Could electric brain stimulation lead to better maths skills?: Triff/Shutterstock A painless, non-invasive brain stimulation technique can significantly improve how young adults learn maths, my colleagues and I found in a recent study. In a paper in PLOS Biology, we describe how this might be most helpful for those who are likely to struggle with …
What happens to your brain when you watch videos online at faster speeds than normal: 'Hare speed, please.' Pressmaster Many of us have got into the habit of listening to podcasts, audiobooks and other online content at increased playback speeds. For younger people, it might even be the norm. One survey of students in California, …
Bacteria in your mouth may hold clues to your brain health and dementia risk – new study: Could the bacteria in your mouth predict whether you are at risk of dementia? Emerging research suggests that the bacteria living on your tongue and gums may affect how the brain works and how it changes as we …
Brain implants, agentic AI and answers on dark matter: what to expect from science in 2025 – podcast: ZinetroN/Shutterstock In a special episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast to start 2025, we’ve brought together three science editors from The Conversation’s editions around the world to discuss what to look out for in the world of …
Healthy soils are good for your gut, brain and wellbeing – here’s why: Degraded soils in Turkana Kapetadie village, Kenya. UNCCD, CC BY-NC-ND Often overlooked, soil is one of our planet’s largest living ecosystems and the foundation of our lives. It provides 95% of our food, supports global biodiversity and helps balance the climate by …
How food preferences are linked to cognition and brain health – and why a balanced diet is superior: shutterstock Jon Coyle/Shutterstock From the crispy crunch of fresh veggies to the creamy indulgence of decadent desserts, we all have different food preferences. Our palates develop uniquely, shaped by genetics, culture and personal experiences. Food preferences play …
Gut microbiome: meet Asaccharobacter celatus – the brain health bug: Jolygon/Shutterstock There’s a great deal of interest from scientists and the public alike in how we can keep our minds sharp and our brains healthy as we get older. While some factors that increase the risk of dementia cannot be modified, including genetics, there are …
A new supercomputer aims to closely mimic the human brain — it could help unlock the secrets of the mind and advance AI: Sdecoret / Shutterstock A supercomputer scheduled to go online in April 2024 will rival the estimated rate of operations in the human brain, according to researchers in Australia. The machine, called DeepSouth, …
Human intelligence: how cognitive circuitry, rather than brain size, drove its evolution: wikipedia/Foley, CC BY-SA It’s one of the great paradoxes of evolution. Humans have demonstrated that having large brains are key to our evolutionary success, and yet such brains are extremely rare in other animals. Most get by on tiny brains, and don’t seem …
Exercise benefits physical and brain health in people with Down’s syndrome – new research: An exercise as simple and accessible as walking can have significant health benefits for people with Down's syndrome. Halfpoint/ Shutterstock Exercise is known to have many benefits when it comes to cognitive function – such as improving memory and concentration skills. …
Size of brain area linked with cognitive decline – even in people with no other warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease: Previous research has shown loss of volume in the hippocampus precedes signs of cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's. Atthapon Raksthaput/ Shutterstock A small, seahorse-sized area of the brain is responsible for most of our …
Frontotemporal dementia: we discovered a brain fold that may delay onset of symptoms: Bruce Willis's frontotemporal diagnosis was revealed earlier this year. Featureflash Photo Agency/ Shutterstock Few people had probably heard of frontotemporal dementia until earlier this year, when the family of actor Bruce Willis announced the 68-year-old had been diagnosed with the condition. Frontotemporal …
AI-generated faces look just like real ones – but evidence shows your brain can tell the difference: Can you tell which faces are real and which are synthetic? Answers are at the bottom of the article. Robin Kramer, Author provided For a while, limitations in technology meant that animators and researchers were only capable of …
Love or hate TikTok’s viral bottle-smashing trend? A neuroscientist explains what that says about your brain: Alberto Pardo Gomez/Shutterstock Millions of TikTok users are watching videos of the viral bottle-smashing trend, in which bottles and jars filled with drinks or food are rolled down steps before smashing. Some of these viewers seem to be watching …
How consciousness may rely on brain cells acting collectively – new psychedelics research on rats: Psychedelics can help uncover consciousness. agsandrew/Shutterstock Psychedelics are known for inducing altered states of consciousness in humans by fundamentally changing our normal pattern of sensory perception, thought and emotion. Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics has increased significantly in the …
Long COVID: brain function still affected for some up to two years after infection – new research: LightField Studios/Shutterstock Difficulties with cognitive functions or skills, such as the ability to recall memories, concentrate on tasks, or find the right words in conversation, are commonly reported following a COVID infection. These symptoms are often referred to …
How having five friends boosts the adolescent brain – and educational performance: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock As most parents of teenagers are acutely aware, there comes a time when children start prioritising their friends over their parents. While young children rely on their parents for social interactions and influences, there’s a notable switch during adolescence, where …
Brain injuries may affect women worse than men – introduction of concussion spotters to Women’s World Cup could prove vital: Kelley O'Hara of the USA playing in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final. O'Hara was substituted for a head injury at half time. Romain Biard/Shutterstock The matches at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup …