MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'brain games'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:51:26 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118716&cid=t_158347_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F26686253%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EStudy-Brain-Games-Give-Cognitive-Boost.htm At last, there is scientific proof that it’s possible to boost generalized cognitive performance with specific training, in this case web-based brain games. For years, we’ve heard first that we should keep sharp by doing crossword puzzles or similar brain-challenging activities, only to find later that research has been unable to prove their effectiveness in [...] CommentsPosit counts Dr. Michael Merzenich, a key figure in ... by Roger DooleyI'm a big fan of Lumosity. Can definitely see improvement in my ... by Ben MillerPlus 6 more...Related StoriesBrain Fitness: Skip the Sudoku, Be a VolunteerA Better Brain in Four DaysUse Your Cell Phone, Save Your Brain (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118716 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:38:24 +0100 5118716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096679&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2FdRz7UvDFjxg%2F Watson: Do Mind the Wainscoting Interview in which the lead researcher for the Watson/Jeopardy machine learning project reveals how the program detects patterns in natural language to answer trivia puzzles in the game show Jeopardy. Short video is part of a series for World Science Festival’s  Man Made Minds video week, which includes more clips about Watson’s design and performance. Above video: news report about Watson’s Jeopardy win. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096679 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:24:09 +0100 5096679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753831&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2Ie6h3vlNCc%2F Ready to see how well you can remember random words or, more difficult, names? Click here to test your brain. You will also be able to check your mental speed with a reaction time test. All 3 exercises will give you an idea of where you are at compared to other people of the same age. To improve your performance, you may want to read this post before trying the games: How can I improve concentration and memory? Enjoy. Hope your brain surprises you! (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753831 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:55:01 +0100 4753831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549822&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FM1_XBSQ2U8o%2F This article shows how Marble: The Brain Store has developed a very interactive retail experience to help consumers find the products that are right for them. Note that we will have a chance to learn more about the concept as Lindsay Gaskins, CEO of Marbles, will be speaking at the SharpBrains Summit this month (March 30 — April 1). Marbles is making its mark with entertainment and service. This is not a typical game store. Employees are called brain coaches, not sales associates, and are trained on how to play the hundreds of games and puzzles and software in the store. Like a bookstore, Marbles divides its products by subject: critical thinking, memory, coordination, visual perception and word skills. The store carries 250 products […] There are games for fine-motor skills, stress re... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549822 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:43:14 +0100 4549822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489814&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2F6msW4V4QWdo%2F Cynthia Breazeal: The rise of personal robots MIT roboticist Breazeal (the best-dressed TED speaker ever) talks about human-robot interaction, robopsychology, and the future of personal robotics including toys for children. Video features interactive transcript. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489814 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:30:24 +0100 4489814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249144&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FxAEgL8C2KQY%2F The frontal lobes of the brain (in gray here) have been compared to an orchestra conductor, ­influencing, directing, and moderating many other brain functions. Indeed, the frontal lobes support the so-called executive functions: decision-making, problem-solving, planning, inhibiting, as well as other high-level functions (social behavior, emotional control, working memory, etc.). Ready for an executive workout? The functions of the frontal lobes are crucial for work and life in general. How can we preserve and enhance these functions? Research tells us that cognitive or brain reserve (i.e., the brain’s resilience to pathology) can be increased by mental exercise. Mental exercise has to be challenging (to trigger the formation of new synapses and neurons) and repeated (a single teaser wi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249144 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:48:25 +0100 4249144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214311&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F_hBTJuht35c%2F Over the last four years we have posted over 100 puzzles, teasers, riddles, illusions, and every form of mental exercise that both challenges and enlightens our minds. Below you have a selection of the ten most popular ones among SharpBrains readers. Enjoy! Top Ten Brain Teasers and Games for Kids and Adults alike 1. Can you count?: Basketball attention experiment (Interactive). 2. Which way is the bus heading?. 3. Words in your brain: do you know where words are “stored” in your brain?. 4. Please Spot the Differences. 5. Do you think you know the colors?: Quick, try the Stroop Test. 6. Clinically proven Stress Management tip. 7. Riddle for the Whole Brain: The Blind Beggar. 8. What is going on with these pictures?. 9. Puzzles Teasers for the Weekend: a few challenges to ex... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214311 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:51:17 +0100 4214311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183396&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fmiilgyg-0P8%2F When I give a presentation about brain health and fitness, there are always a few people who come tell me afterward that they do crossword puzzles everyday. They heard that mental exercise is good for the brain so they are pleased and proud to report that they do the best they can to maintain their brain functions. But are they really? What if I was a gym instructor? Would the same people tell me proudly that to keep their whole body in shape they do biceps movements everyday, and that’s all they do? I DO feel like I was this gym instructor when I hear the crossword puzzles claim! Solving crossword puzzles repetitively is not the best habit for two reasons. First, the first crossword puzzles one did were truly stimulating but the marginal value declines with repetition. You may remember ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183396 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:09:00 +0100 4183396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119372&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FB0tuOcj_dkI%2F Visual illusions are fun and interesting: They can tell us a lot about our brain. The brain has two hemispheres, each divided into four lobes. Each lobe is responsible for different functions. For instance the frontal cortex (in blue here) is responsible for decision making and planning; the temporal lobe (in green) for language and memory; and the parietal lobe (in yellow) for attention and spatial skills. The occipital lobe (in red) is entirely devoted to vision: It is thus the place where visual illusions happen. The frontal lobe represents 41% of total cerebral cortex volume; the temporal lobe 22%; the parietal lobe 19%; and the occipital lobe 18%. There is thus a huge part of our brain devoted to processing visual information. How the visual system processes shapes, colors, sizes, etc... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119372 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:02:00 +0100 4119372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907690&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2Ucn0GO8ZUs%2F How often do you listen to the office gossip while filling in forms? Or read a document while talking on the phone with a client? Or think about your problems at work while helping your child with his homework? We are constantly assaulted by lots of information and often required to perform several tasks at once. It is not easy to stay focused. However being able to stay focused is crucial to achieve success. Indeed, if you are listening to the office gossip while filling in forms, you will probably make mistakes. If you try to read a document while talking on the phone with a client, you will probably sound distant and uninterested to your client and may not get the contract you expected to get. If you think about your problems at work while helping your child with his homework, you will ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907690 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:28:11 +0100 3907690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790798&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F1ozO8acVTn4%2F Quick note: Yahoo! has created an expanded section with optical illusions and brain teasers, and we were glad to contribute to it. You can enjoy it Here. Once you are done, you can find many more brain teasers here. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790798 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:02:19 +0100 3790798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490679&cid=t_158347_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F21%2Fbrain-games-dont-help-your-brain%2F A red flag always goes up in my mind when I see an entire industry sprout up around something that doesn’t have a lot of research backing. That’s been the problem with these so-called “brain games” — you know, those video or online games that supposedly improve your memory or thinking. Makers of these games like to point to studies of people who were older (usually seniors), had existing memory or cognitive problems or other issues who engaged in specific tasks and then were shown to have some improvement in memory or cognition. Few studies have been done on these games with everyday folks like you and I. And fewer still studies have been done on the specific games being marketed to consumers (often the studies use tasks that the games then try and replicate,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490679 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:43:08 +0100 3490679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943946&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FL4Vkd6TGdG4%2F Here you have the October edition of our monthly newsletter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, using the box at the top of this page. We recently run an online survey among subscribers of our monthly eNewsletter, and over 500 people said we have helped them make better personal or professional decisions on how to maintain and improve brain fitness. Most gave very illuminating examples, which we are reading and enjoying as we speak. Respondents also had many good questions to ask, so I have selected 15 common ones, paraphrased/ synthesized them below, and answered them by linking to our most relevant posts and resources. I hope you enjoy the FAQ session. Q: I teach a brain fitness class at my librar... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943946 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:32:09 +0100 2943946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904997&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FL4Vkd6TGdG4%2F We recently run an online survey among subscribers of our monthly eNewsletter, and over 500 people said we have helped them make better personal or professional decisions on how to maintain and improve brain fitness. Most gave very illuminating examples, which we are reading and enjoying as we speak. Respondents also had many good questions to ask, so I have selected 15 common ones, paraphrased/ synthesized them below, and answered them by linking to our most relevant posts and resources. I hope you enjoy the FAQ session. Q: I teach a brain fitness class at my library/ senior center/ school, using much of your info. Can you share some of your presentations? A: Yes, we have just decided to share, using a Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives License, the full presentation of my recen... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904997 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:32:09 +0100 2904997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709197&cid=t_158347_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Fexercising-your-brain-as-you-age%2F According to a news article we published today, simple everyday activities are all we need to keep our minds sharp as we age, mixed in with a healthy dose of daily physical exercise. The study measured over 4,000 participants’ brain and cognitive functioning over a 6 year period to arrive at these results. Boiled down to the basics, the researchers found the following activities help our brains remain sharp as we age: Mental activities, like reading or doing a crossword puzzle Physical exercise, generally the more the better (but even some, such as simply walking for 30 minutes per day, is better than nothing) Remaining socially engage with your friends or family Maintaining a positive attitude throughout life Learning new activities, hobbies or anything that requires concentrat... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709197 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:33:43 +0100 2709197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447834&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fo064rsy3lpQ%2F Brain-fitness games join workplace, as well as senior center, arsenals (MarketWatch) - "Consumers and retirement homes have made brain-fitness games and exercises a commercial hit, but now some insurers and employers are incorporating them into wellness programs that promote health not just for the body but also for the mind." - "Improving brain health can result in less presenteeism, the tendency to be at work but be distracted and not able to focus," he added. "If you look at disability costs, absenteeism and presenteeism account for most of the medical costs, and that's a good reason for employers to be focused on brain health." (according to Dr. Eugene Baker, vice president at OptumHealth's Behavioral Solutions division)" The article reviews innovati... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447834 Sat, 30 May 2009 20:34:13 +0100 2447834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365265&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FsmPbe42mLiE%2F Ben Sawyer and I just agreed to create a new Cognitive Health track -Powered by SharpBrains- at the 5th Annual Games for Health Conference. I will host the 11-session track, covering a variety of cognitive health and brain fitness topics and an overview of SharpBrains' upcoming report The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market 2009. When and where: June 11-12th at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in Boston, MA. Context: The Games for Health Conference is produced by The Serious Games Initiative and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The conference brings together researchers, medical professionals, decision-makers at healthcare and insurance providers, innovators and game developers. I have attended a few times, and have always been impressed by the caliber of both speakers and... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365265 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:50:27 +0100 2365265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320463&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FDJUyXt6ocL8%2F Learning can be incidental. We all memorize facts without paying much attention to these facts or without willing to memorize them. However, when one really wants to memorize a fact, it is crucial to pay attention. Many studies have shown that compared to full attention conditions, dividing attention during study time leads to poor memory performance. This exercise will help you practice focusing your attention. It may seem easy but make sure you count twice! Count the number of “Y” in this text: Yesterday, Lucy went all the way to Boston. She wanted to buy new shoes. She had to go in many shops before she found the shoes she wanted. She was happy to stop at a restaurant to have some tea and cookies before she took the train back home. Count the number of “E” in this text: Last sum... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320463 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:19:54 +0100 2320463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2223659&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F2F4NxwMMu_U%2F Here you have the February edition of our monthly newsletter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, simply by submitting your email at the top of this page. Cognitive training (or structured mental exercise) definitely seems to work - as long as we define properly what "work" means, don't expect magic cures, and help navigate options. Please keep reading... Interview: Baycrest Interview with Baycrest's CEO Dr. William Reichman: Discussing the recent Centre for Brain Fitness at Baycrest, Dr. Reichman suggests that "we have an opportunity to make major progress in Brain Health in the XXI century, similar to what happened with Cardiovascular Health in the XXth, and technology will play a c... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2223659 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:56:02 +0100 2223659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2170177&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F535195978%2F Round-up of recent news with a variety of angles, from the effects of gaming to cognitive training for driving skills and brain fitness classes. Seniors use brain training software to sharpen their minds (Dallas Morning News) - "Allstate Insurance has invited some policyholders and other older drivers to try InSight so researchers can evaluate whether the software reduces accidents." - "Depending on the results, the auto insurer says it may expand the pilot project and offer premium discounts to drivers who take the brain training." - "Today, only one in seven licensed drivers is 65 or older. But by 2030, when the last of the boomers turn 65, the proportion will be one in four. " Brain games (Palo Alto Weekly) - "There is research that justifies the belie... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2170177 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:54:42 +0100 2170177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2160941&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F531109481%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. Brain games, brain teaser puzzles, France, frontal lobes, Greece, improve memory, logic puzzle, logical skills, memory, mind teasers, proverbs, South Africa, temporal lobes, usa (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2160941 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:08:18 +0100 2160941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2093187&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F504623626%2F NeuroActive Bike: America’s First and Only Mind-Body Fitness Equipment Launched at Lady of America Fitness Centers (press release) - "The patent-pending bike, engineered by Dr. Bergeron and BCA (Brain Center America)’s international team of brain specialists, makes its U.S. debut this month at Lady of America (LOA) fitness centers." - "Users of the NeuroActive Bike may select from 22 brain-stimulating exercises that train different parts of the brain, including: memory of names and faces, 3D visuo-spatial skills, concentration, word naming and arithmetic. As they pedal, they manipulate a wireless mouse to interact with the computer and complete the NeuroActive Program" In our 2008 market report we offered Top 10 Brain Training Future Trends, inc... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2093187 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:45:53 +0100 2093187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2079029&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F493454114%2F Here you have SharpBrains' 30 most popular articles, ranked by the number of people who have read each article in 2008. Please note that, since the first article already includes most of our most popular brain teasers, we have excluded teasers from the rest of the ranking. (If those 50 are not enough for you, you can also try these brain teasers). --- Blog Channel Article Brain teasers 1. Top 50 Brain Teasers and Games to Test your Brain It is always good to stimulate our minds and to learn a bit about how our brains work. Here you have a selection of the 50 Brain Teasers that people have enjoyed the most. Health & Wellness 2. The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains Let's review some good lifestyle options we can follow to maintain, and improve, our vibrant brains. My fa... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2079029 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:55:23 +0100 2079029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1992276&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F465573115%2F Here you have the November edition of our monthly newsletter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, simply by submitting your email at the top of this page. Thank you for your interest, attention and participation in our SharpBrains community. As always, we appreciate your comments and suggestions. Summit of the Global Agenda How can we persuade business leaders, policy-makers and researchers of the urgency to develop and promote an integrated "Healthy Living" agenda focused on maintaining lifelong physical and cognitive health, vs. the usual mindset focused on dealing with specific diseases and problems once they arise? In The Future of the Aging Society: Burden or Human Capital?, I summariz... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1992276 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:41:47 +0100 1992276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1915410&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F433602787%2F You may have already seen that our Teasers section contains not only our selection of Top 50 Brain Teasers and Games, but also a regularly updated page with latest Games for the Brain. Below you have the brain games and teasers we have added in 2008 so far. Ready? - October 2008: Top Brainy Haikus. Yours?. - September 2008: What is going on with these pictures?. - September 2008: 7 Brainteasers for Job Interviews. - August 2008: Can you use mental self rotation to read a map?. - August 2008: Spot the Differences! how many are there?. - July 2008: Top 25 Brain and Mind Haikus. Yours?. - June 2008: Consider Linda's job prospects. - June 2008: Spot the Difference for a frontal/ occipital/ parietal workout - May 2008. Word game: stimulate your temporal lobe. - April 2008. Your Haiku, Please... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1915410 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:03:35 +0100 1915410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1853992&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F411408487%2F Thank you to everyone who has written so many fun haikus over the summer (following the post Top 25 Brain and Mind Haikus. Yours?). These are the 10 I have enjoyed the most: (Also, Can you write a haiku describing anything crossing your mind now? Remember the simple rules: write 3 lines, which don't need to rhyme, containing 5,7, and 5 syllables. You can leave your haiku as a comment below for extra points...) ----- Top 10 Brainy Haikus - enjoy! - Amit: Love, college, career. A new world of transitions. Will I survive? Yes. - Kathy: My release technique, Forgive, forget, love all, Meditate on that! - Alan: Through the microscope, slice of brain stains pink and blue, the wonder of thought. - Justin: Justin the genieus Must spell check the word genius to post this Haiku - Tim: writing quick... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1853992 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:02:25 +0100 1853992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1845423&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F407729982%2F Here you have the twice-a-month newsletter with our most popular blog posts. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, simply by submitting your email at the top of this page. Quick, Are videogames good or bad? That's an impossible question. Good or bad for what? What  specific games are we talking about? More importantly, what are they substituting for, given time is a limited resource?  Contributor Jeremy Adam Smith, managing director of Greater Good magazine, offers an in-depth review on the trade-offs videogames present in: Playing the Blame Game. News Round-Up Math Innovation in UK Schools: a recent (and unpublished) study seems to support the potential role for "Serious Games" in education. Learning and Teaching Scotland reports signific... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1845423 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:01:38 +0100 1845423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1791846&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F391862901%2F Today we introduce a  highly evolved version of brain teasers. How quickly can you provide the correct answer to these 3 questions? - 1) What is going on in these 2 pictures? - 2) what may explain it? - 3) Is there some element out of place? Ready. Set. Go! Please post your answers and time below. If you need to check the answer right now...you can watch this 2-minute video (with sound) Here. Here you have more brain teasers. Enjoy the weekend! brain exercise, Brain exercises, Brain games, brain teaser games, Brain teasers, brain teasing games, free brain teasers, games for the brain, mind teasers, online brain games, pranks addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharpbrains.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F09%2F13%2Fgames-for-the-brain%2F'; addthis_title = 'Games+for+the+Brain'; addthis_pub = 'sharp... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1791846 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:28:33 +0100 1791846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1710227&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F366898875%2F From a recent article: Brain Training dominates '08 Euro sales (CVG Online) - "Overall, four of the ten bestselling DS games in both countries during the first six months of 2008 were in the brain training genre." - "According to data released by sales monitor Media Control GfK International, the DS's heavyweight status in the European console market is closely tied to the popularity of Nintendo's Brain Training series and other brain training titles." - "The biggest demand for brain games is in Germany and Holland", the company said. More Brain Training was the bestselling title in Germany during the first six months of the year, while Brain Training topped the Dutch chart during the same period. Fascinating. Will brain-training-induced employee-productivity... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1710227 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:10:44 +0100 1710227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1710228&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F365747416%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains.com. Dr. Michelon, Copyright 2008. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. You may enjoy these other teasers by Dr. Michelon: - Spot the Difference - Word game - Boost your visuospatial skills - Words in your brain And our Top 50 Brain Teasers collection. brain, Brain games, brain teaser, cognitive ability, cognitive exercise, egocentric, free b... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1710228 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:20:14 +0100 1710228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1583152&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F328139158%2F Here you have 4 of the most popular brain games in our blog, plus a bonus stress management tip. Brain Teaser 1. In which direction is the bus pictured below traveling? Do you know the answer? The only possible answers are "left" or "right." Still don't know? When pre-school children were shown this picture and question, they all answered "left." When asked why, they answered "Because you can't see the door." Believe it or not, this simple teaser generated a very lively controversy with over  50 comments...some of my favorites "I've been looking at the bus for a long time now and it is not moving at all" (Peter), "Fools! It is falling, because there is no ground under it! How's that for logic? (Richard), and "I would like to r... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1583152 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:41:16 +0100 1583152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1527495&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F313900458%2F Here you are have the twice-a-month newsletter with our 10 most popular blog posts. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, simply by submitting your email at the top of this page. Our first Brain Training/ Fitness Webinar Series was a success with several hundred participants and great feedback. If you could not participate, you can still review the presentation slides by clicking Here. A key message from the series: it is exciting that our brains remain more flexible, at all ages, than was once thought possible. The implications? Every single owner of a brain can benefit from learning more about how to maintain the "It" in "Use It or Lose It." And which tools, if any, can be helpful. But, remember, there are no magic p... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1527495 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:39:39 +0100 1527495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512546&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F310139058%2F This article was written by Pascale Michelon, Ph. D., for SharpBrains.com. Dr. Michelon, Copyright 2008. Dr. Michelon has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology and has worked as a Research Scientist at Washington University in Saint Louis, in the Psychology Department. She conducted several research projects to understand how the brain makes use of visual information and memorizes facts. She is now an Adjunct Faculty at Washington University, and teaches Memory Workshops in numerous retirement communities in the St Louis area. Brain exercises, Brain games, Brain teasers, cognitive, cognitive processes, cognitive psychology, frontal lobes, mind teasers, occipital lobes, parietal lobes, Pascale Michelon, short term memory, Spot the Difference, the brain (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512546 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:05:18 +0100 1512546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1481146&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F301607877%2F In conclusion, it looks like one can use training to boost one’s fluid intelligence," says Dr. Pascale Michelon, based on a recent study. Education and Training Try Thinking and Learning Without Working Memory: Quick! Can you recite backwards the 7 digits of your phone number? Bill Klemm answers some key questions on thinking and working memory, in one of the most insightful articles on the subject we have seen. Health and Wellness Manage Stress for Your Brain Health: Insightful essay on stress management and brain health written by Landon, as part of one of our student essay contests. Study: Meditation Against ADHD: In order to fight attention deficits...does it make sense to develop the "mental muscles" to pay attention? Take a quick look at the topic, posted at th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1481146 Sat, 31 May 2008 02:01:22 +0100 1481146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1367154&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F268131761%2F This study challenges the theory that depression and dementia are caused by another factor. It therefore adds weight to, but does not prove, the theory that depression is a risk factor for dementia. However, this study has shortcomings, and further research that is free of these should provide a clearer picture. Until more is known, depression sufferers should not be overly worried that they will develop dementia." Comment: I guess that last sentence offers good news...   aging brain, Alzheimers Association, Alzheimers Tests, baby boomers, Baycrest, Brain games, Brain Training, brain training game, Casual Games, Centre for Brain Fitness, cognitive ability, cognitive deficits, Cognitive tests, Depression and Alzheimers, executive skills, fit brains, High blood pressure, Humana, life... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1367154 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:37:51 +0100 1367154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1365102&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F268131761%2F This study challenges the theory that depression and dementia are caused by another factor. It therefore adds weight to, but does not prove, the theory that depression is a risk factor for dementia. However, this study has shortcomings, and further research that is free of these should provide a clearer picture. Until more is known, depression sufferers should not be overly worried that they will develop dementia." Comment: I guess that last sentence offers good news...   aging brain, Alzheimers Association, Alzheimers Tests, baby boomers, Brain games, Brain Training, brain training game, Casual Games, cognitive ability, cognitive deficits, Cognitive tests, Depression and Alzheimers, executive skills, fit brains, High blood pressure, Humana, lifestyle, Medicaid, Medicare, memory cl... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1365102 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:31:36 +0100 1365102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1338453&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F261077296%2F (hat tip: Mind Hacks). Let's try this classic experiment, conceived by Simons and Chabris for their study on sustained inattentional blindness (PDF), and now packaged in a nicer production. You will watch a brief video clip showing two teams, and your challenge is to count the TOTAL number of times that the basketballs change hands. Click Here to view the Basketball Experiment clip. You can read about the fascinating results here. Credit for pic: Haines World attention, Basketball Experiment clip, Brain games, Brain teasers, inattentional blindness, mind teasers, Psychology, Simons and Chabris (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1338453 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:42:03 +0100 1338453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1287990&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F247724602%2F A quick teaser: Imagine you are one of 120 people in a room. Each person in the room is given two lengths of rope and told to chose two of his or her four rope-ends at random and to tie them together. Then each person is told to tie the remaining two rope-ends together. Then, we count up the loops of rope. How many should there be? SOLUTION: When each person prepares to choose his second rope-end, we note that one of the available three rope-ends is the other end of the rope he is holding, and the other two are from the other length of rope. He is equally likely to pick any of these three rope-ends, so there is a one-in-three chance that he will create a loop at this time, and a two-in-three chance that he will instead simply join two ropes into one. He'll be left with one rope (plus possi... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1287990 Sat, 08 Mar 2008 04:00:58 +0100 1287990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1262089&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F242320041%2F This article was co-written by Simon Evans and Paul Burghardt. Drs. Evans and Burghardt currently collaborate in the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry, and the Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute to study the effects of nutrition and exercise on brain function. They host the Brain Fit for Life blog and are collaborating on an upcoming book on the subject. Alzheimer’s disease, anti depressants, behavior modification, brain, brain exercise, Brain games, brain wellness, diabetes, exercise and brain, healthcare, increase productivity, insurance companies, neuroscience, Nutrition, overweight, Paul Burghardt, Physical Exercise, Preventive Medicine, psychiatry, retirement, self enrichment, Simon Evans, sleep, stress management, University of Michigan (Source: Shar... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1262089 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:07:27 +0100 1262089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1237220&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F236169430%2F We presented SharpBrains' upcoming report, The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market 2008, on Tuesday Feb 12th at an event sponsored by the MIT Club of Northern California, the American Society on Aging, and SmartSilvers. Health & Wellness Stress and Neural Wreckage: Part of the Brain Plasticity Puzzle: an insightful article by one of our new Expert Contributors, Gregory Kellet-a researcher at UCSF- who provides context on how stress kills neurons. Closing the Circuit: Helen Mayberg's research could revolutionize depression treatment: accumulated chronic stress can build into depression over time. Thanks to our collaboration with Greater Good Magazine, Jill Suttie offers a fascinating overview of depression and a promising new treatment. Posit Science Brain Fitness Program 2.0... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1237220 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:10:34 +0100 1237220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1235031&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F235601555%2F A spate of recent news coverage on brain fitness and "brain training" reflects a growing interest in natural, non-drug-based interventions to keep our brains sharp as we age. This interest is very timely, given the aging population, increasing Alzheimer's rates, and soaring health care costs that place more emphasis than ever on prevention and changing lifestyle. This past Tuesday, the MIT Club of Northern California, the American Society on Aging, and SmartSilvers sponsored an event on The Emerging Brain Fitness Software Market: Building Better Brains to explore the realities and myths of this growing field. The panel was moderated by Zack Lynch, Executive Director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, and composed of a venture capitalist and 3 CEOs of program developers... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1235031 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:10:57 +0100 1235031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1229677&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F234513838%2F Over the last few days we have seen an engaging conversation going on in a few of our posts. In 2 of them, representatives from Posit Science have left detailed comments that have prompted me to ask a series of detailed questions. Given that the comments are a bit buried by now, I will present those questions in a post.   Eric, Henry, or anyone else in the field: please address these questions, so we all contribute to helping consumers and institutions navigate through this emerging landscape of "brain fitness gyms" and separate what is real today from what is promising and may be real tomorrow.    A) Questions posted in The Brain Fitness Program DVD post (you can read whole context clicking on the link)   Hello Eric, thanks for stopping by. We recommend users check our 10-Qu... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1229677 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:23:27 +0100 1229677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1165497&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F220164457%2F Fyi, I will be teaching this workshop soon, as part of our collaboration with several Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes:    San José State University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (website) presents Title: Brain Fitness: The Science and Practice. When: Saturday, February 2, 2008 9:30-3:30 What: Neuroscientists have shown how the human brain retains neuroplasticity (the ability to rewire itself) and neurogenesis (creation of new neurons) during its full lifetime, leading to a new understanding of what aging means. In this class, we will review the science behind some of the key concepts in this field and explore their implications on our lifestyles in a fun and engaging way. We have all heard "Use it or lose it.” Latest research suggests, "Use it and improve it!”... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1165497 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 04:32:04 +0100 1165497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1162720&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F219450554%2F Did you read about the recent experiment where young chimps displayed amazing visual working memory capability, beating humans? - You can watch a short video here. - Lumos Labs has released a very fun game to test your own skills: try out this Chimp Game!   Also, some very good recent news articles: 1) Is it worth going to the mind gym? (New Scientist). This is one of the best articles we have read in a while (unfortunately requires subscription). - "Birdwatching is the brainchild of San Francisco-based Lumos Labs, just one of the dozens of companies that have sprung up in recent months to cash in on the "brain-training" craze. Like most of its competitors, the theory behind ..." Comments: the article introduces readers to much of the research and scientists we disc... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1162720 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:26:55 +0100 1162720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1137505&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F213262462%2F The most popular question we got when we announced that PBS had a great special on Brain Fitness Program and Neuroplasticity in December was, when will the DVD be available? Well, finally here it comes. You can click on the image or the title to go over to PBS shop to learn more and buy it. The Brain Fitness Program DVD ($24.95, shipped by 02/01/08). "This program presents a workout to help viewers get their brains in better shape. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt — even rewire itself. In the past two years, a team of scientists has developed computer-based stimulus sets that drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional changes in the brain. Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California San Francisco ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1137505 Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:28:30 +0100 1137505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1065037&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F194004953%2F PBS has announced a special program on neuroplasticity and brain fitness titled "Brain Fitness Program" during the month of December. You can check local times and listings: "This program presents a workout to help viewers get their brains in better shape. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt — even rewire itself. In the past two years, a team of scientists has developed computer-based stimulus sets that drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional changes in the brain. Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California San Francisco and his colleagues around the world have been leading this effort; he brings the research findings, along with a scientifically based set of brain exercises, to PBS view... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1065037 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:05:54 +0100 1065037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1055114&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F191467592%2F Just wanted to let you know that we have created this new Teasers section to serve as a repository of the best Mind and Brain Games we offer through the blog. If you need to quickly exercise your brain after Thanksgiving holiday...you can go ahead and find a selection of 50 Brain Teasers. Enjoy! Visit: Teasers section adults, brain exercise, Brain games, Brain teasers, Education addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sharpbrains.com%2Fblog%2F2007%2F11%2F27%2Fmind-and-brain-games-for-adults%2F'; addthis_title = 'Mind+and+Brain+Games+for+adults'; addthis_pub = 'sharpbrains'; (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1055114 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:40:36 +0100 1055114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966544&cid=t_158347_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F170737763%2F It is always good to stimulate our minds and to learn a bit about how our brains work. Here you have a selection of the 50 Brain Teasers that people have enjoyed the most in our blog and speaking engagements. Fun experiments on how our brains work 1. Do you think you know the colors?: try the Stroop Test. 2. Can you count?: Basketball attention experiment (Interactive). 3. Who is this?: A very important little guy (Interactive). 4. How is this possible?. 5. Take the Senses Challenge (Interactive). 6. Are there more brain connections or leaves in the Amazon?. Attention 7. How are your divided attention skills? check out "Inside and Outside" (Interactive, from MindFit). 8. Can you walk and chew gum at the same time? try "Two in One" (Interactive, from MindFit) 9. Count t... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966544 Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:30:27 +0100 966544