Credit: Mohamed Hassan from PixabayHuman interaction plays a crucial role in development, beginning at birth. However, for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this social engagement is disrupted early in life. In fact, research shows that children with ASD exhibit reduced interest in social stimuli as early as their first year—a trait that ultimately impacts long-term...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
