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Images of pleasure and winning have unique distracting power

A new study by University College London finds that positive images are highly distracting, even when the task is difficult, while negative images can be ignored. The researchers suggest using positive images in marketing campaigns to capture attention, as people are more focused on pleasure seeking than potential harm.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Premature birth appears to weaken brain connections

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that premature babies have weaker brain connections, particularly in networks linked to attention, communication, and emotions. Early intervention may improve outcomes for these children.

Something to crow about

Researchers found that New Caledonian crows use a combination of social learning and trial-and-error methods to acquire tool shapes. The birds observe another crow's actions, then mimic the end result, rather than copying specific actions, suggesting an alternative explanation for their cumulative technological culture.

C-sections could influence babies' ability to focus

A study by Scott Adler and Audrey Wong-Kee-You found that C-sections influence spatial attention in babies, slowing their ability to prioritize and focus on a particular area or object. In contrast, cognitive-driven attention remained unaffected.

Cures for PTSD often remain elusive for war veterans

A new narrative review published in JAMA found that current psychotherapy treatments are less than optimal for PTSD, with non-medical approaches effective but not universally effective. The study suggests a need for broader and more personalized approaches to care.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Why Alfred Hitchcock grabs your attention

Researchers found that during high suspense moments, the brain narrows visual attention to focus on the story, while less suspenseful moments broaden attention to surroundings. The study discovered an ebb and flow of brain activity in the calcarine sulcus, increasing processing of critical information.

Brain network that controls, redirects attention identified

A unique brain network in humans controls and redirects attention, allowing us to select and prioritize information based on our needs. This network, which includes the dorsal and ventral attention networks, may have evolved to better process complex social cues and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant stimuli.

Emotion knowledge fosters attentiveness

A study by Leuphana University and George Mason University found that preschoolers with a good understanding of their emotions experienced fewer attention problems. The research suggests that emotion knowledge is a key factor in the development of attention skills, alongside executive functions.

The analogy that builds human thought

Researchers discovered that infants as young as 7-9 months old possess the ability to identify abstract relations between objects and generalize them to new pairs. This suggests that analogical thinking is an innate cognitive function that precedes linguistic abilities.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How to approach your boss about a treadmill desk

New research from Brigham Young University suggests treadmill desks can increase physical activity in the workplace without significantly impacting cognitive performance. The study found that walkers showed slight decreases in processing speed and attention, but retained their learning and performed well on non-cognitive tasks.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Negotiating: Careful choice of words increases chances of success

A recent study by Leuphana University and Saarland University found that using wording that emphasizes the benefits of a proposal can lead to better outcomes. Researchers investigated this effect in eight studies involving over 650 subjects and discovered that parties who focus on their own gains are less willing to make concessions. B...

When attention is a deficit

Researchers found that activity in the medial prefrontal cortex monitors what's happening outside current focus of attention and shifts to a better strategy. The study used MRI scans to track volunteers' brains while they played a game with hidden patterns, revealing specific signals corresponding to color changes.

Launching a new brand: Is partnering with a popular brand a good idea?

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research suggests that partnering with an established brand can be detrimental to a new brand. In three studies, consumers viewed the new brand less favorably when it partnered with an existing brand immediately, but more favorably when the announcement was delayed.

Creative genius driven by distraction

New Northwestern University research suggests that real-world creativity may be associated with a reduced ability to filter 'irrelevant' sensory information. This 'leaky' sensory gating allows individuals to integrate ideas outside of focus, leading to creative achievements.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Pick a card, any card

A study by McGill University researchers found that people tend to choose options that are more salient or attention-grabbing, but may not be aware of why they chose them. In a card trick experiment, participants chose the target card in over 90% of trials, despite feeling they had a free choice.

'Kindness curriculum' boosts school success in preschoolers

A new kindergarten curriculum developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been shown to improve preschoolers' academic performance and social skills. The curriculum focuses on promoting kindness, compassion, and self-regulation skills in young children.

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Ads effective even in the midst of multitasking, studies find

A study by University of Illinois researcher Brittany Duff found that people's processing styles and moods can impact their ability to recognize ads while multitasking. Analytic processors tend to focus on specific items, while holistic processors take in everything at once.

Neuronal circuits filter out distractions in the brain

Scientists have identified a neural circuit in the mouse brain that regulates attention and sensory processing, providing insight into how the brain filters out distractions. The discovery has implications for devastating psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, which are characterized by significant attention deficits.

Distraction, if consistent, does not hinder learning

A new study published in Psychological Science found that consistent distraction during learning does not hinder learning, but rather helps recall motor skills. The researchers discovered that dividing attention between tasks during learning can create an internal representation that boosts recall when a similar cue is present.

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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Novel tinnitus therapy helps patients cope with phantom noise

A new therapy combining computer-based cognitive training and d-cycloserine has shown promise in helping patients with tinnitus better cope with the condition. The study found that patients who received the treatment experienced greater improvements in daily life compared to those who took a placebo.

How the brain finds what it's looking for

Researchers discovered a unique population of neurons in the lateral intraparietal area that shift their sensitivity to color and direction based on what's being attended. This study provides new insights into how the brain combines visual information for decision-making and higher-order processes.

Nature or nurture? It's all about the message

A new study from Michigan State University found that messages about intelligence can immediately impact brain activity, making people more willing to work hard. The research suggests that the human brain is receptive to the message that intelligence comes from environment, regardless of its accuracy.

Targeted brain training may help you multitask better

A study published in PLOS ONE found that targeted cognitive training can improve attention and memory in healthy seniors and those with specific brain damage. The researchers developed a predictive model to map the effects of this training on brain function, suggesting potential for improving daily lives.

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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Visual 'gist' helps us figure out where a crowd is looking

Researchers at University of California, Berkeley and University of Denver discovered that we rely on a specialized visual process known as 'ensemble coding' to perceive where a crowd is looking. This enables us to tell where a group of people is looking even after just a fraction of a second.

Infants absorb more than we might think

A new study from Concordia University reveals that infants can categorize objects as animate or inanimate even at 10 months old. The study used a visual habituation paradigm to measure how long babies look at different objects, finding that they can distinguish between natural paths of animals and moving cars.

Older adults have morning brains!

A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults who were tested in the morning performed better on demanding cognitive tasks and showed greater activation of attentional control regions in their brains. This suggests that scheduling mentally challenging tasks for the morning can be beneficial for older adults.

Prenatal alcohol exposure alters development of brain function

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that prenatal alcohol exposure can alter brain activation over time, leading to persistent cognitive and behavioral problems in individuals with FASD. The study suggests a possible neural mechanism for the attention problems seen in FASD, highlighting the importance of early developm...

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Making sense of scents

Researchers at Harvard University have found that mice can distinguish between specific odors even when surrounded by multiple background smells. The team used fluorescent proteins to create images of how different scents activated neurons in the brain, revealing a neural explanation for how animals separate relevant from irrelevant se...

Dogs exhibit jealous behavior

Researchers tested dogs' reactions to owners' affection for realistic and non-realistic objects, finding stronger jealous behaviors towards the dog-like object. This study suggests jealousy may have a primordial form in animals, including humans.

After a concussion, which teens will have emotional symptoms?

A recent study found that teens who are sensitive to light or noise after a concussion are more likely to experience emotional symptoms such as anxiety. Researchers also discovered that having anxiety can lead to attention difficulties, while irritability/aggression is linked to problems with attention.

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No rest for the bleary

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that parents of newborns experience detrimental effects from frequent night wakings, leading to impaired cognitive function, negative emotions, and decreased alertness. The researchers established a causal link between interrupted sleep patterns and compromised cognitive abilities.

Exposure to TV violence related to irregular attention and brain structure

A study found that young adult men who watched more violent TV showed less mature brain development and poorer executive functioning. The researchers measured mental abilities and brain structure using psychological testing and MRI scans, revealing a link between violent TV viewing and irregular brain development.

Pain pilot explores hand shiatsu treatment as sleep aid

A pilot study found that self-administered hand shiatsu pressure techniques can help participants with chronic lower-back pain fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The study's findings suggest that this low-cost alternative may be a valuable tool in addressing the sleep deprivation that often exacerbates chronic pain.

Distracted minds still see blurred lines

A new study by Concordia University researchers shows that even with mental overload, the brain can automatically detect changes in blur across the visual environment. This finding challenges previous theories on the detection of blurred sight and has implications for daily tasks like driving.

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Oregon researchers capture handoff of tracked object between brain hemispheres

Oregon researchers have successfully captured the handoff of a tracked object between brain hemispheres, a process necessary for processing objects on opposite sides of space. This finding may lead to better understanding individual differences in visual tracking abilities and could provide insights into attention limitations.

Controlling brain waves to improve vision

Scientists at Beckman Institute use a new method to test brain waves and discover that alpha oscillations can inhibit visual processing, making it hard to see unexpected events. By targeting specific brain regions with electrical stimulation or feedback, they aim to improve attention and awareness in various situations.

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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Paying closer attention to attention

Children with FASD often exhibit difficulties with specific aspects of attention, such as shifting attention, but not others like focus. A new study suggests a need for more nuanced understanding of attention skills and to recognize that these children's attention issues may be less important than their overall problems.

Genetic factor contributes to forgetfulness

Researchers found a connection between the DRD2 gene variant and everyday lapses in attention, including forgetfulness. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic variation are more likely to experience short-term memory lapses and distraction, which can have consequences in daily life.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

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Life's not a squeeze for pregnant women

Researchers found pregnant women adapt to changing spatial awareness through practice and movement. Their judgments of possible doorways are comparable to non-pregnant adults.

Patient in 'vegetative state' not just aware, but paying attention

Researchers found a patient in a vegetative state who could filter out unimportant information and home in on relevant words. Using brain imaging, scientists also discovered that the patient could follow simple commands, providing new insights into the ability of patients in these states to pay attention.

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How do consumers see a product when they hear music?

Researchers found that consumers are more likely to buy a product from a different location when a pleasant sound draws attention to the item. This effect is attributed to the ability to visually process products presented in the same spatial direction as the auditory signal, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions.

Doing research in the pub

Researchers analyzed customer behavior in pubs and clubs to determine effective signals for ordering a drink. They found that positioning themselves directly at the bar counter is a successful signal, while avoiding these behaviors indicates non-ordering intentions.