Articles tagged with Cognition
Scientists found that brain activity patterns are shaped by neural connectivity and have limitations on how adaptable they are during learning. The study used a brain-computer interface to train animals and showed that subjects learned easier-to-learn patterns more readily, while harder-to-learn patterns were entirely new.
A new study reveals that neurons in the brain's inferotemporal cortex fire strongly and selectively when exposed to familiar images, especially those seen many times before. This finding suggests that the brain uses this mechanism to track a rapidly changing visual environment and may lead to improvements in perception and cognition.
Research found that neutralizing a specific cytokine in the brain impaired cognitive flexibility in stressed and nonstressed rats. However, restoring low levels of this cytokine in a specific region of the brain corrected the deficit.
Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute discovered significant changes in gene expression and neural circuitry as neurons age, shedding light on cognitive decline and potential therapeutic targets. The study, using the marine snail Aplysia californica, highlights the complex interplay between aging and neuron communication.
A study by University of Montreal researcher Maryse Bouchard found a significant association between PCB levels and cognitive abilities among individuals aged 70-84 years. Higher exposure to PCBs in older age groups led to greater diminution in cognition, particularly in women.
Economic downturns in mid-life may lead to lower cognitive ability and memory problems later on, with men experiencing more severe effects. Analyzing data from 12,000 Europeans, researchers found that those who faced economic recessions during their 40s had poorer cognitive performance at age 50.
A University of Michigan study found that high-ability whites are less likely to report prejudiced attitudes but still support policies that benefit the dominant group. Intelligent whites may genuinely believe in racial equality but fail to take action due to their privileged position.
A recent study by the American Sociological Association suggests that high-ability whites are more likely to conceal their prejudice than report it. Despite supporting policies in principle, they are less likely to support actual policies aimed at addressing racial discrimination.
A new UCSF project creates choirs for seniors in San Francisco to assess the impact of singing on cognitive, mobility, and overall wellbeing. The study aims to provide scientific-based evidence that community arts programs can promote health among older adults.
A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that childhood cognitive ability accounts for more than two-thirds of the association between cognitive ability and cortical thickness in old age. The research used standardized intelligence tests and MRI brain scans to compare the results of 588 people taken at different ages.
Researchers from Royal Holloway University found that white Caucasians who experienced an illusion of having dark skin had reduced racial bias. The study used the Rubber Hand Illusion to create this effect, which involved touching a fake hand while also being touched on their own hidden hand.
A new study from Harvard Medical School reveals that millions of eligible seniors are turning down free prescription drug coverage due to impaired cognitive abilities. The researchers suggest that the design of the program needs to be changed to make it easier for low-income adults to enroll and access the benefit.
Aerobic exercise increases critical brain structures and improves cognition in children and older adults. Physical activity also reduces susceptibility to diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
A new study on guppies reveals that bigger brains come at a cost, with larger brain sizes associated with reduced reproductive output and smaller guts. The research supports the idea that relative brain sizes among species are shaped by a balance between selection for increased cognitive ability and the costs of a big brain.
A new study using Pokemon experts and non-experts found that a more generalized system processes faces and expert objects, supporting the expertise hypothesis. Brain signals in the fusiform face area were stronger in experts when looking at Pokemon characters.
Researchers discovered uncommon features in Einstein's brain, which could explain his exceptional visuospatial and mathematical skills. The study found unusual characteristics in the prefrontal, somatosensory, and motor cortices.
Researchers found that individuals who dwell on daily stressors and become increasingly upset are more likely to suffer from chronic health issues. The study suggests that learning how to manage stress is key to maintaining good health.
A new study suggests that men's brains perceive women primarily as body parts, whereas women tend to view men in a more holistic manner. The research found consistent results across both male and female participants, suggesting a fundamental difference in cognitive processing between the two genders.
Consumers exhibit higher creativity and are more likely to buy new products with moderate background noise. This optimal level of noise induces distraction, encouraging abstract thinking and creative solutions.
A new study suggests that religious belief serves to enhance self-control, a crucial cognitive process for fostering valuable social behaviors. The research, published in Psychological Science, found that priming volunteers with religious thoughts improved their discipline and ability to delay gratification.
A recent study suggests that young infants' imitation is not driven by rational thinking, but rather by distractions. In a replication study, researchers found that infants imitated an unusual action only if it was not attributed to external constraints.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that work-focused psychotherapy can help employees return to work faster and improve their mental health over time. Employees who received this therapy were able to fully return to work on average 65 days earlier than those in standard therapy, with significant impro...
Recent studies by Sanjay Kalra demonstrate that ALS damages neurons in cognitive and behavioral areas of the brain, contradicting previous assumptions. MRI scans reveal decreased levels of neural markers NAA and increased mIns, indicating biological changes responsible for behavioral symptoms.
Researchers found that competitive Scrabble players can develop visual word recognition ability in adulthood, recognizing English words up to 20% faster than non-players. They also showed less reliance on the word's meaning and more on its visual appearance, allowing for efficient recognition of letter sequences.
Biologists studied neotropical túngara frogs, finding that females' brains process certain information differently than others. This limitation prevents males from evolving increasingly elaborate calls to attract females, due to a perceptual constraint.
A new study by Torsten Bornemann and Christian Homburg found that consumers who evaluate a product from a distance tend to interpret high prices as reflecting high quality. Consumers who face an immediate purchase focus on the role of price as an indicator of monetary sacrifice.
Research found that children from poorer families show almost no improvements in cognitive ability driven by their genes, while wealthier children have more opportunities to reach their potential. The study's findings suggest that environmental factors can help children begin to reach their genetic potentials at a younger age.
Researchers found that inconsistent portion sizes contribute to people's uncertainty about eating appropriate amounts, leading to 'guiltless gluttony'. This effect is more pronounced when consumers are less concerned with accurate nutrition intake or have limited cognitive resources.
A new study found that the magnitude of loyalty reward programs affects consumers' perceptions of their progress. Smaller step-sizes elicit strikingly different reactions, with those closer to the reward feeling they have made more progress.
Research shows that women who are physically active at any age have lower risk of cognitive impairment, but teenage physical activity is most important. Regular physical activity from an early age can minimize the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
A study led by Markus H. Schafer found that people's subjective age has a stronger influence on cognitive abilities during older adulthood than their chronological age. Those who felt young for their age were more likely to have greater confidence about their cognitive abilities a decade later.
A new study published in Current Biology reveals that children from different cultures articulate spatial relations differently, with German kids using egocentric terms and Akhoe Hai||om kids using allocentric notions. This finding highlights the diversity of human cognition across cultures.
The study suggests that neural pathways governing sensory and motor associations accomplish task switching through learning and communication of distinct populations of MT neurons into a downstream decision system. This finding is important for understanding both normal cognition and psychiatric disorders.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people's level of desire to think analytically about choices (NFC) and cognitive load significantly impact their use of mental shortcuts when making product selections. Researchers identified two factors that can lead consumers to use heuristics, including NFC and cognitive load.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that magpies exhibit self-recognition in a mirror test, recognizing their own image as themselves. This discovery indicates that non-mammalian species can engage in self-recognition behavior, challenging the assumption that advanced cognition is exclusive to mammals.
A study published in The FASEB Journal found that gerbils given specific compounds increased brain synapses and improved cognitive tasks. Researchers discovered more brain synapse activity consistent with higher intelligence after dissecting mouse brains.
Researchers found that hemineglect patients can unconsciously process symbols presented on the left side, even if they cannot consciously perceive them. This suggests that the brain extracts meaning from neglected information, but patients cannot make conscious use of it.
A new study at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology annual meeting found that psychotherapy, particularly cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, significantly reduced PTSD symptoms when administered within a month after a traumatic event. The study suggests early intervention may prevent chronic PTSD development.
The discovery of small perforated sea shells in Morocco has pushed back the known origin of bead adornments to 82,000 years ago. The findings suggest that modern humans possessed symbolic thought and cognitive abilities earlier than previously thought.
Researchers are investigating the best time to start hormone therapy, its impact on cognition and mood, and the most beneficial form of estrogen. The $3.4 million KEEPS study aims to clarify the safety and effectiveness of hormone therapy in perimenopausal women.
A study published in JAMA found that off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery had no effect on cognitive decline and cardiac outcomes at 5 years in low-risk patients. Cognitive decline ranged from under 5% to over 30% in the first year after CABG surgery.
A study of 417 post-menopausal women found no harmful effects on cognitive abilities or health-related quality of life from a daily .014 milligram dose of estradiol via skin patch over two years. The results suggest that women can use this patch without harm for two years, benefiting their bones and alleviating hot flashes.
In a modified trap-tube task, rooks show capacity for physical cognition through rapid learning and transfer test performance, suggesting understanding of physical rules. The results indicate that these birds have the ability to solve problems using rule abstraction, paving the way for future research.
A study by Moreau and Dahl found that input constraints encourage creative processing in consumers, particularly when time is not a significant factor. The researchers discovered that under pressure, individuals tap into their creative side through consumerism, leading to innovative solutions.
Researchers found that undergraduate students react quickly to words with positive or negative connotations, indicating automatic memory links. These links can guide future behavior and decision-making in politics.
Research by Ensley and Pearson found that parent-child businesses exhibit higher levels of shared strategic cognition and lower conflict compared to familial and non-family teams. This suggests that the long-term relationship between family members may lead to stronger business outcomes.
Research by Marino and colleagues reveals that dolphins and primates share similar cognitive abilities despite their distinct brain development patterns. The study, which spans 47 million years, uses magnetic resonance imaging and fossil records to compare the encephalization of cetaceans and humans.
A study by Patti Williams and colleagues found that consumers can be persuaded through intention questions, but only if they attribute persuasive intent to the question. The authors conclude that consumers can learn to recognize and resist such manipulation.
Researchers suggest that hormone levels interact with stress and memory systems to affect cognitive performance. The study used a water maze task, dividing female rats into groups based on their hormone levels and exposure to warm or cold water temperatures.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that a specific gene variant, M129V, affecting the prion protein is associated with changes in cognitive performance. Researchers discovered this link while investigating genetic influences on mental health disorders, also noting a connection to mad cow disease.
A study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that journaling about both thoughts and emotions after a traumatic event can lead to increased awareness of benefits, such as improved relationships and personal strength. In contrast, focusing solely on emotional aspects may not produce similar benefits.
A study of over 7,000 people found that job complexity affects substance use, with those in complex jobs using more substances and those in simpler jobs using less. The researchers suggest assessing workers' cognitive abilities and reassigning or restructuring jobs to match their skills.