Cognitive Science

The latest breakthroughs, innovations, and cool happenings at the cutting edge of the world of cognitive science. Updated daily.

Treatment of Parkinson’s disease with biologics that penetrate the blood–brain barrier via receptor-mediated transport

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by neurodegeneration of nigral-striatal neurons in parallel with the formation of intra-neuronal α-synuclein aggregates, and these processes are exacerbated by neuro-inflammation. All 3 components of PD pathology are potentially treatable with biologics. Neurotrophins, such as glial derived neurotrophic factor or erythropoietin, can promote neural repair. Therapeutic antibodies can lead to […]

Published on November 14, 2023

Ethical reasoning versus empathic bias: a false dichotomy?

Does empathy necessarily impede equity in altruism? Emerging findings from cognitive and affective science suggest that rationality and empathy are mutually compatible, contradicting some earlier, prominent arguments that empathy impedes equitable giving. We propose alternative conceptualizations of relationships among empathy, rationality, and equity, drawing on interdisciplinary advances in altruism research. Read Full Article (External Site) […]

Published on November 14, 2023

Following Affirmative and Negated Rules

Abstract Rules are often stated in a negated manner (“no trespassing”) rather than in an affirmative manner (“stay in your lane”). Here, we build on classic research on negation processing and, using a finger-tracking design on a touchscreen, we show that following negated rather than affirmative rules is harder as indicated by multiple performance measures. […]

Published on November 13, 2023