Latest news with #FrontiersinHumanNeuroscience
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Are you addicted to porn? Here's how it controls your brain and makes you just like a drug addict
The free availability of pornography over the internet allows people to choose and watch it as much as they want and whenever they want. Popular among the masses, especially the youth, pornography is often seen as an alternative to real sexual experience. As long as watching porn is under control, there might not be any issue, but the day it turns into an addiction, it can evolve into a neurological and physical battle. New research has shown that watching porn often rewires the human brain, which is similar to drug addiction. The new study was published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. It gives insights and deep understanding about how frequent consumption of pornography may rewire the brain's reward and control circuits, leading to neurological arousal, behavioral changes, and possible dependency, comparable to that observed in opioid addicts. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management Data Science Finance Data Analytics Design Thinking Project Management MBA others Degree Artificial Intelligence Leadership Others CXO Digital Marketing PGDM Public Policy Healthcare healthcare Technology Data Science Cybersecurity Product Management MCA Management Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details Pornography often turns into an obsession by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo The study, conducted at Chengdu Medical College in China, involved 21 healthy college students who had no history of substance use. They watched pornographic content to different degrees. The participants were split into two groups: occasional, low-frequency pornography use, and those with a chronic obsession, and a 10-minute pornography video was chosen for the experiment. The researchers measured the before-and-after effect of watching porn. They measured participants' cognitive functioning and reaction times. While participants watched the video, their real-time neural activity, vital body signs, and facial expressions were also recorded. Live Events The research found that watching porn often causes three clear changes in how our brains and bodies react 1. Brain reward circuits get seized According to researchers, the brain patterns of participants who often consumed pornographic content displayed features similar to people addicted to drugs such as cocaine or opioids. The areas of the brain linked with decision-making, self-control, and reward anticipation, the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and frontopolar area, respectively, experienced improved connectivity. These changes often prompt the viewer to continue watching pornography, resulting in compulsive behavior. Such users prioritize pornography over work, socializing, or other activities they used to enjoy. One of the most common impacts of watching porn is intense and sustained dopamine release, which in turn builds tolerance and desensitization. This makes the person look for more extreme content to experience the same level of feeling. 2. Emotional Responses similar to those who use drugs Besides neurological changes, the study also discovered that the emotional reactions in porn users were similar to those observed in drug addiction. The emotional facial expressions while watching the video revealed even stronger patterns. Participants, who were frequent porn watchers, showed heightened facial expressions of pleasure and happiness, similar to the euphoria reported by drug users. They, however, also showed significantly more anger and sadness than infrequent watchers. This observation suggests greater emotional fluctuations within the frequent group. Researchers say these emotional ups and downs may stem from conflicting feelings of arousal, withdrawal-like distress, and impaired emotional control in the brain. One observation in the participants that was most concerning was that those who watched pornography frequently were less surprised and had more numb expressions. This phenomenon is similar to the intense calmness caused by opioid drugs. Further, this group showed higher anxiety and depression. In contrast to regular porn watchers, the casual consumers showed more expressions of disgust and fear. The researchers suggest this may indicate they were less immersed and less emotionally blunted. This pattern implies they retained a more typical defensive reaction to explicit content. 3. Clouded Thinking Cognitive function is also significantly affected by pornography use. Porn use also really affects how people think. In the study, people took a color and word test before and after watching, and regular porn users did worse both times. The results show that watching porn a lot can mess with your focus and good decision-making. The outcomes also highlight how frequent pornography watching may hijack a person's ability to regulate attention and make sober judgments. Can brain be rewired to unlearn pornography Psychotherapy is a main treatment to cure problematic porn use. It is possible to naturally rewire the brain due to its neuroplasticity. For instance, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shows particularly great outcomes. To treat problematic pornography watching, ACT uses a technique called cognitive defusion, helping participants detach from their obsessive pornography-related thoughts by helping them identify priorities beyond porn cravings. Participants are guided to accept the urges without acting on them and stay committed to life's bigger goals. A randomized clinical trial conducted in 2016 on ACT's effectiveness gave out remarkable results. Participants reported around a 92 percent reduction in pornography viewing after 12 therapy sessions, and 54 percent completely stopped viewing pornography post-treatment. To add to that, integrating holistic approaches, such as meditation practices, can help reduce distressing emotions and foster greater self-awareness.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Optical illusion: This mysterious illusion can trick the human brain's reflexes
A new optical illusion, the 'expanding hole,' tricks the brain and reflexes, causing pupil dilation as if entering a dark space. A study reveals that 86% of people perceive the illusion, with black holes triggering stronger pupil reactions than colored ones. This suggests our pupils react to perceived light, not just physical light energy, offering insights into visual system complexity. If you are a big optical illusion aficionado and think you have seen it all, it's time to reconsider. Because this optical illusion is not just puzzling for the brain, but also tricks human reflexes at a physiological level. Yes, that's right. This is certainly not for the faint-hearted. This illusion, introduced in a 2022 study, is published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience . Expanding hole Look at this image. Do you see the central black hole expanding, as if you're moving into a dark environment, or falling into a hole? If so, you're not alone! This fascinating illusion, known as the 'expanding hole', is perceived the same way as you did by 86% of the population. This powerful visual phenomenon gives the impression of falling into a dark void, and according to scientists, it results in a physiological response - pupil dilation! A mystery to scientists This optical illusion has also grabbed the attention of scientists. "The 'expanding hole' is a highly dynamic illusion: The circular smear or shadow gradient of the central black hole evokes a marked impression of optic flow, as if the observer were heading forward into a hole or tunnel,' Dr Bruno Laeng, first author, and professor at the Department of Psychology of the University of Oslo, said in a statement. If you though optical illusions are mere gimmicks, scientists disagree. For the ones in the field of psychosociology, illusions are useful tools to understand how our visual system interprets the world, much more complexly than a simple device that just measures light. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo In this study, the researchers found that the 'expanding hole' illusion is so good at deceiving our brain that it even prompts a dilation reflex of the pupils to let in more light, just as would happen if we were really moving into a dark area. Pupil reflex and perception "Here we show, based on the new 'expanding hole' illusion that that the pupil reacts to how we perceive light, even if this 'light' is imaginary like in the illusion, and not just to the amount of light energy that actually enters the eye. The illusion of the expanding hole prompts a corresponding dilation of the pupil, as it would happen if darkness really increased," Laeng said. The researchers also looked at how the color of the hole (besides black: blue, cyan, green, magenta, red, yellow, or white) and of the surrounding dots affect how strongly humans react (mentally and physiologically) to the illusion. To test the illusion's strength, the researchers presented 50 participants (women and men) with with normal vision, to rate subjectively how strongly they perceived the illusion. When the participants gazed at the image, the researchers measured their eye movements and their pupils' unconscious constrictions and dilations. For comparison, they also showed 'scrambled' versions of the image with the same brightness and colors but no clear pattern. The findings What they found was striking. The researchers noticed that the illusion was most effective when the hole was black. Fourteen percent of participants didn't perceive any illusory expansion when the hole was black, while 20% didn't when the hole was in color. They concluded that black holes led to strong reflex dilations of the participants' pupils, while colored holes prompted their pupils to constrict. For black holes, the more strongly participants felt the illusion, the more their pupils tended to change in size. This link wasn't seen with colored holes. Understanding Brain Tumor Diagnosis Some were not susceptible The researchers found that a minority were unsusceptible to the 'expanding hole' illusion. They are unsure why. They also don't know whether other vertebrate species, or even nonvertebrate animals with camera eyes such as octopuses, might perceive the same illusion as we do. "Our results show that pupils' dilation or contraction reflex is not a closed-loop mechanism, like a photocell opening a door, impervious to any other information than the actual amount of light stimulating the photoreceptor. Rather, the eye adjusts to perceived and even imagined light, not simply to physical energy. Future studies could reveal other types of physiological or bodily changes that can 'throw light' onto how illusions work," Laeng added.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Indian Classical Ragas Transform Mind And Emotions, IIT Study Finds
Indian classical Ragas can influence brain activity, a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT-Mandi), in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, revealed. The study, published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, found that the Ragas enhance attention and provide emotional regulation and mental stability. Stress, mental overload and emotional disconnection are becoming common across all age groups, with people seeking meaningful and sustainable ways to find emotional balance. "This is where the Indian classical musical system stands out-not just as an art form, but as a highly refined, structured science of emotion and consciousness," Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, told NDTV. "Each Raga is crafted to evoke specific emotional states (Nav Rasa), guiding the mind from tension to tranquillity, and from heaviness to clarity and joy." The study, which included 40 participants, found that Indian classical music guides the brain into more stable and focused patterns, and exposure to Ragas leads to consistent transitions in neural activity, suggesting music's potential as a tool for mental wellness. The research employed advanced EEG microstate analysis, which is a real-time brain-mapping technique that captures momentary but meaningful patterns of neural activity. These "microstates" often last just tens of milliseconds and represent the brain's transient modes of operation, such as attention and emotional engagement. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of Indian Classical music, rooted in cultural wisdom, for developing personalised music-based mental health support tools. The measurable impact of specific Ragas on these brain states makes this study exceptional. For example, Raga Darbari increases attention-related microstates while reducing mind-wandering, indicating deeper focus and cognitive clarity. Recommended for improving focus before exams or important meetings. Raga Jogiya, on the other hand, enhances attentional networks and activates emotion-regulation microstates, enabling listeners to process emotions with calm and composure. The research team suggests that listening to Raga Darbari before exams or important meetings may improve focus, while Raga Jogiya could help manage emotional overwhelm or grief. Ashish Gupta, the first author of the study, emphasised that the shifts observed in neural activity were not random. "The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the Ragas, suggesting Indian Classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness," he said. Is it a workable model? Prof Behera told NDTV that it is "absolutely" a workable model, with its foundation already strong. "The therapeutic use of Raga, often termed " Raga Chikitsa," has existed in India for centuries," he said. "What's new today is the scientific validation of its effects on the brain and emotions through tools like EEG and neuroimaging. The core science is robust and shows consistent patterns of cognitive and emotional benefits." Prof Behera said that now a "structured implementation" is needed, such as designing music-based therapeutic modules that are customised for different contexts-education, corporate stress, emotional care, or clinical support. "With thoughtful scaling, collaboration between scientists, therapists, and musicians, and integration into digital platforms or wellness apps, this ancient practice can become a globally accessible and scalable tool for mental well-being," he added. Professor Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur, co-author of the study, said in a press release, "This work reveals the remarkable capacity of Indian Classical music to engage cognitive and emotional systems. It opens a new path for developing personalised, music-based mental health support tools rooted in India's cultural wisdom." A parallel study on Western participants confirmed similar effects of classical music on brain microstates, indicating the universal neurological power of classical music.
National Geographic
11-04-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
Do crossword puzzles really keep your brain sharp?
They've long been seen as a way to prevent cognitive decline—but experts say the real key to brain health goes far beyond word games. An elderly person works on a crossword puzzle. These games can help keep the brain engaged—but studies show other habits, like exercise and education, play a far greater role in preventing cognitive decline. Photograph by Joel Sartore, Nat Geo Image Collection Ask almost anyone how to stay mentally sharp in old age; chances are someone will bring up crossword puzzles. Alongside Sudoku and word searches, these games have long been seen as 'workouts' for the brain. In fact, a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found these kinds of puzzles are among the most frequently engaged-in activities for brain training and cognitive benefits. But how did this belief become so widespread? And does it actually hold up? One theory is that people have simply noticed a pattern: older adults who seem mentally sharp often keep up with these kinds of games. But experts say the connection might not be as direct as we think. Kellyann Niotis, a preventive neurologist specializing in strategies to lower dementia risk, suggests people who enjoy doing puzzles may have high verbal intelligence, or verbal IQ, which correlates with a lower risk for dementia. 'People who are highly educated also have a higher verbal IQ, and we understand that these people are also at a lower risk,' she adds. Gary Small, the chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center, grew up in a puzzle-loving household and shares the affection. But professionally, he wasn't entirely convinced that puzzles had real cognitive benefits. 'My theory is that to activate your neural circuits and exercise your brain, you have to find that sweet spot.' In other words, the puzzle has to be just the right amount of challenging. The concept aligns with the 'use it or lose it' principle often mentioned in discussions about physical fitness: Just as you need to exercise your muscles to keep them strong, regularly working on crossword puzzles could be a way to train and bolster the brain. But, like nearly all things neuroscience-related, the truth isn't so straightforward. While puzzles may seem like a simple way to keep your brain in shape, studies suggest the reality is more nuanced. A 2022 study published in NEJM Evidence found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who did crossword puzzles over 12 weeks showed cognitive improvement. Still, it's important to note that while the results were impressive because they occurred in a very specific group of people already experiencing cognitive decline, the improvement was also modest. (Here's why adults need to make time for playtime.) A 2024 study also showed a link between puzzles and better cognitive abilities. It studied the lifestyle choices of more than 9,000 people and concluded that board games and puzzles were the strongest predictors of reasoning skills and a top predictor of memory and verbal ability (video games ranked just as high). While studies like these are encouraging for puzzle enthusiasts, there's a catch: the link between puzzles and brain health may be correlation instead of causation. And while puzzles may have some benefits, the research is much stronger in support of other lifestyle interventions for boosting brain health. Exercise and other proven ways to protect your brain So, what does move the needle when it comes to brain health? In his book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, physician Peter Attia says exercise is 'the single most powerful item in our preventive tool kit,' especially for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. Regular exercise improves glucose control, which benefits the brain and helps increase blood flow. It's even been shown to increase the volume of the hippocampus, a critical brain region for learning and memory. According to Niotis, it also boosts neuroplasticity (i.e., helps the brain form new connections) and produces brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for healthy cognitive function. (Here's what lifting weights does to your body—and your mind.) 'Exercise is tricky because we don't really understand the optimal dose or type or frequency of exercise,' she explains. 'But it's very clear that cardio exercise helps boost cognitive function.' Studies also show that older adults who exercise have better cognitive performance than those who aren't active. Beyond exercise, the 2024 report of The Lancet Commission on Dementia prevention, intervention, and care identified 13 additional modifiable risk factors at different stages during the life course. These include hearing loss, traumatic brain injury (TBI), hypertension, heavy drinking, obesity, smoking, depression, social isolation, physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes, air pollution, high cholesterol, untreated vision problems, and lower levels of education in early life. Notably absent from that list? Crossword puzzles. Why puzzlers seem to stay sharper with age If the research suggests that several other lifestyle interventions play a stronger role in brain health, then why does it appear to the general public that those who do puzzles stay sharper in old age? One possibility: puzzle enthusiasts may already be doing many of the right things. They're often more educated—a factor the Lancet identifies as a key modifiable risk for dementia—and they may be more likely to follow other brain-healthy habits, like staying socially engaged and physically active. (The reason dementia rates are rising is surprisingly simple.) Small suggests this is likely because studies show keeping the brain engaged builds cognitive reserve, which is your brain's ability to adapt and stay strong, even as it ages or faces challenges like disease or injury. The more you do to strengthen your brain, the better prepared it is to handle aging and any impending cognitive decline. He recalls a study from over 25 years ago, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, where he and other researchers scanned the brains of people with mild memory complaints as they performed a memory task. 'We found that people with the genetic risk [for dementia], their brains had to work harder to solve that same task,' Small explains. When researchers followed up two years later, those whose brains worked harder showed greater cognitive decline. Building a strong cognitive reserve will boost this ability for the brain to fight hard to compensate—until, eventually, it can no longer keep up. So, while crossword puzzles may help keep your mind engaged, they shouldn't be your only strategy—especially if you've already mastered them. As Niotis explains, 'When you start doing the same thing over and over again, that isn't really boosting cognitive reserve or helping support neuroplasticity because the novelty aspect of it is lost.' (What are the signs of dementia—and why is it so hard to diagnose?) In the end, there's nothing wrong with doing crossword puzzles. And the scientific evidence shows they're far from cognitively bankrupt and even provide some beneficial mental stimulation. However, truly reducing your risk for dementia requires a multipronged approach that should always include plenty of consistent exercise. A strategy like this will likely offer far greater protection against cognitive decline than a single puzzle ever could.
