Cognitive Science

A new framework suggests motivation is more than just effort. Distinct chemical signals create specific "moods" that determine whether the brain records broad concepts or specific details, fundamentally reshaping how we understand learning.

Studies suggest that reliance on generative AI contributes to cognitive atrophy, a phenomenon characterized by reduced critical faculties and memory retention.

A new study reveals that reward-linked cues directly engage the brain’s premotor system. This neural activity primes specific actions, biasing decision-making before an opportunity to act even arises.

New research suggests that negative emotions disrupt our ability to learn social patterns. A study found that people struggle to identify cause-and-effect relationships when viewing sad, angry, or fearful faces compared to happy ones.

A new study of U.S. Army Special Forces candidates identifies specific genetic markers linked to cognitive performance and stress resilience during one of the military’s most grueling training courses.

New studies show girls prefer step-by-step math algorithms, while boys favor creative shortcuts. This difference in approach, rather than raw ability, may explain why men continue to outnumber women in advanced STEM fields.

Longitudinal data suggest music training acts as a cognitive buffer, protecting vocabulary development in adolescents from high-deprivation backgrounds.

A new analysis finds that replacing time on digital devices with shared reading improves language and emotional development, even when compared to educational apps.

Mapping the neural connections of thousands of individuals, researchers found that the brain undergoes non-linear structural changes. The study identifies age 32 as a pivotal moment, marking the end of a prolonged phase of network integration.

A new study reveals that spontaneous calcium fluctuations in astrocytes are essential for memory consolidation. This finding challenges the neuron-centric view of the brain, suggesting that cellular unpredictability plays a vital role in stabilizing neural circuits.

New research shows that liberals typically seek comprehensive statistical comparisons to evaluate policies, whereas conservatives are more likely to rely on categorical data points or specific instances.

New research indicates that the aging brain’s emotional memory center is uniquely vulnerable to processed foods. Regardless of macronutrient makeup, refined diets caused mitochondrial dysfunction and memory loss in older rats within days.

Can you trust your memory after chatting with an AI? A new study reveals that misleading chatbots are significantly more effective at implanting false memories than static text, causing users to accept fake details as fact.

A longitudinal study suggests the developmental window for complex language comprehension closes much earlier in autistic children. Findings indicate learning rates decline exponentially starting around age two, emphasizing the urgency of early intervention.

Your brain keeps time on multiple scales. New research reveals that synchronizing these internal clocks with the brain’s physical structure is crucial for efficient thought and cognitive flexibility.