Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at Boston College

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, a day of remembrance, this article on the power of collective memory (the memories that groups hold) is especially relevant: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-power-of-collective-memory/

New research sheds light on how dreams may help us process emotional experiences, https://neurosciencenews.com/dreaming-emotional-memory-26099/

Interesting article on how the brains of "superagers" show more robust white matter in the frontal lobe, a region essential for attention, memory, and more.

Superagers: What makes them resistant to cognitive decline? Recent research reveals that the brains of superagers are subtly different from those of their peers, which makes them 'resistant' to age-related cognitive decline.

Earth Day is a good time to remember how much the environment can affect our mental health. Here's a great summary of the research suggesting that spending time in nature boosts mental as well as physical health.

Nurtured by nature Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.

We’re participating in the Cambridge Science Festival! On Sept 27 at noon, join Prof. Elizabeth Kensinger for a “lunch and learn” on the topic of memory. Learn more and sign up here:

Festival Guide Here you can find a listing for every event at this year’s Festival. Simply click on listings to find out more, including information about the organizer, the venue, and how to reserve your ticket!

Prof. Elizabeth Kensinger talks about memory on the Boston College podcast Eagle Eye

Ep. 7 (Season 3) | How to Make Your Memories Really Last a Lifetime, feat. Professor Elizabeth Kensinger by Eagle Eye This week, hosts Isabella and Elizabeth speak with Elizabeth Kensinger, professor and chair of the Psychology and Neuroscience Department whose research focuses on emotion, memory, and the way positive and negative associations with specific events influence recollection over the course of adulthood...

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR IN-PERSON MRI RESEARCH STUDY

Are you interested in participating in a research study examining how we attend to and remember emotional information (things we find pleasant or unpleasant)?

The study will take approximately 4 hours to complete. You will receive $25/hour for your participation.

For this MRI study you need to be local to the Boston area to participate, but if you are not please email us asking about online opportunities we have!

Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment. You may reach us by email at [email protected] or call us at 617-552-6949. *In your email please state which study you would be interested in (online or in-person MRI)*

If you are near the Newton, MA area and interested in learning more about brain health and topics like memory and sleep, join us at the 2023 Intergenerational Science Social. BC faculty and students will be on-hand to answer questions and to discuss steps toward good brain health. Drop by Wed Apr 26 between 12-1:15pm for some food and conversation! If you need directions to the BC campus or have other questions about this free event, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 617-552-6949.

The science behind memory Kensinger points out surprising facts about how memories work.

Prof. Kensinger's book on memory, written with neurologist Andrew Budson, is published! The review by Library Journal concludes "This book is an essential read for all those concerned with memory loss and should be a part of all collections in the behavioral and social sciences."

Why We Forget and How To Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory Why We Forget and How To Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory

Interesting research suggesting the memory benefits of reading. Adults who were assigned to read books showed better performance on memory tasks than those who were assigned to solve puzzles.

Reading for pleasure can strengthen memory in older adults, Beckman researchers find We offer a cafe with drinks and daily specials, events from yoga to research lectures, and plenty of study and meeting spaces.