New Atlas

Medical Audio available

Age-related memory decline reversed with magnetic pulses to the brain

Rich Haridy April 17, 2019

Researchers at Northwestern University have used a non-invasive form of magnetic brain stimulation to improve the memory of older adults. After just five short sessions the older adults scored as well as a younger cohort on a variety of memory tasks.

A compelling study has found that just five 20-minute magnetic stimulation sessions restored an older person's ...

Medical

Electrical brain stimulation winds memory function back 50 years

Nick Lavars April 8, 2019

A new study conducted by scientists at Boston University has outlined a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that was able to restore working memory in 70-year-old subjects, so much so they functioned like a healthy 20-year-old.

Neuroscientist Rob Reinhart has discovered a way to mend broken pathways in the brain and restore ...

Health & Wellbeing

Depression and anxiety linked to memory loss in later life

Anthony Wood March 21, 2019

A newly-published study has found a link between repeated episodes of anxiety and depression experienced in the first four decades of life, and a decline in memory function by the time a person reaches their 50s.

The study indicates that multiple episodes of depression could be associated with a decrease in memory ...

Science Audio available

It takes more brain power to forget something than to remember it

Anthony Wood March 12, 2019

An important part of the human brain has to work harder to actively forget a memory than it does to remember it, according to the results of a newly-published study. The research could one day lead to a treatment designed to remove painful memories.

The team used fMRI and machine learning to track brain function

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Sleep study finds pros and cons to afternoon nap for teenage brain health

Rich Haridy February 24, 2019

New research has revealed that a short night sleep with an afternoon nap is better for a teenager's mood and cognition than a longer, continuous night’s sleep. On the other hand, the split sleep students reported higher glucose levels, a marker that points to increased diabetes risk.

The study found 5 hours sleep plus a 90 minute afternoon nap was better for a ...

Science

Cognitive decline prevented in old mice with a dose of young bone marrow

Rich Haridy February 21, 2019

For centuries humans have anecdotally espoused the rejuvenating properties of young blood, however it is only recently that scientists have begun to seriously explore the idea. A new study has homed in on a potential hypothesis revealing young bone marrow transplants improved memory in old mice.

It may not be young blood but in fact young bone marrow that confers cognitive benefits ...

Medical Audio available

20-year study finds link between mid-life inflammation and cognitive decline in old age

Rich Haridy February 14, 2019

A fascinating study tracking thousands of people for 20 years has revealed an intriguing association between signs of chronic inflammation in middle age, and the development of memory and thinking problems in older age.

New research suggests chronic inflammation may be a useful biomarker for future cognitive decline in later ...

Medical Audio available

New experimental drug rapidly repairs age-related memory loss and improves mood

Rich Haridy February 14, 2019

A team of Canadian scientists has developed a fascinating new experimental drug that is purported to produce rapid improvements to both mood and memory following extensive animal testing. It's hoped the drug will move to human trials within the next two years.

It's hoped a new drug showing promise for reversing age- and depression-related memory loss will move ...

Mobile Technology Audio available

Your next Samsung phone could have 1 TB of storage as new chips roll out

David Nield January 30, 2019

You'll soon be able to buy a smartphone with 1 TB of storage space built right in, as Samsung has announced it's working on 1 TB embedded Universal Flash Storage (eUFS) chips. We might even see it appear in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10, scheduled to appear on February 20.

The successor to the Galaxy Note 9 could have 1 TB of internal storage

Science

Stress in middle age found to shrink your brain and impair memory

Rich Haridy October 24, 2018

A new study has found a strong association between increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol and impaired memory in middle-aged adults. The research suggests that extended periods of stress while a person is in their 40s and 50s can result in reduced cognitive skills, and even brain shrinkage.

High levels of stress-induced cortisol have been associated with reduced brain volume and impaired memory