ADHDers are indispensable to the group

Restless, easily distracted: people with ADHD can be at a disadvantage in today’s society. But in the time of hunter-gatherers they were indispensable within a tribe. This is the conclusion of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania (USA). 450 subjects with and without ADHD played a computer game in which they had to collect as many berries as possible within a certain time. Picking from the same bush over and over again ensured that it would slowly become exhausted. But looking for a fresh berry bush resulted in a time penalty. People with ADHD appeared to be more likely to seek out a new bush, while people without the diagnosis stuck around longer. According to the researchers, this indicates that prehistoric crowds ensured that the group kept moving and was therefore not dependent on one type of food for too long. This greatly improved health.

TECHNOLOGY / PEOPLE & BODY

App sees your mood

It is important to carefully monitor people with severe depression so that they receive the right help in time. But doctors cannot possibly keep an eye on everyone all the time. Scientists at Dartmouth College (US) therefore developed an app that analyzes a patient’s condition using AI. Every time they open their phone with facial recognition, the app looks at variations in the face, such as viewing direction, eye movements and muscle stiffness. The environment also counts. For example, if there is little backlight and no other people in sight, it could indicate a bad day. The app then suggests that the patient go outside or do something social.

THROUGH A SHORT BEND

177 people with a depressive disorder tested the app.

AI analyzed 125,000 photos and was able to correctly assess the severity of the depression in 75 percent of the cases.

The researchers expect to have 90 percent accuracy in a few years.

HUMAN & BODY

Smaller stomach, better memory

When people with severe obesity undergo gastric reduction, not only does their weight improve. It also appears to improve their memory considerably. Researchers from Radboud University and others followed 133 people who underwent gastric reduction for two years. After that period, brain scans showed improvements in the temporal lobe and hippocampus. These are areas of the brain related to learning and memory. The blood flow and amount of gray matter (which contains the nerve cells) were higher than expected. In addition to this positive effect on brain function, the researchers noted, among other things, a reduction in depressive symptoms and a decrease in inflammation.