Extraverts with autotelic personality traits are more likely to experience flow
A new study links personality traits to the experience of flow during gameplay, revealing when extraverts thrive and how motivation shapes deep engagement.
Study: Ritalin improves numeric memory but not overall cognition in non-ADHD adults
A new study finds that low-dose methylphenidate offers minimal cognitive benefits for healthy adults, challenging its growing reputation as a “smart drug.
Scientists identify specific cognitive skill linked to longer life in older adults
Researchers have discovered that a specific cognitive skill—verbal fluency—can predict survival in old age better than other mental abilities.
Emotional arousal can cause memories to blur together—especially in anxious individuals
A new study finds that arousal may cause similar memories to blend together instead of stay distinct.
New study: Playing “Beat Saber” VR game enhances mental function in sedentary students
A new study shows that playing virtual reality games can boost brain power in sedentary female students.
Stimulating the vagus nerve reduces susceptibility to body illusions, study finds
New research shows vagus nerve stimulation can change how people experience their bodies, making them less fooled by illusions.
Study finds intelligence and education predict disbelief in astrology
Cognitive ability and educational background are the strongest predictors of whether people believe astrology is scientific—far more influential than factors like spirituality, religiosity, or political views
Believing you’re working with a machine lowers your confidence — even if you’re right
Confidence, not correctness, is what truly drives us to change our minds — and that confidence drops when we think we’re dealing with a machine.
AI tools may weaken critical thinking skills by encouraging cognitive offloading, study suggests
Heavy AI tool usage is associated with weaker critical thinking, a study finds, as users increasingly offload cognitive tasks instead of engaging in independent analysis.
Defecation and cognitive function: A surprising link discovered in elite triathletes
Elite athletes showed improved cognitive performance after defecating, especially with magnesium supplementation. The study suggests an unexpected link between gut function and rapid decision-making.
Diet quality and abdominal fat in midlife are linked to brain health in older age
Research suggests that maintaining a good diet and managing belly fat in midlife may protect brain health later, highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices for cognitive aging.
Twin study suggests rationality and intelligence share the same genetic roots
New research suggests irrational thinking is largely a reflection of lower intelligence, with both traits heavily influenced by genetics.
Individuals with higher cognitive flexibility are more positive toward vaccination
A study found that individuals with lower cognitive flexibility were more likely to reject vaccines due to personal beliefs. The findings, published in BMC Psychology, highlight the psychological factors shaping vaccination attitudes.
Fetuses show preference for face-like patterns
New research suggests that the human preference for faces begins before birth. Using projected light patterns and ultrasound tracking, scientists found that fetuses tend to focus on face-like configurations over other stimuli.
The surprising age when cognitive skills actually peak (and how to keep them strong)
Forget early cognitive decline. A new study demonstrates that for many, literacy and math abilities can improve into middle age and stay strong with continued use
