Author: Dr. David Lowemann

Sound amongst the din: primate strategies against noise

Ambient noise disrupts vocal communication amongst animals. Recent studies show that some species, such as marmosets, can rapidly adjust the patterns of ongoing calls according to noisy environments. This substantial vocal flexibility reveals that non-human primates have more advanced cognitive control over when and what to vocalize than previously thought. Read Full Article (External Site) […]

Published on December 12, 2024

The role of alpha oscillations in resisting distraction

The role of alpha oscillations (8–13 Hz) in suppressing distractors is extensively debated. One debate concerns whether alpha oscillations suppress anticipated visual distractors through increased power. Whereas some studies suggest that alpha oscillations support distractor suppression, others do not. We identify methodological differences that may explain these discrepancies. A second debate concerns the mechanistic role […]

Published on December 12, 2024

Soda taxes don’t just affect sales: They help change people’s minds

The city of Berkeley’s first-in-the-nation soda tax a decade ago, along with more recent Bay Area tax increases on sugar-sweetened drinks, have not only led to reduced sales. They are also associated with significant changes in social norms and attitudes about the healthfulness of sweet drinks. Read Full Article (External Site) Dr. David LowemannDr. David […]

Published on December 12, 2024