Physical fitness and memory
Aerobic exercise has been shown to benefit episodic and working memory in older adults. Our lab investigates whether regularly engaging in aerobic exercise is similarly beneficial in younger adults, and whether such benefits can also be seen with strength training and yoga.
Mood and working memory
Individuals with depression often ruminate on negative thoughts, allocating their cognitive resources internally. This may in turn impact their ability to maintain and manipulate external information in working memory. An ongoing study investigates the relationship between depression, rumination, and working memory performance.
Divergent thinking
Divergent thinking refers to novel, open-ended, and spontaneous idea formation. It can fuel innovation and the development of creative solutions. An ongoing study in the lab asks the question: What factors help or hinder divergent thinking in young adults?
MRI meta-analysis
With the recent increase in freely available data analysis tools and neuroimaging databases, it is now possible for CLIMB members to perform meta-analyses of structural and functional MRI data. Ongoing projects include meta-analyses of neural changes in major depressive disorder and in Alzheimer's disease.
