Summary: A new study reveals how the brain forms cohesive mental maps of spaces and highlights the critical role of sleep in this process. While “place cells” in the hippocampus mark specific locations, weaker spatial cells stitch these points into a comprehensive cognitive map.Researchers observed that sleep refines these maps,...
Summary: New research suggests that certain nutrients may lower iron buildup in the brain, a factor linked to cognitive decline in aging. Excess non-heme iron, which accumulates over time, contributes to oxidative stress and can impair memory and executive function.Over three years, participants with higher intake of antioxidants, vitamins, and...
Summary: Research reveals that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and hippocampus (DH) play distinct roles in resolving ambiguous situations where the meaning of stimuli changes based on context. The OFC helps regulate behavior by using contextual knowledge, while the DH is critical for applying prior knowledge to accelerate learning new relationships.Experiments...
Summary: New research sheds light on how the brain’s prefrontal cortex evaluates whether to persist or quit in uncertain situations. Using tasks mimicking real-life dilemmas, researchers found that different brain regions influence patience and adaptability.Damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex reduced persistence, while damage to other areas impaired learning from...
Summary: The dural sinuses and skull bone marrow serve as key communication hubs between the brain’s central immune system and the body’s peripheral immune system. These regions may act as “traffic lights,” allowing immune signals to flow between the brain and body, challenging the traditional view of the blood-brain barrier...
Summary: Dogs trained to use soundboards can combine two-word buttons purposefully to communicate needs and desires, rather than randomly or by imitating their owners. Researchers analyzed over 260,000 button presses from 152 dogs, finding meaningful combinations like “outside + potty” occurring more often than chance.The data suggests dogs use soundboards...
Summary: New research reveals brain activity patterns that may predict gaming addiction in teens. A study of adolescents aged 10-15 found reduced activity in brain regions linked to decision-making and reward processing in those developing gaming addiction symptoms over four years.This blunted response to non-gaming rewards suggests that some teens...
Summary: New research reveals that the cognitive boost from moderate to vigorous exercise lasts up to the next day, enhancing memory performance in adults aged 50 to 83. The study also found that adequate sleep—particularly deep, slow-wave sleep—adds to these benefits.Conversely, prolonged sedentary time was linked to poorer working memory...
