Articles tagged with Cognitive Control
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Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that cannabis vaping is the most popular method of cannabis delivery among all adolescents, with frequent use rising faster than occasional use. The study also highlights disparities in vaping use among different demographic groups and its link to nicotine use.
Australian secondary students' math rankings have dropped to 29th place globally, with a new study suggesting hand gestures are crucial for understanding mathematical concepts. Online learning has exacerbated the issue, making it harder for students to grasp math concepts without human motor and sensory skills.
A University of Cincinnati study found that adding blueberries to middle-aged diets may lower the chances of developing late-life dementia. The researchers discovered that blueberries' high level of micronutrients and antioxidants helped improve cognitive function and metabolic function.
Researchers identified a key brain circuit in the anterior thalamus that helps us hold information in mind. In a study of mice, enhancing this circuit's activity improved their ability to navigate a maze and reversed memory loss with artificial stimulation.
A new study by the University of South Australia found that up to a quarter of people aged over 50 with undiagnosed visual problems like cataracts or AMD are misdiagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive tests relying on vision-dependent tasks can skew results.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai discovered how the brain uses a group of neurons in the frontal lobe to monitor performance, enabling humans to learn from mistakes and develop specific skills. This mechanism allows for flexibility in learning new tasks and adjusting focus based on conflict or difficulty encountered.
Researchers are studying moths to understand agile decision-making in complex environments, aiming to develop autonomous bio-inspired systems. Meanwhile, a team is exploring origami- and kirigami-inspired flexible structures for multifunctional applications.
Scientists at MIT's Picower Institute mapped thousands of inputs to the anterior cingulate cortex and lateral posterior thalamus, finding that both regions receive input from non-sensory areas. The study provides a detailed roadmap for understanding selective attention in mice.
A recent study by NYU researchers reveals that our eyes stay focused on what we reach for due to a complex neurological process called gaze anchoring. By inhibiting eye movements, neurons in the brain enhance accuracy when grasping objects.
The brain detects unwanted memories and proactively inhibits them using the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). If inhibition fails, the ACC triggers a reactive alarm to alert other regions to stop the intrusion. This study sheds light on the neural mechanisms of controlling intrusive thoughts.
Researchers found that mice with the Val89 gene variant exhibit attention deficit disorder-like problems, including diminished cognitive performance and increased vulnerability to distraction. The study provides direct evidence of the genetic variant's effects on acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive impacts.
A new study finds that the brain estimates controllability through competition between two parallel learning processes: the actor and the spectator. High levels of stress and anxiety impair people's sense of control, making them believe their actions don't matter.
Researchers found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps individuals with depression develop self-compassion, leading to a state of safety and relaxation. Participants who received MBCT showed increased self-kindness and reduced threat responses compared to those in an untreated control group.
A University of South Florida study suggests targeting kappa-opioid receptors may alleviate working memory deficits and improve executive function in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. A compound blocking these receptors alleviated working memory deficits and restored normal executive function.
Researchers create Opto-vTrap, a reversible inhibition system that can temporarily trap vesicles from being released, allowing for controlled brain activity. The technique enables temporary removal of fear memory in live mice, with potential applications in epilepsy treatment, muscle spasm treatment, and skin tissue expansion technolog...
A long-term study has revealed that drinking higher amounts of coffee may make you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an association between coffee and several important markers related to Alzheimer’s disease, including executive function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain.
Researchers identified a gene family called MEF2 that controls a genetic program promoting resistance to cognitive decline. Enriching activities appear to activate MEF2, which may help prevent age-related dementia.
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers shows that merging AI with electrical brain stimulation can enhance specific brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility. The method improved cognitive control in patients undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Researchers found no difference between kids exposed to language at birth, regardless of sign or speech. Children with delayed language exposure tend to struggle with executive functioning. The study suggests that 'talking' doesn't just mean speech—sign language exposure is equally nourishing for baby brains.
Researchers aim to understand language development in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and Fragile X syndrome by examining grammar skills and executive functions. The study will gather data on a two-year developmental window, providing comprehensive insights for families and potential improvements in communication.
A study of 699 Black participants found that transitioning to an integrated school between grades 1-6 was associated with improved cognitive aging outcomes. Those who attended integrated schools had statistically significant advantages in executive function and semantic memory compared to those who only attended segregated schools.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that sleep loss does not impact a person's ability to evaluate emotional situations, despite affecting their mood. However, sleep deprivation can make individuals less able to control their own emotional responses.
A new smartphone-based app, iBehavior, will be tested to improve the accuracy of data in clinical trials involving individuals with intellectual disability. The app uses ecological momentary assessment to track symptoms related to executive function, often associated with ADHD.
A new study found that cognitive control plays a significant role in determining whether individuals cheat or not. Participants who tended towards honesty were more likely to cheat, while those with a moral inclination towards dishonesty were more likely to remain honest. This suggests that cognitive control can override moral impulses...
A new study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that differences in cognitive control are not absolute, but rather a matter of degree. The research team, led by Todd Braver, used functional MRI to examine brain activity and behavior across four tasks in three conditions. Consistency was found in brain regions and b...
A new study by the University of Plymouth and Essex found that many adults struggle to imagine their own visual perception as a flat image, resisting the idea of 'corrected' vision. When shown two lines with different lengths, participants often judged them as equal in length, despite being able to see one as longer when viewed on camera.
Researchers reviewed 79 studies on neurocognitive impairments and brain abnormalities associated with nonfatal opioid overdoses in humans. The findings suggest a link between overdose, cognitive impairment, and brain changes, which could influence attention span, memory, and executive function.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a smartwatch technology that can monitor and help lower stress levels by detecting changes in skin conductance response. The device sends reminders to listen to relaxing music when stress is detected, forming a closed-loop system.
Researchers develop a novel technique to identify specific neural pathways involved in high-order executive functions, including working memory and decision-making. The study reveals that these functions are controlled by different neural pathways linking specific brain areas.
Autistic children who are bilingual show improved theory of mind and executive function skills compared to monolingual peers. Bilingualism enables children to partially compensate for deficits in these areas, allowing them to focus on one language while inhibiting another.
A team of scientists at IBEC and Stanford University reveals that the brain's ability to autonomously learn reflects nature more closely than previously thought. This discovery has implications for improving memory deficits in humans and building new AI systems with advanced memory capabilities.
Professor Ullsperger and his team aim to understand the neural mechanisms behind cognitive control and decision-making using new methods, including brain stimulation with focused ultrasound. The research may lead to new therapeutic possibilities for psychiatric disorders such as OCD.
A new study found a marker of PTSD in brain regions associated with emotional regulation, particularly in those with impaired executive function. The researchers suggest that this subgroup may respond best to specific treatments targeting cognitive and brain functioning.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how cognitive control and sensory information relate to cortical machinery. Researchers found that signal propagation between cortical areas V1 and V4 is modulated by attention, challenging previous theories about parallel processing flows.
A new theory suggests that external cues and environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of executive function, which is responsible for controlling behavior. The research team aims to provide practical guidance for childcare providers and parents.
Researchers found an indirect link between cardiorespiratory fitness and higher marks in mathematics and French 2. Better executive functions, specifically cognitive flexibility, were also associated with improved academic performance. The study emphasizes the importance of physical education classes in schools.
CPS&C'2021 brings together researchers and practitioners from around the world to discuss cyber-physical systems and control. The conference features keynote and plenary talks, sessions, and discussions, with accepted full papers published in a Scopus-indexed book of Conference Proceedings.
Researchers found that adolescents with autism exhibit greater brain activity during proactive executive control tasks, suggesting a unique approach rather than impairment. The study also revealed enhanced connectivity between regions associated with reactive control processes in individuals with autism.
Researchers found a significant link between prolonged sedentary time and decreased ability to focus on tasks despite distractions. Adults with obesity or overweight who spent more time sitting for extended periods showed poorer performance on executive function tests.
A study from the University of Tsukuba found that higher spontaneous eye blink rates correlate with improved cognitive function and enhanced executive function in physically fit individuals. The dopaminergic system, involved in physical activity and exercise, plays a crucial role in mediating this link.
A UK study found that British boys' executive functions are heavily influenced by their socio-economic status, while those from wealthier families performed better in tests. In contrast, girls and children from Hong Kong and mainland China outperformed their peers despite lower socio-economic backgrounds.
A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that regular physical activity improves cognitive skills, especially in children with initially poor executive function. The research suggests daily physical activity is critical for school-aged children and has practical implications for educational institutions.
A systematic review led by McMaster University found that electronic cognitive behavioral therapy is more effective than face-to-face sessions in treating depression. The study revealed no difference in patient satisfaction or function between the two methods.
A study from the University of Georgia found that light to moderate drinking may preserve brain function in older adults. The study examined cognitive function over time among middle-aged and older adults in the US and found a correlation between light drinking and better cognitive performance.
A new study found that depression symptoms are associated with reduced cognitive control in individuals with autism. The researchers used a picture-word Stroop test to assess proactive control, which is the ability to plan and prepare how to direct attention. Participants with autism who had more symptoms of depression showed less abil...
Scientists have identified a key brain region responsible for executive functions, including selective attention and working memory. The study found that damage to the inferior frontal junction area (IFJ) can lead to impairments in these abilities, as seen in individuals with dysexecutive syndrome.
A new randomized control trial will examine the effectiveness of Goal Management Training, a cognitive remediation strategy, in improving functional outcomes among first responders with PTSD. The study aims to understand changes in brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging.
A new study reveals that heavy drinking leads to reduced ability to switch attention, update information, and maintain focus on set goals. This impairment has significant economic and daily life implications, particularly in tasks requiring planning and productivity.
A Penn Medicine study used machine learning to analyze fMRI scans of nearly 700 children and adolescents, revealing unique brain network patterns that predict cognition and executive function. The research offers a new approach to personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found that higher English proficiency levels correlated with better executive control performance in unbalanced bilinguals. This suggests that language skills may play a significant role in cognitive control efficiency. The study used an objective method to evaluate second language proficiency, providing new insights into t...
Research by Peng and Kievit found a bidirectional relationship between academic achievement and cognitive abilities, with sustained education fostering children's growth. Short-term training may be insufficient to improve academic performance due to modest effects that take time to develop.
New York University professors created three digital games to train cognitive skills, which have proven effective through research studies. The games, including Gwakkamolé, CrushStations, and All You Can ET, improve executive functions like memory, inhibition, and working memory.
Researchers analyzed 20 years of research on intention deactivation and found that completed intentions can sometimes continue to affect people, particularly when reminders or stimuli trigger their retrieval. This effect is often rare but can play a role in learning new routines.
Researchers identified changes in neural circuits supporting executive function and self-control during adolescence, finding that complex brain areas like the prefrontal cortex develop later and have higher structure-function coupling, leading to improved cognitive abilities.
The MIPT team developed a new method for reinforcement learning with demonstrations, enabling rapid solution of hierarchical problems in Minecraft. This approach opens opportunities for applying reinforcement learning to real-world tasks like autonomous vehicle control and manipulator control.
A new study finds that preschool-age children with higher screen time have lower white matter integrity and lower scores on language and literacy measures. The researchers suggest that parents set appropriate limits on technology use to support healthy brain development during early childhood.
Researchers discovered shared brain circuit abnormalities in patients with mood and anxiety disorders, enabling targeted interventions. These findings hold promise for improving outcomes for individuals with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders.
Research from the University of Cambridge found an association between increased BMI and significant reductions in cortical thickness, as well as poorer performance at tests measuring executive function. The study used data from 2,700 children aged 9-11 years and controlled for various factors, including age, sex, and parental education.
The artificial skin developed by Prof. Gordon Cheng and his team enables robots to perceive their surroundings in greater detail and with more sensitivity, making them safer when operating near people. The system combines hexagonal cells with microprocessors and sensors to detect contact, acceleration, proximity, and temperature.
A new study found that excessive athletic training can lead to mental fatigue, including reduced activity in a portion of the brain important for making decisions. The athletes also acted more impulsively, opting for immediate rewards instead of bigger ones that would take longer to achieve.