NeuRA research reveals complex interplay of nature and nurture in emotion and cognition
The way our brain processes different emotional and cognitive tasks may be underpinned by common factors, find scientists from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Sydney.
In their latest study, published in the journal Human Brain Mapping, Dr Haeme Park and Associate Professor Justine Gatt, who hold joint positions at NeuRA and UNSW Psychology, looked at how both emotion and cognition are influenced by the environment and genetics, using functional MRI (fMRI) scans on twins.
“There has been quite a lot of research looking at genetic versus environmental influences on brain structure,” says Dr Park, lead author of the study. “But it’s a lot harder to understand the function of our brains.”
The results revealed that the picture is extremely complex. Some emotional and cognitive tasks were partly associated with genetics, and others exclusively with environment.
Read more: NeuRA research reveals complex interplay of nature in emotion and cognition
Latest News & Events
Professor Matthew Kiernan AM awarded the 2024 GSK Award for Research Excellence
February 15, 2024Professor Matthew Kiernan AM, CEO and Institute Director at NeuRA and Scientia Professor of Neuroscience at UNSW, has won the prestigious 2024 GSK Award for Research Excellence for his work in neurodegenerative diseases.
Lived experience is the beating heart of mental health and suicide prevention
February 15, 2024Mental ill health and suicidal distress are deeply human experiences – which is why keeping people safe during these challenging times requires a human touch.
Stroke associated with long-term cognitive decline
February 15, 2024New evidence from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) indicates that older adults who experience a stroke for the first time will have substantial immediate and accelerated long-term cognitive decline.
Mindgardens Neuroscience Network acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the voices of people with lived experience, their carers, families and kinship groups. We recognise the expertise acquired through living with a mental health, drug and alcohol or neurological disorder and acknowledge those who care for people on their recovery journey. We place lived experience at the heart of all that we do.
Brings together the strengths of four founding organisations
