In women, parts of the default mode network responsible for memory retrieval and recollection, and spatial cognition were more likely to be connected to the overall DMN network. The patterns of connectivity correlated with brain structures associated with short-term memory problems resembled alterations seen in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
Common levels of pollution from traffic can impair brain function within a matter of hours, a new study reports. Just two hours of exposure to diesel exhaust impairs functional connectivity in the brain.
Couples who reported greater satisfaction with their marriage had greater neural synchronization while watching video clips associated with marriage.
Study reveals how reward enhances connectivity between the ventral striatum and the default mode network, impacting behavior.
A new neuroimaging study found a significant decrease in neural flexibility at both whole brain and sub-network levels associated with cognitive flexibility in children with ADHD.
Researchers explore the effect psychedelics have on the brain and how they are effective at treating depression.
In other primate species, the brain areas that comprise the default mode network involve two systems that are not strongly connected to each other. The regions, one responsible for cognitive tasks and the other for the suppression of external events, appear to be only recently linked by evolution. This linkage may have facilitated the capacity for abstract thought that lead to the rapid evolution of human cognitive abilities.
Findings provide a mechanistic explanation of why people with autism display more internally focused cognition, including mind wandering, and less focus on external cues.
Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds with stronger connectivity between the lateral frontoparietal network and default mode network performed better in educational tests than those with weaker connectivity. The reverse was true for children from more privileged backgrounds.
Singing and imagined musical improvisation were associated with weaker connectivity to the executive function network in the brain and to the feeling of flow, which allows for unhindered musical creativity.
Thirty years ago, Robin Dunbar theorized humans can maintain a friendship group of 150 people, with five intimate friendships. Despite many attempts to challenge the theory, Dunbar's Number has stood the test of time. Backed by neuroscience and statistics, Robin Dunbar explains why his theory still prevails.
When we imagine the outcome of future events, two sub-networks of the brain become active. One of the sub-networks focuses on creating the new event in our imagination, the other evaluates whether the event is positive or negative.