Blogs

Most neuroscientists accept that the brain computes by modifying its synapses, the links between neurons. On this view, the brain learns because experience molds it, rather than because experience implants facts. But experience does implant facts. We all know this, because we retrieve and make use of them throughout the day. Most neuroscientists believe that the brain learns by rewiring itself—by changing the strength of connections between brain cells, or...

New research with mice offers insight into the complexities of motivation and reward. Inside the brain, a group of cells known as nociceptin neurons get very active before mice give up on reaching hard-to-get rewards, researchers report.These cells emit nociceptin, a complex molecule that suppresses dopamine, a chemical largely associated with motivation.The findings, which appear in Cell, offer new insight into the complex world of motivation and reward.The nociceptin neurons...

There's evidence that power actually changes the way the brain sees others, decreasing recognition of others' concerns.   Power corrupts, and we know exactly what it corrupts: empathy. The narcissistic mind keen on building fiefdoms has trouble seeing the effect of its actions on others. When at the University of Kent, researcher Ana Guinote found that powerful people tend to ignore peripheral data and don't process information about the less...

Researchers are surprising themselves with their breakthroughs in mind-reading experiments. There already are several demonstrations of researchers being able to 'see' the images a person's brain is seeing with frightening ease and accuracy using the widely available EEG. A neural network is presented with thousands of images and their characteristics made into short work of learning. The algorithm is then taught to match the characteristics with recorded EEG patterns. In...

Schools usually focus on teaching comprehension skills instead of general knowledge—even though education researchers know better Every two years, education-policy wonks gear up for what has become a time-honored ritual: the release of the Nation’s Report Card. Officially known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, the data reflect the results of reading and math tests administered to a sample of students across the country. Experts generally consider...