Researchers led by neuroscientist Agustín Ibáñez at Adolfo Ibáñez University created an algorithm that analyzes hundreds of vocal traits, including pitch and speaking speed, from four-minute recordings to estimate a person's age. The team found that a large gap between this speech-predicted age and a person's actual age was strongly linked to cognitive problems associated with conditions like dementia, according to findings published in Science Advances.
nature.com
· 2026-09-30
A linguist's new book, 'Beyond Words: How We Learn, Use, and Lose Language,' reviews research showing that learning a new language engages multiple brain functions simultaneously, including memory, sound recognition and grammar processing. This sustained mental effort appears to strengthen neural connections and may help preserve cognitive function as people age.
theconversation.com
· 2026-09-19
A linguistics researcher's new book, 'Beyond Words: How We Learn, Use, and Lose Language,' reports that learning a second language engages multiple cognitive processes simultaneously—memory, pattern recognition, and grammar processing—which can strengthen neural connections in older adults. The research points to bilingualism and language study as effective tools for maintaining cognitive function later in life, alongside activities like puzzles or music.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-09-19
Researchers examined how cognitive resilience—an individual's capacity to maintain mental function despite brain pathology—can help forecast progression to Alzheimer's dementia. The findings, published on Nature.com, suggest that measuring resilience adds predictive value beyond standard biomarkers of disease.
nature.com
· 2026-09-18
A profile traces the early life of Lee Holloway, Cloudflare's co-founder and former CTO, who built core technologies like Anycast and same-IP access before stepping down due to frontotemporal dementia. The piece covers his upbringing in Cupertino, his early programming work at HomeWarehouse.com (acquired by Walmart), his computer science studies at UC Santa Cruz, and his meeting with future Cloudflare co-founder Matthew Prince through a professor.
note.com
· 2026-09-09
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