Tag

Pupil Dilation

All articles tagged with #pupil dilation

science1 month ago•4 min saved

Brown University Study Links Pupil Dilation to Brain 'Refresh' Mechanism During Surprise

A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that pupil dilation during surprise is not merely a reflex but a functional signal for a neural 'refresh' mode. Researchers at Brown University found that this physiological response, driven by the locus coeruleus and norepinephrine, helps the brain discard outdated expectations and adapt to new contexts, thereby improving learning and reducing perceptual bias.

via ScienceAlert|

#arousal-response #cognitive-learning #locus-coeruleus

science2 months ago•14 min saved

Six-month-olds’ pupils widen more for spiders than flowers in a controlled study

A tightly controlled study with 16 six-month-olds found spiders paired with color-matched flowers elicited greater pupil dilation than flowers alone, suggesting an early bias in attention/arousal to spiders. A second test with snakes vs. fish showed no difference, highlighting interpretive debates about whether this reflects prepared fear or other factors. Researchers caution that small sample size and potential image complexity limit conclusions and call for further work with constructed stimuli.

via Space Daily|

#infant-development #prepared-learning #pupil-dilation

pets1 year ago•5 min saved

Ask a Vet: Causes of Constantly Dilated Cat Pupils

Dilated pupils in elderly cats are often due to iris atrophy, a harmless age-related change, but can indicate serious health issues like glaucoma or brain problems if accompanied by other symptoms. Owners should monitor their cats' behavior and seek veterinary attention if they notice additional signs of illness.

via The Washington Post|

#cat #eye-health #iris-atrophy

science1 year ago•5 min saved

Scientists Connect Pupil Dilation to Working Memory Capacity

A study links pupil dilation to working memory performance, suggesting that eye measurements could serve as a non-invasive way to assess and improve focus and cognitive function, with potential applications in education and clinical settings.

via Earth.com|

#attention #cognitive-load #eye-tracking

health-and-wellness3 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling the Brain's Secrets through Pupil Dilation

New research suggests that pupil dilation during very light exercise could serve as a predictive marker for exercise-induced cognitive improvements. The study found that pupils dilated during exercise and the extent of dilation was associated with subsequent improvements in executive function performance. The researchers also observed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex during an executive function task after exercise. These findings highlight the role of the brain's arousal system in the cognitive benefits of exercise and suggest that pupil diameter changes could be a novel biomarker for understanding the effects of exercise on the brain.

via PsyPost|

#brain-health #cognitive-function #exercise