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Largest ever psychedelics study maps changes of conscious awareness to neurotransmitter systems

A team of researchers from McGill University and other institutions analyzed 6,850 testimonials from psychedelic users, creating a 3D map of brain receptors linked to subjective experiences. The study found associations between serotonin receptors and ego-dissolution, suggesting potential new treatments for psychiatric conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

Smartphone reminders can improve memory for older adults with dementia

A recent study found that using personal assistant applications on smartphones can significantly improve memory in older adults with dementia. The researchers trained participants to use the technology to receive reminders about daily events and activities, resulting in improved memory performance.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2022

Kessler Foundation scientists explore evidence for improving outcomes for prism adaptation therapy in stroke survivors

Researchers analyzed fMRI studies on healthy individuals and stroke survivors to understand the neural mechanisms underlying prism adaptation therapy. The study found differences in brain activity patterns between healthy individuals and those with spatial neglect, suggesting a shift in spatial processing to the left hemisphere.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis highlights need to assess outcomes of randomized controlled trials

A pilot study of exercise and cognition in progressive multiple sclerosis found that cardiorespiratory fitness and free-living physical activity were not associated with improved cognitive performance. The study, which analyzed data from 240 individuals with progressive MS, suggests that other mechanisms may be at play.

SourceKessler Foundation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Scientists pick up the 'slack' on describing the brain networks behind motor function

A new study by Ritsumeikan University reveals that whole-body dynamic balance training increases brain connectivity and improves motor learning. The research found significant changes in brain activity associated with offline learning, opening up new avenues for studying neural networks during natural tasks.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Ever been lost in the grocery store? Researchers are closer to knowing why it happens

A new study suggests that the brain uses a mechanism called 'repulsion' to differentiate between similar environments. Researchers found that when participants were asked about stores shared between two cities, their brains showed surprisingly different patterns of activity, indicating that they were treating these familiar locations a...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2021

Molecular imaging suggests Long-COVID symptoms may be caused by fatigue, not regional brain dysfunction

A recent study suggests that Long-COVID symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and fatigue, may be attributed to fatigue rather than pathological changes in the brain. Neuroimaging results showed no significant differences in cerebral glucose metabolism or brain pathology between patients with long-COVID and healthy controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 29, 2021

Long COVID ‘brain fog’: Neurocognitive tests to harmonise global methods

A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 2, 2021

Study shows how a racing heart may alter decision-making brain circuits

A recent study by Mount Sinai researchers discovered that certain neurons in the brain's decision-making centers monitor body-state dynamics and hijack the decision-making process during intense states of arousal. This suggests that changes in heart rate and other bodily responses can impact the brain's ability to make rational decisions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

'Brain fog' following COVID-19 recovery may indicate PTSD

A new report suggests that COVID-19 survivors may be experiencing 'brain fog' and other neurological symptoms due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, published in The Clinical Neuropsychologist, explores historical data on previous coronaviruses and finds a heightened risk of PTSD among survivors. Researchers emphasize...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Clinical Neuropsychologist·DateOct 6, 2020

Neuropsychological and psychological methods are essential

The collection of articles highlights the importance of neuropsychological and psychological applications in neurorehabilitation, addressing various etiologies and recovery outcomes. Innovative treatment methodologies such as solution-focused brief therapy and holistic milieu-oriented neurorehabilitation are also discussed.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateApr 8, 2020

AI could deceive us as much as the human eye does in the search for extraterrestrials

A Spanish neuropsychologist used an artificial neural network to analyze how humans and machines recognize planetary images, revealing that AI can detect shapes that humans miss and vice versa. The results have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and highlight the need for caution in AI's implementation.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJan 28, 2020

Children with HIV score below HIV-negative peers in cognitive, motor function tests

Researchers found that children with HIV performed poorly on neuropsychological tests, particularly in planning and reasoning abilities, compared to their HIV-negative peers. The disparity worsened over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of these cognitive challenges.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2019

Grave consequences

A comprehensive study by the University of Konstanz found that female genital mutilation (FGM) increases the risk of developing mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also revealed changes in the body's reactions to stress, with increased cortisol levels affecting women who had undergone FGM.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2018

The brain of male batterers functions differently than that of other delinquents

Researchers found that male batterers show greater activation in anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, and smaller reaction in superior prefrontal cortex in response to intimate partner violence images. This study may have important implications for understanding violence against women and recidivism in batterers.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 14, 2016

Large-scale study on Lumos Labs' online cognitive assessment published in Frontiers in Psychology

A large-scale study published in Frontiers in Psychology found the NeuroCognitive Performance Test (NCPT) to be a reliable and valid measure of cognitive performance. The NCPT assesses various cognitive domains, including working memory, reasoning, and attention, with good test-retest reliability and sensitivity to age-related changes.

SourceLumosity·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 3, 2015

Spotting a famous face in the crowd

A study by Volker Thoma found that humans can only process a few faces at a time, whether they are familiar or not. This limits our ability to recognize faces in crowded spaces. The study used famous faces like Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger to test this theory.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 5, 2014

Concussion tests' marketing outpaces scientific evidence, new review says

A new review published in the journal Neuropsychology Review finds that computerized neurocognitive testing for concussions lacks consistent evidence on reliability and validity. The study suggests caution when using these tests due to their marketing prevalence over scientific proof, emphasizing the need for a multi-dimensional approa...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNeuropsychology Review·DateDec 19, 2013