A large new study finds that exposure to common industrial solvents on the job is associated with reduced cognitive performance, especially in men. Key findings show: Men exposed to solvents like gasoline, trichlorethylene, white spirit or cellulosic thinners performed worse on tests of memory, processing speed and executive function. The more types of solvents men …
General intelligence, known as g or IQ, has long been the focus of cognitive genetics research. But what about more specific cognitive abilities, the building blocks that make up IQ? A sweeping new meta-analysis of over 740,000 twins surprisingly suggests: Specific cognitive abilities (SCA) like reading, math and processing speed are just as heritable as …
A study published in Wellcome Open Research has uncovered evidence that exposures experienced by grandparents, including smoking and economic conditions at the time of their birth, may be associated with reduced IQ scores in their grandchildren. The research suggests potential lasting impacts across multiple generations of certain harmful environmental factors. Key facts: The study found …
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. One aspect that contributes to the heterogeneity seen across the autism spectrum is differences in intelligence and cognitive abilities. Recent research is shining new light on the intelligence profiles of individuals with ASD, showing a shift away from …
A new systematic review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride during pregnancy and childhood may be associated with adverse effects on cognitive development. Key facts: The review included 46 studies on fluoride exposure and cognition in children from gestation up to …
Smoking remains a major public health issue. Nicotine, the primary addictive component of tobacco, may enhance cognition but also drives continued use. Understanding nicotine’s effects on the brain is key for developing better interventions. Key facts: Nicotine enhances functions like attention, motor skills, and memory but mechanisms remain unclear. Genetic variations predict responses to nicotine’s …
A new study published in PLOS One investigated whether adaptive dual n-back working memory training could enhance cognition in healthy adults aged 30-60. The randomized controlled trial found that 5 weeks of daily home-based dual n-back training did not improve working memory, processing speed, or fluid intelligence compared to an active control training program. Key …
Siblings often turn out quite different from one another, despite sharing much of their genetics and childhood environment. One of the most robust findings in this realm is that earlier-born siblings tend to outperform later-borns in measures of intelligence and educational achievement. But what causes these birth order differences? Is it nature or nurture? A …
Pesticides are chemicals commonly used worldwide to control unwanted organisms and disease vectors. However, research shows that chronic pesticide exposure may impair brain health and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Key facts: Pesticides like organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and mitochondrial complex I inhibitors can damage neurons and brain cell function through mechanisms like …
Education has long been thought to improve cognitive abilities like intelligence. But does simply spending more years in school actually make people smarter? A new meta-analysis of quasi-experimental studies provides compelling evidence that education significantly increases intelligence test scores, by as much as 1-5 IQ points for each additional year of education. Key Facts: Education …
