Link Found Between Brain Metabolism and Fluid Intelligence
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 03 Apr 2016 |
By measuring a metabolic activity marker using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), a new study in young adults has indicated that healthy brain metabolism corresponds with fluid intelligence, a measure of one’s ability to solve unusual or complex problems.
“Fluid intelligence is one of the most useful cognitive measures available. This domain relates to an individual’s job satisfaction and salary level, among other real-world outcomes,” said Aki Nikolaidis, PhD student who led the research at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL, USA) with Ryan Larsen, research scientist at UI’s Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology (Urbana, IL, USA) and Beckman Institute director Arthur Kramer.
The researchers used MRS to measure concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), a known marker of metabolic activity in the brain. They then examined the relationship between fluid intelligence and NAA concentrations in different regions of the brain. “MRS allows us to go beyond simply imaging the structures of the brain. It allows us to image the capacity of the brain to produce energy,” said Prof. Larsen.
Previous research relating MRS data to cognition has been inconsistent. One explanation may be that researchers did not account for all relevant factors that relate to cognition, including brain size, in their analyses. One goal of the current study was to address these previous contradictions. “We wanted to do a more definitive study with a large sample size and with a higher quality methodological approach of acquiring the data,” said Nikolaidis.
The researchers were able to create a more detailed map of brain NAA concentration than previous studies. This enabled them to find that NAA concentration in a brain area linked to motor abilities in the frontal and parietal cortices was specifically linked to fluid intelligence, but not to other closely related cognitive abilities. The brain’s motor regions have a role in planning and visualizing movements as well as in carrying them out. Mental visualization is a key element of fluid intelligence.
The researchers found a biochemical link showing that fluid intelligence depends on healthy brain metabolism. While overall brain size is genetically determined and not readily changed, brain metabolism (e.g., NAA levels) may respond to health interventions, including diet, exercise, or cognitive training.
The paper, by Nikolaidis A et al, was published online ahead of print March 22, 2016, in the journal Cerebral Cortex.
Related Links:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
“Fluid intelligence is one of the most useful cognitive measures available. This domain relates to an individual’s job satisfaction and salary level, among other real-world outcomes,” said Aki Nikolaidis, PhD student who led the research at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL, USA) with Ryan Larsen, research scientist at UI’s Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology (Urbana, IL, USA) and Beckman Institute director Arthur Kramer.
The researchers used MRS to measure concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), a known marker of metabolic activity in the brain. They then examined the relationship between fluid intelligence and NAA concentrations in different regions of the brain. “MRS allows us to go beyond simply imaging the structures of the brain. It allows us to image the capacity of the brain to produce energy,” said Prof. Larsen.
Previous research relating MRS data to cognition has been inconsistent. One explanation may be that researchers did not account for all relevant factors that relate to cognition, including brain size, in their analyses. One goal of the current study was to address these previous contradictions. “We wanted to do a more definitive study with a large sample size and with a higher quality methodological approach of acquiring the data,” said Nikolaidis.
The researchers were able to create a more detailed map of brain NAA concentration than previous studies. This enabled them to find that NAA concentration in a brain area linked to motor abilities in the frontal and parietal cortices was specifically linked to fluid intelligence, but not to other closely related cognitive abilities. The brain’s motor regions have a role in planning and visualizing movements as well as in carrying them out. Mental visualization is a key element of fluid intelligence.
The researchers found a biochemical link showing that fluid intelligence depends on healthy brain metabolism. While overall brain size is genetically determined and not readily changed, brain metabolism (e.g., NAA levels) may respond to health interventions, including diet, exercise, or cognitive training.
The paper, by Nikolaidis A et al, was published online ahead of print March 22, 2016, in the journal Cerebral Cortex.
Related Links:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
Latest Clinical Chem. News
- 3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models
- POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection
- Highly Reliable Cell-Based Assay Enables Accurate Diagnosis of Endocrine Diseases
- New Blood Testing Method Detects Potent Opioids in Under Three Minutes
- Wireless Hepatitis B Test Kit Completes Screening and Data Collection in One Step
- Pain-Free, Low-Cost, Sensitive, Radiation-Free Device Detects Breast Cancer in Urine
- Spit Test Detects Breast Cancer in Five Seconds
- Electrochemical Sensors with Next-Generation Coating Advances Precision Diagnostics at POC
- First-Of-Its-Kind Handheld Device Accurately Detects Fentanyl in Urine within Seconds
- New Fluorescent Sensor Array Lights up Alzheimer’s-Related Proteins for Earlier Detection
- Automated Mass Spectrometry-Based Clinical Analyzer Could Transform Lab Testing
- Highly Sensitive pH Sensor to Aid Detection of Cancers and Vector-Borne Viruses
- Non-Invasive Sensor Monitors Changes in Saliva Compositions to Rapidly Diagnose Diabetes
- Breakthrough Immunoassays to Aid in Risk Assessment of Preeclampsia
- Urine Test for Monitoring Changes in Kidney Health Markers Can Predict New-Onset Heart Failure
- AACC Releases Comprehensive Diabetes Testing Guidelines