Category: Cognitive

  • Brain Power on the Move: Why Walking Inspires Great Ideas

    Brain Power on the Move: Why Walking Inspires Great Ideas
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    In a world constantly seeking ways to enhance productivity, a recent study suggests that creativity could be sparked by something as simple as walking. The research, delving into the relationship between physical activity and creative ideation, found that both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) movement positively influence creativity. The study provides a fresh perspective on… Read more

  • Increased Risk of Financial Scams Linked to Alzheimer’s-Related Brain Changes in Older Adults

    Increased Risk of Financial Scams Linked to Alzheimer’s-Related Brain Changes in Older Adults

    A recent study has found that older adults who are more vulnerable to financial exploitation may be experiencing early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, even before any cognitive symptoms are noticeable. This research sheds light on how subtle brain degeneration can affect decision-making, potentially putting older people at greater risk of falling victim to… Read more

  • Placebos That Work—Even When You Know They’re Placebos

    Placebos That Work—Even When You Know They’re Placebos
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    In a groundbreaking study, researchers have found that non-deceptive placebos—treatments where participants know they’re receiving a placebo—can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This discovery offers a promising, low-effort tool for managing mental health, particularly during prolonged stressful situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved a medium-risk population and tested the effects of non-deceptive… Read more

  • What’s in a Name? Why Adults Look Like Their Names but Kids Don’t

    What’s in a Name? Why Adults Look Like Their Names but Kids Don’t
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    A new study has uncovered a fascinating detail about how our names might influence our appearance. Researchers found that adults are more likely to resemble their names compared to children, suggesting that this phenomenon develops over time. In a series of five studies, participants were asked to match names with faces. The results showed that… Read more

  • Hidden Awareness in Patients with Severe Brain Injuries: Are We Underestimating Consciousness?

    Hidden Awareness in Patients with Severe Brain Injuries: Are We Underestimating Consciousness?
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    A groundbreaking study has revealed that patients with severe brain injuries, previously believed to be completely unresponsive, may still possess a surprising degree of cognitive awareness. The research, conducted across six international centers, suggests that one in four individuals diagnosed with conditions like coma or a vegetative state might be “listening” and even understanding their… Read more

  • Video Games May Have Boosted Mental Well-Being During COVID-19

    Video Games May Have Boosted Mental Well-Being During COVID-19
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    A new study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, has uncovered surprising evidence that playing video games can actually improve mental well-being, a finding that challenges some traditional views about gaming. Conducted in Japan between 2020 and 2022, the research focused on understanding how engagement with video games affects mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.… Read more

  • New Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Promise in Enhancing Cognitive Function and Memory

    New Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Promise in Enhancing Cognitive Function and Memory

    In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled a promising new drug, DDL-920, which appears to significantly improve cognitive performance and memory in animal models. This advancement holds particular promise for treating Alzheimer’s disease and potentially other neurological and psychiatric disorders. DDL-920’s effectiveness is rooted in its ability to enhance gamma oscillations in the brain. Gamma… Read more

  • Study Reveals How Sleep Can Weaken Traumatic Memories and Boost Positive Recall

    Study Reveals How Sleep Can Weaken Traumatic Memories and Boost Positive Recall

    August 5, 2024 — A groundbreaking study has unveiled promising methods for weakening aversive memories and enhancing positive ones through sleep-based techniques. The research highlights how targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during sleep can diminish the impact of older, unpleasant memories by leveraging positive memories as interference. Over the past decade, TMR has attracted significant attention… Read more