Neuroscience

Study Finds Some Voices Are Naturally More Memorable

Credit: Pixabay"Memorability" describes how likely a stimulus—such as an object, face, or sound—is to stay in memory after someone encounters it. Recent psychological studies have explored whether some stimuli naturally stand out in memory, making them easier to recall than similar ones.Researchers at the University of Chicago recently explored the memorability of voices, with...

Sleep Boosts Memory: Study Finds Neural Reorganization During Rest

NREM periods accelerated the reactivation drift, whereas REM periods countered it. Credit: PixabayA full night’s sleep strengthens memory by reinforcing newly learned information. This process is crucial for animals as well, as recalling the location of food sources is vital for survival. Researchers study this function of sleep in the lab by training mice...

Scientists Evaluated AI for Detecting Cognitive Decline. The Findings Were Surprising

Credit: PixabayIt’s been just under two years since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT to the public, allowing anyone online to collaborate with an AI on tasks ranging from poetry and schoolwork to drafting letters for their landlord.Today, ChatGPT is just one of several advanced large language models (LLMs) capable of responding to basic queries in a...

Scientists Trick Neurons Into Thinking They’re Inside a Living Brain

Credit: PixabayNeurons, the brain’s essential cells, form intricate networks by exchanging signals, enabling learning and adaptation. Researchers at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands have created a 3D-printed environment that closely resembles real brain tissue. Using nanoscale pillars, they replicate the soft, fibrous structure that supports neurons. This innovation provides a...

Expert Identifies Irregular Brain Wave Patterns as Potential Indicator of ADHD

Credit: PixabayChildren with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not lazy, undisciplined, or lacking manners. Instead, their brains develop and function differently, marked by unique neurological activity patterns and neurochemical imbalances. These differences classify ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a behavioral issue.The Neurological Basis of ADHDThe neurological variations in ADHD manifest as...

Adults Generate New Brain Cells, Which Play a Role in Enhancing Learning Through Listening

Credit: PixabayYour brain can still produce new neurons in adulthood, but how do these rare additions support cognitive function?Neurons, the cells responsible for brain function, are mostly formed before birth. While early life sees the bulk of brain development, certain regions continue generating neurons into adulthood, albeit at a slower pace. Scientists debate whether...

Brain Stars Function as Tiny Storage Units for Our Memories

Memory storage and retrieval may be able to be targeted thanks to new discoveryBaylor College of MedicineRecent research into how "brain stars" (astrocytes) store memories has reshaped our understanding of memory retention in the brain.Previous Beliefs About Memory and NeuronsScientists at Baylor College of Medicine have been examining the role of astrocytes, star-shaped cells...

Scientists Suggest that Adhering to this Diet may Help Slow Cognitive Decline

A study published in Neurology suggests that closely following the MIND diet may lower the risk of cognitive impairment, with a stronger effect observed in women and Black participants. While the study shows an association between the diet and reduced risk, it does not prove causation. Credit: PixabayA study published in Neurology, the journal...

Alarming Microplastics Found in Human Brains

No part of the body is immune to microplastic contamination.Image credit: SIVStockStudio/Komsan Loonprom/Shutterstock.com; modified by IFLScienceMicroplastics are omnipresent, wreaking havoc on the environment and infiltrating our bodies, including the brain. A new preprint study, not yet peer-reviewed, raises concerns about the extent of microplastics in the human brain and potential health risks.The study analyzed...

Five Distinct Patterns of Brain Aging Uncovered by 50,000 Scans

Some parts of the brain tend to atrophy and deform in concert with other regions. Credit: Zephyr/SPLA comprehensive analysis of nearly 50,000 brain scans has identified five unique patterns of brain atrophy linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The study also connected these patterns to lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as...