2024-07-19 18:24:00
Many people believe that the brain is synchronized with artificial clocks that count time in precise increments, minute by minute. But the UNLV study shows that our brains don’t work that way.
By examining changes in brain activity patterns, the research team discovered that we see the world of time based on the number of experiences we have, not some kind of internal clock. What’s more, increased speed or activity during a task appears to affect the way our brain perceives time.
The findings are based on an analysis of activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a part of the brain important for the task of monitoring and storing experiences. To do this, we asked the rodents to use their nose to respond to the prompt 200 times.
Scientists already know that brain processes are similar, but slightly different, every time we perform a repetitive movement. By comparing process changes across tasks, the researchers observed that detectable changes in brain activity occur as one moves from the beginning to the middle to the end of performing a task. And no matter how slow or fast animals are, brain processes follow the same path.
The patterns are consistent when researchers use a mathematical model based on the machine to predict the flow of mental activity, forcing evidence that it is experiences (not time, or a prescribed number of minutes , as you will measure on that clock). that make changes in the processes of our neurons.
The researchers found that as the brain progresses through a task that involves a series of movements, many small groups of active cells begin to cooperate, essentially transferring the work to a different group of neurons. in every few repetitions, like how the champions cross the pole in this race.
These findings from research on our mental perception of time also apply to actions based on actions other than physical movements.
By observing fast-moving rodents, scientists also determined that maintaining a good speed helps influence time perception.
The ACC is involved in most brain and neurodegenerative disorders, and is a target region for mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and anxiety. The function of the ACC is also important for many dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterized by seasonal regressions.
The ACC has long been linked to helping people sequence events or tasks such as following instructions, and the research team noted that their findings on time perception may fall within this realm.
While the findings are successful, more research is needed as they provide some useful data on time perception and a possible connection to memory processes in the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
The research is published in the journal Current Biology.
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