Scientists explored a technique called ‘neurofeedback,’ which enables ADHD patients to train their attention, based on instant feedback from the level of their brain activity. The team of neuroscientists found that not only did the training have a positive effect on patients’ concentration abilities, but also that the attention improvement was closely linked to an enhanced response from the brain — the P3 wave — …more
Who Needs the Grand Canyon? Try a Microadventure.
July 12th, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedWho Needs the Grand Canyon? Try a Microadventure. How to find a sense of awe and discover a miraculous world right outside your door. For most people, the first time they see the Grand Canyon or Yosemite Valley or Niagara Falls, their eyes widen, their jaws hit the floor and life is quiet for a moment. In other words, they are in awe. Researchers …more
3 Breathing Exercises to Improve Vagal Tone and Reduce Stress in a Flash
June 2nd, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedCranial nerve X. It sounds like a pretty rad superhero, or maybe the superhero’s genius sidekick who comes up with all the cool gadgets and never gets credit for being the one who actually foils the villain’s evil plans. …more
An Effortless Way to Improve Your Memory
May 14th, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedA surprisingly potent technique can boost your short and long-term recall – and it appears to help everyone from students to Alzheimer’s patients. Read full article: BBC Future; An Effortless Way to Improve Your Memory, By: David Robson
The pandemic made my kids more demanding. How do I turn things around?
May 11th, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedA few months ago, I was the moderator for a virtual roundtable discussion with some of the teachers at my kids’ school. This involved me going upstairs to my office — a place I rarely visit anymore — and closing the door for an hour after dinner. Read the full article: Washington Post; The pandemic made my kids more demanding. How do I turn things …more
Calm a Distressed Mind by Changing Your Environment
April 26th, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedOne of the biggest contributors to our happiness is something we barely pay attention to: the voice inside our own heads. As psychologist Ethan Kross describes in his new book Chatter, that voice is constantly analyzing the situations we’re in, reflecting on the past and future, and telling us who we are. While sometimes friendly and optimistic—it’s OK, everything’s going to work out!—it can also …more
A complete beginner’s guide to human memory
April 21st, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedWhat actually is memory? Memory, in short, is a process. It begins with an ‘encoding phase’ when experiences are represented in webs of interconnected neurons. Over the short term – imagine briefly memorising a phone number – this takes place at the front of the brain. If you process information deeply enough it will work its way through into longer-term storage, which involves the hippocampus …more
Need to Dust Off Your Social Skills?
April 12th, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedAfter a year of virtual gathering, getting back to real-life relationships can be intimidating. These eight simple exercises can help. Read full article: NY times; Need to Dust Off Your Social Skills?, By Bonnie Tsui.
Scientists who discovered migraine mechanism win £1.1m Brain prize
March 11th, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedWorld’s largest neuroscience prize goes to researchers whose work has paved way for preventive treatments. Read Full Article: The Guardian; Scientists who discovered migraine mechanism win £1.1m Brain prize
How to Help a Teen Out of a Homework Hole
March 5th, 2021 - By Jen in UncategorizedThe more students fall behind in the pandemic, the less likely they are to feel that they can catch up. Read full article: NY Times; How to Help a Teen Out of a Homework Hole, By: Lisa Damour