Socializing at fast food joints is actually beneficial for elderly people’s brains, a new study suggests. Previous research has shown that social interaction is key to protecting the cognitive development and function of seniors. As it turns out, meeting up at a McDonald’s or a Burger King serves as a community space in which older … Read more
Despite not being able to talk, dogs process speech in the same way as humans do, according to a new study. Both dogs and human brains separately process the intonation – how a voice rises and falls – and the meaning of the words spoken. Hungarian researchers used functional MRI – measures brain activity by detecting changes … Read more
Maybe you won’t need the gym when they finally reopen! An ‘exercise PILL’ could be on the horizon after scientists find boosting levels of a liver protein mimicked benefits of working out in mice brains Researchers looked at the blood of elderly mice who exercised regularly compared to sedentary aged mice They found elevated levels of … Read more
Elon Musk claims Neuralink brain chip will eventually be able to stream music directly into peoples’ brains Elon Musk says Neuralink’s chip will be able to stream music into the brain Musk’s claim came in the form of an affirmative ‘Yes’ to a question on Twitter Neuralink will unveil more about its brain implant late … Read more
Close-up threats that invade your personal space activate the brain’s primitive ‘survival instinct’ and are more likely to trigger PTSD than those that are further away, study says Researchers saw evolutionary older parts of the brain activated for near threats But those at least ten feet away activated problem-solving areas of the organ They said … Read more
‘Mini brains’ grown from human stem cells containing Neanderthal DNA could shed light on how our ancient ancestors’ genes have influenced the development of our species They showed they can track the role of Neanderthal genes in the model organs The principle may be used with other bodily systems and ancient human species Around 2 … Read more
Music synchronises the brains of performers with their audience allowing them to experience emotions together, study claims Researchers measured the brain activity of a violinist and 16 audience members They found listening to music increases blood flow to certain parts of the brain These are regions relating to processing rhythm but also social understanding Music … Read more
Scientists have used ultrasound waves to control the brains of monkeys, which they say could lead to a treatment for addiction or depression in humans. In experiments, US researchers directed pulses of ultrasound waves at the brains of macaque monkeys to control their decision-making. By pointing the waves at parts of the frontal cortex, they … Read more
Human brains use dreams to replay recent events and help form memories — and experts have gotten the first glimpse of this process in action, a study has reported. When we sleep, our brains replay the firing patterns our neurons underwent while awake — a process that experts refer to as ‘offline replay’. It is … Read more
Older adults who regularly do Sudoku or crosswords have sharper brains that are 10 YEARS younger, finds study University of Exeter and King’s College London carried out the research They analysed data from 19,000 participants who completed an online survey They were asked to report how frequently they engage in challenging puzzles And they undertook … Read more