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‘Baby talk:’ Decoding how children’s vocal and cognitive cues sway adults

Researchers found that adults prioritize cognitive cues over vocal signals when evaluating a child's intelligence or negative emotions, while vocal cues dominate for assessing happiness or helplessness. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of caregiver-child interactions and their evolutionary roots.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2024

AI boosts the power of EEGs, enabling neurologists to quickly, precisely pinpoint signs of dementia

Researchers at Mayo Clinic used AI to analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) tests, identifying subtle brain wave patterns characteristic of cognitive problems like Alzheimer's disease. This technology has the potential to provide healthcare professionals with a more accessible tool for early diagnosis in communities without easy access to...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalBrain Communications·DateJul 31, 2024

Neural balance in the brain is associated with brain maturity and better cognitive ability

A study found that neural balance, measured by the E/I ratio, is associated with brain maturity and better cognitive ability. Research suggests that as children develop, their E/I ratios decrease, leading to improved performance in cognitive tests.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Ground-breaking accelerated discovery research unveils 21 novel materials for advanced organic solid-state laser technology: a global collaboration success story

Researchers from six teams in five labs worldwide used self-driving labs to discover 21 top-performing OSL gain candidates, accelerating the discovery process by months. The decentralized workflow enabled rapid replication of experimental findings and democratized the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2024

Intervention based on science of reading, math boosts comprehension, word problem-solving skills

A culturally-responsive training intervention based on science of reading and math improved comprehension, visualization, and connection-making skills among 66 third-grade English language learners. The program enhanced students' performance in math by utilizing direct and explicit teaching methods, focusing on key cognitive concepts.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2024

Older males out-compete young males when it comes to extra-marital breeding

A study found that when adult male blue tits were absent, young males had higher success rates in fathering offspring outside of their breeding pair. Young males' poor performance was due to competition with older males, not lack of experience. In the absence of adult males, 33% of young males fathered at least one extra-pair offspring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

Unmanned and unbothered: autonomous intelligent oceanic exploration is upon us

The ISOOS system uses a smart carrier as the mobile base and control center, connecting multiple UAVs, USVs, and AUVs for simultaneous 3D observation of targeted regions. This enables fast mapping of ocean floor and studying submesoscale eddies, previously difficult to access due to variability in space and time.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeNews article·DateOct 8, 2023

Study demonstrates adding complex component of milk to infant formula confers long-term cognitive benefits

A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that feeding infants formula with a complex component of milk (MFGM) and lactoferrin for 12 months raised IQ by 5 points at 5 ½ years of age, improving speed of processing information and visual-spatial skills. The effects were seen long after the end of formula feeding.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2023

Children’s IQs not diminished by concussion

A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that pediatric concussions do not impact intelligence or IQ levels. The research, which combined data from two cohort studies in Canada and the US, found no significant difference in IQ scores between children with concussion and those with orthopedic injuries.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 17, 2023

Real-world context increases capacity for remembering colors

A study led by Dartmouth College researchers found that participants' color memory improved when stimuli were meaningful and part of real-world objects. The results demonstrate that the capacity for visual working memory of colors is more continuous and flexible than previously thought, with better recall of colors in meaningful contexts.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

ChatGPT can (almost) pass the US Medical Licensing Exam

A study published in PLOS Digital Health found that ChatGPT scored between 52.4% and 75.0% on the USMLE exams, exceeding the passing threshold of approximately 60%. The model demonstrated high concordance rates and produced significant insights for most responses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Premature birth linked to poorer school grades in adolescence

A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Study: Network neuroscience theory best predictor of intelligence

A new analysis offers the clearest picture yet of how various brain regions and neural networks contribute to a person's problem-solving ability. The network neuroscience theory, which posits that intelligence emerges from the global architecture of the brain, outperformed other theories in predicting general intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

Impostor Phenomenon: When self-doubt gets the upper hand

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022

Study shows creativity assessments progressing slowly, including racialized, gendered approaches

A new study from the University of Kansas found that creativity assessments in education rely on standardized approaches, overlooking many students. The research highlights the need for a more diverse range of assessments to identify and encourage creative young people across different domains and populations.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalReview of Research in Education·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 27, 2022

Why robots need reflexes - interview

The study used a slap on the hand as a test subject to examine reflexes and their coordination. The researchers found that humans anticipate pain when reacting to potential harm, which could be applied to robot development for improved safety. Robots can learn from human reflex systems to develop intelligent protective mechanisms.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2021

App, AI work together to provide rapid at-home assessment of coronavirus risk

A new coronavirus app coupled with machine intelligence will enable individuals to get an at-home risk assessment based on their symptoms and travel history. The app will also provide real-time information to local and public health officials, aiding in the targeting of prevention and treatment initiatives.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 5, 2020

What is your risk from smoking? Your network knows!

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people, smokers and non-smokers alike, were often inaccurate in their answers to questions about smoking's health effects. However, when participants discussed their ideas with others, especially in a networked setting, they became more accurate in their assessments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2020