iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

In a new analysis of a US cohort of older adults, Lihua Xia and colleagues find evidence that bilingualism supports cognitive reserve in aging, in that the baseline cognition of bilinguals was less dependent on their brain structure: doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2026.09.008

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

What happens in the brain when we attend to an object? New paper shows neural processes driving inter-region coherence are most salient during a period of cued object selection, despite comparable local information representation during other task phases: doi.org/10.17863/CAM.134424

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Interested in Generative AI and Mixed Reality? We're looking for participants for an exciting new study. To find out more or take part, contact Kamila.Jozwik@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk. Recruitment is open until the end of September.

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In four behavioural experiments, we show that the effects of prior knowledge on episodic memory depend on the type of memory test, further revealing inadequacies of theories like SLIMM. rdcu.be/nCksGGx7iosa

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A new study by Drs Guangting Mai, Emily Upton, Matt Davis and Holly Robson, reveals how cortical tracking of speech envelopes at multi-syllable and syllable levels reflects a combination of lesion and symptom profiles in post-stroke aphasia: doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcag261

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

This study demonstrates the efficacy of using Electrical Field Imaging measures in Cochlear Implant users for identifying the presense and number of extra-cochlear electrodes using a non-invasive, fast technique. This technique is already in use clinically at Addenbrookes! #CIs

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

A new study extends research on autobiographical memory processing to two novel domains in adolescents, finding that positive biases in memory processing were associated with good mental health, while these biases were reduced in adolescents at risk of affective disorder: doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.70191

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Jung, Lambon Ralph and colleagues report an 8057 patient ALE meta-analysis for structural and functional neuroimaging across bvFTD, nfvPPA, SD/svPPA and lvPPA: doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcag223

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

New publication by Lihua shows that bilingualism may protect against longitudinal decline of episodic memory, though many other effects of bilingualism can depend on ethnicity and gender: doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/72rd4_v1

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

New protocol paper (doi.org/10.37349/en.2026.1006138) describing Phases 4-5 of the Cam-CAN study of healthy ageing, led by Ina Demetriou Includes MRI and MEG data up to 14 years after baseline. Data available soon on cam-can.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/dataset

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Chan, Robinson and Lambon Ralph explore the neural and cognitive bases of creative thought: doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2026.06.022

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

A multiple-demand or cognitive control network in well known in the human brain. Using an on-screen maze, we directly compare brain activity in human and macaque. Both species show demand-related activation in lateral and medial frontal, parietal and temporo-occipital cortex:

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The Genomics and Mental Health Research Day was held to great success – providing a forum to share insights, identify gaps in knowledge, and shape future research priorities. Read more about the event here: www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/blog/2026/06/genomics-and-mental-health-research-day-2026/

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Does signed prediction error influence declarative memory? This recent study takes a closer look - replicating prior findings, but uncovering an alternative explanation along the way! Doi.org/10.3758/s13421-026-01864-8

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Genomics & Mental Health Research Day 2026 is taking place tomorrow at @newnhamcollege.bsky.social. Hosted by the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit and the NHS Genomics and Mental Health Network of Excellence, it explores post-diagnostic challenges in rare neurodevelopmental conditions.

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Questionnaires need to be relevant and accessible. The CamQUAIT is designed with these goals in mind. This new questionnaire measures apathy and impulsivity in people with frontotemporal dementia,providing a helpful outcome measure to test symptomatic treatments: Doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345545

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Across 1,000+ people, eating disorder symptoms were linked to “empathic disequilibrium”, feeling others’ emotions strongly while finding them harder to understand. Heightened emotional reactivity helped explain the link: DOI.org/10.1186/s40337-026-01600-2 #EatingDisorders #Empathy

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Using a stochastic dynamical model, Grodem et al show that, before age 60, inter-individual differences in neuroanatomical volumes almost exclusively reflect stable differences between individuals, rather than systematic differences in rate-of-change: doi.org/10.1162/IMAG.a.1242

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Intracranial electrophysiology and multivariate decoding reveal that all spectral frequencies of neural activity encode semantic information: doi.org/10.1162/IMAG.a.1201

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The University approves plans for the Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute (CMBi). An evolution of the renowned CBU, bridging across Schools and Departments, the new Institute will integrate discovery science with clinical innovation to transform brain health. #Neuroscience #MentalHealth

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

New paper reports frequency-dependent differences in resting-state haemodynamics of gliomas, potentially indicative of non-neural changes such as neovascularisation. DOI: 10.1007/s11060-026-05443-4

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Take part in a University of Cambridge study testing whether AI chatbots can help track PTSD symptoms — earn £70 for your time. UK-based adults with PTSD or related symptoms welcome. Sign up here: cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form…

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

A new perspective on the confusing term of “cognitive reserve” from Rik Henson the importance of multiple brain measures in explaining why some people maintain their cognition into late life: doi.org/10.1177/23982128261422282

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Do novel experiences shortly before or after learning improve memory for what was learned? They don’t according to Raza et al., but simply resting might. Read about novel VR experiences versus wakeful rest as ways to improve memory: doi.org/10.1177/17470218251346156

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Do metabolic rewards drive action? New study by Fleming et al. finds they shape preferences but not behaviour – a surprising dissociation with implications for understanding metabolic interoception in health and disease. doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2025.10…

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Are episodic and semantic memory really that different? Using closely matched tasks, we found no substantial neural differences between recalling personal experiences and general knowledge: www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-…

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

You still have two weeks to register for COGNESTIC, 14-25 September 2026. We provide training in state-of-the-art methods for neuroimaging analysis and great opportunities for professional networking, especially for early-career researchers. For more info: www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/events/cogne...

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

New preregistered study: A week of cognitive training can reduce automatic avoidance tendencies—showing that Pavlovian biases aren’t fixed, but flexible and trainable: psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2027-02467… #CognitiveTraining #DecisionMaking #ComputationalPsychi

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

New paper alert: Comparing the effect of multi-gradient echo and multi-band fMRI during a semantic task: doi.org/10.1162/IMAG.a.1043

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Across three experiments, de Montpellier et al. (2025) report that negative emotion does not impair hippocampal-dependent associative memory, contrary to the Dual Representation Account of PTSD: link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s…

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Congratulations to Dr Lewis Owens, leading CBU supporter and fundraiser, on his MBE in the New Year’s Honours List. Thoroughly deserved for his amazing amount of fundraising, volunteering and charitable work over so many years.

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Huge congratulations to @mrccbu.bsky.social's @charlottegarcia.bsky.social for receiving the “Outstanding Contributions to EDI in the Workplace” award at yesterday’s School of Clinical Medicine EDI event! So well-deserved.

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

New paper introduces a novel way to study brain degeneracy: we identify group of people with distinct neural activation but similar task performance and demographics – showing that multiple brain activation patterns can support the same cognitive outcome: ow.ly/sX9O50XG7RM

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Congratulations to MRC CBU’s PhD student Annalise Whines, who won the runner-up prize at the MRC Max Perutz Science Communication Awards in the video category. ‘Does motivation change across the menstrual cycle?’ www.ukri.org/publications/mrc-max-p…

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

What if it’s not about having “too much” or “too little” empathy, but about the balance between understanding and sharing others’ emotions? A new paper review empathic disequilibrium in autism and mental health, moving beyond deficit-oriented narratives: ow.ly/p5lH50XzTUW

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

A special issue of Neuropsychologia celebrates John Duncan’s career at the time of his retirement: www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue…. Read the editorial by Daniel Mitchell, Moataz Assem and Alexandra Woolgar here: doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.…

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Why do some people lose memory faster with age? A mega-analysis of 13 longitudinal datasets (3,700+ adults, 10,000+ MRIs) shows that memory decline tracks brain atrophy, especially in the hippocampus, and that these links strengthen with age, but not APOE status: www.nature.com/articles/s41...

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Researchers from MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge and University of Cambridge showed that the brain stays in the adolescent phase until our early thirties. Find out more in the BBC article 👉 www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgl6kle…

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

We introduces Nonlinear TL-MDPC, a neural-network-based method to capture multidimensional, time-lagged brain connectivity in EEG/MEG data. While it outperforms linear methods in simulations, it only shows subtle gains in real data: doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2025.1533034

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Happy LGBTQ+STEM Day! To mark the occasion, LGBTQ+ and ally scientists alike introduced our new pride flag to the @mrccbu.bsky.social

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

We are excited to announce #COGNESTIC 2026 @mrccbu.bsky.social in Cambridge, between 14-25 Sep 2026. Our 2-week summer school provides training in state-of-the-art methods for open neuroimaging analysis and great opportunities for professional networking: www.mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk/events/cogne...

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

New research by Henderson and colleagues found graded distinctions among typical amnestic and atypical (language, visual) Alzheimer’s phenotypes. The findings support a transdiagnostic, multidimensional model of AD that spans all subtypes: doi.org/10.1186/s13195-025-01873-w

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

People with poorer glucose control show faster learning from rewards, in turn linked to higher depression symptoms. This suggests a neurocognitive bridge between metabolic disease and mood: doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsgos.2025.100645 #MetabolicPsychiatry #Interoception #Depression

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

This article compares two key metrics with predictive power for neural health in cochlear-implant patients as well as an exploratory measure. All three measures identify simulated neural dead regions, but PECAP is best at isolating neural and non-neural factors: doi.org/10.1121/10.0038746

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Professor Friedemann Pulvermüller, former Programme Leader at the CBU. We will remember his scientific legacy, dry humour and jazz drumming skills. Our thoughts are now with his wife Bettina and son Johannes.

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

What does it mean to be both animal and thinker? Join @moatazassem.bsky.social and John Duncan on 25 November at Murray Edwards College for the launch of John’s new book ‘The Animal and the Thinker.’ Get your tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-animal...

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

New paper - Sex differences in healthy brain aging are unlikely to explain higher Alzheimer’s Disease prevalence in women: doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2510486122

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

New paper: Mapping the task-general and task-specific neural correlates of speech production: meta-analysis and fMRI direct comparisons of category fluency and picture naming: doi.org/10.1162/IMAG...

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MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge @mrccbu.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

It was hard to say goodbye after two intense and exciting weeks at COGNESTIC 2025. Thank you to all our attendees for making it such a fantastic event. From fMRI to football, EEG/MEG to electric golf, we enjoyed every moment of science, ideas, networking, and fun — even the sun joined in.

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