Schizophrenia Insights: Brain’s Search for Words Mirrors Animal Foraging Patterns

Summary: A new study suggests that the way our minds search for words and concepts in memory may parallel the age-old patterns animals use to hunt for food in their…

Neuro-Insights of the Week From Neuroscience News, October 1, 2023

Summary: This week in neuroscience presents several groundbreaking insights. “Game of Thrones” enthusiasts, when lonely, show neurological patterns that equate their favorite characters to real-life friends. Researchers have identified a…

From Human Uniqueness to Mental Imagery: This Week’s Top 5 Neuroscience Insights, September 17, 2023

Summary: New research delves into the distinctive human trait of sequential memory, setting us apart from bonobos. A recent study has also highlighted the joy in chasing passions over accomplishments.…

Memory in Touch: Fingertips Recall Past Forces

Summary: Researchers have explored how a fingertip’s mechanical memory of prior forces influences tactile neuron activity. The study unveils the importance of fingertip viscoelasticity, where deformations last longer than the…

Negative Memory Replay Offers PTSD Insight

Summary: Scientists discovered that rats intensify their memories of negative experiences in familiar places by repetitively replaying them. This mental map, generated by specific neurons known as place cells, can…

Learning Capabilities Persist in Dementia Patients

Summary: Dementia patients can still learn new skills, challenging common misconceptions about the disease. The researcher exposed dementia sufferers to tablet computers for the first time and, despite memory decline,…

Kindness Meditation Boosts Memory Recall in Depression Recovery

Summary: A form of meditation focused on unconditional kindness can enhance memory recall in individuals with a history of depression. Participants engaged in daily ten-minute meditations aimed at promoting happiness,…

Dopamine Plays Double Duty in Learning and Motivation

Summary: A novel study suggests that dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays dual roles in learning and motivation. In the study, male rats underwent Pavlovian or operant conditioning while their dopamine release…

Sleep Spindles Play a Role in Soothing PTSD Anxiety and Enhancing Memory Retention

Summary: Brief bursts of brain activity during sleep known as sleep spindles could potentially help regulate anxiety in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers believe that the study’s findings…

Snap a Selfie for the Memory: Why Third-Person Photos Capture Deeper Meaning of Events

Summary: People are more likely to take third-person photos, like selfies, when their goal is to capture the deeper meaning of an event, but opt for first-person photos when they…