Tag Archives: brain plasticity

Editorial

World IQ Decline

Leave a comment

The Impact of Social Media on Cognitive Abilities: A Cognitive Trade-Off Perspective

Introduction

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the decline in global IQ scores. Simultaneously, an increase in visual-spatial IQ has been observed, particularly among younger generations. This phenomenon coincides with the rapid rise in social media usage, leading researchers to explore potential correlations. This article examines the relationship between social media consumption, specifically the act of scrolling through feeds, and changes in cognitive abilities using cognitive trade-off theory.

The Flynn Effect and Its Reversal

The Flynn Effect refers to the observed rise in IQ scores throughout the 20th century, attributed to improvements in nutrition, education, and healthcare. However, recent data suggest a potential reversal of this trend, with some studies indicating a decline in IQ scores in the 21st century (Bratsberg & Rogeberg, 2018). This reversal coincides with the proliferation of digital technology and social media, prompting investigations into their cognitive impacts.

The Decline in Global IQ

Lynn and Harvey (2008) proposed that dysgenic fertility, where more intelligent individuals have fewer children, contributes to the decline in IQ. Additionally, environmental factors such as technological advancements and lifestyle changes impact cognitive development (Flynn, 1984). Recent research indicates that technological factors, including social media, may also play a significant role (Twenge, 2019).

The Rise in Visual-Spatial IQ

Despite the overall decline in IQ, visual-spatial abilities seem to be improving. Visual-spatial IQ refers to the capacity to understand, reason, and remember the spatial relations among objects. This improvement can be attributed to increased exposure to visual stimuli, particularly through digital media. Green and Bavelier (2003) demonstrated that action video game players exhibit enhanced visual-spatial skills, indicating that engagement with dynamic visual environments can boost these abilities.

The Cognitive Trade-Off Theory

Cognitive trade-off theory suggests that the brain reallocates resources based on environmental demands and usage patterns. As individuals spend more time on social media, they engage more frequently in tasks that involve visual processing and less in tasks that require verbal and logical reasoning. This shift may explain the increase in visual-spatial IQ and the concurrent decline in overall IQ. The theory posits that the brain’s plasticity allows it to adapt to the most frequently used skills, potentially at the expense of less utilized cognitive functions (Carr, 2011).

Social Media and Cognitive Processing

The increase in social media use means that users are constantly exposed to new visual information. Scrolling through feeds requires rapid processing of images and videos, enhancing visual-spatial skills. However, this comes at the expense of language and logical reasoning skills. Social media platforms, designed to capture attention through engaging visuals, lead to frequent and prolonged use, reshaping cognitive priorities (Ophir, Nass, & Wagner, 2009).

Diminished Language Skills

Engaging heavily with social media impacts language abilities in several ways:

  • Abbreviated Communication: Social media platforms encourage brief, concise communication, often limiting complex language use and the development of rich vocabulary. Studies show that the character limits on platforms like Twitter can restrict expressive language use (Berkowitz, 2017).
  • Reduced Reading and Writing: Time spent on social media detracts from time that could be spent reading books or writing extensively, activities that enhance language skills. According to a study by Neuman and Celano (2006), decreased time spent reading traditional texts correlates with lower language development.
  • Superficial Processing: The rapid consumption of information leads to more superficial processing of content, reducing opportunities for deep linguistic engagement and critical thinking. Research by Jackson et al. (2006) indicates that multitasking with media can impair cognitive control and deeper information processing.

Brain Systems Involved

Several brain systems are involved in the cognitive changes associated with increased social media use:

  • Visual Cortex: The primary visual cortex (V1) and associated visual processing areas are heavily engaged during the consumption of visual content on social media. This increased activity can enhance visual-spatial skills but may divert resources from other cognitive functions (Haxby et al., 2001).
  • Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for complex cognitive behavior, decision-making, and moderating social behavior, the prefrontal cortex is less engaged when social media use prioritizes rapid visual processing over deep, analytical thought (Miller & Cohen, 2001).
  • Language Centers: Areas such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, which are critical for language production and comprehension, may receive less stimulation with the abbreviated communication style prevalent on social media (Friederici, 2011).

Confirmation Bias and Information Overload

Social media platforms often reinforce confirmation bias, presenting users with information that aligns with their existing beliefs. This phenomenon restricts the cognitive capacity for critical thinking and the assimilation of new, contradicting information. As individuals are bombarded with information that supports their biases, they lose the ability to process new information critically and adjust their beliefs accordingly (Sunstein, 2009).

Conclusion

The interplay between social media usage and cognitive abilities is a complex and evolving topic. While social media enhances visual-spatial skills, it also contributes to a decline in overall IQ by reallocating cognitive resources away from verbal and logical reasoning. Understanding these changes is crucial as we navigate an increasingly digital world. Further research is needed to explore the long-term implications of these cognitive shifts and to develop strategies for balanced cognitive development.

References

  1. Lynn, R., & Harvey, J. (2008). The decline of the world’s IQ. Intelligence, 36(2), 112-120. doi:10.1016/j.intell.2007.03.004.
  2. Flynn, J. R. (1984). The mean IQ of Americans: Massive gains 1932 to 1978. Psychological Bulletin, 95(1), 29-51.
  3. Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2003). Action video game modifies visual selective attention. Nature, 423(6939), 534-537.
  4. Carr, N. (2011). The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains. W.W. Norton & Company.
  5. Ophir, E., Nass, C., & Wagner, A. D. (2009). Cognitive control in media multitaskers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(37), 15583-15587.
  6. Berkowitz, J. (2017). Character limits: the role of social media in shaping public discourse. Journal of Communication, 67(2), 342-365.
  7. Neuman, S. B., & Celano, D. (2006). The knowledge gap: Implications of leveling the playing field for low-income and middle-income children. Reading Research Quarterly, 41(2), 176-201.
  8. Jackson, G., et al. (2006). Information overload and cognitive processing. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 32(3), 545-555.
  9. Haxby, J. V., et al. (2001). Distributed and overlapping representations of faces and objects in ventral temporal cortex. Science, 293(5539), 2425-2430.
  10. Miller, E. K., & Cohen, J. D. (2001). An integrative theory of prefrontal cortex function. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 24, 167-202.
  11. Friederici, A. D. (2011). The brain basis of language processing: From structure to function. Physiological Reviews, 91(4), 1357-1392.
  12. Sunstein, C. R. (2009). Republic.com 2.0. Princeton University Press.
  13. Bratsberg, B., & Rogeberg, O. (2018). Flynn effect and its reversal are both environmentally caused. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(26), 6674-6678.
  14. Twenge, J. M. (2019). The Sad State of Happiness in the United States and the Role of Digital Media. World Happiness Report 2019, 87-103.
Autism

Autism By Design

Leave a comment

The Role of Self-Organizing Neural Activity in Autism Development

A recent study published in Nature Communications and covered by Medical Xpress demonstrates the brain’s remarkable ability to self-organize during early development. This international research collaboration between the University of Minnesota and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies reveals that the cortex can transform unstructured inputs into organized patterns of activity independently.

Study Overview

The researchers focused on the developing cortex of juvenile ferrets before they gained visual experience. Using advanced techniques such as optogenetics (to control neuron activity with light) and calcium imaging (to visualize neuron activity), they observed how the cortex self-organizes into modular patterns.

Key Findings

  1. Self-Organization of Cortical Activity:
    • The cortex can create structured activity patterns from unstructured inputs, a process that happens within the brain itself without needing external information.
    • These patterns have a characteristic size and shape, suggesting a natural preference for certain organizational structures.
  2. Local Excitation and Lateral Inhibition (LE/LI) Mechanism:
    • The study supports the LE/LI mechanism, where local excitation (neurons stimulating their neighbors) and lateral inhibition (neurons suppressing more distant neighbors) lead to the formation of these patterns.
    • This mechanism allows for a balance between stability and flexibility in brain activity.
  3. Independence from External Inputs:
    • Even when visual inputs were blocked, the brain continued to form these patterns, indicating that they are a product of internal brain processes.
    • Blocking internal connections within the cortex stopped the formation of patterns, showing that these internal connections are crucial.
  4. Similarity to Spontaneous Activity:
    • The patterns seen with controlled light stimulation were similar to those observed during spontaneous brain activity, suggesting a common underlying process.

Implications for Autism

These findings provide insight into the fundamental processes of brain development and suggest a new perspective on autism:

  1. Autistic Brain Development:
    • The study implies that the brains of autistic individuals might be “programmed” to develop certain patterns of activity differently or more intensely.
    • This could explain why autistic individuals process information and perceive the world uniquely.
  2. Natural Pace of Development:
    • Allowing autistic brains to develop at their own pace, without external pressure to conform to typical developmental timelines, might support better integration and functionality.
    • This aligns with the idea that autistic individuals may benefit from environments that reduce stress and accommodate their natural developmental trajectories.
  3. Educational and Therapeutic Approaches:
    • Educational strategies could be tailored to support slower, individualized learning paces, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment for autistic students.
    • Therapies that enhance natural developmental processes, rather than forcing conformity, could be more beneficial.

Challenging Misconceptions

The Medical Xpress article discussing this study mentions “…. that any perturbations to these small-scale interactions can dramatically change the function of the brain, which may impact sensory perception and possibly contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.”

As an autistic individual, this research suggests the opposite. It shows that the brain has an inherent plan for development, and deviations from typical development could be more about environmental impacts than a fundamental flaw in the brain’s design.

However, this article turned the focus from a cool brain discovery to another autism cause study, which it wasn’t. Using Autism as click bait not only feeds the bias surrounding autism but its terrible read as a Autistic person.

Imagine living in a world where everywhere you turn EVERYONE believes the same awful things about a condition they know nothing about and then they want to make sure there is no more of you in the future! Its gross.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the natural developmental processes of the brain. For autistic individuals, this means recognizing and supporting their unique developmental needs. By creating environments that allow autistic brains to develop at their own pace, we can promote better integration into society and enhance their overall well-being.

In essence, the findings suggest that the brain’s ability to self-organize is a critical aspect of development. For autistic individuals, this natural process might require more time and a supportive environment to unfold fully. Embracing this perspective could lead to more effective educational and therapeutic strategies, ultimately fostering a more inclusive society.

Research team demonstrates cortex’s self-organizing abilities in neural development

Published in Nature Communications, an international collaboration between researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies investigated how highly organized patterns of neural activity emerge during development. They found the cortex of the brain can transform unorganized inputs into highly organized patterns of activity-demonstrating self-organization.

Mulholland, H.N., Kaschube, M. & Smith, G.B. Self-organization of modular activity in immature cortical networks. Nat Commun 15, 4145 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48341-x

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48341-x

Brain Basics

The Frontal Cortex and Environment

Leave a comment

The Development of the Frontal Cortex: Influences and Impacts from Infancy to Adulthood

The frontal cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex (PFC), is a pivotal region in the brain that undergoes extensive development from infancy through adulthood. This development is influenced by many factors, including genetics and environment, and plays a critical role in the emergence of complex behaviours, decision-making, social interactions, and cognitive functions.

Development of the Frontal Cortex

Infancy and Early Childhood:

  • Rapid Growth: The frontal cortex experiences rapid growth and changes during the first few years of life. This period is crucial for the formation of synaptic connections.
  • Synaptogenesis: Synapse formation explodes in the PFC during early childhood, leading to a surplus of synaptic connections.
  • Myelination: Alongside synaptogenesis, myelination (the process of forming a myelin sheath around neurons to increase the speed at which information can travel) begins in the frontal cortex and continues into adolescence and early adulthood.

Adolescence:

  • Synaptic Pruning: During adolescence, the brain undergoes a significant restructuring process, during which excess synapses are eliminated, known as synaptic pruning. This is crucial for the brain’s efficient functioning, as it enhances neural pathways that are frequently used and eliminates those that are not.
  • Functional Specialization: The adolescent brain starts to show more specialized activity in the frontal cortex, supporting the development of advanced cognitive functions such as abstract thinking, planning, and impulse control.

Adulthood:

  • Maturation: By early adulthood, the frontal cortex reaches full maturation. However, the brain remains plastic, and the frontal cortex can continue to adapt and reorganize based on experiences.

Importance of Environment on Frontal Cortex Development

Stimulation:

  • Early Experiences: Rich sensory, emotional, and cognitive experiences in early childhood can stimulate synaptic growth and myelination in the frontal cortex. This includes interactive play, language exposure, and problem-solving activities.
  • Learning and Education: Formal and informal educational experiences during childhood and adolescence can significantly influence the development of the frontal cortex, promoting cognitive skills like attention, memory, and executive function.

Stress and Adversity:

  • Impact of Stress: Chronic stress or adverse experiences can negatively impact the development of the frontal cortex. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol can affect brain plasticity and may lead to impairments in functions associated with the PFC.
  • Resilience and Recovery: The brain’s plasticity allows for potential recovery and resilience. Supportive and enriching environments can help mitigate the adverse effects of early stress or deprivation.

Social Interactions:

  • Role of Social Environment: Interactions with caregivers, peers, and educators provide essential stimuli that influence the development of the frontal cortex. These interactions can enhance cognitive and social-emotional skills governed by this brain region.
  • Cultural Factors: The cultural context also shapes the experiences that influence frontal cortex development, affecting norms, values, and behaviours that are learned and internalized.

In conclusion, the development of the frontal cortex is a prolonged and complex process influenced significantly by genetic and environmental factors. The interplay between these factors can determine the trajectory of an individual’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Understanding this interplay offers insights into fostering supportive, enriching environments that can optimize frontal cortex development and contribute to overall well-being and cognitive functioning from infancy through adulthood.

Brain Basics

The Intricate World of Neurons

Leave a comment

Neurons called the brain and nervous system building blocks, are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body. Their unique structure and ability to communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals enable the vast array of human behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.

Structure and Function: A typical neuron comprises a cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and cytoplasm, essential for the neuron’s metabolic activities. Dendrites extend from the cell body like branches, receiving signals from other neurons. The axon is a long, thin projection that transmits these signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

How Neurons Develop: Neuronal development is a complex process that includes neurogenesis (the birth of neurons), differentiation (where neurons acquire their specific functions), and synaptogenesis (the formation of synapses). This process is guided by both genetic programming and environmental factors, allowing the nervous system to adapt to its surroundings. During development, neurons extend axons to reach their target cells and establish synaptic connections, a process involving guidance cues and signalling molecules.

Mirror Neurons: A fascinating subset of neurons, known as mirror neurons, was first discovered in the early 1990s. These neurons fire when an individual acts and when they observe the same action performed by another. Mirror neurons play a crucial role in understanding others’ actions, intentions, and emotions, contributing to developing empathy, social learning, and language acquisition.

Neural Communication: Neurons communicate at synapses, where one neuron’s axon terminal meets another’s dendrite. This communication is achieved by releasing neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on the receiving neuron. This process converts the electrical signal into a chemical signal and back into an electrical signal in the receiving neuron, allowing the message to continue.

Neuroplasticity: One of the most remarkable aspects of neurons is their plasticity—their ability to change in response to experience or injury. Neuroplasticity manifests in several ways, including forming new connections, strengthening or weakening existing connections, and creating new neurons in some brain regions, even into adulthood. This adaptability is essential for learning, memory, and recovery from brain injuries.

In conclusion, neurons are not just the functional units of the brain and nervous system; they are dynamic entities that play a crucial role in every aspect of human thought, behavior, and emotion. The study of neurons, including specialized types like mirror neurons, continues to unravel the mysteries of the brain, offering insights into the fundamental processes that make us who we are.

Videos

Imaging reveals patterns in neuron firing

Description: In the brain, cortical neurons fire in response to stimuli from the body, and thalamic neurons provide feedback that regulates the cortical neurons’ firing―and thus helps keep the brain functioning smoothly. To find out more about the interplay between these two types of neurons, researchers in the Brain Mechanisms for Behavior Unit grew them in a dish from embryonic neurons.

Imaging of Neurons Firing

Whole-brain Imaging of Neuronal Activity with Cellular Resolution

Video of dorsal and lateral projections of whole-brain, neuron-level functional activity in a zebrafish, reported by the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP5G. HHMI Bulletin article: https://www.hhmi.org/bulletin/spring-2013/flashes-insight Nature: http://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/v10/n5/full/nmeth.2434.html

Whole Brain Imaging of Neuronal Activity

Neurons under microscope

Uploaded by Mr.Duncan’s Social Studies Channel on 2019-02-11.

This is what brain cell conversations look like

Call them the neuron whisperers. Researchers are eavesdropping on conversations going on between brain cells in a dish. Rather than hearing the chatter, they watch neurons that have been genetically modified so that the electrical impulses moving along their branched tendrils cause sparkles of red light (see video).

Neuronal Uniqueness in Neurodivergent Brains

Neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others. Brain structure and function variations, including unique aspects of neuronal development, organization, and connectivity, characterize these conditions. While individual experiences and symptoms can vary widely, research has identified several neurobiological distinctions that contribute to the unique cognitive and sensory processing patterns observed in neurodivergent individuals.

Neuronal Development and Connectivity:

  • Increased Synaptic Density: Neurodivergent brains, particularly in autism, have been observed to exhibit increased synaptic density, meaning there are more connections between neurons. This can lead to a more prosperous, albeit more overwhelming, sensory experience and may contribute to the enhanced detail-focused processing seen in some autistic individuals.
  • Altered Neural Pathways: Differences in the development of neural pathways, including those related to social cognition, executive function, and sensory processing, have been documented. For example, in dyslexia, there is often altered connectivity in regions involved in reading and language processing. In ADHD, alterations in pathways associated with attention and executive functions are common.
  • Mirror Neuron System Variations: The mirror neuron system, implicated in understanding others’ actions and intentions, shows differences in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism. This variation may contribute to challenges in social interaction and empathy experienced by some people on the autism spectrum.

Neuroplasticity and Compensation:

Neurodivergent brains often exhibit remarkable neuroplasticity, allowing individuals to develop unique strategies to navigate their environments and tasks. This adaptive capability can lead to exceptional abilities in certain areas, such as memory, art, computing, and pattern recognition.

Sensory Processing:

Neurodivergent individuals frequently experience atypical sensory processing, which may be related to differences in neuronal sensitivity and synaptic processing. This can result in hypersensitivities or hyposensitivities to sensory inputs like sound, light, and touch, profoundly affecting daily functioning and preferences.

Structural and Functional Differences:

It’s crucial to note that neurodivergence encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological variations, and the degree to which these characteristics manifest can vary greatly among individuals. Understanding these unique neuronal attributes in neurodivergent brains continues to evolve, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches in education, therapy, and support. This changing understanding also celebrates the diversity of human brains and the myriad ways they interpret and interact with the world.

  • Variability in Brain Volume and Structure: Research has identified variations in overall brain volume and the size and structure of specific brain regions in neurodivergent individuals. For instance, early rapid brain growth followed by a levelling off has been observed in some children with autism.
  • Differential Activation Patterns: Functional imaging studies have shown that neurodivergent individuals may use different brain regions compared to neurotypical individuals when performing the same tasks. These differences in brain activation patterns highlight the diverse ways the brain can accomplish cognitive and sensory processing.

Recognizing and understanding these differences not only enhances our appreciation of neurodivergence but also underscores the importance of tailored educational and therapeutic approaches. Ultimately, by embracing and supporting neurodivergent individuals, we foster a more inclusive and understanding society, celebrating the diversity of human brains and their unique interpretations of the world.