Tag

Cognitive Flexibility

All articles tagged with #cognitive flexibility

Smart men less tied to traditional politics, study finds
cognitive-science9 days ago

Smart men less tied to traditional politics, study finds

A long-running German study of gifted (IQ 130+) and non-gifted adults shows they largely share the same political views, with one gender-based exception: non-gifted men score higher on conservatism than gifted men, while women show no difference. The results support cognitive-flexibility and centering ideas, suggesting high intelligence does not predict radical politics, though the study’s small sample and Germany-specific context limit generalizability.

Understanding Cognitive Challenges and Disabilities in Schizophrenia
health1 year ago

Understanding Cognitive Challenges and Disabilities in Schizophrenia

Researchers have identified distinct neural patterns in schizophrenia patients that reveal heightened sensitivity to conflicting information, impairing cognitive flexibility. By analyzing brain activity between the cortex and thalamus, these patterns could serve as biomarkers for diagnosing schizophrenia and assessing treatment efficacy. The study highlights the potential of using neural markers to measure executive dysfunction in schizophrenia, offering a new diagnostic tool.

"Unsettling Transformation: Exploring the Phenomenon of Jamais Vu"
neuroscience2 years ago

"Unsettling Transformation: Exploring the Phenomenon of Jamais Vu"

Jamais vu, the sensation where familiar experiences feel eerily new and unsettling, has been investigated by researchers who made participants repeatedly write words. The study found that around 70% of participants experienced jamais vu after approximately 33 repetitions. This research sheds light on cognitive flexibility and may have potential connections to conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Unlocking Cognitive Flexibility: The Role of Neurogenesis and Navigating Change
neuroscience2 years ago

Unlocking Cognitive Flexibility: The Role of Neurogenesis and Navigating Change

Researchers have developed an innovative animal model to study cognitive flexibility and neurogenesis. They found that exposure to gamma-radiation hindered cognitive adaptability in mice, while specific newly-generated neurons responded distinctively to the task. Aging and neurogenesis in the hippocampus were found to be closely connected to cognitive flexibility. The study suggests that increasing neurogenesis levels could potentially mitigate the effects of age-related cognitive decline.

The Surprising Benefits of Pre-Vacation Bliss
health-and-wellness2 years ago

The Surprising Benefits of Pre-Vacation Bliss

Scientific studies suggest that the benefits of a vacation can be felt even before the trip begins. Looking forward to a future reward, such as a vacation, can be more rewarding than the reward itself due to the release of dopamine in the brain. Vacations are essential for reducing chronic stress levels and increasing cognitive flexibility. Chronic stress can negatively impact the dopaminergic system, leading to depressive behaviors. It is important to fully disconnect from work during vacations and engage in activities that bring pleasure and new experiences. The effects of long vacations versus staggered shorter vacations are still unclear, but overall, vacations are beneficial for mental health and well-being.

The Neuroscience of Entrepreneurial Success: How Brain Wiring Sets Entrepreneurs Apart
science-and-technology2 years ago

The Neuroscience of Entrepreneurial Success: How Brain Wiring Sets Entrepreneurs Apart

A new study using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) has revealed that serial entrepreneurs have increased neuronal connectivity in their brains compared to managers, indicating superior cognitive flexibility. The research suggests that this enhanced connectivity allows entrepreneurs to effectively alternate between exploration and exploitation, a crucial balance for their success. The findings offer insights for improving entrepreneurial cognition and training within organizations, highlighting the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and fostering cognitive flexibility in teams.

The Lasting Impact of Substance Use on Cognitive Abilities
health2 years ago

The Lasting Impact of Substance Use on Cognitive Abilities

Chronic cocaine or alcohol use can lead to long-lasting changes in the brain, specifically in the inhibitory communication between striatal direct-pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs) and striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs). This impairment of the brain circuitry hinders cognitive flexibility, which is crucial for academic achievement, employment success, and mitigating cognitive decline. The study provides new insights into the damaging impact of substance use on cognitive flexibility and highlights the role of the local inhibitory brain circuit in mediating these effects.

Unveiling the Intricate Link Between Neural Connections and Cognitive Adaptability
neuroscience2 years ago

Unveiling the Intricate Link Between Neural Connections and Cognitive Adaptability

Researchers have discovered a specific type of neuronal connection in the prefrontal cortex, formed by inhibitory neurons, that plays a crucial role in updating our understanding of the world and its rules. These inhibitory neurons were found to communicate with neurons located far away in the opposite hemisphere of the prefrontal cortex. When these long-distance inhibitory neuronal connections were deactivated in mice, the mice were unable to adapt to changes, providing insights into conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder, where patients struggle with adapting to change. This finding enhances our understanding of brain function and could have implications for studying and treating these psychiatric conditions.

The Evolution of Cognitive Flexibility.
neuroscience2 years ago

The Evolution of Cognitive Flexibility.

A study by researchers at the Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil and Newcastle University has provided insights into the evolutionary origins of cognitive flexibility, an essential skill for adaptation and survival. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the brain functions of 40 participants while they were learning a sensorimotor task. The findings showed the importance of sensory brain regions in decision-making and surprising similarities between the brain activity of humans and mice during this task, suggesting that the interplay between the frontal brain and sensory brain regions for decision-making formed early in evolutionary development.