Why the ‘peculiar’ stands out in our memory
From the Ohio State University press release: Memories that stick with us for a lifetime are those that fit in with a lot of other things we remember — but have a slightly weird twist.…
Study looks at role of forgetting in memory
From the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research press release: For most people having a good memory means being able to remember more information clearly for long periods of time. For neuroscientists too, the inability to remember…
Serotonin improves sociability in mouse model of autism
From the RIKEN press release: Scientists at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI) in Japan have linked early serotonin deficiency to several symptoms that occur in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Published in Science Advances, the…
Long-term memories made with meaningful information
From the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care press release: When trying to memorize information, it is better to relate it to something meaningful rather than repeat it again and again to make it stick, according to…
Chatter in the deep brain spurs empathy in rats
From the Duke University press release: It’s a classic conundrum: while rushing to get to an important meeting or appointment on time, you spot a stranger in distress. How do you decide whether to stop…
Lights out: The neural relationship between light and sleep
From the California Institute of Technology press release: Humans are diurnal animals, meaning that we usually sleep at night and are awake during the day, due at least in part to light or the lack…
Alzheimer’s disease study links brain health and physical activity
From the IOS Press press release: People at risk for Alzheimer’s disease who do more moderate-intensity physical activity, but not light-intensity physical activity, are more likely to have healthy patterns of glucose metabolism in their…
Study looks at emotional spillover in the brain
From the Association for Psychological Science press release: Life is full of emotional highs and lows, ranging from enjoying an activity with a loved one and savoring a delicious meal to feeling hurt by a…
More brain activity is not always better when it comes to memory, attention
From the University of Nottingham press release: Potential new ways of understanding the cause of cognitive impairments, such as problems with memory and attention, in brain disorders including schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s are under the spotlight…
How brain circuits govern hunger and cravings
From the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center press release: The urge to satisfy hunger is a primal one, but — as any dieter knows — choices about when and what to eat can be influenced by…