over a 6-month ISS mission and found slower processing speed, working memory, and attention, but accuracy remained intact. No significant cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative decline was observed after the mission.

Joint pain associated with depressive symptoms accelerates cognitive decline in the elderly

A study of over 4,000 participants found that those with both conditions showed faster memory impairment. The researchers suggest that the combination of joint pain and depressive symptoms can lead to an 'overlap' of information in the brain, causing cognitive decline.

New study challenges social media’s mental health impact

A new Curtin University study found that time spent on social media has a negligible effect on mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, and stress. The research suggests that the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex, with some platforms having different effects on users.

Can a positive outlook on aging lead to better cognitive performance?

A new study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that people with more positive expectations of aging tend to report less frequent cognitive problems and are less likely to perceive a decline in their cognitive performance over time. Researchers suggest that modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healt...

Childhood attention issues and genetic factors may predict psychosis risk

Researchers at UCLA Health found an association between childhood attention problems and increased psychosis risk, with genetic variants acting as a middleman. The study used data from over 10,000 children to explore the relationship between attention span variability and psychotic-like symptoms.

The flirting paradox: Why the attention your partner receives from others is liable to diminish your desire for them

A recent Reichman University study explores how attention one partner receives from others affects sexual desire, commitment to the relationship, and the inclination to ward off competitors. The findings show that when participants observed others showing interest in their partner, they experienced decreased desire for their partner.

AI tools like ChatGPT popular among students who struggle with concentration and attention

Researchers found that students who struggle with executive functioning (EF) skills perceive generative AI chatbots as significantly more useful for schoolwork. Using these tools critically can support students with EF challenges, but responsible use is crucial to maintain academic integrity.

Why children can’t pay attention to the task at hand

Children's brains cannot focus on tasks because their working memory is not fully developed, according to a new study. Researchers found that even with rewards, children still 'over explore' and gather unnecessary information. This suggests that kids are naturally curious and unsure of retaining information in their memory.

White, pink noise improve focus for children with ADHD

A systematic review of 13 studies found that white and pink noise improved cognitive performance in children and young adults with ADHD, but had no effect on those without the condition. Researchers believe this could be a promising new tool to empower individuals with ADHD to live healthier and more productive lives.

Words like ‘this’ and ‘that’ act as attention tools across languages

Demonstratives like 'this' and 'that' use across languages to direct listener's attention, linking language to social cognition. The study found that speakers of different languages use demonstratives in ways that reflect their shared human capacity for joint attention.

MRI signature of α-synuclein pathology in asymptomatic stages and a memory clinic population

α-Synuclein pathology in asymptomatic stages is linked to NBM atrophy, leading to attention/executive impairment. MRI signatures can detect this pathology in memory clinic populations.

Mild COVID-19 can cause long-term cognitive losses

A recent study published in BMC Psychology found that mild COVID-19 patients experienced significant cognitive impairment, with 11.7% showing memory loss and attention deficits. The study suggests that neuroinflammation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection may be a contributing factor to these long-term effects.

New "disembodied disconnect hypothesis" offers fresh perspective on digital technology's impact on social interaction

A new study introduces a novel hypothesis that digital technologies affect human sociality and mental health, particularly among youth. The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis suggests cultivating rich personal relationships in face-to-face communities to counterbalance disembodied digital interactions.

Eating more soy foods could improve thinking and attention in kids

A recent study found that consuming isoflavones from soy foods improves thinking abilities and attention in school-aged children. The researchers analyzed data from 128 children aged 7-13 and found that those who consumed more soy foods showed faster response times during attentional tasks.

From sleep to alertness: claustrum's key role in engagement uncovered

A new study found that claustrum neurons regulate engagement with sensory information during tasks and sleep. Increased activity in these neurons reduces impulsivity and improves performance.

Paternal use of metformin during sperm production not associated with major birth defects

A study of almost 400,000 live births found that paternal use of metformin monotherapy was not significantly associated with major congenital malformations. However, researchers noted that fathers prescribed metformin had higher rates of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, which could affect reproductive health.

New study challenges 'pop psychology' myths about habits

Researchers at the University of Surrey challenge common misconceptions about habits, suggesting they are mental links between situations and actions. Forming new habits can help, but doesn't guarantee success; instead, strategies like avoiding triggers or replacing bad habits with good ones can increase chances of long-term change.