Cognitive Science

Beauty may be a biological strategy for saving energy. Scientists found that the human brain and AI models expend less metabolic effort processing images perceived as attractive, suggesting our visual preferences help conserve bodily resources.

New research suggests that losing focus allows the brain to absorb hidden environmental patterns more effectively. This spontaneous mental drifting is linked to sleep-like neural activity that appears to facilitate information processing while awake.

A ten-year study of older adults indicates that adverse childhood experiences leave a lasting mark on cognitive abilities. This negative link persists even when accounting for distinct patterns of physical and mental aging.

Researchers have found that while moderate blue light increases brain excitability in adults, teenagers remain unaffected. This suggests that the non-visual effects of light on the brain are distinct during different developmental stages.

Exposure to fluoridated water at levels typical in the United States does not impair cognitive function and may boost high school test scores, according to longitudinal research published in Science Advances.

Probiotic supplements may offer a brain boost for aging adults. A new meta-analysis reveals that daily consumption improves memory and cognitive function in seniors, highlighting a link between gut health and mental acuity.

A new study reveals that brain plasticity fluctuates on a 24-hour cycle. Researchers found that the chemical buildup of fatigue at the end of the day creates an optimal window for the brain to rewire itself.

A recent experiment shows that noninvasive alpha-wave stimulation to the brain’s visual processing center leads to more original and elaborate creative thinking.

Neuroscientists have discovered that the prefrontal cortex does not broadcast a generic signal to sensory regions. Instead, distinct circuits send tailored messages to the visual system based on arousal and physical activity.

Esports players can improve shooting performance by training with real-time biological data. Researchers found that focusing on cortical activity and gaze control significantly reduced reaction times .

A new analysis suggests that adolescents who increase their social media use over time tend to score slightly lower on reading and memory tests.

While personalization algorithms keep users engaged, they may create a false sense of expertise. A new experiment reveals that curated content feeds limit information exploration, causing learners to form distorted views while remaining surprisingly confident.

A new meta-analysis suggests fast-paced TV does not harm children's attention as often feared. Instead, programs featuring fantastical, unrealistic events appear to deplete cognitive resources, leading to poorer performance on tasks immediately after viewing.

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that daily consumption of skin-roasted peanuts improves brain vascular function and memory.

Chronic consumption of fat-rich foods may trigger a chemical disconnect between the gut and the brain. A new analysis reveals this dietary habit elevates intestinal serotonin while depleting the neurotransmitter in areas controlling mood.