Cognitive Science

More Than One Blow For A Concussion In Football

4 Feb 2012

As you watch the Patriots and Giants smash into each other Sunday, consider this. [More]

Placebos and distraction: New study shows how to boost the power of pain relief, without drugs

3 Feb 2012

Placebos reduce pain by creating an expectation of relief. Distraction -- say, doing a puzzle -- relieves it by keeping the brain busy. But do they use the same brain processes? Neuromaging suggests they do. When applying a placebo, scientists see activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. That's the part of the brain that controls high-level cognitive functions like working memory and ...

A new study shows how to boost the power of pain relief, without drugs

3 Feb 2012

(Medical Xpress) -- Placebos reduce pain by creating an expectation of relief. Distraction—say, doing a puzzle—relieves it by keeping the brain busy. But do they use the same brain processes? Neuromaging suggests they do. When applying a placebo, scientists see activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. That’s the part of the brain that controls high-level cognitive functions like working ...