This perspective article challenges the traditional view that categorization is a final stage of perception occurring after feature detection and memory retrieval. Instead, the authors propose that categorization is an integral computational strategy implemented throughout all stages of neural signal processing. By utilizing predictive feedback signals to organize feedforward processing, the brain creates a neural context that enables continuous grouping of objects, actions, or events into equivalence clusters.
Key points include:
- Categorization occurs from the beginning of signal processing rather than as an end stage.
- The role of predictive feedback in creating a neural context for organization.
- Evidence drawn from neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, and cognitive science.
- Implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders and future research directions.
Key points include:
- Categorization occurs from the beginning of signal processing rather than as an end stage.
- The role of predictive feedback in creating a neural context for organization.
- Evidence drawn from neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, and cognitive science.
- Implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders and future research directions.
This study investigates the temporal dynamics of EEG power during breath-watching meditation, a focused-attention practice from the Isha Yoga tradition.
Analyzing 128-channel EEG data from meditation-naïve, novice, and advanced practitioners, researchers found that significant neurophysiological changes—including increased alpha, theta, and beta1 power—begin to emerge approximately 2 to 3 minutes after starting practice, peaking between 7 and 10 minutes.
Advanced meditators showed consistently higher theta and theta-alpha power throughout the session. This suggests that meditation has a rapid response influenced by experience level, implying that even short, digital sessions could provide scalable mental well-being benefits.
Analyzing 128-channel EEG data from meditation-naïve, novice, and advanced practitioners, researchers found that significant neurophysiological changes—including increased alpha, theta, and beta1 power—begin to emerge approximately 2 to 3 minutes after starting practice, peaking between 7 and 10 minutes.
Advanced meditators showed consistently higher theta and theta-alpha power throughout the session. This suggests that meditation has a rapid response influenced by experience level, implying that even short, digital sessions could provide scalable mental well-being benefits.
Paul R. Ehrlich, a leading ecologist and co‑founder of the field of co‑evolution, died at 93. His landmark 1968 book *The Population Bomb* warned of overpopulation, resource depletion and environmental collapse, sparking global debate and influencing policies such as China’s one‑child plan and India’s sterilisation programmes. Ehrlich’s work also accelerated the development of contraception and women’s reproductive rights. Despite criticism that his focus on population growth overlooked other factors, his research shaped public discourse on sustainability and biodiversity. Ehrlich’s legacy remains contentious but undeniably pivotal in environmental science and policy.
Artificial-intelligence agents have their own social-media platform and are publishing AI-generated research papers on their own preprint server. Researchers are studying how these agents interact and how humans respond to those discussions.
This module uses NextBrain, a probabilistic atlas of the human brain, to segment ~300 distinct ROIs per hemisphere on in vivo or ex vivo scans. Segmentation relies on a Bayesian algorithm and is robust against changes in MRI pulse sequence.
Researchers present NextBrain, a probabilistic histological atlas of the whole human brain, developed using AI-enabled methods to align histological sections and create delineations for 333 ROIs. A Bayesian tool is also created for automatic segmentation of these ROIs in MRI scans.
This study investigated potential associations between short-lived star-like transients identified in the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS-I) and both nuclear weapons testing and reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). Results revealed significant associations between nuclear testing and observed transients, and between the number of transients and UAP reports.
This review describes the multimodal and multinodal organization of the LPA signaling network, detailing upstream biosynthesis, receptor diversity, and downstream effectors across diverse organ systems. Therapeutic strategies targeting ATX, LPARs, and intracellular mediators are critically assessed, along with a review of ongoing and emerging clinical trials.
Genetic studies of human metabolism have been limited in scale and allelic breadth. Here we provide a data-driven map of the genetic regulation of circulating small molecules and lipoprotein characteristics (249 traits) measured using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy across the allele frequency spectrum in ~450,000 individuals.
This document is a **scientific article** from *Nature* titled "Redox-driven mineral and organic associations in Jezero Crater, Mars." It details findings from the Perseverance rover's exploration of the Bright Angel formation within Jezero Crater on Mars.
**Key Findings:**
* The Bright Angel formation consists of mudstones containing organic carbon and minerals (ferrous iron phosphate and sulfide – vivianite and greigite).
* These minerals likely formed through post-depositional redox reactions involving organic matter at low temperatures.
* The rocks show evidence of aqueous alteration and a complex history of mineral precipitation and oxidation-reduction processes.
* The presence of organic carbon and redox-sensitive minerals suggests potential for biosignature preservation and warrants further investigation of the collected core sample.
* The study suggests that the formation of these minerals involved the oxidation of organic matter, leading to the reduction of iron and the precipitation of iron-phosphate and iron-sulfide minerals.
**Key Findings:**
* The Bright Angel formation consists of mudstones containing organic carbon and minerals (ferrous iron phosphate and sulfide – vivianite and greigite).
* These minerals likely formed through post-depositional redox reactions involving organic matter at low temperatures.
* The rocks show evidence of aqueous alteration and a complex history of mineral precipitation and oxidation-reduction processes.
* The presence of organic carbon and redox-sensitive minerals suggests potential for biosignature preservation and warrants further investigation of the collected core sample.
* The study suggests that the formation of these minerals involved the oxidation of organic matter, leading to the reduction of iron and the precipitation of iron-phosphate and iron-sulfide minerals.
