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cognition

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

Mental Fatigue Increases Temptation for Rewards

New research reveals that mental fatigue makes rewards like unhealthy snacks more tempting. Both rats and humans who exerted cognitive effort sought out more rewards, with rats self-administering more cocaine and humans rating snacks as tastier.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·3 min read

Cerebellum Plays Key Role in Social and Cognitive Abilities

The cerebellum, traditionally linked to motor functions, also plays a vital role in social and cognitive abilities, according to new research. Abnormalities in this brain region not only impair movement but are linked to emotional and behavioral issues, particularly in autism.

This shows a brain and a network of images.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 22, 2024·5 min read

How AI is Reshaping Human Thought and Decision-Making

A new study introduces "System 0," a cognitive framework where artificial intelligence (AI) enhances human thinking by processing vast data, complementing our natural intuition (System 1) and analytical thinking (System 2). However, this external thinking system poses risks, such as over-reliance on AI and a potential loss of cognitive autonomy.

Brain Cancer Featured Neuroscience

·October 22, 2024·4 min read

Exercise During Chemotherapy Boosts Cognitive Function

A recent clinical trial found that women who began an aerobic exercise program during chemotherapy for breast cancer reported improved cognitive function and quality of life compared to those who received standard care. Participants in the exercise group felt they could better concentrate and remember things, helping to reduce the effects of "chemo-brain."

This shows two brains, a gaming controller and running shoes.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 19, 2024·5 min read

Video Games Boost Cognition, Exercise Improves Mental Health

A large-scale study has found that playing video games boosts cognitive abilities, but has no impact on mental health, while exercise improves mental well-being without affecting cognition. Over 1,000 participants completed cognitive tests after playing video games and completing a lifestyle survey.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 18, 2024·5 min read

Mosaic Brain Evolution Drives Learning in Tropical Butterfly

Researchers have discovered that Heliconius butterflies, known for feeding on both nectar and pollen, show mosaic brain evolution with specialized neural expansions linked to enhanced learning and memory abilities. This expansion occurs in specific brain structures called mushroom bodies, which are key for long-term visual memory and spatial learning.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 14, 2024·5 min read

Human-Specific Genes Reveal Link Between Brain Growth and Autism

Researchers have found a link between two human-specific genes and the gene SYNGAP1, a factor in intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. These genes, SRGAP2B and SRGAP2C, slow down synapse development, a hallmark of prolonged brain growth thought to enhance learning in humans. By turning off these genes in human neurons, scientists observed accelerated brain connectivity development, mimicking changes seen in certain neurodevelopmental conditions.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 11, 2024·4 min read

Brain Endurance Training Combats Age-Related Decline in Focus

Brain endurance training (BET), a combined cognitive and exercise approach, has been shown to significantly improve cognitive and physical performance in older adults. In a study with sedentary women aged 65-78, BET participants showed greater improvements in attention and executive function, along with increased physical endurance. This method, originally developed for athletes, could play a role in reducing age-related cognitive decline and physical challenges such as balance issues.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 11, 2024·5 min read

Higher IQ in High School Linked to Increased Alcohol Use in Adulthood

A new study shows that individuals with higher IQs in high school are more likely to consume alcohol moderately or heavily later in life, though less likely to binge drink. This connection may be due to social factors, such as income level and career stress, that often accompany higher IQs. Researchers used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, revealing that each IQ point increase correlated with a 1.6% rise in moderate or heavy drinking.

This shows the outline of a person and COVID.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 4, 2024·6 min read

COVID-19 Affects Memory and Cognition for Up to a Year

Healthy adults who contracted COVID-19 had subtle but measurable declines in memory and cognitive performance lasting up to a year. These differences were found through sensitive testing under controlled conditions, though all scores remained within normal ranges, and none of the participants reported lasting cognitive symptoms.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 2, 2024·6 min read

Key Brain Cell Mechanism Tied to Sensory Selectivity Discovered

Neuroscientists have discovered how the CP-AMPA receptor in brain cells influences neuron selectivity in response to sensory stimuli. This receptor type makes neurons less selective, which may help explain certain brain disorders like autism and epilepsy.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 1, 2024·7 min read

How Diet Can Help Improve Brain Health

Research reveals that diets beneficial for heart health also support brain health, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and folate promote brain development in early life and protect against mental decline as we age.