Roi Cohen Kadosh

University of Surrey · School of Psychology

Inter-individual variability in outcomes across individuals poses great challenges for the application of non-invasive brain stimulation in psychological research. Here, we examine how the effects of high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) on sustained attention vary as a function of a well-studied electrocortical marker, sponta...

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder show deficits in processing speed, as well as aberrant neural oscillations, including both periodic (oscillatory) and aperiodic (1/f-like) activity, reflecting the pattern of power across frequencies. Both components were suggested as underlying neural mechanisms of cognitive dysfunctions in at...

Rumination is an established transdiagnostic factor in mental illness, but there remains a significant gap in understanding the subjective experiences of those affected by it. This study explored the lived experiences of depressive rumination in early adulthood, a population notably susceptible to its effects. We interviewed 20 participants aged be...

In recent years, there has been debate about the effectiveness of treatments from different fields, such as neurostimulation, neurofeedback, brain training, and pharmacotherapy. This debate has been fuelled by contradictory and nuanced experimental findings. Notably, the effectiveness of a given treatment is commonly evaluated by comparing the effe...

This chapter reviews the cognitive and neural mechanisms for numerical and mathematical development. It provides converging evidence that from a rudimentary, non-symbolic “number sense” representation that is assumed to exist even in non-human species, the human mind develops its unique symbolic representational system to accurately represent and m...

In recent years, there has been debate about the effectiveness of treatments from different fields, such as neurostimulation, neurofeedback, brain training, and pharmacotherapy. This debate has been fuelled by contradictory and nuanced experimental findings. Notably, the effectiveness of a given treatment is commonly evaluated by comparing the effe...

Numerical cognition is an essential skill for survival, which includes the processing of discrete and continuous quantities, involving a mainly right fronto-parietal network. However, the neurocognitive systems underlying the processing and integration of discrete and continuous quantities are currently under debate. Noninvasive brain stimulation t...

Previous research has highlighted the role of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in perceptual, cognitive, and motor tasks. However, the exact involvement of these neurochemical mechanisms in the chain of information processing, and across human development, is unclear. In a cross-sectional longitudinal design, we used a computational app...

Previous research has highlighted the role of the excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio for typical and atypical development, mental health, cognition, and learning. Other research has highlighted the benefits of high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)—an excitatory form of neurostimulation—on learning. We examined the E/I as a pote...

Semantic cognition and numerical cognition are dissociable faculties with separable neural mechanisms. However, recent advances in the cortical topography of the temporal and parietal lobes have revealed a common organisational principle for the neural representations of semantics and numbers. We discuss their convergence and divergence through the...

Non-invasive brain stimulation has been suggested as a potential treatment for improving symptomology and cognitive deficits in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. Here, we examined whether a novel form of stimulation, high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), ap...

ELife digest Neuromodulation is a type of intervention that relies on various non-invasive techniques to temporarily stimulate the brain and nervous system. It can be used for the treatment of depression or other medical conditions, as well as the improvement of cognitive abilities such as attention. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding...

In recent years, there has been debate about the effectiveness of treatments from different fields, such as neurostimulation, neurofeedback, brain training, and pharmacotherapy. This debate has been fuelled by contradictory and nuanced experimental findings. Notably, the effectiveness of a given treatment is commonly evaluated by comparing the effe...

Objective: This review aims to provide researchers with a contemporary and comprehensive understanding of the current state of behavioural rating scales used in evaluating adult ADHD for research purposes. The objective is to offer guidance that enables researchers to make informed decisions when selecting the most suitable scale for their studies....

This presentation delves into the use of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) to modify the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance and enhance cognitive performance. The study investigates how tRNS influences neural activity and its implications for improving mathematical learning. Key points include the impact of E/I on cognitive learning, th...

Natural language processing (NLP) is central to the communication with machines and among ourselves, and NLP research field has long sought to produce human-quality language. Identification of informative criteria for measuring NLP-produced language quality will support development of ever-better NLP tools. The authors hypothesize that mentalizing...

Non-invasive brain stimulation has been suggested as a potential treatment for improving symptomology and cognitive deficits in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. Here, we examined whether a novel form of stimulation, high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), ap...

Previous research has highlighted the role of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in perceptual, cognitive, and motor tasks. However, the exact involvement of these neurochemical mechanisms in the chain of information processing, and across human development, are unclear. In a cross-sectional longitudinal design, we used a computational ap...

Objective Although relatively costly and non-scalable, non-invasive neuromodulation interventions are treatment alternatives for neuropsychiatric disorders. The recent developments of highly-deployable transcranial electric stimulation (tES) systems, combined with mobile-Health technologies, could be incorporated in digital trials to overcome metho...

Objective Processing Speed (PS), the ability to perceive and react fast to stimuli in the environment, has been shown to be impaired in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it is unclear whether PS can be improved following targeted treatments for ADHD. Here we examined potential changes in PS following applicatio...

As transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) protocols advance, assumptions underlying the technique need to be retested to ensure they still hold. Whilst the safety of stimulation has been demonstrated mainly for a small number of sessions, and small sample size, adverse events (AEs) following multiple sessions remain largely untested. Similarly,...

Previous research has highlighted the role of the excitation/inhibition ratio (E/I) for typical and atypical development, mental health, cognition, and learning. Parallel research has highlighted the benefits of high-frequency random noise stimulation (tRNS)—an excitatory form of neurostimulation—on learning. We examined the E/I as a potential mech...

Attempts to enhance human memory and learning ability have a long tradition in science. This topic has recently gained substantial attention because of the increasing percentage of older individuals worldwide and the predicted rise of age-associated cognitive decline in brain functions. Transcranial brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial m...

Previous work has shown relations between domain-general processes, domain-specific processes, and mathematical ability. However, the underlying neurophysiological effects of mathematical ability are less clear. Recent evidence highlighted the potential role of beta oscillations in mathematical ability. Here we investigate whether domain-general (w...

In our exceedingly technical world, numeracy is recognized as an essential skill to meet everyday demands of life. However, poor numeracy and severe numerical learning problems are very common in our society and imply serious obstacles in daily lives, school, or professional success. It is time to gain advantages from obtained numeracy research and...

As transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) protocols advance, assumptions underlying the technique need to be retested to ensure they still hold. Whilst the safety of stimulation has been demonstrated mainly for a small number of sessions, and small sample size, adverse events (AEs) following multiple sessions remain largely untested. Similarly,...

Background The current evidence on an integrative role of the domain-specific early mathematical skills and number-specific executive functions (EFs) from informal to formal schooling and their effect on mathematical abilities is so far unclear. The main objectives of this study were to (i) compare the domain-specific early mathematics, the number-...

Previous work has shown relations between domain-general processes, domain-specific processes, and mathematical ability. However, the underlying neurophysiological effects of mathematical ability are less clear. Recent evidence highlighted the potential role of beta oscillations in mathematical ability. Here we investigate whether domain-general (w...

Complex numerical cognition is a crucial ability in the human brain. Conventional neuroimaging techniques do not differentiate between epiphenomena and neuronal groups critical to numerical cognition. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows defining causal models of the relationships between specific activated or inhibited neural regions and...

The increased prevalence of test anxiety in our competitive society makes it a health issue of public concern. However, its neurobiological basis, especially during the years of formal education, is currently scant. Previous research has highlighted the association between neural excitation/inhibition balance and psychopathology and disease. We exa...

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a possible alternative to psychostimulants in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but its mechanisms of action in children and adolescents with ADHD are poorly understood. We conducted the first 15-session, sham-controlled study of anodal tDCS over right inferior frontal cortex (rIFC) c...

Numbers are everywhere, and supporting difficulties in numerical cognition (e.g., mathematical learning disability (MLD)) in a timely, effective manner is critical for their daily use. To date, only low-efficacy cognitive-based interventions are available. The extensive data on the neurobiology of MLD have increased interest in brain-directed appro...

TDCS is a promising method for altering cortical excitability with clinical implications. It has been increasingly used in children and adolescents especially in recent years. Yet, its potential target populations, developmental aspects, and efficacy parameters still require further investigation. In this chapter, we discuss the physiological mecha...

Accumulating evidence from human-based research has highlighted that the prevalent one-size-fits-all approach for neural and behavioral interventions is inefficient. This approach can benefit one individual, but be ineffective or even detrimental for another. Studying the efficacy of the large range of different parameters for different individuals...

Several scientific, engineering, and medical advancements are based on breakthroughs made by people who excel in mathematics. Our current understanding of the underlying brain networks stems primarily from anatomical and functional investigations, but our knowledge of how neurotransmitters subserve numerical skills, the building block of mathematic...

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a possible neurotherapeutic alternative to psychostimulants in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, very little is known regarding the mechanisms of action of tDCS in children and adolescents with ADHD. We conducted the first multi-session, sham-controlled study of anodal tDCS o...

Previous research has highlighted the role of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in learning and plasticity. What is currently unknown is how this knowledge translates to real-life complex cognitive abilities that emerge slowly and how the link between these neurotransmitters and human learning and plasticity is shaped by development. Whi...

Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could be a side-effect-free alternative to psychostimulants in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there is limited evidence for clinical and cognitive effects, most studies were small, single-session and stimulated left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). No sham-c...

Randomised assignment of individuals to treatment and controls groups is often considered the gold standard to draw valid conclusions about the efficacy of an intervention. In practice, randomisation can lead to accidental differences due to chance. Researchers have offered alternatives to reduce such differences, but these methods are not used fre...

Significance Our knowledge of the effect of a specific lack of education on the brain and cognitive development is currently poor but is highly relevant given differences between countries in their educational curricula and the differences in opportunities to access education. We show that within the same society, adolescent students who specifical...

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been highlighted as a powerful tool to promote neuroplasticity, and an attractive approach to support cognitive remediation. Here we provide a systematic review of 26 papers using NIBS to ameliorate cognitive dysfunctions in three prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disor...

Background Current evidence on an integrative role of the domain-specific early mathematical skills and domain-general executive functions (EFs) from informal to formal schooling and their effect on mathematical abilities is so far unclear. The main objectives of this study were to (i) compare the domain-specific early mathematics, the number-speci...

Scientific investigations have long emphasized the cortex’s role in cognitive transfer and arithmetic abilities. To date, however, this assumption has not been thoroughly empirically investigated. Here we demonstrated that primitive mechanisms—lower visual channels—have a causal role in cognitive transfer of complex skills such as symbolic arithmet...

Neurochemical profile and brain connectivity are both critical aspects of brain function. However, our knowledge of their interplay across development is currently poor. We combined single‐voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy and resting functional magnetic resonance imaging in a cross‐sectional sample spanning from childhood to adulthood which wa...

Accumulating evidence from human-based research has highlighted that the prevalent one-size-fits-all approach for neural and behavioral interventions is inefficient. This approach can benefit one individual, but be ineffective or even detrimental for another. Studying the efficacy of the large range of different parameters for different individuals...

Background and Objective: Aging is associated with a decline in attentional and executive abilities, which are linked to physiological, structural, and functional brain changes. A variety of novel non-invasive brain stimulation methods have been probed in terms of their neuroenhancement efficacy in the last decade; one that holds significant promis...

The article is open access until May 19th, using the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1cq4g55vZ2Cch

Objective Improving symptomology and cognitive deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders is a crucial challenge. We examined whether neurostimulation protocols, which have been shown to yield long-term effects when combined with cognitive training, could benefit children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD), the most common neurodeve...

Numerical skills encompass a variety of cognitive processes and are crucial for performance in today’s modern world but vary greatly between individuals. Several approaches of numerical cognition have been studied ranging from behavioral to neuroimaging studies. Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) has become a promising tool to influence nume...

Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique capable of altering cortical activity, has been proposed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the neuronal level and the sensitivity of the neurons following an inverted U-function. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of tRNS on vGLUT1 and GAD 65–...

Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could be a side-effect free alternative to psychostimulants in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although there is limited evidence for clinical and cognitive effects, most studies were small, single-session, and stimulated left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). No sham-...

In recent years, there has been debate about the effectiveness of treatments from different fields, such as neurostimulation, neurofeedback, brain training, and pharmacotherapy. This debate has been fuelled by contradictory and nuanced experimental findings. Notably, the effectiveness of a given treatment is commonly evaluated by comparing the effe...

While the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is dominated by pharmacological agents, transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is gaining attention as an alternative method for treatment. Most current meta-analyses have suggested that tES can improve cognitive functions that are otherwise impaired in ADHD, such as inhibiti...

Working memory (WM) capacity, the amount of information one can hold online in mind, has a central role in cognition. Previous electrophysiological and imaging studies revealed the pivotal role of persistent activity within parietal and frontal regions as the neural foundations underpinning WM capacity. The best candidate molecules determining pers...

Cognitive control is a pivotal aspect of cognition and it is impaired in many clinical populations. To date, several distinct types of cognitive control have been proposed, and prior work demonstrated the instrumental role of basal ganglia, frontal and parietal regions. However, the role of the structural variation of these regions in cognitive con...

Studies have shown an association between sensorimotor α-oscillation and pain perception. It suggests the potential use of neurofeedback (NFB) training for pain modulation through modifying sensorimotor α-oscillation. Here, a single-session NFB training protocol targeted on increasing sensorimotor α-oscillations was applied to forty-five healthy pa...

Seven experiments conducted in India and the United States (N ∼7,000; 5 preregistered) examined the effects of wealth on warmth and competence, 2 fundamental dimensions of social impressions. Wealth causally influenced perceptions of a target's competence: high wealth increased perceived competence and low wealth decreased perceived competence (Exp...

Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique capable of altering cortical activity, has been proposed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the neuronal level and the sensitivity of the neurons following an inverted U-function. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of tRNS on vGLUT1 and GAD 65-...

Working memory, the ability to maintain and manipulate information over seconds, is central to cognition and it is impaired in many clinical populations. However, our knowledge of the structural properties associated with individual variation in visuospatial working memory capacity is currently poor. Across two locations (Stockholm and Oxford), we...

In article number 1902863, Hai Li, Xiaochu Zhang, and co‐workers demonstrate the necessity and feasibility of pre‐stimulation screening before neurostimulation. A lesser degree of functional asymmetry of the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and a higher degree of social‐related difficulties predicts more beneficial effects on social abilities for bot...

Modulating the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), especially the right counterpart, shows promises in enhancing social cognitive ability. However, it is ambiguous whether the functional lateralization of TPJ determines people's responsiveness to brain stimulation. Here, this issue is investigated with an individual difference approach. Forty‐five part...