Nicole Chang is a journalist based in Paris, France. She has more than 5 years’ worth of professional journalism experience, and has lived in Singapore, London and Shanghai. She is a native English speaker, and also knows Mandarin and French.

How speaking other languages affects our brain

04 Aug 2022  |  noticias.uol.com.br  |  Portuguese  |  Cognitive Science

Speaking multiple languages can lead to accidental slips where words, grammar, and accents mix. Research reveals that multilingual individuals often have all their known languages active simultaneously, leading to potential interference. Studies by experts like Mathieu Declerck and Tamar Gollan show that this interference can affect vocabulary, grammar, and even pronunciation. The phenomenon of 'inverted dominance' can make a person's dominant language less accessible in certain contexts. Immersion in a foreign language environment can help manage this competition between languages. While the cognitive benefits of multilingualism are debated, it is associated with better executive control and delayed dementia symptoms.

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Cognitive Science Language Learning

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Sally Davies is a journalist, editor, content creator and copywriter based in Barcelona, Spain.

Feminists never bought the idea of a mind set free from its body

17 Mar 2024  |  Aeon  |  English  |  Cognitive Science

The article discusses the transhumanist movement, particularly focusing on the efforts of individuals like Serge Faguet to transcend human biological limitations through technology and biohacking. It critiques the movement's underlying philosophy, tracing its roots back to Plato's disdain for the body and the desire to transcend it, which has historically been intertwined with a fear of women. The article explores how feminist thinkers have challenged the mind/body dualism and the devaluation of the body, particularly the female body. It delves into the development of embodied cognition as a counter to the computational model of the mind, suggesting that our thoughts and perceptions are deeply intertwined with our bodily experiences. The author suggests that embodied cognition offers a path forward for feminism, allowing for a recognition of the body's role in shaping experience without falling into biological determinism or gender essentialism.

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Cognitive Science Transhumanism Philosophy Feminism Embodied Cognition Gender Studies Biopolitics

Maria Gabriela Ensinck is an independent journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has more than 15 years experience in print, online and radio media, covering Economy, Business, Science, Technology, Health, Environment, Innovation, Sustainability and Gender issues.

Scientists from UBA launched a digital experiment to understand how the brain works when choosing a candidate

29 Aug 2019  |  www.lanacion.com.ar  |  Spanish  |  Cognitive Science

Scientists from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) have launched a digital experiment to study how the brain functions when making electoral decisions. Led by Nicolás Fernández Larrosa, the project involves online surveys and cognitive experiments to understand decision-making processes and the influence of external factors. The first phase, conducted before the primary elections, revealed insights into voter behavior, with results aligning closely with actual election outcomes. The research utilizes big data and text mining, and employs open-source technology for data processing. The study aims to explore the cognitive complexities of decision-making and the role of consciousness.

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Cognitive Science Neuroscience Elections

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Ali khan is a journalist based in Paris, France.
worked in BBC

Decoding Consciousness: Diving into the Easy and Hard Problems

24 Oct 2023  |  Medium  |  English  |  Cognitive Science

Consciousness, especially in the context of Artificial Intelligence, has become a widely-discussed topic. The article explores two main problems of consciousness: the 'easy' problems, which involve understanding cognitive functions and behaviors through neuroscience and cognitive science, and the 'hard' problem, which delves into the subjective nature of conscious experiences. The easy problems address how we integrate information and regulate behavior, while the hard problem questions the essence and origins of subjective experiences. These explorations are crucial for advancing our understanding of the human mind and could lead to transformative discoveries.

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Cognitive Science Consciousness Artificial Intelligence Neuroscience

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I am a documentary filmmaker, photographer, multimedia journalist and conservation storyteller currently based and registered for business in Suva, Fiji. I specialise in impactful storytelling related to social justice, human rights, climate change, climate resilience, environmental conservation, ...

How Learning and Experience Shape Our Brains

05 Apr 2023  |  Hindustan Times  |  English  |  Cognitive Science

The article discusses the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt through growth and development. It highlights how learning new skills, such as playing an instrument or a language, can physically alter the brain's structure. The article references a study by David McGovern and his team at Dublin City University, which found that soccer goalkeepers have a unique ability to process sensory information quickly. It also mentions research by Eleanor Maguire at University College London on London taxi drivers, who have increased grey matter in the hippocampus due to the extensive memorization required by 'The Knowledge'. The article suggests that both genetic factors and training contribute to brain development, and it emphasizes the importance of understanding these processes for improving educational and professional training methods.

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Cognitive Science Neuroplasticity Brain Development

Laura is an award-winning journalist, travel writer and broadcaster based in the West Midlands, U.K. 

She has worked with the BBC, Conde Nast Traveller, Euronews, The Independent Travel, Lonely Planet and Which? Travel, among others. Laura is a regular on the Which? podcasts offering travel ...

Some people don’t have a mind’s eye. Scientists want to know why

04 Nov 2023  |  Science News  |  English  |  Cognitive Science

Roberto S. Luciani, a cognitive scientist at the University of Glasgow, explores the condition of aphantasia, where individuals cannot visualize images in their mind. A study reveals that people with aphantasia have weaker neural connections between auditory and visual processing compared to those without the condition. This research, published in Current Biology, highlights the varying interconnectedness of sensory processing in the brain, offering insights into how different brains function and the broader understanding of sensory integration.

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Cognitive Science Aphantasia Brain Function

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I am a science journalist with nearly 20 years of experience. Over the years, I have collaborated with some of Italy’s most prominent science and culture media outlets, including Le Scienze—the Italian edition of Scientific American—and Mind, a magazine dedicated to psychology and neuroscience from ...

Man and Other Lying Animals

23 Oct 2024  |  Il Post  |  Italian  |  Cognitive Science

The article explores the intricate relationship between lying and storytelling, suggesting that both are deeply embedded in human cognition and social interaction. It delves into the cognitive and neurological underpinnings of lying, highlighting its role in the evolution of intelligence. The discussion extends to animal behavior, examining whether other species possess a theory of mind and the ability to deceive. The narrative suggests that while humans share some cognitive traits with animals, our capacity for complex storytelling and representation sets us apart. The article references various experts and studies, including those by Vittorio Gallese and Robin Dunbar, to support its insights.

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Cognitive Science Neuroscience Animal Behavior

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David Tumusiime is a writer based in Kampala, Uganda. He has been a multi-media content creator for much of the decade he has practiced. 

Tumusiime has been the editor of The Nile Post website, a company under Next Media as well as for Uganda Radio Network, Uganda's only news agency. Tumusiime ...

Why do some people believe in conspiracy theories?

10 Oct 2023  |  nilepost.co.ug  |  English  |  Cognitive Science

Belief in conspiracy theories is influenced by psychological, social, and cognitive factors. Key contributors include uncertainty, cognitive biases, mistrust of authorities, social identity, information bubbles, psychological needs, lack of media literacy, emotional appeal, and social influence. Addressing this phenomenon requires education, critical thinking, and building trust in reliable information sources.

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Cognitive Science Psychology Social Behavior

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