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The article discusses the importance of executive function (EF) skills in promoting learning, school success, and life skills. EF skills are attention-regulation skills that allow students to focus, ignore distractions, retain information, adopt new perspectives, and manage emotions and behavior. These skills are strongly related to academic success and other real-world outcomes, such as job success and relationship success. Educators can support the development of EF skills by providing opportunities for practice and reflection in various contexts. The cultivation of EF skills can occur alongside teaching traditional content, such as math. [Extracted from the article]

Dr. Sobana Wijeakumar, a psychologist at the University of Nottingham, discusses her transition from electronic engineering to psychology and her current research focus on visual working memory in infants and toddlers. She explains the importance of using neuroimaging techniques, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to understand brain function in individuals who cannot verbalize their thoughts, such as infants. Dr. Wijeakumar also discusses her ongoing project, Project NeuroSync, which aims to understand how children synchronize with their caregivers and how caregivers' regulated behaviors impact their babies' ability to detect change and develop visual working memory. She emphasizes the importance of diverse engagement and involving both parents in research studies. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of California conducted a study on interoceptive attention and mindfulness, focusing on the modulation of posterior default mode network (pDMN) activity during breath-monitoring tasks. The study involved individuals across various age groups and found that consistency in breath-monitoring tasks correlated with performance on inhibitory control tasks. Elevated pDMN alpha activity was identified as a neural marker for low-consistency responding during interoceptive attention and was associated with low subjective mindfulness. The research suggests a role for frontal networks in regulating pDMN activity during tasks. [Extracted from the article]

A pilot study conducted by RUDN University in Moscow, Russia, focused on the effectiveness of short-term sensorimotor training incorporating cognitive tasks for pediatric survivors of posterior fossa tumors. The study included 48 participants in remission after completing treatment for posterior fossa tumors, with results showing a significant reduction in visuomotor reaction time across age and tumor subgroups. The research suggests that this training could be a feasible intervention to improve visual-motor performance in pediatric survivors of posterior fossa tumors, but further research is needed to address assessment issues and limitations. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Medical University of Pleven in Bulgaria examined the impact of executive dysfunctions on behavior and quality of life in elderly patients three months after an ischemic stroke. The research found that impaired global executive functioning, inhibitory control system, executive attention, cognitive flexibility, and working memory were common among the patients studied. The study concluded that patients with executive dysfunctions require specific cognitive rehabilitation and social support to improve their quality of life and prognosis post-stroke. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the role of liver mitochondrial energy metabolism in regulating food intake, particularly in individuals with obesity. Research suggests that impaired liver ATP levels may lead to increased food consumption and reduced inhibition of food intake. The study highlights the potential of the liver as a sensor for regulating food intake through modulation of peripheral signals. This information is based on a preprint abstract and has not yet been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Marquette University explored the relationship between neurocognitive functioning and treatment outcomes in adults with Trichotillomania (TTM). The research found that better pre-treatment response inhibition predicted positive treatment response and lower post-treatment TTM symptom severity, regardless of the type of therapy received. Cognitive flexibility was not found to predict treatment response, and neither neurocognitive variable changed during treatment. The study highlights the importance of understanding neurocognitive factors in relation to hair pulling severity and treatment response in adults with TTM. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Indian Institute for Technology conducted a study on the impact of mindfulness meditation on response inhibition in emotional contexts. The study found that mindfulness meditators showed enhanced response inhibition when presented with angry faces, while non-meditators showed this enhancement with happy faces. This research sheds light on how mindfulness influences attention to emotional stimuli and response processes over time, contributing to a better understanding of the attention-emotion interface. The study was funded by various organizations and has been peer-reviewed, providing valuable insights into the benefits of mindfulness practice. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Department of Pharmacology in San Antonio, Texas, have detailed the effects of chronic stress on cognitive function in psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and addictive behavior. The study highlights the need for a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments and the development of effective interventions. Funded by organizations like the NIH and the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the research emphasizes the importance of addressing cognitive impairment in stress-related disorders for the advancement of therapeutic approaches. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Riphah International University in Islamabad, Pakistan, conducted a study on the effects of novel exergame balance training on cognitive functions in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The study compared the impact of different difficulty levels of exergame training on cognitive abilities such as global cognition, inhibitory control, and attention. Results showed no significant difference between mild, moderate, and high difficulty groups, but the high-difficulty group exhibited greater clinical improvement in various cognitive functions. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Allameh Tabataba'i University compared the effectiveness of a cognitive exergame called Neurolight to computerized cognitive games in enhancing cognitive and motor functions in elderly individuals aged 60 to 69. The research found that cognitive-motor exercises using Neurolight significantly improved working memory, inhibitory control, and balance in this age group. The study suggests that combined cognitive and physical exercises may have a better effect on enhancing cognitive and motor functions in the elderly, and the use of this exercise system is recommended for coaches and therapists working with this population. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review conducted by researchers at "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro focused on prospective memory (PM) in children and adolescents, highlighting its importance for daily functioning and independence. The review included 49 studies examining PM in typically developing children and adolescents, revealing a developmental trajectory of PM performance from age 2 to adolescence. Factors influencing PM development included retrospective memory, executive functions, attention, metamemory, and motivation. The study emphasized the need for standardized measures for potential clinical applications and provided insights for researchers selecting optimal tasks for measuring PM across different age groups. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Jishou University in China explored the relationship between anxiety, inhibitory control, physical activity, and internet addiction in Chinese adolescents. The research found a positive correlation between anxiety and internet addiction, as well as a negative correlation with inhibitory control. Physical activity was shown to weaken the predictive effect of anxiety on inhibitory control, suggesting that promoting physical exercise among adolescents could alleviate the negative impact of anxiety on their psychological and behavioral health. The study highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in adolescents through physical activity interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Curtin University in Perth, Australia, explored the relationship between social media use, attentional control, and psychological distress. The research found that while social media use was positively associated with attentional control and anxiety, the links between social media use and psychological distress were minimal. The study emphasized the importance of using objective measures when examining the impact of social media on mental health and cognitive processes. For more information, readers can refer to the article "Investigating the links between objective social media use, attentional control, and psychological distress" published in Social Science & Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Federal University Paraiba in Brazil examined the effects of mental fatigue induced by smartphone use on inhibitory control, heart rate variability, and countermovement jump in trained adults after resistance exercise. The research found that mental fatigue impaired inhibitory control performance following the exercise session. The study involved 16 trained males and concluded that strength and conditioning professionals may consider advising against smartphone usage before resistance exercise. The findings were published in Applied Neuropsychology Adult and have been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Sydney in Australia examined executive function (EF) delays in children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) such as ADHD. The research found that EF delay is a transdiagnostic feature of NDCs, with moderate delays across all conditions compared to controls. The study highlighted differences in EF delays between various NDCs, suggesting the importance of early interventions and outcomes for children with these conditions. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights into how EF delays contribute to brain circuitry, symptom profiles, and functioning in children with NDCs. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Boston University explored the friendship formation among behaviorally inhibited preschoolers. The research found that extremely inhibited children are capable of making friends, despite being at risk for anxiety disorders. The study highlighted the importance of individual differences in children with behavioral inhibition and discussed implications for future research and intervention efforts. The findings were published in Developmental Psychology and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the impact of chronic ethanol drinking on cognitive function and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) synaptic signaling in male and female mice. It highlights how ethanol consumption affects memory and IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1) mRNA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of both sexes. The study suggests that understanding the sex-dependent effects of IL-1β on mPFC dysfunction in alcohol use disorder (AUD) could lead to the development of new pharmacotherapeutics targeting biased IL-1 signaling. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, explores the concept of signaling high sensitivity to influence others in psychology. The research suggests that individuals may use this sensitivity as a strategy to achieve social goals through deception rather than as an expression of a sensitive personality. The study involved 201 participants and examined the roles of reinforcement sensitivity, sensory processing sensitivity, and the Dark Triad in relation to signaling high sensitivity. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into social influence strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A new neuropsychological tool called the 'Assessment of Reading and Executive Functions' (AREF) has been developed by researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The tool aims to assess inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and reading comprehension simultaneously. Initial findings suggest that the AREF subtests show promise in assessing reading skills and executive functions, with potential applications in clinical and educational settings for individuals with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. The study involved 93 students from 4th to 9th grade in public and private schools, showing correlations between AREF scores and reading measures as well as differences in performance based on school type and grade level. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Tianjin University in China examined psychopathic subtypes in Chinese college students using the TriPM model. The research identified three distinct psychopathic variants: successful psychopathy, primary psychopathy, and secondary psychopathy. The study highlights the utility of the TriPM model in distinguishing different psychopathic subtypes and calls for further research to validate these findings across different cultures and explore neurobiological correlates of psychopathy. [Extracted from the article]

Recent research from San Diego State University has highlighted alterations in reward and inhibitory control among individuals with binge eating disorder, identifying both constructs as potential targets for treatment. Treatments targeting reward and inhibitory control for binge eating disorder are emerging, including behavioral, computerized trainings, pharmacological, and neuromodulation treatments. The majority of trials show promise in reducing binge eating and targeting theorized mechanisms, but larger, randomized trials are needed to further evaluate these treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Boston Children's Hospital examined the influence of temperament, theory of mind, inhibitory control, and prosocial behavior on child anxiety symptoms in the first five years of life. The research found that greater anxiety at age 5 was associated with specific characteristics such as negative affectivity, behavioral inhibition, and lower effortful control. These findings may help in assessing a patient's risk for developing anxiety and developing targeted interventions. The study was funded by NIH National Institute of Mental Health and the Tommy Fuss Center for Neuropsychiatric Disease Research. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Nanjing University in the People's Republic of China examined the effects of computerized working memory training on preschool children. The research found that the training led to improvements in working memory and inhibitory control tasks, but did not show evidence of transfer to fluid intelligence. The study suggests that computerized working memory training can enhance cognitive functioning in preschool children, with implications for educational practices and interventions for children with cognitive deficits. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Harvard Medical School investigated the effects of one year of medical cannabis use on brain function in individuals using cannabis for medical symptoms. The study found no significant association between brain activation during cognitive processes like working memory, reward, and inhibitory control and one year of cannabis use. The researchers suggest further studies with larger and more diverse cohorts to explore the impact of cannabis at higher doses and frequencies, especially in younger age groups. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont, focused on developing a mobile application to collect data on the neuropsychological effects of cannabis use. The research involved 213 intoxicated cannabis users and 137 sober individuals who completed a series of video game tests to assess psychomotor compensation, time estimation, sustained attention, and response inhibition. The study found that performance decrements were most significant within the first 120 minutes after cannabis use, with improvements over time. While the study acknowledges limitations in data interpretation, it suggests the potential utility of mobile app detection of cannabis effects. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Harvard Medical School investigated the effects of year-long medical marijuana use on brain activation during cognitive processes. The study involved participants seeking medical cannabis cards for symptoms like anxiety, depression, pain, or insomnia. The research found no significant association between brain activation related to working memory, reward, and inhibitory control and one year of cannabis use for medical symptoms. Further studies are recommended to explore the impact of cannabis at higher doses, with greater frequency, in younger age groups, and with larger, more diverse cohorts. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Iran explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional well-being of medical interns and residents. The study investigates alexithymia (emotional response inhibition), empathy, and resilience among 394 participants. The findings reveal low levels of empathy and resilience, particularly among female participants, which may have implications for healthcare in Iran. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychological distress experienced by medical students during the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

A recent research study conducted at Indiana University explored the role of inhibitory control in adults' understanding of mathematical equivalence. The study involved undergraduate students who completed tasks related to inhibitory control and mathematical equivalence. The findings revealed that adults hold both naive operational views and formal relational views of equivalence. Surprisingly, the study did not find strong evidence to support a significant association between inhibitory control and mathematical equivalence knowledge. This research challenges the assumption that inhibitory control plays a crucial role in adults' expression of naive operational thinking. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Sodertorn University explored the relationship between inhibitory control and academic achievement in university students. The researchers aimed to determine if there was a correlation between the students' inhibitory control values, measured using the Stroop Test, and their academic performance. While the results showed a weak correlation between the Stroop Effect and academic performance, there was a statistically significant correlation between the students' grade averages and the number of incorrect color identifications. This finding suggests the existence of other variables, such as conscientiousness and ability to concentrate, that may influence academic performance in adults. Educators can use this information to develop strategies to foster conscientiousness and concentration in students. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University aimed to investigate the effects of acute aerobic exercise on inhibitory control among young adults with obesity. The study found that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise led to enhanced recruitment of attentional resources for cognitive control and conflict monitoring in individuals with obesity. However, no significant effects were observed on reaction time and accuracy. These findings suggest that exercise may have cognitive benefits for individuals with obesity. The study was published in Acta Psychologica and more information can be obtained from the researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Rutgers University - The State University of New Jersey have discovered that PAK4 inhibitors, which are compounds that inhibit the serine/threonine kinase PAK4, also inhibit the enzyme NAMPT. NAMPT is crucial for cellular energy and growth. The study found that multiple PAK4 inhibitors inhibit NAMPT activity, suggesting a more complex mechanism of action for these inhibitors. Further research is needed to understand how PAK4 inhibitors influence cancer cell growth. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium have conducted a study on mental fatigue and its impact on cognitive performance. The study aims to investigate the role of brain neurotransmission in understanding how prolonged cognitive activity induces mental fatigue. The researchers will use a randomized cross-over design with sixteen healthy participants and will assess attention, response inhibition, and subjective indicators. The study will provide further insight into the complex relationship between the brain and fatigue. Future research plans involve exploring the connection between brain neurotransmission and physical fatigue. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information about an ongoing clinical trial in Sweden that aims to assess the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study will randomly assign consenting patients to either a treatment group receiving CBT or a control group participating in an activity group. The patients and clinicians will be blind to group assignment, and assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention, as well as at 6 and 12 months follow-up. The study expects to enroll 120 participants and will analyze attrition bias using intention-to-treat analysis. The trial is expected to be completed by June 2026. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Umea University examined the impact of maturation level, rather than chronological age, on attentional control in female adolescent volleyball players. The researchers found that information processing and selective visual attention were superior in late maturation compared to early maturation. However, response inhibition did not differ between maturation groups. The study suggests that practitioners should consider maturation level, rather than chronological age, when designing sport participation and injury prevention programs for young athletes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Lund University in Sweden explored the effects of white noise stimulation on oculomotor inhibitory control in children with ADHD. The study compared the performance of children with ADHD and typically developing controls during auditory and visual white noise stimulation, as well as in a no noise condition. The research found that neither auditory nor visual white noise had any beneficial effects on performance for either group. The study concludes that white noise stimulation does not appear to be beneficial for children with ADHD in tasks that target oculomotor inhibitory control. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology in Budapest, Hungary explores the association between prenatal maternal stress and adolescent affective outcomes. The study, which involved 268 adolescents, found that prenatal maternal stress was linked to adolescent outcomes through childhood negative atmosphere/neglect and behavioral inhibition system sensitivity. The research suggests that prenatal maternal stress can have implications for offspring outcomes and sensitive periods. This study has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the effects of prenatal stress on adolescent development. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Alabama explored the relationship between callous-unemotional (CU) traits, inhibitory control, and disruptive behavior problems in children. The study found that the presence of CU traits can moderate the association between inhibitory control and conduct disorder (CD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms. The results suggest that CD is linked to a more cautious decision-making style when elevated CU traits are present, while ODD is associated with more efficient decision making. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring interventions for CD-CU and ODD-CU, focusing on decision-making processes rather than impulsivity. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) have conducted a pilot study on cognitive screening for children aged four to eight. The study aimed to develop a new battery of interactive games that could be used as a less demanding and more attractive alternative to traditional pen-and-paper methods. The battery consisted of three games testing attention, executive functions, and memory. The results suggest that the newly developed battery is feasible, entertaining, and attractive for children, making it a promising tool for screening cognitive functions in younger school-age children. [Extracted from the article]

According to a preprint abstract, researchers have found that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the brain plays a role in reward learning, motivation, and behavioral inhibition. During adolescence, reward-seeking behavior is heightened compared to adulthood, possibly due to a hypoactive mPFC with decreased control over impulsive reward-seeking. The researchers used a new imaging platform to study mPFC activity during a reward conditioning task and found that adolescent mPFC neurons are hyper-responsive to reward cues and encode them differently than adult neurons. This research could lead to the development of strategies for modulating reward-seeking behavior in both adolescence and adulthood. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study investigated the effects of spending one hour in a natural forest or a busy urban street on brain structure. The study found that participants who walked in the forest showed increases in subiculum volume, a part of the hippocampus involved in stress response inhibition. However, this result did not meet the statistical threshold for significance. Additionally, the increase in subiculum volume after the forest walk was associated with a decrease in self-reported rumination. These findings suggest that spending time in nature may have potential benefits for mental health and could inform urban planning policies. Please note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Bowling Green State University examined the relationship between executive functions (such as inhibitory control and working memory), emotion regulation, and eating pathology in adults with overweight/obesity. The study found that emotion regulation difficulties were closely associated with eating pathology, regardless of performance on working memory and inhibitory control tasks. The researchers suggest that clinicians and researchers working with individuals with overweight/obesity should consider how emotion regulation difficulties and working memory deficits interact to influence disordered eating. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China explored the relationship between childhood obesity and cognitive behavior. The study utilized a publicly available dataset to investigate the impact of obesity on functional networks during a stop-signal task. The results showed that obese preadolescents exhibited increased network connectivity and properties compared to non-obese counterparts, particularly in frontal-based networks involved in inhibitory control and cognitive performance. These findings suggest that childhood obesity is not solely a physical health issue, but also affects the development of cognitive abilities. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Queensland explored the neuroscience of itch and its relation to transdiagnostic psychological approaches. The researchers identified a core "itch network" in the brain and found evidence that regions associated with cognitive control and response inhibition deactivate during itch. The study suggests that integrating neuroimaging with clinical studies could help improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing chronic itch. The full research article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Physical Activity, Imaging, and Ambulatory Testing (PHIAT) project, which aims to investigate how executive cognitive ability and cognitive aging impact self-regulation of health-promoting behaviors across the adult lifespan. The project involved a 14-day, high-frequency ambulatory assessment protocol, including ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and ambulatory cognitive assessments. Data was collected from 221 participants ranging from 18-89 years old, and it provided insights into the factors surrounding self-regulation of health-promoting behavior. The article concludes that the PHIAT project generated a rich dataset that will contribute to understanding motivational, information processing, and environmental factors related to health-promoting behavior. [Extracted from the article]

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Louisiana State University Health Shreveport examined the effects of cognitively engaging physical activity interventions on executive function in children and adolescents. The study found that these interventions had a significant positive impact on executive function, particularly in inhibitory control and working memory. The researchers also identified that interventions lasting more than 6 weeks, with sessions over 20 minutes and conducted more than twice a week, were particularly effective. These findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive challenges into physical activity programs to enhance executive function in educational and developmental settings. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed an item response theory (IRT) approach to improve the measurement precision of childhood inhibitory control. They applied this approach to create an integrative measure of inhibitory control and studied the impacts of pre- and post-natal lead exposure. Using data from a cohort in Mexico, they found that umbilical cord blood and 4-year lead levels were associated with inhibitory control index at 8-10 years. This study is the first to apply IRT in environmental epidemiology and has the potential to be applied to other neurobehavioral assessments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Free University of Brussels explored the validity of temperament-based clinical personality types in a large sample of psychiatric inpatients. The study identified three personality types: Resilient, Undercontrolled/Dysregulated, and Overcontrolled/Inhibited. The Overcontrolled type exhibited more internalizing psychopathology, while the Undercontrolled type showed more externalizing psychopathology. The findings suggest that distinguishing subtypes based on temperament factors can inform therapeutic interventions and potentially improve outcomes for psychiatric patients. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the field of mental health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine explores the topic of conditional discrimination and inhibition in relation to fear responses. The study examines the nuanced differences in fear expression and neural mechanisms across various paradigms. The researchers emphasize the importance of comparing similar fear inhibition paradigms across species to advance our understanding and treatment of fear disorders. The study was supported by the NIH National Institute of Mental Health and has been peer-reviewed. For more information, readers can refer to the article "Translational Approaches To the Neurobiological Study of Conditional Discrimination and Inhibition: Implications for Psychiatric Disease" in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience. [Extracted from the article]