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cognition

·November 4, 2024·8 min read

Lower Blood Sugar Diet Linked to Slower Brain Aging

The Green Mediterranean diet may help slow brain aging by controlling blood sugar levels, benefiting cognitive health in older adults. The study found that lower blood sugar levels were linked to a younger brain age, particularly in regions critical for memory and sensory processing. Using advanced MRI scans, researchers observed that participants on the Green-Med diet exhibited a slower rate of brain atrophy over 18 months.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 1, 2024·5 min read

Socioeconomic Factors Influence Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk

A new study reveals that socioeconomic factors like education, occupation, and wealth play a role in the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in later life. Tracking over 8,000 adults in England, researchers found that people with higher socioeconomic status were less likely to transition from healthy cognition to impairment and more likely to recover from mild impairment.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 28, 2024·5 min read

Prenatal Cannabis Use Linked to Child Aggression and Cognitive Deficits

Prenatal exposure to cannabis can negatively impact children’s thinking and behavioral skills, including impulse control, attention, and aggression, which are key for academic and social success. The study observed preschool-aged children with prenatal cannabis exposure and found they showed poorer control over impulses and emotions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 26, 2024·3 min read

Brain Blood Flow Issues Linked to Mild Cognitive Impairment

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) face higher cerebrovascular impedance, or resistance in brain blood flow, according to a new study. Researchers found this increased resistance leads to hypoperfusion, or reduced blood flow in the brain, which may contribute to cognitive difficulties in aging adults.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 25, 2024·5 min read

Mental Fatigue Triggers Compensatory Brain Mechanisms

A recent study shows that prolonged mental exertion weakens connectivity between the brain's frontal and parietal lobes, impacting cognitive efficiency. However, the brain has built-in compensatory mechanisms that adjust neural connections to preserve function under fatigue. Researchers observed this in participants completing memory tasks of varying difficulty; while fatigue slowed performance on simple tasks, complex tasks triggered compensatory adjustments.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·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.