Cognitive Science

Imagine That: Brain Uses Neurons from Vision System When Forming Mental Imagery

Researchers have found that when you recall and visualize something you have seen before—a key component of long-term memory—neurons in your visual system reactivate in a manner consistent with vision Creative endeavors, like making art, writing music, or penning a poem, require the recall of memories to fuel imagination. Many other human behaviors, including problem…

artificial intelligence, brain activity, Cognitive Science, memory research, mental imagery, Neuroscience

Researchers uncover surprising limit on human imagination

Humans can track a handful of objects visually, but their imaginations can only handle one Human beings can juggle up to 10 balls at once. But how many can they move through the air with their imaginations? The answer, published last month in Nature Communications, astonished even the researchers pursuing the question. The cognitive psychologists…

Brain Health, Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science

Pondering artistic beauty encourages ‘big picture’ thinking

A psychological experiment conducted at Kettle's Yard suggests that actively considering the beauty of art increases abstract thinking and “transformative” emotion – helping us escape the “mental trappings” of day-to-day living Since the dawn of philosophy, thinkers from Plato to Kant have considered how beauty affects human experience, and whether it has the power to…