Could relying on AI be making us worse at thinking for ourselves? A new study suggests AI assistance may weaken critical thinking, reduce judgment suspension, and even lower accuracy in decision-making. Researchers found participants using AI were more likely to accept answers without questioning them, raising fresh concerns about the long-term impact of AI on human reasoning.

AI could be making you think less, new study warns

Researchers from Radboud University in The Netherlands say their meta-study's results provide strong evidence that even when we choose to do something that's mentally taxing, it's probably not because we find the effort itself enjoyable.

Thinking can actually be painful, study finds

A recent research conducted at the University of Iowa has identified the brain region associated with how people manage their thoughts and focus amid distractions. This discovery is important&nbsp;as it throws&nbsp;light on the cognitive and behavioural side effects of a treatment used&nbsp;for Parkinson's disease patients.

Published on March 4 in the journal Brain, the study titled "The human subthalamic nucleus transiently inhibits active attentional processes" highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus, a small brain region responsible for regulating movements.

The study suggests that in Parkinson's patients, this brain area, which typically restrains sudden movements, might be overly active, contributing to tremors and other motor impairments associated with the disease.

In recent times, doctors have been using deep-brain stimulation to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. This involves implanting electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus, a brain area that regulates movement, to generate electrical signals and loosen its control, allowing for better movement. Similar to a pacemaker for the heart, once implanted, the deep brain stimulation system runs continuously.

Jan Wessel, an associate professor at the University of Iowa, described the technique as "truly miraculous." It often results in immediate relief from tremors, enabling patients to carry out tasks like playing golf steadily.

However, some patients treated with deep brain stimulation experience challenges with attention and impulse control, leading to risky behaviours like gambling and substance abuse. Researchers began to wonder if the subthalamic nucleus, involved in movement, also influences thoughts and impulse control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-worlds-first-3d-printed-brain-tissue-that-functions-like-human-brain-686891">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists develop world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that functions like human brain</a>

To explore this, Wessel's team conducted experiments on Parkinson's patients with and without deep brain stimulation. Participants were asked to focus on a computer screen while their brain waves were monitored. When they heard a chirping sound, meant to distract their attention, their brain waves in the visual cortex dropped, indicating a diversion of attention.

In a 2021 study, Wessel's team found that distractions caused a drop in attention in the visual cortex. In this recent study, they observed similar results in Parkinson's patients, suggesting that the subthalamic nucleus plays a role in regulating attention and impulse control

However, when the chirp was presented to Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation active, they did not shift their visual attention.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sleep-triggers-built-in-garbage-disposal-system-in-our-brains-startling-study-shows-711608">Also read |&nbsp;Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows</a>

The team observed that they were unable to redirect or suppress their focus of attention as they did before. Despite the unexpected sound, they remained fully engaged with their visual system without diverting their attention.

This finding highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus in not only coordinating movement, as previously understood, but also in regulating thoughts and attention.

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent research conducted at the University of Iowa has identified the brain region associated with how people manage their thoughts and focus amid distractions.

A recent research conducted at the University of Iowa has identified the brain region associated with how people manage their thoughts and focus amid distractions. This discovery is important as it throws light on the cognitive and behavioural side effects of a treatment used for Parkinson's disease patients. Published on March 4 in the journal Brain, the study titled "The human subthalamic nucleus transiently inhibits active attentional processes" highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus, a small brain region responsible for regulating movements. The study suggests that in Parkinson's patients, this brain area, which typically restrains sudden movements, might be overly active, contributing to tremors and other motor impairments associated with the disease. In recent times, doctors have been using deep-brain stimulation to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. This involves implanting electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus, a brain area that regulates movement, to generate electrical signals and loosen its control, allowing for better movement. Similar to a pacemaker for the heart, once implanted, the deep brain stimulation system runs continuously. Jan Wessel, an associate professor at the University of Iowa, described the technique as "truly miraculous." It often results in immediate relief from tremors, enabling patients to carry out tasks like playing golf steadily. However, some patients treated with deep brain stimulation experience challenges with attention and impulse control, leading to risky behaviours like gambling and substance abuse. Researchers began to wonder if the subthalamic nucleus, involved in movement, also influences thoughts and impulse control. Also read | Scientists develop world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that functions like human brain To explore this, Wessel's team conducted experiments on Parkinson's patients with and without deep brain stimulation. Participants were asked to focus on a computer screen while their brain waves were monitored. When they heard a chirping sound, meant to distract their attention, their brain waves in the visual cortex dropped, indicating a diversion of attention. In a 2021 study, Wessel's team found that distractions caused a drop in attention in the visual cortex. In this recent study, they observed similar results in Parkinson's patients, suggesting that the subthalamic nucleus plays a role in regulating attention and impulse control However, when the chirp was presented to Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation active, they did not shift their visual attention. Also read | Sleep triggers built-in garbage disposal system in our brains, startling study shows The team observed that they were unable to redirect or suppress their focus of attention as they did before. Despite the unexpected sound, they remained fully engaged with their visual system without diverting their attention. This finding highlights the role of the subthalamic nucleus in not only coordinating movement, as previously understood, but also in regulating thoughts and attention. (With inputs from agencies)

Researchers identify brain region crucial for attention control

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that is commonly found in nearly 10 per cent of the woman population, has been linked with potential cognitive issues in midlife, as per a new study.

The research, which was published in Neurology, was carried out by the University of California, San Francisco. The study was conducted on 907 female participants, who were aged 18 to 30, for a time span of 30 years.&nbsp;

PCOS has long been known to have symptoms like excess body hair or missed periods. However, cognitive dysfunction later in life has now been added to the list of other potential effect of the disease.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence">Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence</a>

Speaking to CNN, professor and director of the Women’s Mental Health Research Programme at the University of Illinois Chicago, &nbsp;Pauline Maki said that the scientific report “is one of the few studies to investigate cognitive functioning and brain outcomes in those women at midlife."

As per the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, telltale signs can include “menstrual cycle changes, skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne, abnormal growths in the ovaries, and infertility".&nbsp;

<h2>Study emphasises on 'potential cognitive vulnerabilities' in women with PCOS</h2>

In a press release, the director of the University of California San Francisco’s PCOS clinic and research programme Dr Heather G Huddleston said, “While (PCOS) has been linked to metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes that can lead to heart problems, less is known about how this condition affects brain health."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Is sense of smell linked to cognitive health?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-sense-of-smell-linked-to-cognitive-health-673506/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Our results suggest that people with this condition have lower memory and thinking skills and subtle brain changes in midlife. This could impact a person on many levels, including quality of life, career success and financial security," he added.&nbsp;

The findings have emphasised “potential cognitive vulnerabilities in women with PCOS, though it’s important to know that these are cognitive weaknesses, not impairments,” said Maki.&nbsp;

“In other words, they are performing worse than other women on these tests, but they are not performing in the impaired range," the professor added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that is commonly found in nearly 10 per cent of the woman population, has been linked with potential cognitive issues in midlife, as per a new study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that is commonly found in nearly 10 per cent of the woman population, has been linked with potential cognitive issues in midlife, as per a new study. The research, which was published in Neurology, was carried out by the University of California, San Francisco. The study was conducted on 907 female participants, who were aged 18 to 30, for a time span of 30 years. PCOS has long been known to have symptoms like excess body hair or missed periods. However, cognitive dysfunction later in life has now been added to the list of other potential effect of the disease. Also read: Scientists unveil secrets of imagination, memory formation with Artificial Intelligence Speaking to CNN, professor and director of the Women’s Mental Health Research Programme at the University of Illinois Chicago, Pauline Maki said that the scientific report “is one of the few studies to investigate cognitive functioning and brain outcomes in those women at midlife." As per the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, telltale signs can include “menstrual cycle changes, skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne, abnormal growths in the ovaries, and infertility". Study emphasises on 'potential cognitive vulnerabilities' in women with PCOS In a press release, the director of the University of California San Francisco’s PCOS clinic and research programme Dr Heather G Huddleston said, “While (PCOS) has been linked to metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes that can lead to heart problems, less is known about how this condition affects brain health." Watch: Is sense of smell linked to cognitive health? “Our results suggest that people with this condition have lower memory and thinking skills and subtle brain changes in midlife. This could impact a person on many levels, including quality of life, career success and financial security," he added. The findings have emphasised “potential cognitive vulnerabilities in women with PCOS, though it’s important to know that these are cognitive weaknesses, not impairments,” said Maki. “In other words, they are performing worse than other women on these tests, but they are not performing in the impaired range," the professor added. (With inputs from agencies)

Women suffering from PCOS may face difficulty in memory and thinking: study

According to a research, the temporary rises in air pollution may impair memory and thinking in older men. &nbsp;

The scientists found that the men’s cognitive performance fell following rises in air pollution during the month before testing, even when peak levels remained below safety thresholds for toxic air set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulators.&nbsp;

The findings build on growing evidence that exposure to fine particulate matter in the air, largely from road vehicles and industry, is harmful not only to the heart and lungs, but also to delicate neural tissues in the brain.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, According to another study, one in 15 lost pregnancies in South Asia is due to air pollution. The polluted air starts choking a baby even before birth. It causes miscarriages and foetal deaths.&nbsp;

The study says that nearly 350,000 failed pregnancies in South Asia can be attributed to air pollution and out of this, 67 per cent are in rural areas.&nbsp;

Wuhan virus has caused worldwide deaths, but vaccines are more than a ray of hope. However, another invisible killer is still on the prowl, an old enemy of humankind that is responsible for 1.6 million deaths each year. It has now been established as a key contributor in failed pregnancies.&nbsp;

According to a new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health, air pollution is leading to numerous stillbirths and miscarriages in South Asia.&nbsp;

It reveals that nearly 350,000 failed pregnancies in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh can be attributed to poor air quality.&nbsp;

Poor quality means the presence of PM2.5 particles, which are produced by farming, industrial activity, wood-burning and transport.&nbsp;

PM2.5 particles are harmful to all human beings but for an unborn baby, they can be lethal.&nbsp;

The survey indicates that over 34,197 women in South Asia have lost one pregnancy each due to bad air. &nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a research, the temporary rises in air pollution may impair memory and thinking in older men. The scientists found that the men’s cognitive performance fell following rises in air pollution during the month before testing, even when peak levels remained below safety thresholds for toxic air set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulators.

According to a research, the temporary rises in air pollution may impair memory and thinking in older men. The scientists found that the men’s cognitive performance fell following rises in air pollution during the month before testing, even when peak levels remained below safety thresholds for toxic air set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulators. The findings build on growing evidence that exposure to fine particulate matter in the air, largely from road vehicles and industry, is harmful not only to the heart and lungs, but also to delicate neural tissues in the brain. Meanwhile, According to another study, one in 15 lost pregnancies in South Asia is due to air pollution. The polluted air starts choking a baby even before birth. It causes miscarriages and foetal deaths. The study says that nearly 350,000 failed pregnancies in South Asia can be attributed to air pollution and out of this, 67 per cent are in rural areas. Wuhan virus has caused worldwide deaths, but vaccines are more than a ray of hope. However, another invisible killer is still on the prowl, an old enemy of humankind that is responsible for 1.6 million deaths each year. It has now been established as a key contributor in failed pregnancies. According to a new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health, air pollution is leading to numerous stillbirths and miscarriages in South Asia. It reveals that nearly 350,000 failed pregnancies in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh can be attributed to poor air quality. Poor quality means the presence of PM2.5 particles, which are produced by farming, industrial activity, wood-burning and transport. PM2.5 particles are harmful to all human beings but for an unborn baby, they can be lethal. The survey indicates that over 34,197 women in South Asia have lost one pregnancy each due to bad air. (With input from agencies)

Study finds air pollution spikes may impair older men’s thinking 

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