mind

Using advanced MRI scanning, researchers found that focused attention meditation reduces the backward flow of cerebrospinal fluid through a critical brain

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the efficacy of working memory training (WMT) using the dual N-back (DNB) task on cognitive performance in young adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: Over the course of at least 18 daily sessions conducted within one month, 106 participants (33 non-medicated ADHD, 42 medicated ADHD, and 45 controls) were randomly assigned to either a fixed dual 1-back (FD1B) training condition or an adaptive DNB condition, wherein the N-back level increased following successful completion of each trial block. Cognitive performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) Working Memory Index (WMI) and the Corsi Block-Tapping Task. Results: A mixed-design ANOVA revealed significant improvements in DNB performance across all groups, with the adaptive training condition producing larger gains (e.g., a 204.6% improvement in controls, Cohen’s d=1.85). WAIS-IV WMI scores—particularly the Digit Span Backward subtest—also improved significantly post-training, with greater effect sizes in the adaptive condition (d=0.46) than in FD1B (d=0.27). Corsi performance showed very modest gains, showing a surprising tendency to be more associated with the FD1B condition than the adaptive condition. Control participants outperformed the medicated ADHD group on WAIS-IV subtests, although no significant differences emerged between medicated and non-medicated ADHD participants. Correlational analyses indicated task-specific training effects, with adaptive training enhancing associations between DNB and Corsi performance in both controls (r=0.60) and medicated ADHD participants (r=0.51). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that dual N-back training improves verbal working memory in young adults with ADHD, specifically in a sample without psychiatric comorbidities. Transfer benefit to visuospatial domains appears limited and may not generalize to adolescents, older adults, or individuals with complex clinical profiles. The results underscore the importance of tailoring training protocols to maximize cognitive outcomes across different domains.

A creative sweet spot.

A new clinical trial shows that we can engage in brain training to reduce decline and rejuvenate the brain's communication system.

Scientists have, for the first time, identified the brain signals linked to extinguishing fear memories in humans.

This study provides causal evidence demonstrating that consuming a high flavanol diet improves dentate gyrus function and dentate gyrus–dependent cognitive functions in aged humans.

A new study suggests that regular users of psychedelics may process self-related thoughts differently at both psychological and brain levels, revealing altered patterns of brain activity during self-reflection compared to non-users who intend to try psychedelics.

Daytime napping may help to preserve brain health by slowing the rate at which our brains shrink as we age, suggests a new study led by researchers at UCL and the University of the Republic in

The likelihood to recall in the morning that one had a dream and the ability to remember its content are modulated by a combination of stable individual traits and dynamic night-by-night and seasonal change.

“Engineering” sleeping consciousness could reduce nightmares, treat insomnia—and even induce specific dreams just for fun

Imagery training, specifically visual and kinesthetic imagery training, is a well-established method of increasing performance in sport. However, some athletes may have impoverished imagery abiliti...

Scientific Reports - 40-Hz Binaural beats enhance training to mitigate the attentional blink

There is growing availability of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including cognitive enhancers (CEs) which can be used in the treatment of certain mental health disorders. While treating cognitive deficit symptoms in neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative ...

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) have attracted the attention of researchers because of their influence on circulatory levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our objective was to revi...

In the ongoing work to realize the full potential of quantum computing, scientists could perhaps try peering into our own brains to see what's possible: A new study suggests that the brain actually has a lot in common with a quantum computer.