Neuro Clips August 15, 2014

August 2 – August 15, 2014

Neuro Clips:

Expecting to teach enhances learning, recall

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140808163445.htm

Summary: Recent study explores the effectiveness of recall memory in learners based on the expectation that they will be tested versus being asked to teach the subject matter. Research findings suggest that students who were told that they would be asked to teach other students gained a more fluid and coherent understanding of material. Findings suggest potential classroom application to place students in a different mindset in order to optimize the learning experience.

Scientists confirm effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140808163443.htm

Summary: A pilot study as part of the Kessler Foundation’s MEMREHAB Trial assessed the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis patients. The results demonstrated patterns of increased brain activity during functional brain imaging at 6-month follow-up. These findings suggest the potential long-term effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with MS.

Musical training offsets some academic achievement gaps, research says

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140808110024.htm

Summary: A recent study of children involved in musical training programs in Los Angeles and Chicago public schools found that musical training improves the way a child’s nervous system processes sounds in a busy environment. This improved sound processing may be applicable to a busy classroom and lead to strengthened reading and language skills.

Common chemical in mothers may negatively affect the IQ of their unborn children

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140805132514.htm

Summary: A recent study examined mother-child pairs with underactive thyroid glands compared to those with high levels of perchlorate in their body. Perchlorate is a compound found in the thyroid gland, which helps regulate hormone levels. Those mothers with the highest levels of perchlorate’s offspring demonstrate below average IQ levels compared to other children. These results suggest the potential negative side effects of perchlorate, which can be found in many foods and drinking water supplies.

Brain imaging shows brain differences in risk-taking teens

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140815102326.htm

Summary: Researchers explored the potential relationship between communication of emotion-regulation networks in the brain and risk-taking behavior in teens. The findings indicate hyper-connectivity of the amygdala, responsible for emotional reactivity, in risk-taking teens. This in addition to other study findings may present possible areas of interest in assess potential brain biomarkers present in teens at risk for dangerous behaviors in the future.

Memories of errors foster faster learning

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140814191352.htm

Summary: In a recent study of errors and learning, researchers found that the brain is able to generalize from one task to another by learning from previous errors. The study findings also indicate that memory of previous errors lends to faster learning.

PTSD can develop even without memory of the trauma, study concludes

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140814123844.htm

Summary: Explicit memories are those that can be recalled. In a recent study, researchers found that even without explicit memory of stressful or traumatic events, PTSD may still develop. These findings highlight the importance of investigating how the brain actually processes trauma both cognitively and emotionally.

Surprising differences in how teen athletes experience concussion

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140813132039.htm

Summary: In a recent study of a subset of high school athletes aged 12-17, researchers explored differences in physical, emotional, and cognitive post-concussion symptoms. The findings indicate a two-way relationship between emotional symptoms that develop with physical symptoms as well as emotional symptoms that develop secondary to physical symptoms. These findings shed light on the interaction between emotional and physical concussion symptoms, which may contribute to more accurate and effective treatment planning.

Involuntary eye movement a foolproof indication for ADHD diagnosis

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140813131055.htm

Summary: Researchers found a direct correlation between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the inability to suppress eye movement in the anticipation of visual stimuli. The findings suggest that an assessment of involuntary eye movements may present an accurate diagnostic test of ADHD.