Cognition

Researchers activated specific brain cells in zebra finches to teach them songs they’d ordinarily have to hear to learn.

Pet dogs appeared more interested in videos of a bouncing ball when the motion of the ball matched a rising and falling tone. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Forming lasting memories appears to depend on an interaction between glial cells and brain waves that are produced during sleep

Cats are clingier to their human owners than their reputation would suggest. Karen Hopkin reports.

An interactive system produces levitating images by projecting color onto a tiny bead as it zips around a darkened box

And then they rip them to shreds

A chance discovery brings new interest in porcine intelligence

New research suggests that those who display the most concern for others are also the most socially polarized

Within just a third of a second of hearing a snippet of a familiar refrain, our pupils dilate, and the brain shows signs of recognition. Christopher Intagliata reports.

A tool that helps to match immediate reward with long-term value motivated people to make better decisions and overcome procrastination 

Slow-wave activity during dreamless slumber helps wash out neural detritus

Work on an “Internet of brains” takes another step