Summary: A new study reveals that pupil size fluctuates constantly during sleep, reflecting changes in brain activation levels. Researchers developed a novel method to keep test subjects’ eyes open, allowing them to monitor these dynamics without disrupting sleep.They found that pupil changes correspond to sleep stages, brain waves, and responsiveness...
Summary: A new study reveals that pain and itch are processed by distinct neural circuits in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Researchers identified two types of neurons—one responding to both stimuli and another selectively activated by either pain or itch.Using advanced synaptic analysis and chemogenetic techniques, they found that these...
Summary: New studies challenge the idea that variability in human behavior, often seen as “noise,” is simply an error to be minimized. Researchers argue that noise provides valuable insights into cognitive processes, from decision-making to moral reasoning.By applying computational models, they show how different types of noise can reflect distinct...
Summary: A new study reveals that anxiety and apathy lead to fundamentally different patterns in decision-making under uncertainty. Anxious individuals perceive their environment as highly volatile, leading them to explore more options, especially after negative outcomes.In contrast, apathetic individuals view outcomes as random, reducing their willingness to explore new choices....
Summary: A new study will investigate how lifestyle, diet, and social connections influence aging. The Arlington Study of Healthy Aging (ASHA) will enroll 600 volunteers aged 50 to 80 to undergo full-body imaging, cognitive testing, and vascular health assessments.Researchers aim to provide insights that help individuals and healthcare providers better...
