Let us first announce an upcoming Virtual Book Club Discussion focused on Brain Fitness, to take place on Monday March 14th in honor of Brain Awareness Week 2011 (March 14-20th). Let’s discuss burning issues together: Why care about neuroplasticity and the possibilities it offers to enrich our quality of life? What does cognitive reserve research mean to the way we learn, work, play, live? What is Brain Training — and what is not? All the conversation be virtual, via social media tools. You can learn more here.
This edition of SharpBrains monthly eNewsletter brings many articles on those topics. Enjoy!
Research Bites
The value of neuroimaging: Researcher Joaquin Anguera from UCSF shares with us what a participant goes through when volunteering for a neuroscience experiment these days.
How to boost self-control: David DiSalvo reviews a study testing whether observing someone else exert self-control boosts or reduces one’s own self-control.
The benefits of building cognitive reserve: Using a blood test able to detect beta amyloid 42 (the protein making up Alzheimer’s plaque), this new study shows that the association between amyloid and cognitive decline can be modified by cognitive reserve.
Why Maintaining Stimulating Relationships is Good for You: This Greater Good Magazine articles sheds some light on what good you can get from stimulating social relationships.
Can Cognitive Training Improve Physical Fitness? Indeed — this somehow counterintuitive study shows how the ability to walk and talk at the same time can be enhanced through a computerized mental workout. Brain impacts body.
Exercise as a Treatment for ADHD: And, of course, body impacts brain. Dr. David Rabiner tells us about a study suggesting how physical activity may be beneficial to youth with ADHD.
Action Video Games Can Boost Brain Functions: Specific video games seem to improve rapid decision-making used in many basic perceptual and sensory tasks.
Books and Events
Stretch and Shape the Brain: This new illustrated book by Dr. JoAnn Deak explains to children how the brain changes with experiences and how they have some control over their brain power and health.
Neuroscience Boot Camp: Organized by The University of Pennsylvania, July 31-August 10, 2011. A great event for anybody for whom it is important to understand, predict or influence human behavior.
What is brain fitness? What are main opportunities and challenges to innovate and improve the lives of a large number of people in the next decade? These are the questions that Alvaro Fernandez asked to the innovators, decision-makers and researchers who will speak at the 2011 SharpBrains Virtual Summit. Read their answers and insights, be inspired!
Brain Teasers
A test of Attractiveness. An average face (made from several other faces) is almost always judged as more attractive than its constituent faces. Experience this by creating your own average faces.
Test your Memory: How many letters can you memorize? A fun way of putting your short-term memory skills to test.
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Please don’t forget to engage via Facebook and Twitter and spread the word on the March 14th virtual book club discussion!
– The SharpBrains Team