Can AI truly think like a human?
A recent study questions AI model Centaur's ability to simulate human cognition, suggesting it relies on statistical patterns rather than genuine understanding.
Cognition
Articles tagged with Cognition
What honey bee brain chemistry tells us about human learning
Scientists have identified specific patterns of brain chemical activity in honey bees that predict how quickly individual bees learn new associations. The findings may help explain why humans learn at different speeds and provide implications for understanding brain disorders.
Historically Black college or university attendance and cognition in US Black adults
A cohort study found that historically Black college or university attendance was associated with improved cognitive function compared to predominantly white institution attendance. The association held true for those attending college before and after legal racial segregation and discrimination in education.
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.
Coffee and tea intake, dementia risk, and cognitive function
A study published in JAMA found that higher consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Moderate intake levels showed the most pronounced association, with better cognitive function also observed.
The brain uses eye movements to see in 3D
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that the brain analyzes global patterns of image motion caused by eye movements to understand how objects move and where they are located in 3D space. This discovery challenges conventional ideas that image motion produced by eye movements is visual noise to be subtracted off.
Peak mental sharpness could be like getting in an extra 40 minutes of work per day, study finds
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that day-to-day fluctuations in mental sharpness predict success or struggle. Mental sharpness is linked to productivity, goal-setting, and mood, with sharper days leading to more challenging goals and lower-sharpness days stalling on routine tasks.
Exploring how age influences social preferences
Researchers discovered that while older rats were as social as younger ones, a subpopulation preferred familiar peers. Altering neural communication reversed this preference, enhancing approach towards new peers. This suggests a distinct neural system underlying aging-related social behavior.
UT Health San Antonio research shows Alzheimer’s prevention potential in pairing cannabis ingredient, anti-inflammatory drug
A new study led by Dr. Chu Chen suggests that combining THC with celecoxib may improve cognition and reduce Alzheimer's-related brain pathology in mice. The combination produced better outcomes than low-dose THC alone, including improved learning and memory performance and reduced markers of neuroinflammation.
Prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with lower cognitive performance in early childhood
A new study found that prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with lower cognitive performance in newborns, with stronger associations observed for black carbon and PM2.5. The strongest effects were seen in boys, suggesting potential sex-specific vulnerability.
Wild blueberries: New review explores benefits for heart, metabolism and the microbiome
A new scientific review summarizes 12 human clinical trials on the cardiometabolic effects of wild blueberries, finding improvements in blood vessel function and beneficial changes to the gut microbiome. Regular consumption of one cup per day may support overall health benefits.
Grandparenting is good for the brain
Caring for grandchildren may help prevent cognitive decline in older adults, according to a recent study published by the American Psychological Association. Grandparents who provided childcare scored higher on tests of memory and verbal fluency compared to those who didn't.
What do rats remember? IU research pushes the boundaries on what animal models can tell us about human memory
Researchers observed episodic memory in rats, suggesting they can model complex cognitive processes. The study shows rats can recall memories with accuracy and context, even after a long delay, implying evolutionarily ancient forms of memory.
Center for BrainHealth launches Fourth Annual BrainHealth Week in 2026
BrainHealth Week 2026 will explore precision brain health, biosensor technology, and mental resilience, offering actionable strategies for improving daily performance and quality of life. The event brings together industry leaders, scientific community, students, and the community at large to discuss practical roadmap for longevity.
Policies to screen doctors’ fitness seen lacking in fairness
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that many hospital screening policies for late-career physicians lack basic fairness protections. The authors recommend creating policies that balance patient safety with fair treatment of physicians, including clear standards and appeal processes.
Exploring why adapting to the environment is more difficult as people age
Research reveals structural brain changes in older adults affect ability to shift between tasks and update environmental information. These changes may lead to deficits in behavioral adaptability, emphasizing the importance of identifying age-related brain structure changes.
Healthy aging 2026: fresh pork in plant-forward diets supported strength and brain-health biomarkers in older adults
An 18-week study found that maintaining grip strength and chair-rise performance alongside weight loss was possible without a prescribed strength-training program, alongside improvements in biomarkers linked to metabolic and cognitive aging. A plant-forward diet featuring fresh lean pork supported healthy-aging markers in older adults.
Two types of underconfidence linked to anxiety and gender
A new study by University College London researchers found that women and people with anxiety are prone to two distinct types of underconfidence. Women initially show underconfidence but confidence grows as time elapses, while those with anxiety become less confident with more reflection.
New mega-analysis reveals why memory declines with age
A landmark study finds that structural brain changes tied to memory decline are nonlinear, stronger in older adults, and not solely driven by known Alzheimer's-associated genes. The study suggests that cognitive decline reflects a broad biological vulnerability in brain structure that accumulates over decades.
Prescribing patterns of potentially inappropriate central nervous system-active medications in older adults
A study found that older adults are prescribed potentially inappropriate central nervous system-active medications despite guidelines. Patients with cognitive impairment were more likely to receive these medications than those with normal cognition. The study highlights the need for better medication management in older adults.
This new tool could tell us how consciousness works
Researchers propose a roadmap for using transcranial focused ultrasound to study consciousness, enabling precise manipulation of brain activity and determining cause-and-effect patterns. This technology may help address the hard problem of consciousness by probing neural circuits that generate sensations, thoughts, and feelings.
Scientists trace facial gestures back to their source. before a smile appears, the brain has already decided
A new study published in Science uncovers how the brain prepares and produces facial gestures through a temporally organized hierarchy of neural codes. The research found that multiple brain regions work in parallel, each contributing different timing-based codes to generate coherent facial gestures.
A new approach to assessing patients with disorders of consciousness
A new approach to assessing patients with disorders of consciousness combines six assessment techniques, including high-density EEG and functional MRI. The study reveals that combining data from multiple techniques significantly improves model performance and provides a synthetic and precise assessment of patient outcomes.
Why staying focused is harder than ever and what science can tell us about it
A Rice University psychologist is investigating how irrelevant visual information interferes with ability to stay on task. Her research aims to clarify how attention is captured, linger on distractions and recover. The study uses electroencephalography to measure brain activity in real-time.
Teacher collaboration boosts cognitively activating teaching practices
Research highlights the moderating role of collective innovativeness in teacher collaboration, showing its significant impact on cognitively activating teaching practices. Schools with high innovativeness levels experience stronger positive effects from collaboration.
A molecule our bodies produce may help defend against Alzheimer’s disease: NUS Medicine study
Researchers discovered that calcium alpha-ketoglutarate restores key memory-related brain functions disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. The molecule enhances synaptic plasticity, protects neurons from degenerative changes, and supports healthier cognitive ageing.
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.
To flexibly organize thought, the brain makes use of space
Researchers tested Spatial Computing theory by examining neural activity and brain wave patterns in animals performing working memory and categorization tasks. The findings support the theory's predictions, including that alpha/beta waves represent task controls and rules, while spiking activity carries sensory information.
Night waking impacts cognitive performance regardless of sleep duration
A new study published in Sleep Health found that the quality of a night's sleep, rather than its length, predicts how quickly older adults process information the next day. Researchers analyzed data from 261 participants aged 70 and above, who wore devices to track their sleep and completed cognitive assessments six times a day.
Reduced cognitive performance in late midlife may predict frailty in older age
A new study found that slower reaction time and lower response accuracy in cognitive tasks are associated with higher levels of frailty. The association can be detected in late midlife among individuals aged 57 to 70 years.
Holding back laughter
A research team at the University of Göttingen investigated how laughter can be regulated and found that social cues can strongly interfere with these efforts. The results showed that suppression and distraction were effective strategies to hold back laughter, while cognitive reappraisal could reduce how funny the jokes felt.
Short, light-intensity exercise boosts executive function and elevates mood in children
A new study found that brief, light-intensity exercise significantly improves inhibitory control and mood in children, with potential to enhance learning efficiency. The research, conducted at Waseda University, also revealed that even short periods of physical activity can have a lasting impact on cognitive function.
Valacyclovir treatment of early symptomatic Alzheimer disease
Researchers found that valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, was ineffective in treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and may even worsen cognitive function. The study suggests that individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus seropositivity should not be treated with valacyclovir.
Digital cognitive behavioral treatment for generalized anxiety disorder
A randomized clinical trial found digital cognitive behavioral therapy to be significantly beneficial for adults with generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment provided sustained benefits and has the potential for public health impact due to its accessibility.
Nighttime brain stimulation helps mice retain fading memories
Researchers at Cornell University used optogenetics to boost large sharp-wave ripples in the brains of mice, improving their ability to remember new experiences. The technique showed promise in extending memory consolidation even in mice engineered to have cognitive deficits.
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.
Dance effective in fighting against cognitive decline in Parkinson’s, York University study finds
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has shown that dance can be beneficial in halting cognitive decline associated with Parkinson's disease. The study found significant improvements in cognitive scores for participants who engaged in dance classes, compared to those who did not participate.
New research explains how our brains store and change memories
A study from the University of East Anglia explores how our brains remember past events and how those memories can change over time. Memories are made up of different parts and can become less accurate or include new information as they are retrieved.
Memory research: how respiration shapes remembering
Researchers found that recalling memories is facilitated when breathing cues are presented during inhalation, with actual memory retrieval happening during exhalation. The study suggests that respiration acts as a natural pacemaker for memory processes, highlighting the close interaction between the brain and body.
A rose by any other name? Not necessarily—how words sound aesthetically correlates with their memorability, study finds
Researchers found that words with phonetically pleasing sound patterns are more memorable due to their aesthetic appeal. The study was supported by a grant from the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Austrian Science Fund.
When schizophrenia meets a personality disorder: why more research is urgently needed
A new study reveals limited data on cognition in individuals with comorbid personality disorder and schizophrenia, leading to unfavourable outcomes. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into adapting treatments to support functional recovery.
Can your driving patterns predict cognitive decline?
A study published in Neurology found that using GPS driving data can predict cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants who developed cognitive issues had greater reductions in driving frequency and variety over time.
The therapeutic target against memory impairments in Down syndrome gains strength
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that long-term pharmacological treatment improves memory alterations and inflammation in mice models for Down syndrome. The treatment targets the CB1 receptor, which is involved in neuronal connections and memory, and shows positive results even when age-related neurodegeneration is added.
Family dogs’ ADHD-like traits are linked to learning and self-control
Researchers found that dogs with stronger ADHD-like traits were slower to learn new information, but improved with repetition and sufficient sleep. The studies also revealed a link between ADHD-like traits and self-control in dogs, suggesting that cognitive training and sleep can mitigate these impairments.
Muscle protein linked to exercise opens new way to treat Alzheimer’s
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.
New study identifies part of brain animals use to make inferences
A team of New York University researchers has identified the orbitofrontal cortex as an 'inference engine' that allows animals to update their understanding of their surroundings based on changing circumstances. The study found that trained rats waited longer for water rewards in low states and less time in reward-rich states, indicati...
Brain waves’ analog organization of cortex enables cognition and consciousness, MIT professor proposes at SfN
According to Miller, brain waves sculpt the flow of information in the cortex, enabling volitional control of thought. The cortex organizes itself through analog computation, leading to consciousness as a unified awareness of thought and experience.
NYU Tandon researchers quantify intensity of emotional response to sound, images and touch through skin conductance
Researchers at NYU Tandon developed a method to measure cognitive arousal using skin conductance, revealing patterns of physiological responses to different stimuli. The analysis showed that haptic sensations and auditory stimuli elicit strong immediate activations, while visual cues respond more gradually.
Testosterone in body odour linked to perceptions of social status
A study from the University of Victoria suggests that humans can smell testosterone and associate it with dominance. The research found that participants rated men with higher testosterone levels as more dominant than those with lower levels, indicating a link between body odour and perceptions of social status.
Bees learn to read simple ‘Morse code’
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have shown that bumblebees can be trained to differentiate between long and short light flashes, which was previously observed only in humans and other vertebrates. This ability allows the bees to decide where to forage for food based on visual cues.
Everyday speech may reveal early signs of brain health changes, Baycrest study shows
A Baycrest study found that subtle features of speech timing, such as pauses and fillers, are linked to executive function and predict cognitive decline. The research uses artificial intelligence to analyze natural speech patterns for early detection of dementia.
Epigenetic aging linked to cognitive decline in Hispanic/Latino adults
A new study found that faster biological aging measured by DNA-based epigenetic clocks is associated with greater cognitive decline and higher risk of mild cognitive impairment in Hispanic/Latino adults. The study highlights the potential of epigenetic clocks to track changes in brain health over time.
Finch chirps are more than mindless chatter. They actually convey meaning
Researchers found that zebra finches categorize calls into about a dozen call-types, similar to how humans hear and group them. The birds' ability to distinguish between calls with similar meaning suggests they have a mental representation of the meaning behind these vocalizations.
Sex differences in gambling rats
A study found that rats' impulsive behavior and risky decision-making are shaped differently in males and females based on the timing of neural stimulation. The results highlight the importance of considering biological sex when developing treatments for disorders related to impulsivity and addiction.
After distractions, rotating brain waves may help thought circle back to the task
Researchers found that a rotating brain wave helps the cortex recover its computational path after a distraction, improving performance in visual working memory tasks. Longer time intervals between distractions also aid recovery.
Scientists on ‘urgent’ quest to explain consciousness as AI gathers pace
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series: Scientists on ‘urgent’ quest to explain consciousness as AI gathers pace
Researchers Prof Axel Cleeremans, Prof Anil Seth, and Prof Liad Mudrik warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness. They emphasize the need for theory-driven research and innovative methods to advance consciousness science.
New psychology study suggests chimpanzees might be rational thinkers
A new study published in Science provides evidence that chimpanzees can change their minds based on the strength of available evidence, a key feature of rational thought. Researchers found that chimps frequently switched their choices in response to stronger clues, aligning with rational strategies of belief revision.
When we dream, does our brain wake up?
A new study has compiled records of brain activity during sleep and dream reports, revealing that dreams occur not only during REM sleep but also during deeper and calmer NREM stages. In these cases, brain activity resembles wakefulness more than deep sleep.
Psychedelics reshape time perception offering new therapeutic pathways
Psychedelic substances profoundly alter our perception of time, inducing temporal distortions that offer unprecedented insights into consciousness. By suppressing the default mode network and modulating multiple brain regions, psychedelics provide unique windows into brain function and mental health treatment.