Giving Voice to the Voiceless

Imagine the frustration of being trapped inside your mind, unable to express your thoughts and needs due to paralysis, stroke, or neurological conditions causing speech impairment. For many, this was once a silent, lifelong struggle. But now, thanks to advancements in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, communication is no longer a barrier, and speech brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are now available.

Ever hear your friend say they are "locked in"? Well, behind this feeling of intense focus lies a complex neurological system at work. This system is one in which athletes, students, and professionals enter when they feel they are in the "zone." 

This study examined how people's brains respond differently when gambling for themselves versus others. Thirty college students played a gambling game where they could win money for themselves, someone they knew, or a stranger. At the same time, participants showed a more substantial initial response when gambling for themselves; surprisingly, their brain's reward response was similar regardless of who won the money. This suggests people can be equally invested in outcomes that benefit others.

This Rutgers study explores a fascinating theory of fatigue based on the neurotransmitter dopamine. The researchers propose that fatigue occurs due to a chemical imbalance. Dopamine's influence on cognition follows a reverse-U-shaped function, wherein too much or too little of it leads to cognitive impairment. The researchers suggest that the same may be true with fatigue. This is called the dopamine imbalance hypothesis.