A study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases provides new evidence of an association between cardiorespiratory fitness and brain health, particularly in gray matter and total brain volume — regions of the brain involved with cognitive decline and aging. Continue reading “New study finds exercising is good for our brain’s gray matter”
Typically human: Babies recognize nested structures similar to our grammar
Human language follows certain regularities. For instance, a plural noun must be accompanied by a plural verb, as in the following sentence: “The kids from the neighborhood are playing.” Continue reading “Typically human: Babies recognize nested structures similar to our grammar”
Science underestimated dangerous effects of sleep deprivation
Michigan State University’s Sleep and Learning Lab has conducted one of the largest sleep studies to date, revealing that sleep deprivation affects us much more than prior theories have suggested. Continue reading “Science underestimated dangerous effects of sleep deprivation”
Mothers’ pregnancy-related anxiety may alter how infants’ brains respond to sad speech
A study has shown a potential link between pregnancy-related anxiety and how a baby’s brains respond to sad speech. Continue reading “Mothers’ pregnancy-related anxiety may alter how infants’ brains respond to sad speech”
Engineers translate brain signals directly into speech
In a scientific first, Columbia neuroengineers have created a system that translates thought into intelligible, recognizable speech. By monitoring someone’s brain activity, the technology can reconstruct the words a person hears with unprecedented clarity. Continue reading “Engineers translate brain signals directly into speech”
Stressed to the max? Deep sleep can rewire the anxious brain
When it comes to managing anxiety disorders, William Shakespeare’s Macbeth had it right when he referred to sleep as the “balm of hurt minds.” While a full night of slumber stabilizes emotions, a sleepless night can trigger up to a 30% rise in anxiety levels, according to new research from the University of California, Berkeley. Continue reading “Stressed to the max? Deep sleep can rewire the anxious brain”