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attention

·June 27, 2025·6 min read

How the Brain Filters Distractions to Stay Focused on a Goal

A new attention model reveals how the human brain allocates limited perceptual resources to focus on goal-relevant information in dynamic environments. Researchers developed “adaptive computation,” a system that prioritizes important visual details—like traffic signals over flashy cars—based on task relevance.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 23, 2025·5 min read

Zoning Out or Zoning In? How Aimless Wandering Trains the Brain

Summary: New research reveals that the brain may be learning even during unstructured, aimless exploration. By recording activity in tens...

Featured Neuroscience

·May 16, 2025·4 min read

Astrocytes, Not Neurons, Drive Brain’s Attention and Alertness

For nearly a century, scientists believed that neuromodulators like norepinephrine adjusted brain communication by acting directly on neurons. A new study overturns this long-held view, revealing that astrocytes—support cells long considered secondary—are the key intermediaries.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 15, 2025·4 min read

All Senses Activate Deep Brain Hubs for Focus and Consciousness

A new study reveals that all human senses—sight, hearing, taste, and touch—activate the same deep brain regions linked to consciousness when attention is sharply focused. Using fMRI data from over 1,500 healthy participants, researchers found that sensory input, regardless of the type, engages the midbrain reticular formation and central thalamus. These areas are crucial for regulating alertness, attention, and awareness.

This shows people gossiping and a person standing alone.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 9, 2025·5 min read

Would You Rather Be Ignored or Gossiped About? Science Weighs In

New research explores the psychological tradeoff between being ignored and being the subject of gossip, revealing that neither option feels good—but for different reasons. In a series of five experiments with over 1,000 participants, researchers found that while most people reject negative gossip, many also feel uncomfortable being praised behind their backs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 18, 2025·4 min read

Negative Distractions Most Disrupt Attention and Linger in Memory

A new study reveals that upsetting distractions significantly impair our ability to sustain attention and also linger more strongly in memory. Researchers tested this by having participants perform a 10-minute visual attention task while emotionally charged images appeared in the background.

This shows a teen boy working on a laptop while listening to music.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 7, 2025·6 min read

ADHD and Music: Why Background Beats May Boost Study Focus

A new study explored whether young adults with ADHD are more likely to listen to background music during daily tasks. The survey, involving over 400 participants, found that individuals with ADHD prefer listening to music—especially stimulating music—while studying or playing sports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 9, 2024·5 min read

Childhood Stress Disrupts Attention, Sleep, and Dopamine Balance in Adults

New research links childhood adversity with later attention deficits, sleep disruptions, and specific dopamine imbalances in the brain. Focusing on critical developmental windows, scientists found that disrupted care early in life affected males more than females.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 28, 2024·5 min read

Childhood Attention Problems and Genes Linked to Psychosis Risk

Childhood attention issues, coupled with genetic predispositions, increase the likelihood of experiencing psychotic-like symptoms in adolescence. By analyzing data from 10,000 youths, researchers discovered that variability in attention spans partially explains how genetic risk factors translate into psychotic-like symptoms.

This shows a person using a cell phone and a lit up brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 11, 2024·6 min read

Why Our Brains Prefer Rewards Over Habits

New research suggests our brains prioritize actions based on rewards, not habits, challenging the idea that tech simply "steals" attention. The study found that when presented with multiple tasks, participants consistently chose the option with the highest reward, even if it conflicted with a trained habit.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 1, 2024·3 min read

Teen Attention Deficits Signal Greater Risk of Substance Use

New research shows that lower sustained attention in adolescence can predict a higher likelihood of cigarette and cannabis use by young adulthood. The study, which analyzed brain imaging data from over 1,000 participants, found that reduced attention at age 14 was linked to increased substance use by age 23.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 23, 2024·7 min read

Dehydration Impairs Attention in Middle-Aged Adults

Mild dehydration can impair sustained attention in middle-aged and older adults, though it doesn't affect other cognitive functions. The study involved 78 adults, ages 47 to 70, and assessed their hydration levels and cognitive performance. Results showed that dehydration, common during typical daily activities, reduced attention span over 14 minutes. The findings highlight the need for regular hydration to maintain cognitive function in older adults.