Working memory has limited 'slots'
Researchers find working memory retains only a few high-resolution images for a short period, similar to a high-resolution camera. This limited capacity is linked to intelligence and fluid thinking abilities.
Working Memory
Articles tagged with Working Memory
Children's under-achievement could be down to poor working memory
A new tool assesses working memory capacity in classrooms, helping teachers identify and address the issue early on. The tool's development aims to improve learning outcomes for children with poor working memory.
Brain region that can be stimulated to reduce the cognitive deficits of sleep deprivation identified
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a brain region that can be stimulated to reduce cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation. The study used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to improve working memory performance in young adults after extended sleep deprivation.
Computerized training of working memory is a promising therapeutic strategy in ADHD
Research suggests that computerized working memory training can improve executive functioning and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This innovative approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for alleviating the condition's impact on daily functioning.
The end of barroom brawls
Researchers found that alcohol can both increase and decrease aggression depending on where attention is focused. Drunk individuals were less aggressive when their attention was divided between tasks, while sober individuals exhibited low-level aggression due to natural attention towards provocations.
Smoking interferes with thinking and memory in recovering alcoholics
A study found that recovering alcoholics who smoked showed lower improvement in tests of memory, reasoning, judgment, and visual/spatial coordination compared to non-smokers. Smokers demonstrated inferior performance in auditory/verbal learning and memory, cognitive efficiency, executive skills, processing speed, and working memory.
Neuronal activity gives clues to working memory
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that can organize the activity of cells involved in short-term recall known as working memory. The study found that inhibitory neurons play a key role in coordinating this process, which could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with schizophrenia.
New research shows why too much memory may be a bad thing
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that too much memory can be detrimental to cognitive function. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that suppressing neurogenesis in the hippocampus improves working memory. This implies that a balance between memory growth and...
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2007
Highly accomplished people more prone to failure than others when under stress
Research by Sian Beilock found that highly accomplished individuals with larger working memories are disadvantaged when under pressure, switching to less accurate problem-solving strategies. Those with limited working memory adapt better to stress, performing similarly under pressure as they do without it.
High-normal uric acid linked with mild cognitive impairment in the elderly
Researchers found that high-normal uric acid levels are linked to lower scores in tests of mental processing speed, verbal memory, and working memory. Older adults with high-normal uric acid levels may experience slow information processing and failures in verbal and working memory.
Discovery of post-stimulus activated release implies new mechanisms for dopamine release
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that dopamine levels remain elevated for an hour after neurons are stimulated, suggesting new mechanisms for sustained dopamine availability. This could have important implications for treating neurological disorders related to dopamine imbalance.
People remember prices more easily if they have fewer syllables
Researchers found that people who use memorization techniques to shorten the number of syllables in prices have better recall. Consumers also store information both verbally and visually, leading to better recall of unusual looking prices.
Working memory retains visual details despite distractions
Researchers found that visual details are retained in working memory despite distractions, contradicting the idea of information loss. The study suggests a specialized system for processing real scenes, with implications for understanding development, aging, and attention disorders.
SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalJournal of Vision·DateJan 19, 2006
Brandeis researchers propose model of neural circuit underlying working memory
The study proposes a novel model of neural circuitry that fine-tunes behavior through feedback inhibition, potentially explaining regulatory mechanisms like temperature control and satiety. This framework provides a new tool for exploring working memory complexities and understanding mental health and disease.
Coffee jump-starts short-term memory
Researchers found that caffeine consumption improved short-term memory skills and reaction times in a working memory task. Caffeine showed increased activity in brain regions responsible for attention and working memory, leading to enhanced cognitive performance.
Discovery disproves simple concept of memory as 'storage space'
Researchers find that people with high visual working memory capacity excel at dismissing irrelevant information, while those with low capacity hold all items in mind. This discovery challenges the popular concept of memory capacity being solely dependent on storage space.
Team led by Carnegie Mellon University scientist finds first evidence of a living memory trace
A team led by Carnegie Mellon University scientist C. Giovanni Galán has found evidence of a living memory trace in honeybees, which lasts several minutes after initial exposure to an odor. The discovery supports Hebb's theory of learning and could provide new insights into how short-term memory works.
Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to lasting changes in cognitive processing
A recent study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to slower processing speed and efficiency, particularly in tasks requiring working memory. Children exposed prenatally to moderate-to-heavy levels of alcohol may struggle with complex cognition and social interactions as they age.
Deep thoughts of a birdbrain
A new study reveals that neurons in a bird's brain region, analogous to the mammalian prefrontal cortex, selectively fire when birds are told to remember and stop firing when they are told to forget. This suggests that the avian brain may be capable of executive control, similar to humans.
'I had them a moment ago, now where are my glasses?'
Researchers developed a mathematical model that explains how the brain carries out working memory tasks, including loading, holding, and comparing information. The model makes predictions about the neurological basis of working memory.
While under pressure those most likely to succeed will most likely fail
A study of 93 Michigan State University undergraduates found that those who perform well under high-pressure conditions tend to do poorly in standardized tests. The researchers argue that this suggests that high-stakes tests may not be effective predictors of future academic success.
Smoking causes cognitive impairment in adolescents
Adolescent smokers showed impairments in accuracy of working memory performance, with males more affected. Those trying to quit smoking also experienced further disruption of working memory.
Brain imaging study of drunk drivers pinpoints neurological changes
Researchers found that alcohol impairs brain areas controlling motor functions, leading to increased speeding and crashing. Brain regions involved in decision-making and working memory were not affected until drivers reached a blood alcohol level of 0.08.
Development of working memory, allowing voluntary control of behavior, defined
Working memory develops and improves with maturity, allowing voluntary control over behavior. Adults rely on a third brain area for optimal performance, whereas children and adolescents use different regions of the brain. This study informs understanding of thinking processes and may lead to new treatments for psychiatric illnesses.
Brain signal predicts working memory prowess
Researchers have discovered that a brain electrical signal can predict an individual's visual working memory capacity, which varies from 1.5 to 5 objects. The study found that the signal levels off when the number of objects exceeds the subject's capacity, while those with higher capacity show large increases in brain activity.
Scientists find brain areas affected by lack of sleep
Research reveals that sleep deprivation impairs certain brain areas, including the cerebral cortex, but also activates others, such as the cerebellum. This study sheds light on the complex role of sleep in cellular function and suggests new possibilities for treating sleep disorders.
New studies of smell uncover effects of aging on working memory
Researchers found that odor working memory is impaired by aging, while semantic memory remains relatively intact. The study suggests that different brain regions handle working and semantic memory, which may explain why odors are more vulnerable to age-related decline.
Memory-enhancing drugs for elderly may impair high-level brain function
Researchers found that memory-enhancing drugs increase PKA activity in the prefrontal cortex, impairing dynamic working memory in older animals. This suggests that these compounds may exacerbate age-dependent decline in working memory.
Gene enhances prefrontal function at a price
A study found that a specific gene variant affects prefrontal brain function and response to amphetamine. People with the val/val variant had reduced prefrontal dopamine activity and less efficient information processing, while those with met/met had more efficient function but also faced cognitive decline when challenged.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2003
New picture of intelligence highlights the overlooked role of visuospatial abilities
Visuospatial abilities and working memory are strongly correlated with executive function, a central cognitive command and control. This finding ties these skills to general intelligence, suggesting that traditional IQ tests may overlook important aspects of human cognition. The study aims to contribute to more fair and comprehensive t...
Lead accelerates aging process years after exposure
A study found that lead exposure on the job can cause progressive declines in memory and learning abilities nearly two decades later. The effects of lead were seen even after exposure had stopped, suggesting a progressive impact on the brain.
East meets West: A new memory enhancing drug based on chinese herbal medicine
Researchers have successfully synthesized a highly potent memory-enhancing compound by joining two fragments of the Huperzine A molecule with a molecular tether. This simplified fragment can be easily produced from cheap, commercially available chemicals and has been shown to improve memory in animal tests.
Molecular mechanism for learning and memory is identified
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that the growth-associated protein GAP-43 enhances learning and memory in the mammalian brain when overexpressed in a phosphorylatable form. This finding could lead to new treatments for memory loss and learning disorders.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2000
Memory, forgetfulness help hamsters time breeding
Researchers found that hamsters use day length information to anticipate winter, and this memory is retained for a season. The study suggests that the hamsters' brain processes seasonal changes in daylight to adjust reproductive cycles.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2000
People with AIDS illnesses more prone to memory problems
People with AIDS-defining illnesses are at higher risk of developing memory loss and cognitive problems, including dementia. This poses a challenge for treatment adherence and overall public health.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology·DateApr 10, 2000
New treatment might reverse memory loss in those with schizophrenia, Parkinson's, and other disorders
Researchers found that a short-term drug regimen can reverse working memory loss in monkeys treated with antipsychotic medications. The study suggests improved treatment strategies for people with schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, or age-related memory loss.
Age-related declines in mental function
A University of Michigan study found that older adults tend to use the left front side of the brain, specifically the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, when performing concurrent tasks. This is a difference from younger adults who rely more on visual cortices for task switching.
How Ritalin Enhances Memory: Clues Provided By Brain Scans of ADHD Patients Using The Drug
Researchers found that Ritalin reduces activation in the cerebellum and basal ganglia while increasing activation in novel areas of the brain, improving working memory in ADHD patients. This study provides new clues for developing more specific drug treatment for individuals with ADHD.
Spatial Short-Term Memory Pinpointed In Human Brain
Scientists have identified a specific area in the human brain that temporarily stores information about spatial locations, solving a decade-long puzzle. The discovery sheds light on how our brains process spatial working memory and its connection to other cognitive abilities.
Optimizing Working Memory: Effects Of Dopamine-Like Drug Enhances Short-Term Memory, Up To A Point
Researchers discover that dopamine levels can enhance or impair working memory, with a low dose of the drug bromocriptine improving scores in low-capacity subjects but worsening performance in high-capacity individuals. The study suggests an optimal level of dopamine for short-term memory to function properly.
Working Memory Theory Of Brain Organization Corroborated By Pet Images Of ADHS Patients
Research at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that individuals with ADHD tend to integrate information in more visual and less auditory ways, which may explain their everyday difficulties. The study used PET scans to evaluate working memory in ADHD patients and normal control subjects.
Study In Nature By Carnegie Mellon Researchers Opens The Door To Better Understanding Of Memory
Researchers used non-invasive functional magnetic resonance imaging to test the theory that the prefrontal cortex stores information in working memory. The study found sustained activity in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting it plays a key role in maintaining information.