Ancient Toolmaking Roused Humanity’s Need for Language
A couple of million years ago our ancient human ancestors created the world’s first tools when they broke some rocks into sharp shards so that they could slice apart and butcher game such as gazelles or zebras. These early implements, called Oldowan tools, are the world’s oldest-known cutting devices. The term “Oldowan” is taken from […]
Cornell’s ‘Robo Brain’ Helps Robots Learn
Researchers at Cornell University are developing “Robo Brain”, a knowledgebase/database that could be an invaluable resource for those who build and program robots. To get them to operate and carry out their assigned tasks – which could range from simple household chores to bomb detection or even performing surgery – robots are programmed with specific […]
Moving to the Beat Could Improve Your Reading Skills
People who’ve got rhythm might have an edge when it comes to language and reading skills. A new study in “The Journal of Neuroscience” shows the brains of people who can move to a musical beat react to speech on a more consistent basis than those who don’t, a finding that implies musical training could […]
What They Say, and What You Hear, Can Differ
The brain isn’t always entirely accurate when it comes to processing language, according to a new study. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) finds we may not be processing every word see hear or read. This can mean our brain doesn’t pick up on changes made to key words in a sentence, even if […]