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Researchers tracked elephant sleep using Fitbits and found they slept mostly in the early morning, with environmental conditions influencing timing. The study suggests elephants may not dream daily like humans do, but rather every few days.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Crowdsourcing brain data

A crowdsourcing experiment with over 500 adults yielded new evidence that neurofeedback learning can affect the brain almost immediately. The study demonstrated the scientific viability of collective neurofeedback as a potential new avenue in neuroscience research.

Rats 'dream' paths to a brighter future

Researchers monitored brain activity in rats and found that during rest, the hippocampus simulates walking to and from food that was previously inaccessible. This suggests that the hippocampus plans routes for the future as well as recording past experiences with motivational cues like food. The study could help explain why people with...

How career dreams are born

A new study at Ohio State University reveals that people with low self-confidence need a vivid picture of their future success to pursue their career goals. The researchers found that students who were given detailed information about the benefits of becoming a business psychologist were more likely to apply for the program and showed ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateSep 29, 2014

Sleep disorder linked to brain disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto found a strong link between rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder and neurodegenerative brain diseases. Up to 90% of people with RBD will develop a brain disease, making it an important warning sign for clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateApr 22, 2014

The seat of meta-consciousness in the brain

Researchers have identified a specific cortical network in the brain that becomes active when lucid dreamers become aware of their dreaming state. This network, including the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontopolar regions, is associated with self-reflective functions and has been linked to consciousness development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 27, 2012

Modern Muslims use dreams to make major life decisions

A study by Durham University anthropologist Dr Iain Edgar found that night dreams are being used to make choices on issues like marriage, business, and career development among modern Muslims. The practice of Istikhara, or Islamic 'dream incubation', involves using symbolism to interpret dreams and make decisions.

SourceDurham University·JournalHistory and Anthropology·DateSep 15, 2010

New research examines how career dreams die

Researchers found that people cling to their dreams until they're clearly shown the consequences of failure. The study involved students who were told varying levels of threat to their new dreams, with those receiving the strongest threat experiencing higher self-doubt and anxiety, leading them to drop their dream.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Cognition·DateAug 25, 2009

Need a solution? In your dreams

Researchers found that dreams up to a week after a memorable emotional event often reflect problem resolution and positive emotions. This suggests that dreams can serve as a treatment for working through personal difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 21, 2004

The (brain) stuff of which dreams are made

A 73-year-old woman lost all dreaming and most brain functions following a stroke, but regained some dreaming function over time. Researchers found that the damaged area of her brain was involved in visual processing and emotions.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateSep 10, 2004

Trauma survivors losing less sleep than they think

Research suggests that trauma survivors often underestimate their sleep quality and overestimate their sleep time. Studies have found that with proper treatments like progressive muscle relaxation and stimulus control, traumatic memories can be left behind without impacting sleep., Timely treatment of sleep disorders may prevent PTSD o...

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 19, 2001