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The Default Mode Network: A Link to Creativity and Self-Discovery

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Introduction

Despite the substantial ongoing research in cognitive neuroscience, several questions have yet to be answered. What is the neural basis of the self? How does one’s neurobiology result in a complex being, capable of experiencing emotion and engaging in self-reflection? At what point does the  brain’s function shift from being purely biological to enabling introspection and conscious thought? Although there is not one fixed answer to these questions, many scientists over  the past decade have advanced this field of study by identifying different parts of the human brain that make up one’s identity–one of which is the Default Mode Network. 

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a system of interconnected brain regions that are distributed throughout the cerebral cortex. When these regions work as one, their combined functions lead to creativity and self-reflection. This article will discuss the basic purposes of the DMNand how this intricate network shapes our personal experiences and identity. 

What is the Default Mode Network?

The DMN is like a switch that turns on- and off based on whether or not a task is being performed. While it is usually inactive when one’s attention is required to complete a task, such as engaging in a conversation, solving a puzzle, or exercising,  the DMN activates once tasks are complete—or when one  is  at “rest.” This encompasses all the moments when one is conscious, but not actively  thinking about any specific topic (Vessel et al.).

When the DMN is active, the mind is likely focused on internal processes, such as self-reflection, imagining the future, or recalling personal experiences. If the DMN is not properly shut off when switching to an external task, an individual  may be prone to “mind-wandering”, or becoming  distracted from their goal by unrelated thoughts. Some of the other essential functions of the DMN include pondering about oneself, social cognition, memory of specific life events, and language.

Image from https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-the-default-mode-network.html

The major components of the DMN are the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), precuneus (PCUN), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and the angular gyrus (ANG); each region has a unique function. The vmPFC (ventro-medial prefrontal cortex) is involved in motivation, while the dmPFC (dorso-medial prefrontal cortex) is responsible for self-referential judgment and understanding the mental states of others (Viezzer). The PCC, PCUN, and ANG contribute to a process called “autobiographical memory”, a collection of key events resembling a life story. Apart from these networks, the DMN also includes other brain regions that are involved in memory and emotions, such as the hippocampus and the amygdala.

While the basic function of the DMN holds true for most scenarios, there are many exceptions when it is active even during task performance. An experiment done by researchers at New York University shows that the DMN can be activated when one is viewing artwork. Participants in this experiment were shown pieces of art and asked to evaluate how “moving” they were, which was measured by their emotional reaction. The results showed that the DMN activates upon viewing “highly-moving” art, meaning that art elicits a strong reaction (Vessel et. al). Why would the participants’ DMN be active while they are focused on an external stimulus? The answer to that question lies in the concept of self-discovery. The art that someone is drawn to often reflects a part of them. It is possible that the DMN helped participants identify parts of themselves that were represented in the artwork, aiding the process of introspection.
The DMN’s role in self-reflection is also corroborated by the results of an experiment done by Davey et al., which revealed that the Default Mode Network is engaged with making self-referential judgements. Individuals were presented with various personal qualities (e.g. “skeptical”, “perfectionistic”) and asked how well they thought each described them. The fMRI data collected indicated that the DMN was more active when performing this self-referential task than an externally based activity (Davey et al.). Similarly to the previous experiment, this finding reinforces that the DMN is essential for shaping one’s identity.
Moreover, neuroscience researcher Vinod Menon from Stanford University suggests that when the functions of DMN regions overlap, a unique “internal narrative” is created. The “internal narrative” consists of personal values and beliefs, memories of major events, facts about oneself and the surrounding world, as well as the ability to reason (Menon). In other words, the DMN’s functions configure patterns of thought in human-beings and are central to our perception.

Applications of the Default Mode Network to Creativity and Self-Discovery

The default mode network plays a major role in shaping one’s personal story. Whether an individual is reflecting on their dreams or contemplating their favorite music genres, the DMN serves as a gateway to understanding one’s deepest values and ambitions.
This elaborate connection of brain regions can also serve as a starting point for creativity. The beliefs one collects throughout their life can easily seep into their thought process. Although one’s spontaneous thoughts are easily dismissed as insignificant distractions, the “stream of consciousness” has hidden potential, as spontaneous thoughts tend to be the most innovative. Taking the time to deliberately explore these thoughts can uncover hidden ideas, whether they hold an unconsidered perspective or a novel solution to a previously “impossible” problem. So, the next time the human mind decides to wander off, take a second to entertain those “distracting” thoughts–perhaps an innovative, fruitful idea may come to light.

Credits:

Cover Image from: https://www.it-team-paws.com/navigating-mental-health-through-self-discovery/

Davey, Christopher G., et al. “Mapping the Self in the Brain’s Default Mode Network.” NeuroImage, vol. 132, May 2016, pp. 390–397, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811916001294, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.02.022.

Menon, Vinod. “20 Years of the Default Mode Network: A Review and Synthesis.” Neuron, vol. 111, no. 16, May 2023, www.med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/scsnl/documents/Neuron_2023_Menon_20_years.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.023.

Shofty, Ben, et al. “The Default Network Is Causally Linked to Creative Thinking.” Molecular Psychiatry, vol. 27, no. 3, 1 Jan. 2022, pp. 1848–1854, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01403-8.

Vessel, Edward A., et al. “Art Reaches Within: Aesthetic Experience, the Self and the Default Mode Network.” Frontiers in Neuroscience, vol. 7, 2013, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2013.00258.

Viezzer, Sara. “What Is the Default Mode Network?” Simply Psychology, 3 Mar. 2023, www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-the-default-mode-network.html.

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The Curious Case of Phineas Gage: Paving The Way for Neuroscience

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Picture this: It’s September 13, 1848, and in the quiet town of Cavendish, Vermont, a 25-year-old named Phineas Gage is immersed in the routine work of a railroad foreman. Engaged in the meticulous task of preparing a railroad bed, Gage handles an iron tamping rod with practiced hands, packing explosive powder into the ground. Little did he know that the trajectory of that iron rod would alter the course of his life, and end up providing insight into the functions of the human brain for years to come.

As the explosive powder detonated due to the friction, the rod was launched into his left cheek, destroying his eye. It made its way through the left front of the brain before exiting the skull from the right side. However, despite such an intense accident, Gage was still able to walk and talk while looking for medical assistance. During his recovery, Gage was treated by a number of medical professionals, including Dr. John Harlow, who would report the case in the Boston Medical Surgery Journal.

However, what truly made the case of Phineas Gage so remarkable and relevant in the history of various fields like psychology and neuroscience was not only his ability to survive a seemingly fatal injury but how this accident had changed him on a mental and emotional plane. Prior to the accident, coworkers, friends, and family of Phineas Gage described him to be hardworking, energetic, and pleasant. After the accident, they went as far as saying that he was “no longer Gage”. His irritable manner resulted in him losing his job. In the later years of his life, his personality would return to the way it was, signaling that healing in the frontal lobe could reverse personality changes. The primary area of injury in Gage’s accident was the frontal lobe; At the time, the frontal lobes were ‘considered silent structures, without function and unrelated to human behaviour.’ so the fact that only his personality was changed led early neurologists to alter their current understanding of the brain’s localisation of function.

The concept of the localisation of function in the brain refers to the idea that specific cognitive and behavioural functions are associated with particular regions or areas within the brain. This principle suggests that different parts of the brain are responsible for different functions, and damage to or stimulation of specific areas can result in predictable changes in behaviour or cognitive abilities.

All in all, the extraordinary story of Phineas Gage, propelled by an unforeseen accident, has left an indisputable mark on the early field of neuroscience. His story unraveled and uncovered the functions of the brain and tested the limits of human survival. He inspired many experts to delve into researching and perfecting knowledge on the localization of functions in the human brain. Today, his skull and the rod that injured him are both on display at the Warren Anatomical Museum in Boston.

  • Sources:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7735047/#:~:text=Gage’s%20case%20is%20considered%20to,personality%2C%20emotions%20and%20social%20interaction.&text=Prior%20to%20this%20case%2C%20the,and%20unrelated%20to%20human%20behavior.
  • https://www.verywellmind.com/phineas-gage-2795244#toc-what-happened-to-phineas-gage
  • https://www.thomasclarksonacademy.org/attachments/download.asp?

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Optimizing Your Approach to Understanding and Effectively Managing Migraines

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When people hear the word “migraine,” they think it’s just a severe headache or pain slightly more than a throbbing sensation in the temples. However, there are differences between the two that are important to note. 

What is a migraine?

A migraine is more than a headache; it’s a neurological condition affecting more than one billion individuals yearly. Its most notable aspect is a pulsing headache on one side of the head, but it’s common to have a migraine without this pain. Other symptoms include aura, ringing in the ears, neck or shoulder pain, nausea, light or sound sensitivity, and irritability. Aura is a mixture of sensory, motor, and speech symptoms that act as warning signals before a migraine attack begins. About 15-20% of people experience migraine with aura. 

There are four stages of a migraine attack. The first is prodrome, also known as preheadache, which can last a few hours to a few days. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, speaking and reading, and moving muscles. The second is aura; this is the stage that some people may skip. The third is attack. Its main feature is a headache, and symptoms mimic an illness (nausea, loss of appetite, chills or sweating, dizziness). The last is post-drome, also called a migraine “hangover,” as its symptoms are similar to one: aches, mental fog, and feeling physically drained.

Figure 1: Overview of the Four Phases of a Migraine

How are the dealt with?

Unfortunately, very little is known about what triggers a migraine. The best way to deal with a migraine is to avoid it in the first place: if you can figure out its triggers, then avoid it. 

Common triggers include drugs like alcohol and caffeine, stress, bright lights, strong smells, and a lack of sleep. Genetics also plays a significant role. About 60% of people have migraines because they inherited it.

If over-the-counter medicines like Advil Migraine or Excedrin Migraine don’t work, doctors can prescribe sumatriptan or rizatriptan. Both block pain pathways in the brain.

In general, hunkering down in a quiet, dark place and resting is the best way to deal with migraine pain. While there’s a common misconception that migraines are just more painful headaches, they are much more than that and should be taken seriously. As you would with any illness, do what you must do to feel better. 

Figure 2: The Brain With a Migraine in an MRI

Sources: 

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/november/migraines-vs-headaches

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8904749/#:~:text=Migraine%20affects%20more%20than%20one,among%20young%20adults%20and%20females

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/images/org/health/articles/5005-migraine-headaches.jpg

https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/migraine-research-program/overview#:~:text=Migraine%20is%20challenging%20to%20study,the%20disorder%20as%20a%20disease

https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/CHtrxODCBCw9pmMDeotVPi-I7fI=/1500×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brain-lesions-on-mri-in-migraines-4044746-5c93cd0646e0fb00014427d0.png

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Unlocking the Brain’s Response: Exploring the Impact of Social Media

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The influence of social media on our brains is intricate and far-reaching. From the exhilarating ping of a notification to the insidious erosion of our attention spans, the digital realm weaves a complex tapestry of effects that can awaken pleasure centers, rewire our focus, and even cast shadows on our self-perception. In a world where tweets and posts hold immense power, examining the multifaceted impact of social media unveils a captivating story that reveals the inner workings of our minds. In today’s world, social media has become a pervasive platform for human interaction, with both beneficial and detrimental impacts on the mind. This article delves into the complex landscape of how social media usage affects the brain, examining the cognitive and emotional aspects that underlie its impact.

Neurotransmitters and dopamine release:
Social media usage triggers and releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with it. This creates a pleasurable sensation similar to accomplishing a task. This pleasurable sensation can be addicting, leading to an increased reliance on social media. Thus, it reinforces the brain’s desire for rewards and can lead to addictive behavior that is identical to substance abuse. Users who receive likes, comments, and positive feedback may become compulsive about checking social media platforms to maintain the pleasurable sensation.

Neuroplasticity and Attentional Change:
Our brains have the incredible ability to adapt and change in response to our experiences. Since social media is constantly changing content, it stimulates our brains to reorganize the neural pathways related to our attention. This is known as neuroplasticity, and it allows us to quickly adapt to our environment. This adaptation is constantly challenging our brains to rewire themselves and can lead to a preference for processing short, visually appealing information. This may alter the neural circuits connected to our ability to concentrate for extended periods. As a result, we may become accustomed to brief engagements, which could make it difficult to focus on tasks that demand deep contemplation.

Social Comparison and the Brain’s Social Circuitry:
Social media can sometimes lead to negative emotions due to the constant comparison of one’s life to the curated online personas of others. This can trigger negative feelings as the brain detects disparities between reality and idealized virtual representations. As a result, the brain can activate regions linked to harmful effects, contributing to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and compromised self-esteem.

Cortisol Response:
Frequent use of social media, particularly in negative situations or comparing yourself to others, causes the brain to respond to stress. This reaction involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to activate, which results in the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. This constant release of stress hormones can have detrimental effects on memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Continual exposure to upsetting content, such as unsettling news or online conflicts, can worsen stress levels and negatively impact overall well-being.

Impact on Adolescent Brain Development:
Adolescence is a crucial period for the ongoing development of the brain, especially in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Overuse of social media during this developmental phase can interfere with the brain’s structural and functional connectivity. Heavy social media use among adolescents may result in changes to brain regions that are responsible for self-regulation and social cognition, which could potentially influence their socio-emotional development.
The fusion of social media and the brain underlines a complex connection that shapes cognitive, emotional, and developmental processes. Grasping the interplay between neurotransmitter modulation, neuroplasticity, social comparison, and stress response. In a time where social media is the norm, understanding the brain’s response to social media empowers individuals to better understand.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502424/
https://neulinehealth.com/how-social-media-affects-your-brain/

https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01243-x

The Influence of Social Media: How Likes and Follows Impact Our Behaviors