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Scientists discover ancient neurons that control attention

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a region in the brainstem that controls attention by suppressing distractions and directing focus. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for attention disorders like ADHD.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2026

Human ability to focus on specific sounds not found to originate in auditory nerve, brainstem

A study published in PLOS Biology finds no evidence of subcortical processing for selective attention, suggesting the auditory cortex 'turns up the volume' on focused sound. Researchers used novel experimental techniques to test this hypothesis using audiobooks and diotic and dichotic listening tasks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2025
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Air pollution clouds the mind and makes everyday tasks challenging

Research reveals that even short-term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution impairs cognitive functions such as selective attention and emotion recognition. This study highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2025

Seeing the future: how expectations guide eye movements

A study found that people's eyes are drawn to areas with high potential for change before any movement occurs, even when the scene appears static. This behavior is not limited to animate objects and has significant implications for intelligent machines.

SourceTechnische Universität Berlin – Science of Intelligence·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 25, 2024

Breakthrough study shows exercise improves cognitive health for people with Down syndrome

A breakthrough study found that light exercise can improve cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome, leading to improved information processing and attention. After just eight weeks of walking, participants showed significant increases in physical fitness and reductions in errors during cognitive assessments.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 29, 2023

Young kids avoid one learning trap that often snares adults

A new study found that children's attention wandered to all parts of a screen while completing a task, but this helped them notice important things when the task unexpectedly changed. Adults, on the other hand, quickly focused their attention on one feature and missed important clues.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022
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Circuit that focuses attention brings in wide array of inputs

Scientists at MIT's Picower Institute mapped thousands of inputs to the anterior cingulate cortex and lateral posterior thalamus, finding that both regions receive input from non-sensory areas. The study provides a detailed roadmap for understanding selective attention in mice.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

It's the rhythm that counts

Research reveals that the brain's electrical rhythms fluctuate between high precision and low precision states several times per second, affecting how relevant information is transmitted. Cross-frequency coupling enables selective attention by modulating the strength of different frequencies, while distinguishing between different type...

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateFeb 22, 2022

Computerized training improves selective attention of soccer players

Researchers from the University of Malaga have developed a software to improve cognitive abilities in athletes, particularly soccer players. The study found that computerized training enhances their selective attention, enabling them to focus on specific stimuli and make creative decisions during games.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 7, 2020
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Warning to adults: Children notice everything

Researchers found that children can quickly adjust to changing circumstances and notice everything, while adults tend to selectively focus on important information. This difference in attention distribution may be an advantage for young children's learning abilities.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateAug 5, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Dragonflies have human-like 'selective attention'

Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered that dragonflies can lock onto one visual target while ignoring others, a phenomenon similar to selective attention in humans. This finding has significant implications for neuroscience and engineering applications.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 20, 2012