Learning & Memory

What everyday sunlight does for your brain's focus, speed and alertness

Bronwyn Thompson — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:37:00 GMT

In the first study of its kind, neuroscientists have shown the real-world benefits that sunlight gives the brain, beyond laboratory experiments, linking brighter and more regular daytime light to better alertness and faster attention in everyday life.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: University of Manchester, Cognitive functioning, Brain, Eye, Sunlight, Circadian Rhythms, Sleep

Don't like listening to music? Scientists now know why

Jay Kakade — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:03:00 GMT

Some people simply don’t derive pleasure from listening to music. There is nothing wrong with their hearing, and they enjoy plenty of other experiences, but for some strange reason music does absolutely nothing for them. Researchers say this behavioral trait points to a fascinating disconnect between the brain’s auditory and reward networks.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: Hearing, Brain

Scientists just uncovered four distinct genetic subtypes of autism

Pranjal Malewar — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 06:03:00 GMT

Imagine autism not as a single puzzle, but as a gallery of mosaics, each piece shaped by different traits, genes, and life experiences. Scientists have long known the condition is complex, but cracking the code has been a challenge.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: Autism, Developmental conditions, Autism spectrum disorder, Genetics, Child, Princeton University

Brainpower boosted by tapping out a specific rhythm, study finds

Bronwyn Thompson — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:47:06 GMT

French scientists have uncovered an odd superpower triggered by tapping your finger to a rhythm – it can help you hear and understand someone talking to you in a noisy environment, such as a party or a busy cafe. While it may sound a little woo-woo, there is a reason for it.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: Aix-Marseille Universite, Hearing Impaired, Hearing, Language, ADHD, Developmental conditions, Neurological, Neuroscience, Motor Skills, Brain stimulation, Bangers

Brains sync up when people watch health messages together

Paul McClure — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 11:03:00 GMT

Using portable EEGs, researchers found that when groups of people watch the same health promotion videos, their brain activity syncs up, indicating that the message has gone beyond being seen and heard. This approach could lead to ‘neural’ focus groups and more effective health campaigns.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: EEG, Brain activity, Public health, Market, University of Konstanz

The fascinating way pupil size is tied to keeping new memories when we sleep

Bronwyn Thompson — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:00:00 GMT

A stage of sleep – reflected in the size of our pupils – is important to committing recent memories to the brain, which could be manipulated to improve cognitive function and even identify issues with being able to recall newer experiences when awake.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: Cornell University, Sleep, Neuroscience, Memory, Cognitive functioning, neurons

'Star cells' make long-term fear memories fade before they form

Paul McClure — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 22:02:00 GMT

Manipulating important non-neuronal brain cells called astrocytes using light prevented fear memories from being retained long-term, according to new research. The findings add to growing evidence about astrocytes’ role in memory and open the door to potential treatments for conditions like PTSD, which is characterized by abnormal fear memory.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: Memory, Fear, Optogenetics, Astrocyte, Tohoku University

Non-brain cells can form memories, too

Paul McClure — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 14:02:00 GMT

Memories can form outside of the brain, according to new research. Non-brain cells exposed to chemical pulses similar to the ones that brain cells are exposed to when presented with new information caused the non-brain cells to switch on a gene critical for memory formation.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: neurons, Memory, Learning, Cells, New York University

Memory improved by VR and deep-brain stimulation combo

Paul McClure — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:02:00 GMT

Combining virtual reality and non-invasive deep-brain electrical stimulation, researchers have improved healthy individuals’ spatial memory – the kind that helps you remember where you left the car keys. The approach has great potential for treating cognitive decline due to disease or injury without drugs or surgery.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: Deep Brain Stimulation, Virtual Reality, Memory, Dementia, EPFL

Brain found to store three copies of every memory

Michael Franco — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:09:20 GMT

Like a computer system with built-in redundancies, a study has revealed that brains use three different sets of neurons to store a single memory. The finding could one day help soften painful memories in people who've suffered trauma.

Category: Learning & Memory, Brain Health, Body and Mind

Tags: Brain, Memory, University of Basel, Neuroscience