Hemispheric specialization is the phenomenon in which the two halves of the brain have different functions. Such separation may enhance cognition, but in order to combine information processed by different sides and to obtain a complete understanding of the environment, information exchange between the hemispheres is essential. Martina Manns and Julianne Römling of Ruhr-University ofContinueContinue reading “The right light for brain development”
Tag Archives: cognition
Astrocytes ‘feed’ memory formation
Astrocytes were initially considered ‘extras’ in the brain, supporting neurons, the principal actors. But more recent work has suggested that they are involved in cognitive functions such as information processing, signal transmission, and neural and synaptic plasticity. Now these star-shaped cells are moving farther into the spotlight, as new research shows them to be essentialContinueContinue reading “Astrocytes ‘feed’ memory formation”
Captive rooks master tool use
Subverting some popular thoughts on tool use and physical intelligence, a group of captive rooks has shown a remarkable capacity to modify and use various tools. Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) are not known to use tools in the wild, although they are closely related to New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides), which are habitual tool users. LabContinueContinue reading “Captive rooks master tool use”
Capuchin monkeys choose the right tool
Selecting an appropriate tool is key to the success of many tasks, and the development of this ability is typically thought to be restricted to humans and apes. But a new study shows that wild bearded capuchin monkeys can appreciate the properties of different stones and select the best one to use as a tool.ContinueContinue reading “Capuchin monkeys choose the right tool”
Rodents rake in rewards
In new research aimed at identifying brain changes that underlie the development of tool-use ability, scientists have taught captive rodents to use tools. This is the first report of such training in rodents. Atsushi Iriki and colleagues at the Brain Science Institute (RIKEN, Saitama, Japan) trained a group of five degus (Octodon degus), small rodentsContinueContinue reading “Rodents rake in rewards”
Chimps have a head for numbers
Chimpanzees may have better numerical memory than humans, according to a recent report by Sana Inoue and Tetsuro Matsuzawa of the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University, Japan (Curr. Biol. 17, R1004–R1005; 2007). Their results challenge the widely held belief that humans have superior cognitive function across the board compared with nonhuman primates. Lab Anim.ContinueContinue reading “Chimps have a head for numbers”
How a memory is made
Scientists claim to have visualized for the first time the cellular process of memory formation in rats. Gary Lynch and colleagues at the University of California (Irvine) and Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) used microscopic technology and a special marker to observe memory-related changes in the synapses of rat brains. Lab Anim. (NY) 36, 8ContinueContinue reading “How a memory is made”
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