The ancient brain cells that filter out distraction

Scientists found the brain cells that help us ignore distractions. They studied mice that had to focus on a visual cue straight ahead while ignoring a flash to the side. Mice with certain neurons switched off got easily distracted like they had ADHD. The cells sit in the brainstem, an ancient part shared by fish and birds. When the cells were turned back on, the mice focused again right away. The team at Johns Hopkins believes a similar filter may exist in people too.

License: TypeCram Original