Articles tagged with Human Thought
An international study found that brain phosphorylation, a molecular process, is linked to sleep need. The researchers identified 80 proteins, or SNIPPs, that accumulate phosphate groups in the brain during wakefulness, and their levels decrease during sleep.
A study published in Neurology found that depression in older adults may be linked to memory problems and structural differences in the brain. Researchers also discovered a possible link between depression and small vessel disease, a condition affecting brain health.
A CAMH study found that bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduced suicidal thoughts in 40% of participants, independent of depressive symptoms. The treatment may offer hope for preventing suicide in people with hard-to-treat depression and other mental illnesses.
A new study shows that functional connectivity MRI can detect fundamental differences in how individual brains are wired, distinguishing healthy people from those with brain diseases or disorders. The technique was found to be powerful enough to distinguish people who were extraordinarily alike.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that estradiol therapy via skin patches maintained brain volume and reduced amyloid plaque deposits in women. Meanwhile, estrogen pills caused greater structural changes in the brain, which stopped once treatment was stopped.
A study published in Neurology suggests that small blood vessel changes in the eyes at age 60 may predict cognitive decline by age 80. The researchers used a retinal camera to take photos of participants' eyes and found that those with moderate to severe retinopathy had bigger drops in memory and thinking test scores over time.
Researchers found that a simple walking test can accurately diagnose idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) by assessing participants' gait while performing dual tasks. The study revealed that the test improved diagnostic accuracy to 97% when combined with other assessments.
A Harvard researcher found that specific brain network patterns are associated with creativity, including the default mode network for imagination and the salience network for information filtering. The study's predictive model showed accuracy in estimating creative potential based on brain scan data.
A study using functional MRI data from 163 participants found a functional brain network associated with creativity involving the default mode, executive, and salience networks. The strength of this network's connectivity was linked to an individual's creative ability score.
People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may experience improved memory and thinking ability with regular exercise, according to the American Academy of Neurology. The guideline recommends that doctors recommend exercise as part of an overall approach to managing symptoms.
A study published in Neurology suggests that consuming daily leafy green vegetables can help preserve memory and thinking skills as people age. The research found that those who ate more leafy greens showed a slower rate of decline on cognitive tests, equivalent to being 11 years younger in age.
A multidisciplinary neuroscience study found that low frequency brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus can improve cognitive symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. The research also reveals a new connection between the frontal cortex and the subthalamic nucleus, which may be targeted to improve cognitive function.
A pilot study by the Center for BrainHealth found that cognitive training improved innovative thinking and corresponding brain changes in healthy adults over 55. The SMART program showed significant gains in high-quality innovation performance and increased connectivity among brain cells in the central executive network.
A study by Coventry University and Oxford University found no connection between intuitive or analytical thinking and supernatural beliefs. Instead, researchers suggest that upbringing and socio-cultural processes drive religious beliefs, contradicting the long-held theory of 'natural' intuition playing a key role.
Researchers found that neurons' firing rates adjust based on option values, leading to adaptive judgments. The brain uses a neural circuit to correct for differences in scale, ensuring maximal payoff and rational decision-making.
A recent study published in Neurology found that young hockey players who experienced concussions may still have brain changes three months later. The study showed widespread damage to the white matter of the brain and a 10% reduction in metabolic molecules, highlighting the need for further research into concussion recovery.
A study found that listening to happy music, specifically classical music with positive valence and high arousal, facilitates more divergent creative thinking. Participants who came up with the most original solutions scored higher in divergent creativity.
A new study found evidence of human-like thinking in tools crafted by modern humans dating back 1.8 million years. The research used advanced brain imaging technology to observe brain activity while crafting simple and complex tools.
A new study suggests that the ability to assess group size is processed in the ancient brain structure of the subcortex, which is shared across humans, birds, and fish. This finding has implications for understanding mathematical thinking and education.
Studies reveal that brain activity in self-related and mentalizing regions combine unconsciously to produce a signal about an article's value, predicting its likelihood of going viral. Brain scans from a small group of people can accurately predict the virality of health articles among real New York Times readers.
A USC-led study found that people are less flexible when considering counter-evidence on political issues, but more so on non-political statements. The brain's Default Mode Network and amygdalae regions were activated in response to belief challenges.
Brain connections critical for complex thinking skills deteriorate with age, while movement and hearing connections remain relatively well-preserved. Researchers analyzed brain scans from over 3,500 people aged 45-75 to understand aging's effects on the brain.
Repeatedly thinking about work-family conflict is associated with negative outcomes in six health categories, including life satisfaction and fatigue. Mindfulness can help reduce repetitive thought and related issues like worry and rumination, improving overall well-being.
Researchers propose that mind-wandering is a spontaneous mode of thought, essential for creativity and daydreaming. Increased awareness of this thinking can lead to better diagnoses and treatments for depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Research suggests that exercise can lead to a small improvement in overall thinking skills and executive function abilities in individuals with mild vascular cognitive impairment. Participants who exercised for six months showed better blood pressure and cardiovascular capacity compared to those who did not exercise.
A study on chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans shows they can anticipate when someone else has a false belief. The apes' ability to grasp the concept of false beliefs is seen as a key milestone in human cognitive development.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found the roots of modern humane medical practices in a pioneering French physician, Andre Feil's 1919 medical school thesis. The thesis challenged long-held opinions about people with deformities and emphasized treating patients with dignity and honor.
An orangutan was found to be able to predict the taste of new juice mixes without tasting them, mirroring human affective forecasting ability. This study suggests that this cognitive skill may not be exclusive to humans and could be shared with other animals.
A University of Waterloo study found that thinking about the future helps people shift their focus away from current feelings and mitigate conflicts in romantic relationships. By envisioning their relationship a year into the future, individuals can adopt a more positive perspective and show more forgiveness.
The frontal cortex plays a crucial role in controlling vision, actively constructing the visual scene and making decisions about it. The research found that the brain's organization of perception can lead to distractions like texting while driving, which can impair vision and increase the risk of accidents.
A study published in Neurology found that older adults who engaged in moderate to intense exercise showed less decline in thinking skills than those who were sedentary. The difference was equivalent to 10 years of aging.
A study by Drexel University researchers found that sudden insights are more likely to be correct than answers derived from analytical thinking. The experiments used timed puzzles and showed that responses given during insight were often correct, while those from analytical thinking were less accurate.
A study found that young adults with hostile attitudes and poor coping skills may experience significant declines in thinking and memory abilities decades later. The study, which followed 3,126 participants from age 25 to 50, revealed that increased levels of hostility and effortful coping were associated with poorer cognitive performa...
Cognitive neuroscientist Evangelia Chrysikou and her team investigate how transcranial direct current stimulation enhances creative thinking about everyday objects. They will use the technique to assess brain activity in frontal lobes, with hopes of developing a standardized measure of creative potential.
A study found that individuals with internet access are 5% more likely to claim ignorance when faced with general-knowledge questions. This suggests that constant connectivity to information leads to a diminished reliance on personal knowledge.
Researchers demonstrate that words can activate a part of space, enhancing reality in the mind. Mental simulation is shown to be similar to real perception by the brain, with potential applications in neuropsychology for people with impaired spatial perception.
A study of 1,107 dementia-free women found that those who complained of memory problems were 70% more likely to develop a diagnosis compared to those without complaints. Women with complaints were also 3-9 times more likely to develop a diagnosis at different time points.
A saliva test for stress hormone cortisol may identify healthy older adults at risk of cognitive decline, with higher evening cortisol levels linked to smaller brain volume and poor memory skills. The study suggests a potential link between cortisol's toxic effect on the hippocampus and dementia risk.
Researchers at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business used fMRI to test the association of human-like characteristics with brands. They found that brain activity could predict survey responses, validating customer insights. This study aims to close the gap between neuroscience and marketing research.
A new study shows that stroke survivors experience accelerated and persistent declines in thinking ability over the years after their stroke, even after accounting for normal brain aging. The study suggests a need for better long-term follow-up care for stroke survivors to manage their cognitive problems.
A study found that stimulating cognitive activities improved cognitive performance but didn't affect brain markers of Alzheimer's. The findings suggest sustaining intellectual engagement helps preserve cognitive function in old age.
Research found habitual gamblers exhibit probability matching behavior and perceive illusory patterns in random sequences. Gamblers are also less able to resist impulses, leading to impulsive betting decisions.
A new study by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that professionals with jobs requiring strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and managerial tasks may experience better brain protection against memory and thinking decline. Participants with higher levels of these tasks showed slower cognitive decline rates over eight years.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people who participated in arts, crafts, and social activities in middle and old age were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to those who did not. Computer use was also associated with a reduced risk of MCI.
A new scoring system helps determine which elderly people are at higher risk of developing memory and thinking problems that can lead to dementia. Factors such as years of education, history of stroke or diabetes, and smoking contribute to the risk score.
A study found that former NFL players who played tackle football before age 12 performed significantly worse on cognitive tests compared to those who started playing at age 12 or later. The researchers suggested a critical window of brain development where repeated head impacts can lead to thinking and memory difficulties later in life.
A comprehensive review of recent studies provides insight into the causes and consequences of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering doctors and patients actionable advice. The guide highlights the importance of aerobic exercise, mental activity, social engagement, and stroke prevention in reducing MCI progression.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that approximately 1.8 million Americans over the age of 70 with dementia have never had an evaluation of their cognitive abilities. Early evaluation and identification can help families make plans for care, improve quality of life.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that more than half of seniors with signs of dementia haven't received a medical evaluation. The study suggests that as many as 1.8 million Americans over 70 with dementia are not being evaluated for cognitive symptoms, which can lead to modifiable causes of thinking or memory impairment.
A study of 1,066 Scottish people found that those with complex jobs, such as social workers or architects, had better scores on memory and thinking tests. The results suggest that more stimulating work environments may help preserve cognitive function later in life.
A new study indicates that depression is a true risk factor for dementia and that targeting depression may help prevent cognitive decline. People with mild cognitive impairment were more likely to have higher levels of depression symptoms before diagnosis.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that depression is independently associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that targeting and treating depression could help prevent or delay cognitive decline in older adults.
A study published in Neurology found that even mild traumatic brain injury can cause brain damage and disrupt nerve axons in white matter. Cognitive tests showed a 25% decline in verbal letter fluency task scores for patients with injuries, strongly related to imaging measures of white matter damage.
Researchers found that psilocybin alters brain activity, increasing entropy in primitive networks linked to emotions and memory. The study suggests a physical representation of the 'mind expansion' experience, providing insight into psychedelic drugs' effects on consciousness.
A study published in Neurology found that brisk walking improved motor function, mood, and tiredness by up to 15%, as well as increased aerobic fitness and gait speed. Participants who walked for 45 minutes, three times a week, over six months showed significant improvements in their symptoms.
Research suggests that high blood pressure in middle age is associated with increased risk of brain lesions and tiny brain bleeds, particularly in those without a history of high blood pressure. In contrast, individuals with a history of high blood pressure may experience smaller brain volumes and lower memory scores.
Scientists at TUM successfully demonstrated brain-controlled flight with high precision, exceeding requirements for a flying license test. They achieved this by using electroencephalography to convert brain waves into control commands, allowing pilots to control the plane without touching pedals or controls.
A new study suggests that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may experience an increased risk of mortality over a six-year period. The research, conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, found that those with MCI had an 80% higher death rate compared to those without MCI.
A study published in Neurology found that older adults with rapid memory and thinking skills decline may be less likely to die from cancer. The research followed over 2,600 participants aged 65 and above for nearly 13 years and found a significant difference in cancer mortality rates between those with fast versus slow cognitive decline.
A new study found that young adults who engage in regular cardio fitness activities, such as running, may preserve their memory and thinking skills in middle age. The study, which followed 2,747 healthy people for 20 years, measured verbal memory, psychomotor speed, and executive function.