Researchers at MIT have discovered a unique brain process that helps us regain focus after distractions. The study found rotating waves of electrical activity in the prefrontal cortex, which acts like a guide to steer thoughts back on track.
The researchers used monkeys to test their hypothesis and observed a distinct difference between cases where the monkeys successfully stayed on task and those who faltered. When they did not make mistakes while distracted, the brain wave completed a full circle, indicating recovery was complete. However, in error trials, the circular brain wave fell short of making a full rotation by an average of 30 degrees.
The study suggests that time is important for refocusing. The longer the gap between the start of the distraction and when they attempted to return to the task, the better the monkeys were able to regain focus. This implies that the brain needs this time to “come full circle mathematically” and get back on track behaviorally.
The findings provide new insight into how the brain restores focus after interruptions, a process vital in daily life. The study highlights that attention recovery is not just a psychological effort but also a measurable, physical pattern within the brain’s electrical activity.
Source: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/technology/science/what-happens-in-your-brain-when-you-lose-focus-and-how-does-it-find-its-way-back-e9ft6e4u