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.
The default mode network is divided into separate sub-systems for constructing and evaluating imagined scenarios.
In both neurotypical males and people on the autism spectrum, researchers found a reduction in resting-state brain function in the default mode network. Additionally, connectivity between the two hemispheres in the visual cortex is reduced in women with ASD.
MRI technology helps researchers identify specific brain activity during different stages of sleep.
As with other psychedelics, salvinorin A increased activity across the brain. However, salvinorin A use resulted in more random and disconnected signaling in the default mode network, a brain network associated with relaxing and daydreaming.
From inspiring creativity to promoting overall brain health, researchers say it's important to embrace boredom from time to time.
