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·August 3, 2024·5 min read

How Your Brain Remembers: How Episodic Memories Form

Researchers developed a computer model that mimics how the hippocampus stores new episodic memories without erasing old ones. This model demonstrates that the CA3 region of the hippocampus serves as an anchor point for memories, allowing efficient storage in surrounding regions.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 25, 2024·4 min read

“Eureka Moments” Shed Light on Consciousness

A new study proposes a novel approach to studying consciousness through behavioral observations and learning curves. The study highlights that learning often occurs in sudden leaps, suggesting these "eureka moments" are preceded by conscious cognitive processes.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 19, 2024·5 min read

Consciousness in AI: Distinguishing Reality from Simulation

A new study examines the possibility of consciousness in artificial systems, focusing on ruling out scenarios where AI appears conscious without actually being so. Using the free energy principle, the study highlights that while some information processes of living organisms can be simulated by computers, the causal structure differences between brains and computers may be crucial for consciousness. This approach aims to prevent the inadvertent creation of artificial consciousness and mitigate deception by seemingly conscious AI.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 28, 2024·5 min read

Impulsivity Influences Choices Between Food and Money

Impulsivity affects decision-making between primary rewards like food and secondary rewards like money. The team found that individuals are more likely to choose immediate food rewards over delayed ones, while they prefer to wait for a larger sum of money.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·December 4, 2023·4 min read

The Role of Protein Misfolding in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases share a common factor: protein misfolding and deposits in the brain. Misfolded proteins can lead to toxic activity or the loss of the protein's physiological function, causing damage to neurons.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 14, 2023·5 min read

Phantom Touch: VR Reveals New Insights in Human Perception

Researchers discovered a 'phantom touch illusion' in virtual reality (VR), where users feel sensations without physical contact. This study, involving 36 volunteers, demonstrated that participants experienced a tingling sensation when virtually touching their bodies.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 10, 2023·4 min read

ASMR: Relaxation or Irritation?

ASMR, a phenomenon enjoyed by many for its calming effects, has been scientifically shown to positively alter mood and physiological responses like heart rate and blood pressure in 25-30% of people. Researchers, after reviewing over 1,000 scientific articles, confirmed ASMR's consistent description and experience across individuals, noting changes in delta brain waves and activation in specific brain regions.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 19, 2023·4 min read

Journey of Joy: Tracing Emotional Highs and Lows Over a Lifetime

Subjective well-being varies significantly across different stages of life, reveals a comprehensive study examining 460,902 participants. Life satisfaction dips during teenage years, peaks in the 70s, and drops off again by age 96.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 16, 2023·4 min read

Tracing the Evolutionary Roots of Cognitive Flexibility

A new study provides insights into the evolutionary origins of cognitive flexibility, an essential skill for adaptation and survival. Participants were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while learning a sensorimotor task, the findings of which showed the importance of sensory brain regions in decision-making.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 6, 2023·4 min read

Progesterone’s Protective Role Against Parkinson’s in the Enteric Nervous System

Recent research illustrates a protective effect of progesterone on the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the body's "second brain". The study demonstrated that nerve cells treated with progesterone were more resistant to conditions simulating Parkinson's disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 26, 2023·4 min read

Fibromyalgia’s Impact on Brain Structure

Researchers delved into the brain's grey and white matter, investigating the impacts of fibromyalgia. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the team detected reduced grey matter volume in the pain-processing areas of fibromyalgia patients.