How the brain is able to store memories over long periods of time has been a persistent mystery to neuroscientists. In a new study, researchers from the Centre for Integrative Neuroplasticity (CINPLA) at the University of Oslo show that long-lived extracellular matrix molecules called perineuronal nets are essential for distant memories. Continue reading “Neurons’ sugar coating is essential for long-term memories”
Smart people have better connected brains
Differences in intelligence have so far mostly been attributed to differences in specific brain regions. However, are smart people’s brains also wired differently to those of less intelligent persons? A new study supports this assumption. In intelligent persons, certain brain regions are more strongly involved in the flow of information between brain regions, while other brain regions are less engaged. Continue reading “Smart people have better connected brains”
New genetic variations linked to educational attainment: Genetic overlap between cognitive ability and longevity
Investigators at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research discovered dozens of new genetic variations associated with a person’s general cognitive ability. The findings, which were published online today in Cell Reports, have the potential to help researchers develop more targeted treatment for cognitive and memory disorders. Continue reading “New genetic variations linked to educational attainment: Genetic overlap between cognitive ability and longevity”
Brain is less flexible than we thought when learning
Nobody really knows how the activity in your brain reorganizes as you learn new tasks, but new research from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh reveals that the brain has various mechanisms and constraints by which it reorganizes its neural activity when learning over the course of a few hours. The new research finds that, when learning a new task, the brain is less flexible than previously thought. Continue reading “Brain is less flexible than we thought when learning”
Pregnant moms and their offspring should limit added sugars in their diets to protect childhood cognition
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has determined that poorer childhood cognition occurred, particularly in memory and learning, when pregnant women or their offspring consumed greater quantities of sugar. Substituting diet soda for sugar-sweetened versions during pregnancy also appeared to have negative effects. However, children’s fruit consumption had beneficial effects and was associated with higher cognitive scores. Continue reading “Pregnant moms and their offspring should limit added sugars in their diets to protect childhood cognition”
Fasting boosts stem cells’ regenerative capacity
As people age, their intestinal stem cells begin to lose their ability to regenerate. These stem cells are the source for all new intestinal cells, so this decline can make it more difficult to recover from gastrointestinal infections or other conditions that affect the intestine. Continue reading “Fasting boosts stem cells’ regenerative capacity”
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