English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Lifestyle

Forgetting is more difficult than remembering

Published

6 years ago

on

Forgetting is more difficult than remembering

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Choosing to forget something uses more brain power than trying to remember it, according to a study that could lead to treatments to help people rid themselves of unwanted memories.

The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggest that in order to forget an unwanted experience, more attention should be focused on it.

The study extends prior research on intentional forgetting, which focused on reducing attention to the unwanted information through redirecting attention away from unwanted experiences or suppressing the memory’s retrieval.

“We may want to discard memories that trigger maladaptive responses, such as traumatic memories so that we can respond to new experiences in more adaptive ways,” said Jarrod Lewis-Peacock, an assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin in the US.

“Once we can figure out how memories are weakened and devise ways to control this, we can design treatment to help people rid themselves of unwanted memories,” Lewis-Peacock.

Memories are dynamic constructions of the brain that regularly get updated, modified and reorganised through experience. The brain is constantly remembering and forgetting information and much of this happens automatically during sleep.

Prior studies focused on locating “hotspots” of activity in the brain’s control structures, such as the prefrontal cortex, and long-term memory structures, such as the hippocampus. The latest study focuses, instead, on the sensory and perceptual areas of the brain, specifically the ventral temporal cortex, and the patterns of activity there that correspond to memory representations of complex visual stimuli.

“We are looking not at the source of attention in the brain, but the sight of it,” said Lewis-Peacock.

Using neuroimaging to track patterns of brain activity the researchers showed a group of healthy adults, images of scenes and faces, instructing them to either remember or forget each image. Their findings not only confirmed that humans have the ability to control what they forget, but that successful intentional forgetting required “moderate levels” of brain activity in these sensory and perceptual areas — more activity than what was required to remember.

“A moderate level of brain activity is critical to this forgetting mechanism. Too strong, and it will strengthen the memory; too weak, and you won’t modify it,” said Tracy Wang, lead author of the study and a psychology postdoctoral fellow at UT Austin.

“Importantly, it is the intention to forget that increases the activation of the memory, and when this activation hits the ‘moderate level’ sweet spot, that is when it leads to later forgetting of that experience,” Wang said.

The researchers also found that participants were more likely to forget scenes than faces, which can carry much more emotional information, the researchers said.

“This will make way for future studies on how we process, and hopefully get rid of, those really strong, sticky emotional memories, which can have a powerful impact on our health and well-being,” Lewis-Peacock said.

(Inputs from media reports)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Entertainment

How to turn your ideas into Ghibli-style AI images using ChatGPT

Discover how to create Studio Ghibli-style AI art for free using ChatGPT and other AI tools, with step-by-step instructions and alternative platforms.

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 28, 2025

By

AI-generated Studio Ghibli style art featuring fantasy landscape

A new wave of AI-generated art inspired by Studio Ghibli is taking the internet by storm, thanks to recent advancements in image generation technology. OpenAI’s latest update to ChatGPT now allows users to create visuals mimicking the dreamy, whimsical aesthetic of Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki.

With just a simple text prompt, users can generate fantasy landscapes, expressive characters, and ethereal scenes reminiscent of classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. This trend has gained traction on social media, where Ghibli-style artworks are being widely shared.

How to generate Ghibli-style art using ChatGPT

To create these visuals, users can log into chat.openai.com and start a new chat. After entering a descriptive prompt—such as “Show me in Studio Ghibli style”—ChatGPT processes the request and displays a matching image, which can then be downloaded directly.

However, this feature is currently available only to users subscribed to ChatGPT’s Plus, Pro, Team, or other select plans. OpenAI’s CEO has acknowledged that demand has caused delays in offering image generation to all users.

Free alternatives for Ghibli-style image creation

For those not subscribed to ChatGPT’s paid tiers, several free AI tools offer similar capabilities:

  • Gemini and GrokAI: Generate detailed Ghibli-style visuals with well-phrased prompts.
  • Craiyon: A basic online AI tool that creates Ghibli-inspired imagery using simple descriptions.
  • Artbreeder: Enables users to blend and modify image styles, though some features are locked behind a paywall.
  • Runway ML, Leonardo AI, and Mage.space: These advanced platforms offer free trials and allow for intricate styling, such as capturing the soft textures or color schemes typical of Ghibli animations.

These tools open creative avenues for users to explore the world of AI art without spending a rupee.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Chaitra Navratri 2025: Kalash Sthapana muhurat and rituals for invoking Goddess Durga’s blessings

Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins on March 30 with Ghatasthapana. Learn about Kalash Sthapana muhurat, rituals, and the spiritual meaning behind the nine days of celebration.

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 28, 2025

By

Chaitra Navratri 2025

As the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri 2025 approaches, devotees are gearing up to observe the traditional Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana, on Sunday, March 30. This sacred ritual marks the start of the nine-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms.

Significance of Kalash Sthapana

The ritual of Kalash Sthapana is more than just a tradition—it signifies the establishment of a sacred space that welcomes the divine feminine energy. The Kalash, or sacred pot, symbolises purity, fertility, and prosperity. Performing this ritual during the correct muhurat is considered essential to invoke Goddess Durga’s blessings for health, fortune and spiritual growth.

To prepare for the ritual, the puja space is thoroughly cleaned and sanctified. A wooden platform or chowki is adorned with a red cloth, and nine varieties of grains are arranged over it before placing the Kalash. Devotees fill the Kalash with water, turmeric, vermilion, and five mango leaves. In front of it, barley seeds are sown in a clay pot, symbolising abundance and the beginning of creation.

Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ghatasthapana date and shubh muhurat

  • Date: March 30, 2025
  • Morning Muhurat: 6:13 am to 10:22 am
  • Abhijit Muhurat: 12:01 pm to 12:50 pm

Performing Kalash Sthapana within this time frame is believed to bring spiritual and material success.

Ritual guidelines for devotees

During Chaitra Navratri, devotees engage in rituals such as fasting, chanting, temple visits, and pujas dedicated to the Navadurga, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. A few key points for Kalash Sthapana include:

  • Position the Kalash before the idol or image of Goddess Durga
  • Light an Akhanda Deep, an uninterrupted lamp, next to the Kalash
  • Chant mantras to invoke the presence of the goddess

Nine days of Navadurga worship

Each day of Chaitra Navratri holds unique significance, with specific pujas performed for each avatar of Goddess Durga:

  • March 30 – Pratipada: Ghatasthapana & Shailputri Puja
  • March 31 – Dwitiya: Brahmacharini Puja
  • April 1 – Tritiya: Chandraghanta Puja
  • April 2 – Chaturthi: Kushmanda Puja
  • April 3 – Panchami: Skandamata Puja
  • April 4 – Shashti: Katyayani Puja
  • April 5 – Saptami: Kalaratri Puja
  • April 6 – Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja & Kanya Pujan
  • April 7 – Navami: Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated during the spring season and is one of the two major Navratris in the Hindu calendar. The festival underscores the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with each day promoting spiritual discipline and devotion.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Happy Nowruz 2025: Wishes, messages, and quotes to celebrate Persian New Year

Nowruz 2025, the Persian New Year, is celebrated on March 20, marking the arrival of spring. Share these wishes, messages, and quotes with your loved ones.

Published

4 weeks ago

on

March 20, 2025

By

Nowruz 2025 celebrations with festive decorations and Persian traditions

Nowruz, also known as Navroz, marks the beginning of the Persian or Iranian New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in several countries around the world. Observed during the vernal equinox, this festival symbolizes renewal, hope, and joy as the days begin to grow longer. In 2025, Nowruz falls on March 20, bringing with it celebrations filled with traditions, prayers, and festivities.

The significance of Nowruz

Nowruz is derived from two Persian words—”Now” meaning new and “Ruz” meaning day—translating to “New Day.” The festival marks the arrival of spring and is deeply rooted in Persian history and culture. It signifies new beginnings, optimism, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Where is Nowruz celebrated and how?

Nowruz is widely observed in regions across Central Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Black Sea Basin. Countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkmenistan officially recognize Nowruz as a public holiday, allowing people to partake in grand celebrations.

In India, the Parsi community celebrates Nowruz with religious and cultural significance. Families visit Fire Temples to offer special prayers, clean their homes as part of the ritual of renewal, and prepare traditional delicacies like fried fish, herb rice, and sweet desserts to mark the occasion. Loved ones gather to share meals and extend best wishes for the new year.

Nowruz 2025 wishes, messages, and quotes

Celebrate Nowruz by sharing heartfelt wishes with your family and friends:

  • “As the new year blooms, may it bring fresh opportunities, abundant health, and lasting happiness. Nowruz Mubarak!”
  • “Nowruz Mubarak! May the spirit of renewal and growth bring you peace and happiness in the year ahead.”
  • “Wishing you and your family a joyful Nowruz! May the upcoming year bring you happiness, health, prosperity, and good luck.”
  • “May the first day of the month of Farvardin bring hope and light to you. Happy Nowruz!”
  • “Sending warm wishes for a happy Nowruz to you and your loved ones. May the year ahead bring joy and prosperity in abundance.”
  • “On this auspicious day, let me wish you love, luck, prosperity, and a whole lot of warmth.”
  • “Happy Nowruz! May this occasion mark the beginning of new opportunities and the fulfilment of your aspirations.”

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com