Neuroscience News - AI, Neuroscience, Psychology Research

·July 22, 2024·3 min read

Dogs Detect Human Stress Smell, Affecting Their Mood and Choices

Summary: New research finds that dogs exposed to human stress odors make more ‘pessimistic’ choices, indicating a negative emotional state....

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·July 19, 2024·5 min read

Childhood Vision Loss Affects Sound Distance Judgement

New research reveals that individuals who experience vision loss before age 10 struggle more with judging sound distance compared to those who lose sight later in life. This difficulty in perceiving the location of sounds has significant implications for safety and navigation. The study highlights the need for tailored healthcare solutions for those with early vision loss to enhance their quality of life.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 19, 2024·5 min read

Consciousness in AI: Distinguishing Reality from Simulation

A new study examines the possibility of consciousness in artificial systems, focusing on ruling out scenarios where AI appears conscious without actually being so. Using the free energy principle, the study highlights that while some information processes of living organisms can be simulated by computers, the causal structure differences between brains and computers may be crucial for consciousness. This approach aims to prevent the inadvertent creation of artificial consciousness and mitigate deception by seemingly conscious AI.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 19, 2024·4 min read

Astrocytes: The Unsung Heroes of Learning and Memory

Astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells in the brain, play a crucial role in learning and memory by regulating synaptic plasticity. Researchers developed a biophysical model showing how astrocytes interact with nerve cells to facilitate rapid adaptation to new information.

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Autism Featured Neuroscience

·July 19, 2024·8 min read

Healthy Prenatal Diet Linked to Lower Autism Risk

A new study suggests that a healthy prenatal diet may lower the risk of autism and social communication difficulties in children, according to researchers who analyzed data from two large cohort studies in Norway and the UK.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 18, 2024·5 min read

Cuttlefish Can Create False Memories, Just Like Humans

Researchers have discovered that cuttlefish can form false memories, similar to humans. By exposing cuttlefish to overlapping features of different events, they induced the creatures to falsely remember seeing shrimp where there were none. This finding suggests that cuttlefish reconstruct memories from separate details, optimizing memory storage. Individual cuttlefish showed varying susceptibility to forming false memories, indicating differences in memory processing.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 18, 2024·4 min read

Brain Structure Differences Explain Faster Learning of Motor Skills

A new study reveals that quick learners of motor skills have distinct brain activity patterns. Using brain-monitoring electrodes, they found that visual processing plays a crucial role in learning new movements.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 18, 2024·5 min read

Making Us Blush: Study Explores Blushing Mechanisms

Researchers investigated the neural basis of blushing using MRI scans and cheek temperature measurements. The study found that blushing activates the cerebellum and early visual areas, but not regions linked to understanding mental states. This suggests blushing may be an automatic emotional response rather than a cognitive one. The findings could help address social anxiety related to blushing.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 18, 2024·3 min read

Brain-Boosting Gummies May Contain Illegal Hallucinogens

Researchers warn that mushroom gummies sold to boost brain function may contain illegal hallucinogens and other harmful ingredients, after five people, including a 3-year-old, fell ill. Testing revealed that three out of five brands contained psilocybin or psilocin, Schedule I drugs, which were not listed on the labels. This poses a public health threat, as consumers are unaware of what they are ingesting.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 18, 2024·6 min read

Infants Use Mom’s Scent to Recognize Faces

A new study reveals that infants use their mother's scent to enhance facial recognition. This ability to integrate sensory cues improves significantly between four and twelve months of age. Researchers found that younger infants rely heavily on their mother's scent, while older infants depend more on visual information alone. The findings highlight the importance of multisensory exposure for early cognitive development.

·July 17, 2024·13 min read

Mindfulness Linked to Altered States of Consciousness

A study shows that mindfulness training can lead to altered states of consciousness, such as disembodiment and unity.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 17, 2024·5 min read

New Technique Shows Promise in Fighting Brain Cancer

Researchers developed a new method, burst sine wave electroporation (B-SWE), to treat glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. B-SWE disrupts the blood-brain barrier more effectively than traditional methods, allowing cancer drugs better access to the brain.