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Federico G, Osiurak F, Ciccarelli G, Ilardi CR, Cavaliere C, Tramontano L, Alfano V, Migliaccio M, Di Cecca A, Salvatore M, Brandimonte MA. On the functional brain networks involved in tool-related action understanding. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1163. [PMID: 37964121 PMCID: PMC10645930 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tool-use skills represent a significant cognitive leap in human evolution, playing a crucial role in the emergence of complex technologies. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying such capabilities are still debated. Here we explore with fMRI the functional brain networks involved in tool-related action understanding. Participants viewed images depicting action-consistent (e.g., nail-hammer) and action-inconsistent (e.g., scarf-hammer) object-tool pairs, under three conditions: semantic (recognizing the tools previously seen in the pairs), mechanical (assessing the usability of the pairs), and control (looking at the pairs without explicit tasks). During the observation of the pairs, task-based left-brain functional connectivity differed within conditions. Compared to the control, both the semantic and mechanical conditions exhibited co-activations in dorsal (precuneus) and ventro-dorsal (inferior frontal gyrus) regions. However, the semantic condition recruited medial and posterior temporal areas, whereas the mechanical condition engaged inferior parietal and posterior temporal regions. Also, when distinguishing action-consistent from action-inconsistent pairs, an extensive frontotemporal neural circuit was activated. These findings support recent accounts that view tool-related action understanding as the combined product of semantic and mechanical knowledge. Furthermore, they emphasize how the left inferior parietal and anterior temporal lobes might be considered as hubs for the cross-modal integration of physical and conceptual knowledge, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François Osiurak
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EA 3082), Université de Lyon, Bron, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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Federico G. Eating Russula mushrooms is a matter of semantic knowledge. Comment on "The elicitation of affordance depends on conceptual attributes: evidence from a virtual reality study" by Lai et al. (2023). Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1459-1461. [PMID: 37165079 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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Osiurak F, Claidière N, Federico G. Cultural cognition and technology: Mechanical actions speak louder than bodily actions: Comment on "Blind alleys and fruitful pathways in the comparative study of cultural cognition" by Andrew Whiten. Phys Life Rev 2023; 44:141-144. [PMID: 36640588 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- François Osiurak
- Laboratoire d'Étude des Mécanismes Cognitifs, Université de Lyon, 5 avenue Pierre Mendès France, 69676 Bron Cedex, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 1 rue Descartes, 75231 Paris Cedex 5, France.
| | - Nicolas Claidière
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LPC, 3 Place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille, France
| | - Giovanni Federico
- IRCCS Synlab SDN S.p.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy; Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Suor Orsola Benincasa University, Via Suor Orsola 10, 80135, Naples, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Viale Ellittico 31, 81100, Caserta, Italy
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The visual encoding of graspable unfamiliar objects. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:452-461. [PMID: 35322276 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We explored by eye-tracking the visual encoding modalities of participants (N = 20) involved in a free-observation task in which three repetitions of ten unfamiliar graspable objects were administered. Then, we analysed the temporal allocation (t = 1500 ms) of visual-spatial attention to objects' manipulation (i.e., the part aimed at grasping the object) and functional (i.e., the part aimed at recognizing the function and identity of the object) areas. Within the first 750 ms, participants tended to shift their gaze on the functional areas while decreasing their attention on the manipulation areas. Then, participants reversed this trend, decreasing their visual-spatial attention to the functional areas while fixing the manipulation areas relatively more. Crucially, the global amount of visual-spatial attention for objects' functional areas significantly decreased as an effect of stimuli repetition while remaining stable for the manipulation areas, thus indicating stimulus familiarity effects. These findings support the action reappraisal theoretical approach, which considers object/tool processing as abilities emerging from semantic, technical/mechanical, and sensorimotor knowledge integration.
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Osiurak F, Claidière N, Federico G. Bringing cumulative technological culture beyond copying versus reasoning. Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:30-42. [PMID: 36283920 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The dominant view of cumulative technological culture suggests that high-fidelity transmission rests upon a high-fidelity copying ability, which allows individuals to reproduce the tool-use actions performed by others without needing to understand them (i.e., without causal reasoning). The opposition between copying versus reasoning is well accepted but with little supporting evidence. In this article, we investigate this distinction by examining the cognitive science literature on tool use. Evidence indicates that the ability to reproduce others' tool-use actions requires causal understanding, which questions the copying versus reasoning distinction and the cognitive reality of the so-called copying ability. We conclude that new insights might be gained by considering causal understanding as a key driver of cumulative technological culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Osiurak
- Laboratoire d'Étude des Mécanismes Cognitifs, Université de Lyon, 5 avenue Pierre Mendès France, 69676 Bron Cedex, France; Institut Universitaire de France, 1 rue Descartes, 75231 Paris Cedex 5, France.
| | - Nicolas Claidière
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, LPC, 3 Place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille, France
| | - Giovanni Federico
- IRCCS Synlab SDN S.p.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
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The Area Prostriata may play a role in technical reasoning. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2022; 18:12. [PMID: 36434696 PMCID: PMC9700981 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-022-00200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Most recent research indicated how technical reasoning (TR), namely, a specific form of causal reasoning aimed at understanding the physical world, may support the development of tools and technologies of increasing complexity. We have recently identified the Area PF of the left inferior parietal lobe (PF) as a critical structural correlate of TR, as assessed by using two ad-hoc psycho-technical tests evaluating the two main aspects of TR, i.e., physical world's understanding and visuospatial imagery. Here, we extended our findings by implementing new ad-hoc analyses of our previous data by using a whole-brain approach. Results showed that the cortical thickness (CT) of the left Area Prostriata of the visual cortex, alongside the left Area PF CT, predicts TR performance.
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De Laet C, Herman B, Riga A, Bihin B, Regnier M, Leeuwerck M, Raymackers JM, Vandermeeren Y. Bimanual motor skill learning after stroke: Combining robotics and anodal tDCS over the undamaged hemisphere: An exploratory study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:882225. [PMID: 36061986 PMCID: PMC9433746 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.882225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSince a stroke can impair bimanual activities, enhancing bimanual cooperation through motor skill learning may improve neurorehabilitation. Therefore, robotics and neuromodulation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are promising approaches. To date, tDCS has failed to enhance bimanual motor control after stroke possibly because it was not integrating the hypothesis that the undamaged hemisphere becomes the major poststroke hub for bimanual control.ObjectiveWe tested the following hypotheses: (I) In patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke training on a robotic device, anodal tDCS applied over the primary motor cortex of the undamaged hemisphere enhances bimanual motor skill learning compared to sham tDCS. (II) The severity of impairment correlates with the effect of tDCS on bimanual motor skill learning. (III) Bimanual motor skill learning is less efficient in patients than in healthy individuals (HI).MethodsA total of 17 patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke and 7 healthy individuals learned a complex bimanual cooperation skill on the REAplan® neurorehabilitation robot. The bimanual speed/accuracy trade-off (biSAT), bimanual coordination (biCo), and bimanual force (biFOP) scores were computed for each performance. In patients, real/sham tDCS was applied in a crossover, randomized, double-blind approach.ResultsCompared to sham, real tDCS did not enhance bimanual motor skill learning, retention, or generalization in patients, and no correlation with impairment was noted. The healthy individuals performed better than patients on bimanual motor skill learning, but generalization was similar in both groups.ConclusionA short motor skill learning session with a robotic device resulted in the retention and generalization of a complex skill involving bimanual cooperation. The tDCS strategy that would best enhance bimanual motor skill learning after stroke remains unknown.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02308852, identifier: NCT02308852.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloë De Laet
- Stroke Unit/NeuroModulation Unit (NeMU), Department of Neurology, CHU UCL Namur (Mont-Godinne), UCLouvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Benoît Herman
- Louvain Bionics, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Materials and Civil Engineering (iMMC), Institute of Mechanics, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Audrey Riga
- Stroke Unit/NeuroModulation Unit (NeMU), Department of Neurology, CHU UCL Namur (Mont-Godinne), UCLouvain, Yvoir, Belgium
- Louvain Bionics, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Clinical Division (NEUR), Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoît Bihin
- Scientific Support Unit, CHU UCL Namur (Mont-Godinne), UCLouvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Maxime Regnier
- Scientific Support Unit, CHU UCL Namur (Mont-Godinne), UCLouvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Maria Leeuwerck
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, CHU UCL Namur (Mont-Godinne), UCLouvain, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marc Raymackers
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Clinique Saint-Pierre, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Yves Vandermeeren
- Stroke Unit/NeuroModulation Unit (NeMU), Department of Neurology, CHU UCL Namur (Mont-Godinne), UCLouvain, Yvoir, Belgium
- Louvain Bionics, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Clinical Division (NEUR), Institute of NeuroScience (IoNS), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Yves Vandermeeren
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Kobayashi R, Sakurai N, Nagasaka K, Kasai S, Kodama N. Relationship between Tactile Sensation, Motor Activity, and Differential Brain Activity in Young Individuals. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070924. [PMID: 35884731 PMCID: PMC9321563 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we compared the differences in brain activation associated with the different types of objects using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Twenty-six participants in their 20s underwent fMRI while grasping four different types of objects. After the experiment, all of the participants completed a questionnaire based on the Likert Scale, which asked them about the sensations they experienced while grasping each object (comfort, hardness, pain, ease in grasping). We investigated the relationship between brain activity and the results of the survey; characteristic brain activity for each object was correlated with the results of the questionnaire, indicating that each object produced a different sensation response in the participants. Additionally, we observed brain activity in the primary somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus), the primary motor cortex (precentral gyrus), and the cerebellum exterior during the gripping task. Our study shows that gripping different objects produces activity in specific and distinct brain regions and suggests an “action appraisal” mechanism, which is considered to be the act of integrating multiple different sensory information and connecting it to actual action. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to observe brain activity in response to tactile stimuli and motor activity simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Kobayashi
- CLAIRVO TECHNOLOGIES, Inc., 1-4-2 Ohtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8088, Japan
- Correspondence: (R.K.); (N.K.)
| | - Noriko Sakurai
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (N.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Kazuaki Nagasaka
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Kasai
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (N.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Naoki Kodama
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, 1398 Shimami-cho, Kita-ku, Niigata 950-3198, Japan; (N.S.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: (R.K.); (N.K.)
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Federico G, Reynaud E, Navarro J, Lesourd M, Gaujoux V, Lamberton F, Ibarrola D, Cavaliere C, Alfano V, Aiello M, Salvatore M, Seguin P, Schnebelen D, Brandimonte MA, Rossetti Y, Osiurak F. The cortical thickness of the area PF of the left inferior parietal cortex mediates technical-reasoning skills. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11840. [PMID: 35821259 PMCID: PMC9276675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15587-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most recent research highlights how a specific form of causal understanding, namely technical reasoning, may support the increasing complexity of tools and techniques developed by humans over generations, i.e., the cumulative technological culture (CTC). Thus, investigating the neurocognitive foundations of technical reasoning is essential to comprehend the emergence of CTC in our lineage. Whereas functional neuroimaging evidence started to highlight the critical role of the area PF of the left inferior parietal cortex (IPC) in technical reasoning, no studies explored the links between the structural characteristics of such a brain region and technical reasoning skills. Therefore, in this study, we assessed participants’ technical-reasoning performance by using two ad-hoc psycho-technical tests; then, we extracted from participants’ 3 T T1-weighted magnetic-resonance brain images the cortical thickness (i.e., a volume-related measure which is associated with cognitive performance as reflecting the size, density, and arrangement of cells in a brain region) of all the IPC regions for both hemispheres. We found that the cortical thickness of the left area PF predicts participants’ technical-reasoning performance. Crucially, we reported no correlations between technical reasoning and the other IPC regions, possibly suggesting the specificity of the left area PF in generating technical knowledge. We discuss these findings from an evolutionary perspective, by speculating about how the evolution of parietal lobes may have supported the emergence of technical reasoning in our lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Federico
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143, Naples, Italy.
| | - Emanuelle Reynaud
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EA 3082), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jordan Navarro
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EA 3082), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Mathieu Lesourd
- Laboratoire de recherches Intégratives en Neurosciences et Psychologie Cognitive (UR 481), Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,MSHE Ledoux, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000, Besançon, France
| | - Vivien Gaujoux
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EA 3082), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Franck Lamberton
- CERMEP-Imagerie du vivant, MRI Department and CNRS UMS3453, Lyon, France
| | - Danièle Ibarrola
- CERMEP-Imagerie du vivant, MRI Department and CNRS UMS3453, Lyon, France
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Aiello
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Salvatore
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Perrine Seguin
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CRNL), Computation, Cognition and Neurophysiology Team (Inserm UMR_S 1028-CNRS-UMR 5292-Université de Lyon), Bron, France
| | - Damien Schnebelen
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EA 3082), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Yves Rossetti
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CRNL), Trajectoires Team (Inserm UMR_S 1028-CNRS-UMR 5292-Université de Lyon), Bron, France.,Mouvement et Handicap and Neuro-Immersion, Hospices Civils de Lyon et Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Hôpital Henry Gabrielle, St Genis Laval, France
| | - François Osiurak
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs (EA 3082), Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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Silva-Gago M, Ioannidou F, Fedato A, Hodgson T, Bruner E. Visual Attention and Cognitive Archaeology: An Eye-Tracking Study of Palaeolithic Stone Tools. Perception 2021; 51:3-24. [PMID: 34967251 DOI: 10.1177/03010066211069504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The study of lithic technology can provide information on human cultural evolution. This article aims to analyse visual behaviour associated with the exploration of ancient stone artefacts and how this relates to perceptual mechanisms in humans. In Experiment 1, we used eye tracking to record patterns of eye fixations while participants viewed images of stone tools, including examples of worked pebbles and handaxes. The results showed that the focus of gaze was directed more towards the upper regions of worked pebbles and on the basal areas for handaxes. Knapped surfaces also attracted more fixation than natural cortex for both tool types. Fixation distribution was different to that predicted by models that calculate visual salience. Experiment 2 was an online study using a mouse-click attention tracking technique and included images of unworked pebbles and 'mixed' images combining the handaxe's outline with the pebble's unworked texture. The pattern of clicks corresponded to that revealed using eye tracking and there were differences between tools and other images. Overall, the findings suggest that visual exploration is directed towards functional aspects of tools. Studies of visual attention and exploration can supply useful information to inform understanding of human cognitive evolution and tool use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Silva-Gago
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
| | | | - Annapaola Fedato
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
| | - Timothy Hodgson
- College of Social Science, 4547University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Emiliano Bruner
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain
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Modulation of Working Memory and Resting-State fMRI by tDCS of the Right Frontoparietal Network. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:5594305. [PMID: 34349797 PMCID: PMC8328716 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5594305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cognitive functions, including working memory, are processed within large-scale brain networks. We targeted the right frontoparietal network (FPN) with one session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in an attempt to modulate the cognitive speed of a visual working memory task (WMT) in 27 young healthy subjects using a double-blind crossover design. We further explored the neural underpinnings of induced changes by performing resting-state fMRI prior to and immediately after each stimulation session with the main focus on the interaction between a task-positive FPN and a task-negative default mode network (DMN). Twenty minutes of 2 mA anodal tDCS was superior to sham stimulation in terms of cognitive speed manipulation of a subtask with processing of objects and tools in unconventional views (i.e., the higher cognitive load subtask of the offline WMT). This result was linked to the magnitude of resting-state functional connectivity decreases between the stimulated FPN seed and DMN seeds. We provide the first evidence for the action reappraisal mechanism of object and tool processing. Modulation of cognitive speed of the task by tDCS was reflected by FPN-DMN cross-talk changes.
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Federico G, Ferrante D, Marcatto F, Brandimonte MA. How the fear of COVID-19 changed the way we look at human faces. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11380. [PMID: 33987036 PMCID: PMC8088764 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Do we look at persons currently or previously affected by COVID-19 the same way as we do with healthy ones? In this eye-tracking study, we investigated how participants (N = 54) looked at faces of individuals presented as "COVID-19 Free", "Sick with COVID-19", or "Recovered from COVID-19". Results showed that participants tend to look at the eyes of COVID-19-free faces longer than at those of both COVID-19-related faces. Crucially, we also found an increase of visual attention for the mouth of the COVID-19-related faces, possibly due to the threatening characterisation of such area as a transmission vehicle for SARS-CoV-2. Thus, by detailing how people dynamically changed the way of looking at faces as a function of the perceived risk of contagion, we provide the first evidence in the literature about the impact of the pandemic on the most basic level of social interaction.
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Brouillet T, Michalland AH, Martin S, Brouillet D. When the Action to Be Performed at the Stage of Retrieval Enacts Memory of Action Verbs. Exp Psychol 2021; 68:18-31. [PMID: 34109806 PMCID: PMC8878636 DOI: 10.1027/1618-3169/a000507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
According to the embodied approach of language, concepts are grounded in sensorimotor mental states, and when we process language, the brain simulates some of the perceptions and actions that are involved when interacting with real objects. Moreover, several studies have highlighted that cognitive performances are dependent on the overlap between the motor action simulated and the motor action required by the task. On the other hand, in the field of memory, the role of action is under debate. The aim of this work was to show that performing an action at the stage of retrieval influences memory performance in a recognition task (experiment 1) and a cued recall task (experiment 2), even if the participants were never instructed to consider the implied action. The results highlighted an action-based memory effect at the retrieval stage. These findings contribute to the debate about the implication of motor system in action verb processing and its role for memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Brouillet
- CERSM Laboratory (EA 2931),
Université Paris-Nanterre, Nanterre, France
| | - Arthur-Henri Michalland
- EPSYLON Laboratory (EA 4556), University
Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, France
- LIFAM – Laboratoire Innovation,
Formes, Architecture, Milieux, Université Montpellier,
France
- BALlab – Body, Action, Language
Laboratory, Rome, Italy
| | - Sophie Martin
- EPSYLON Laboratory (EA 4556), University
Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, France
| | - Denis Brouillet
- EPSYLON Laboratory (EA 4556), University
Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, France
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