Cognitive Science

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

Cooking Oil’s Impact on Alzheimer’s: Exploring the Role of Hydroxynonenal

Just like a greasy frying pan needs a good scrub to prevent buildup, our bodies have a natural defense mechanism called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) that helps detoxify harmful byproducts produced when cooking oil is heated. One particular byproduct, hydroxynonenal, has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists have discovered that hydroxynonenal can trigger a cascade […]

Published on August 25, 2023

Unlocking the Neural Recipe for a Language of Thought

Imagine cooking up a complex thought using a recipe book of primitive concepts. That’s the idea behind the ‘language of thought’ theory, which suggests that our mental representations are like ingredients that can be combined to create new thoughts. Some have argued that this theory is impossible to implement in the brain, but new research […]

Published on August 24, 2023

ALDH2 Mutation and Alcohol Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease

Imagine you have a trusty enzyme in your body called ALDH2 that helps break down alcohol and other harmful substances. But what if this enzyme had a small mutation? Well, in East Asians, about 8% of the population has a common ALDH2 mutation called ALDH2*2. And guess what? This mutation has been linked to a […]

Published on August 24, 2023