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Playing video games may improve attention and memory, new research finds

A study published in British Journal of Psychology found that regular gamers performed better on tasks measuring cognitive functions such as attention and memory. They were able to complete number-letter tasks and maze activities faster than non-gamers, with no significant difference in cognitive fatigue experienced.

SourceLero·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

A molecular anchor

A team of scientists identified VAP as a molecular anchor that stabilizes mitochondria near synapses in dendrites, supporting memory formation and plasticity. The discovery links VAP to ALS-linked protein and suggests that mitochondrial stabilization is critical for neuronal function and health.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Memory, brain function, and behavior: exploring the intricate connection through fear memories

Researchers examine the dynamic nature of fear responses in varied environments, shedding light on physical manifestation of memory in the brain. The study reveals that fear memories are linked to pathological states like PTSD and generalized anxiety, with direct translational relevance for disorders involving dysregulated fear responses.

SourceBoston University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024

Study reveals the structure of brain waves associated with memory consolidation

Researchers have discovered the temporal structure of hippocampal ripples, a type of brain wave associated with memory consolidation. The study uses topological data analysis to classify these ripples and predict their generation by different regions of the hippocampus, offering new insights into episodic memory formation.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Reshaping financial content: Enhancing consumer appreciation in Australian professional practice

A recent study found that a reimagined financial content structure improved consumer appreciation, particularly with clarity, organization and formatting. The new structure incorporated language improvements, explanatory videos, and hyperlinks, leading to higher levels of consumer appreciation compared to the existing structure.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

A butterfly effect

Researchers at MPFI discovered Protein Kinase C delta's (PKCd) role in regulating cell-wide gene expression through synaptic plasticity. The study found that PKCd activates biochemical reactions that spread throughout the neuron, influencing gene transcription and memory formation.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Why people include themselves in photos

Researchers found that first-person photos best represent physical experiences, while third-person photos depict deeper meanings. People intuitively choose perspective for self-representational goals, affecting photo satisfaction and personal motives.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth

Researchers from The University of Queensland have identified new active compounds in Hericium erinaceus that promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons. This discovery could lead to treatments and protection against neurodegenerative cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

An action plan to prevent Alzheimer’s disease

An international task force led by UNIGE and HUG has developed a preventive protocol to address the growing number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The guidelines focus on four pillars: risk assessment, risk communication, risk reduction, and cognitive enhancement.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeNews article·DateJan 31, 2023

New smartphone app designed by University of Toronto researchers shown to significantly improve memory recall

Researchers developed HippoCamera, a new smartphone app that significantly improves memory recall by boosting attention to daily events. Users record videos and audio descriptions of everyday experiences, which are then replayed to reinforce memory consolidation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

New research shows dynamics of memory-encoding synapses in the brains of live mice

A team of researchers used imaging technology to study synapse dynamics in the brains of live mice, revealing that some new synapses formed during fear conditioning are eliminated over time. This finding supports the 'unlearning' hypothesis and could help scientists better understand brain activity in patients with PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Adverse childhood experiences contribute to cognitive decline in women in China in later life

A recent study found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to cognitive decline and depression in middle-aged and older Chinese women. The researchers identified associations between ACEs, depression, and poor mental intactness in old age, highlighting the importance of health intervention strategies to prevent cognitive...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2023

Many middle-aged adults wary of taking part in studies of dementia prevention drugs

A new study found that only 12% of middle-aged adults are willing to participate in dementia prevention drug trials, citing concerns over the risks involved. The study suggests prioritizing those with a family history or perceived personal risk for dementia and communicating about trial safety could increase participation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeSurvey·DateNov 2, 2022

During sleep, one brain region teaches another, converting novel data into enduring memories

Researchers used a neural network model to study how brain regions interact during sleep. They found that the hippocampus and neocortex work together to convert fleeting information into long-term memory. The findings suggest that alternating between REM and slow-wave sleep stages is crucial for strong memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022

Discovery of a new function of the cerebellum

Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a new function of the cerebellum in storing emotional experiences, which is crucial for our survival. The study shows that increased activity in the cerebellum facilitates the storage of information in various areas of the cerebrum, leading to improved memory for emotional events.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2022

Unlocking the power of our emotional memory

Researchers at Boston University have found a way to manipulate emotional memories using optogenetics, allowing them to rewrite and reduce the potency of negative memories. The study reveals that positive and negative memories are stored in distinct regions of the brain and communicate through different pathways.

SourceBoston University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

When Alzheimer’s degrades cells that cross hemispheres, visual memory suffers

A new study found that Alzheimer's disease damages a circuit that connects the vision processing centers of each brain hemisphere, leading to disrupted visual memory. The researchers discovered neurons that extend axons across the corpus callosum, which connect the hemispheres, and showed that these cells play a crucial role in synchro...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022

Smells experienced in nature evoke positive wellbeing

A new study published in Ambio reveals that smells experienced in nature can evoke positive emotions, improve physical wellbeing, and reduce stress. Smells played a significant role in delivering benefits from interacting with nature, often tied to personal memories and ecological characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAMBIO·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Using smartphones could help improve memory skills

A new study published in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that using digital devices as external memory can improve memory skills. Participants who used digital devices to store information showed improved memory for both saved and unsaved information, with a notable increase in recall of less important details.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

A methodological leap in the exploration of memory

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'toolbox' to study receptor mobility in the brain, revealing its critical role in certain types of memory. The study used high-resolution imaging and manipulation techniques to observe receptor dynamics in intact brain tissue, providing new insights into the mechanisms controlling memory.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022

Stress transmitter wakes your brain more than 100 times a night – and it is perfectly normal

New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that noradrenaline causes brief wake-ups during sleep, potentially leading to better memory and less anxiety. High levels of noradrenaline result in brief awakenings, while low levels promote deeper sleep.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

Who benefits from brain training and why?

A joint UC Riverside and UC Irvine study found that people who show near transfer in brain training are more likely to experience far transfer, meaning improved focus and problem-solving skills. The research suggests that working memory training can be effective for certain individuals, but its impact on fluid intelligence remains deba...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

Physical consequences improve motor learning

Research published in eNeuro found that physical consequences, such as slipping, can improve motor learning by refining movement responses to mistakes. Participants who experienced a slip improved their ability to adjust steps to new situations, demonstrating better generalization of learned skills.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022