Articles tagged with Cognition
A recent study published in Developmental Psychology found that brief training with rhythmic gestures has immediate benefits for children's narrative abilities, especially improving story structure. This novel finding demonstrates the importance of gestures in language development and cognitive growth.
People with radical political views tend to overestimate their certainty on incorrect answers, but struggle with recognizing when they're wrong. The study found no difference in task performance between moderates and radicals, despite radicals' higher confidence ratings.
A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older people who persistently strive for their goals but can adjust them to current circumstances tend to move more and participate in outdoor activities. This suggests that tenacity and flexibility are essential resources for maintaining autonomy and quality of life in old age.
The study identifies genes associated with longevity in parrots, including telomerase, which may also play a role in human aging. The researchers also found parrot-specific gene-regulating regions near neural development genes linked to human cognition.
A new study found that young pheasants who strongly favored using their left or right leg to step over a barrier died at a significantly lower rate than those with weaker preferences. The research suggests that favouring one side of the body may bring advantages, but also explains why low levels of 'footedness' exist among pheasants.
A recent study from the Center for BrainHealth at UT Dallas found that cannabis users exhibit increased synchronization and activation of brain waves during rest, compared to nonusers. This 'noisy brain' may disrupt cognitive processes.
A new study on red junglefowl has found that the ability to learn quickly is heritable, while optimism can be explained by environmental factors. The researchers tested over 300 chicks with various cognitive tasks and found that genetic factors play a larger role in fast-learning abilities.
A study found that air pollution exposure was associated with decreased cognitive test scores, particularly in verbal abilities. Reducing fine particulate matter concentrations could lead to significant improvements in cognitive performance, equivalent to a shift from median to 63rd percentile scores.
Researchers found that lower-paid microworkers were more likely to reduce their efforts and experience cognitive dissonance, which can impact study results. The study's findings suggest that low pay may lead workers to feel conflicted and struggle with rationalizing their actions.
A study published in Springer's journal Memory & Cognition found that men tend to take shortcuts and navigate more efficiently than women in known environments. Women, on the other hand, follow learned routes and are more likely to wander, leading to slower navigation times.
Researchers found slight improvements in vision after eating dark chocolate, particularly in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The effects of dark chocolate on vision remain unknown beyond the short-term, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A six-month treatment with idalopirdine failed to slow cognitive decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study involved over 2,500 participants and used a combination of idalopirdine and cholinesterase inhibitors.
Researchers analyzed birth and school records to examine environmental moderation of genetic influence on cognitive ability. They found no evidence supporting increased genetic influence in socioeconomically advantaged children.
A new study found that cognitive abilities in adolescence are positively related, suggesting a 'mutualism' model where skills help each other develop. This research has implications for understanding developmental challenges and life outcomes, such as academic success and longevity.
A study from Northwestern University found that preterm infants establish a strong foundation for linking language and meaning, similar to their full-term counterparts. This discovery challenges previous obstacles in language and cognitive development observed in preterm infants.
Researchers found that parental characteristics were equally important in supporting child cognition in the US and UK. However, they identified areas where policies can make a difference, such as child allowances and National Health Service in Great Britain.
Researchers found that taurine supplementation improved symptoms in patients with first episode psychosis, particularly in depression and overall functioning. However, cognitive function remained unchanged.
A new study found that listening to human vocalizations helps infants form categories, while nonhuman primate vocalizations preserve their early link between signals and categorization. This research highlights the importance of language exposure in early development.
A recent study found that individuals with neurotic personalities thrive in urban environments, while those who are less neurotic benefit from natural settings. The research suggests a correlation between environment and self-control, which could have implications for health outcomes and consumer behavior.
Researchers create a detailed semantic atlas of the brain's language processing areas, revealing similarities in semantic topography across individuals. The study has potential applications in brain-machine interfaces, decoding difficult-to-speak patients, and translating languages.
A new study maps the human brain's semantic atlas, revealing how different areas respond to words with similar meanings. This discovery holds promise for decoding inner dialogue in individuals who struggle to communicate, such as stroke or ALS patients.
Todd Gureckis, NYU associate professor, awarded PECASE for pioneering research on human cognition and machine learning. The award recognizes his innovative work in comparing human intelligence to intelligent algorithms.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that slowing down typing improves essay writing sophistication and vocabulary, possibly due to more time for internal word search. The study's results suggest that excessive speed can impair writing quality, regardless of tools used.
Research finds that cognitive constraints on mentalizing limit joke complexity to maintain humor; two-character jokes with up to five levels of intentionality are most effective. Professional comedians must balance cleverness with audience comprehension.
A vision test that involves rapidly reading numbers can detect concussions in 86% of athletes. The King-Devick test was effective when combined with balance and cognition assessments.
Researchers aim to teach robots to understand forces during object movement and react to changes, enabling human-robot collaboration. The goal is to develop robots that can work together with humans on tasks like lifting objects, such as tables.
A nationwide Danish register study tracking 190,000 individuals found a clear correlation between hospitalization due to infections and impaired cognitive ability. The study shows that even after treatment, patients can experience lasting effects on their IQ scores.
A recent study found that young adults raised in educated households have higher cognitive ability than those from less ideal environments. The study compared IQ scores of Swedish male siblings raised by biological or adoptive parents, with adopted males showing a significant 4.4-point advantage.
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.