Tag: neuro

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Dual Task Processing

Extensive research into dual task performance shows that training of 2 tasks simultaneously can indeed enhance performance. New research by Schubert et al. (2025) indicates that there latent and persistent bottlenecks to the brain’s processing of such dual tasks, let alone multi-tasking. Out of own anecdotal exercise with “object tracking and touch” (gaming on tablet) a learning effect arises. However, it is unclear, whether this exercise translates to normal traffic situations in inner city situations for pedestrians or cyclists. The experiment of a dual task, combining a visual-manual and an auditory-verbal task, indicates also training effects, but the brain appears to return to sequential processing rather than simultaneous processing as much as it can. Such a dual task test may consist in juggling while singing a song or even leading a conversation with somebody. Quite a challenge or exhausting mental training even for those with a history of juggling objects.

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Reverse causality

Reverse causality is a beast, which empirically minded scientist fear almost like death. However, many processes we study are running not only in one direction. In most cases, causality is tested with, or assuming, a unidirectional model of causality in mind. But some processes have not only a set of multiple causes to take into consideration, but some processes might be reversible or run in a rather complex manner, which are difficult to quantify. Mind captioning is a technique in neuroscience, where easy language is used to describe an image perceived in a person’s mind. Such thinking aloud data is based on thousands of brain scans, where people watched videos or images (study link).
In my own journey into the working of my mind I play around with different directions of causality. Sometimes the text is the origin and the image follows in a selection of a telling illustrations, but occasionally the reverse causality is at work. The image is the starting point and gets the mental process going. It is a rather complex process which is not easy to approximate with the help of algorithmic thinking. Reverse causality has many surprises to offer. As scientists we have a hard time to come to grips with it. (Inspiration Link) 

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Memory design

The progress in the field of genetic editing and design is astonishing. The research group of Johannes Graeff tested the “behavioral consequences of epigenetically editing the Arc promoter within engram cells”. Plasticity is a key feature of memory formation and the experimental evidence shows that this plasticity can also be interrupted. Moreover, the scientists were able to demonstrate a reversibility of retention or un unlearning of manifestations in memory of mice. The bidirectional reversibility of memory expression has potentially therapeutic value for traumatized humans eventually. However, if memory becomes part of a design feature of human species, the risks involved are just as important as the potentials. In totalitarian political systems techniques of “memory design” might be able to adapt such influences on memory, which used to be called brainwashing. Ethics commissions could get ready already to define safeguarding of human memory.  (Image: The fountain of Bacchus, Museum of Paris, 18th century wine merchant entry)