Controlling attention with brain waves
Attention can be boosted by using neurofeedback to increase alpha brainwaves.... Read More...
attention
Science underestimated dangerous effects of sleep deprivation
Findings debunk the common theory that attention is the only cognitive function affected by sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep also hinders a person's ability to complete activities that require following multiple steps.... Read More...
Link between inflammation and mental sluggishness shown
Inflammation appears to have a negative impact on attention and cognition.... Read More...
Happy, angry or neutral expressions? Eyes react just as fast
The initial reaction of the brain is independent of the facial emotional expression we see. It is only after the eye movement is completed that the brain shows strong responses to the emotional expression of a face.... Read More...
Distractions distort what’s real
Distractions may change our perceptions of reality, making us believe we witnessed something different from what we really saw.... Read More...
Carriers of Alzheimer’s genetic marker have greater difficulty harnessing past knowledge
Middle-aged people with the Alzheimer's related APOE4 gene have a harder time accessing recently acquired knowledge, even when they show no symptoms of memory decline.... Read More...
‘Microdosers’ of psychedelics report improved mood, focus and creativity
Those who microdose psychedelics report improved mood, greater focus, and increased creativity. A new study looks at the positive outcomes of microdosing and suggests others look at potential long-term negative consequences of using psychedelics.... Read More...
The science behind giving up
Pnoc neurons in the paranigral ventral tegmental area become active when mice seek rewards. Stimulating these neurons with optogenetics promotes avoidance behaviors. Researchers say ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron NOPR expression is necessary to limit reward-seeking behavior.... Read More...
When you spot 1 driving hazard, you may be missing another
Subsequent search miss causes a reduction in the ability to detect an additional hazard when they spot another. The findings could help modify driver training to help reduce accidents and to develop in-vehicle technologies that focus on accident reduction.... Read More...
Improved mood and focus reported by microdosers
Microdosing, a growing trend where people take small doses for psychedelic drugs, is associated with improved mood, focus, and creativity. For some, microdosing may provide a possible alternative to SSRI antidepressants. However, researchers warn of some potential problems with microdosing, including negative side effects, psychological stigma, and exposure to elicit, black market products.... Read More...
Ignoring cues for alcohol and fast food is hard – but is it out of our control?
Stress and tiredness make it harder for you to ignore environmental cues that signal something rewarding.... Read More...
How we tune out distractions
A pathway linking the basal ganglia to the thalamus enhances sensory discrimination and is used to suppress 'background noise'. The pathway, which is controlled by the prefrontal cortex, selectively suppresses sensory input as it flows to the thalamus.... Read More...