Latest news with #cognitivefunction
CTV News
4 days ago
- Science
- CTV News
Lethbridge research projects to be presented at European College of Sports Science Conference
A trio of research projects born out of Lethbridge will be presented at the European College of Sports Science Conference in Italy next month. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Three research projects exploring the connection between physical exercise and cognitive function, led by a Lethbridge Polytechnic instructor and two University of Lethbridge students, have been selected to present their work at a conference in Italy next month. Simon Schaerz, Xander Fox and David Selles took part in three projects to demonstrate how physical activity aids in building cognitive skills, particularly in youth. One of the projects looked at physical activity to improve executive function and memory flexibility with the polytechnic's e-sports team. Another project focused on creating a framework to help teachers in training develop physical education programs that support students' executive function. The third project examined the use of progressive overload in long-term exercise to improve executive function. A trio of research projects born out of Lethbridge will be presented at the European College of Sports Science Conference in Italy next month. A trio of research projects born out of Lethbridge will be presented at the European College of Sports Science Conference in Italy next month. 'It's a really cool opportunity to go overseas and get to present. … Not only to share my research with people from multiple different countries and backgrounds in areas of research, but to also get to take in a lot of research from other people that have various backgrounds,' said Fox, University of Lethbridge Bachelor of Science graduate. 'We don't have the capacity to do these massive studies, but just the small studies, literature reviews, that are really meaningful in the sense of training future to-be researchers is really valuable,' said Schaerz, Lethbridge Polytechnic Centre for Health and Wellness instructor. The trio will present their projects at the European College of Sports Science Conference, July 1-4 in Italy.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Your brain physically changes when you work too much, scientists warn
New research has found that being overworked can physically alter the brain. Researchers in South Korea set out to understand how working long hours impact the cognitive and emotional health of employees. The study, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, assessed the brain volume of 110 healthcare workers who were classified by the categories of overworked – working greater than or equal to 52 hours per week – and non-overworked. The results revealed that overworked individuals exhibited "significant changes" in brain regions that are associated with executive function and emotional regulation. Study co-author Wanhyung Lee, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor at Chung-Ang University College of Medicine in Seoul, told Fox News Digital that this is one of the first studies to examine the relationship between prolonged working hours and structural brain changes. "We initially had no clear expectations regarding what we might discover," he revealed. "Therefore, we found the results particularly intriguing." The researcher noted that increased brain volume associated with cognitive and emotional functions was an "unexpected and fascinating" observation of the study. "These findings open new questions and underscore the complexity of how chronic occupational stress might affect brain health, highlighting the need for further detailed investigations," he said. The increased brain volume as observed was found in regions associated with executive functions, Lee said, such as memory, decision-making and attention — as well as emotional regulation, such as stress management and emotional stability. While these changes may initially reflect a need to manage "ongoing occupational stress," according to Lee, there could be potential risks of prolonged or chronic alterations. This could include neural strain, inflammation or maladaptive reorganization. "Although our current study cannot conclusively determine the long-term impacts, ongoing exposure without sufficient recovery may negatively affect cognitive and emotional health," he said. Lee urged employees who work excessive hours to recognize that chronic stress can lead to physical brain changes, not just psychological complications. This emphasizes the need to manage workload, prioritize rest and maintain emotional balance. "At the same time, individual efforts alone are not sufficient; organizational support and proactive management by companies to create healthy working conditions are essential to protect employees' brain health," he said. "With the rapid advancement of smartphones and digital technology, work increasingly extends beyond traditional office hours into personal time, making chronic overwork more common and less visible," Lee went on. "Employers and policymakers must also acknowledge and address these evolving work patterns to support sustainable working environments." The researcher recognized the progressive move toward becoming an "overwork society." He urged employees to "actively set boundaries, ensure regular rest and recovery, practice stress management, and advocate for workplace policies that clearly define and respect healthy work-hour limits." Dr. Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon and founder of Coaxial Neurosurgical Specialists in New Jersey, was not involved in the study but commented on the findings in an interview with Fox News Digital. Saphier considered the study interesting, yet not "overly surprising." "There is no question that mental stress and fatigue, either with sleep deprivation, anxiety, long periods of intense concentration, etc., lead to alteration of neurotransmitter release and additional physiological changes," he said. "This may ultimately lead to anatomical changes within the brain." Experts have known that professions that require "crisp cognitive awareness" with "zero room for error" — such as airline pilots and medical professionals — benefit from "limited consecutive work hours to reduce errors," said the neurosurgeon. Kyle Elliott, a California-based tech career coach and mental health expert, also weighed in during a separate interview with Fox News Digital. "Caring for your mental health and well-being is essential if you want to be a productive employee," he said. "Neglecting your mental health can not only affect your ability to work effectively but also negatively impact your physical health and longevity." For more Health articles, visit Elliot encouraged employees to advocate for their needs. "Don't be afraid to speak up [at work or to employers] if you need to take a break or time off to protect your mental or physical health," he said. "Your mind and body will thank you in the long run." The expert suggested taking smaller steps to preserve mental health and prevent burnout, such as taking allocated breaks throughout the workday, connecting with people who are safe to share your frustration with and limiting time on social media.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Everyone can see the horses but only those with a high IQ can spot the odd one out in under 5 seconds
THIS simple optical illusion doesn't seem to be too taxing at first - but the key is to master it in seconds. If you can identify the rogue horse somewhere within this brain boggler in under five seconds - you have a higher IQ than those who can't. 3 Hidden in the image, there's one hoofed animal that doesn't belong. The faster you get there, the healthier your cognitive function and visual perception. You'll need to focus, think quickly and have the ability to spot the random horse under pressure. Only one of the horses is different from the others. Can you see (quicky) which one? read more IN PLAIN SIGHT How many circles can you see in 10 seconds in this optical illusion? EYE SPY We all see the cars -but it takes a genius to spot the convertible in 15 seconds Answer: The horse on the bottom row, fourth from left is the odd one out. If you managed to spot the horse within under five seconds, then congratulations, you could be a genius. However, don't fret if you took longer to find the one-toed wonder. If you didn't figure it out easily, try doing some more brainteasers. These optical illusions get easier with practice and patience - and the easier it will get. The more you train your brain with illusions like these, the better your observation skills will become. Brainteasers are excellent for your brain because they stimulate cognitive function, improve problem-solving skills and enhance overall mental agility. Everyone can see the cars in this optical illusion - but it takes a genius to spot the convertible in under 15 seconds They also challenge different areas of the brain, including memory, logic and spatial reasoning. So how does that benefit us? It improves neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. As well as this, activities like brainteasers, puzzles and riddles require you to think critically, which also sharpens your analytical and reasoning skills. This optical illusion isn't just fun, it enhances your attention to detail, focus, and visual memory. It boosts your mental fitness and sharpens your cognitive function. Not only all that, but enjoyable puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. If you want to continue to challenge your brain further, you can find a range of optical illusions on our website. Get going now for a sharper, shinier mind. What are you waiting for? 3 3 How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
You've got the eyes of a hawk if you can spot the error in this number jumble in 20 seconds or less
IT looks like it should be easy when you first look at it. But it might be harder than you think to distinguish the odd mistake in this number jumble. 2 The chart features a sea of identical numbers, each reading 4502. However, there one different number, hiding in plain sight. And it takes someone with eyes as sharp as a hawk to spot the odd one out - especially if you manage to do it in less than 20 seconds. Ai Ching Goh, co-founder of Piktochart, said of the brainteaser: "This campaign is a fun reminder of how easy it is to miss small details, especially in data-heavy designs. "Imagine you're at work and your boss asks you to check over the latest numbers. "Would you be able to spot the mistake?" If you're struggling, it's a good idea to take the puzzle column by column. Scroll down through the rows as you flit your eyes up and down, trying to spot the number that doesn't fit. If things aren't getting any easier, try splitting the box of numbers into quarters - taking one at a time. And if your frustration is getting the better of you, you can find the answer below. What you see first reveals a lot about your personality - are you motivated or socially awkward? Brainteasers are excellent for your noggin because they stimulate cognitive function, improve problem-solving skills and enhance overall mental agility. They also challenge different areas of the brain, including memory, logic and spatial reasoning. So what's the benefit exactly? Improved neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. As well as this, activities like brainteasers, puzzles and riddles require you to think critically, which also sharpens your analytical and reasoning skills. If you want to continue to challenge your brain further, you can find a range of optical illusions on our website. Different images can test different parts of your brain. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. This image of pearls might be a good way to test your eyesight, while this maths puzzle helps improve your critical thinking. What about testing your eyesight by spotting the word 'Ball' in this mind-boggling illusion? Or if numbers is more your game, try and spot the number 879 in this sea of 876s. 2
CTV News
01-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
When you snooze, you might lose hours of sleep each month. Here's how to stop
The snooze button has been a common feature of alarm clocks for decades. (PeopleImages/iStockphoto/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) When jolted awake by the blare of an alarm clock, it's tempting to reach for the snooze button to catch a bit more shut-eye. In my case, 'just five more minutes' is practically a morning mantra. And what's the harm? There's increasing debate about your snoozing habit, and whether or not it's silently sabotaging your morning. On the 'stop snoozing' side of the research, sleep scientist Dr. Rebecca Robbins suggests the snooze alarm may actually cost us sleep. 'That first alarm may interrupt vital stages of sleep, and anything that you might be able to get after hitting the snooze alarm is probably going to be low quality and fragmented sleep,' said Robbins, an associate scientist for the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The average snoozer takes an extra 11 minutes after their first alarm, according to a new study coauthored by Robbins that used data from the sleep-tracking app SleepCycle. That adds up to about one night's worth of sleep per month spent snoozing. As we sleep, the brain cycles through different stages of neurological activity and the second half of the night is dominated by rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, when most of our dreaming is thought to take place. It's an important sleep stage for our cognitive function and memory consolidation, said Robbins, who is also an assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. 'When you press the snooze button, especially for just a few minutes at a time, you're not likely to return to that REM stage,' Robbins said. But for a different take, there are sleep experts like Dr. Justin Fiala, a pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute. There isn't consensus on whether this lighter sleep achieved during a snooze session always does more harm than good, said Fiala, who is also an assistant professor at Northwestern Medicine. On one hand, losing out on quality sleep instead of just waking up later may increase the risk of cognitive impairment and lower one's mood. 'Certainly, if you're feeling worse off (and) more tired from the snooze alarm, I would recommend going back to waking up cold turkey without it,' said Fiala, who also runs the CommunityHealth Chicago sleep clinic. On the other hand, those with a certain chronotype — a natural disposition determined by factors such as age and genetics — may benefit from the habit, Fiala said, referencing a 2023 study which found night owls tend to rely on their snooze button more. 'If your chronotype is nocturnal, you're a night owl, but your work schedule requires you to be up at 5 a.m., that increases the dissonance between what your body is naturally inclined to do,' Fiala said. For these night owls, the brief period of light sleep induced by the snooze button may actually help them transition from deeper stages of sleep interrupted by the first alarm into wakefulness, he said, adding that more research should be done to fully understand this effect and its limitations. Regardless of one's chronotype, this distinction of who gets the most out of snoozing can also help inform how to get the most out of snoozing. Consistency is key Most sleep experts emphasize adults get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for good health and emotional well-being. Sleeping enough can also reduce feelings of tiredness upon waking, but the consistency of your sleep timing is just as important as duration, said Kimberly Honn, an associate professor of psychology at Washington State University Spokane. At deep stages of sleep, electric pulses of the brain reach a highly rhythmic pattern different from our more erratic, awakened state, she explained. Trying to wake up during these stages cuts important brain maintenance processes short and can lead one to experience the foggy effects of sleep inertia, which can last for several minutes or even hours after waking up. When the body is accustomed to a regular sleep schedule, it may reduce the experience of sleep inertia upon waking, Honn said. The body can grow accustomed to moving through each sleep stage at similar times, ensuring sleep cycles are completed before waking and eventually allowing you to fall asleep faster. 'In the perfect world, we would not be relying on an alarm clock at all,' Robbins said. 'We would be able to fall asleep and wake up naturally and have energy throughout the day.' Fiala said he generally recommends varying bedtimes by no more than 30 minutes per night, even on weekends. If you have to switch schedules, he says you should change it incrementally over time. Optimizing your morning routine It's possible people who use the snooze button less simply don't have the luxury to sleep past their alarm, Robbins suggested. Inflexible work schedules could require first responders to start their shift promptly, or parents may have to rally their children out the door and toward the school bus. For this reason, Robbins recommends those trying to ditch a snoozing habit introduce more time constraints into their morning routine by setting the first alarm as late as possible. 'Ask yourself: Is there anything in that morning routine that you could maybe do without? Or maybe you could find a way to do it faster?' Robbins said. Snoozing could also mean you're losing out on time that could be used for adding wakefulness-promoting habits into your morning routine. The heaviest snoozers tracked in Robbins' study used around 22 to 27 minutes resting after the first alarm — time that could be used for stretching, journaling or cooking a nutritious breakfast, Robbins suggested. 'We talk a lot about wind down routines and bedtime rituals. I think morning rituals are also really lovely to help you get excited about your day,' Robbins said. 'It's important to find something to look forward to, whether that's a meeting in the morning, making yourself a cup of coffee, whatever helps motivate you (and) gets you out of bed.' Timing your alarm to the sunrise and allowing natural light to come through your windows in the morning can also help signal your body to wake up, Honn said. By Kameryn Griesser, CNN
