Musical improvisation: pure inspiration or dynamic brain reconfiguration?

A brain analysis of jazz pianists while they played a piece at different levels of creative freedom revealed that improvisation is more than inspiration, as it demands a dynamic reconfiguration of the brain between emotion, technique, and structure.

When we dream, does our brain wake up?

Researchers compiled the largest-ever database of brain activity recorded during sleep, along with dream reports. One of the first analyses confirmed that the brain appears to be “partially awake” when we dream during the NREM sleep stage.

Do fetal movements influence the level of attachment between mother and baby?

Research measured fetal movements in 51 pregnant women and found that higher frequencies were strongly linked to greater maternal attachment.

2 December 2025

Luís Portela honoured with Prémio Personalidade do Norte

The Chairman of the Bial Foundation, Luís Portela, was honoured with Prémio Personalidade do Norte 2025, granted by CCDR NORTE for a remarkable career as a leader who shaped the scientific, business, and cultural development of the region and the country.

24 November 2025

How do we manage to recognise and use thousands of objects every day?

Research paves the way for new approaches in neuroscience by revealing that the brain uses topography not only for sensory information but also for functional aspects of objects, which are crucial for everyday actions.

17 November 2025

Technology and meditation: A promising combination?

A study tested the combination of a virtual reality-based mindfulness single session with non-invasive brain stimulation using a low-intensity electrical current. The results suggest a potential calming effect associated with the combined intervention.