Fluid intelligence and the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system
Abstract
To understand mind and behavior we must understand the biological basis of intelligence. Despite significant progress, we lack a complete picture that integrates different levels of brain function and explains individual differences in cognitive ability. We propose that the locus coeruleus, the source of norepinephrine for the brain, plays a key role in this puzzle. It does so at all levels of brain function, regulating processes of learning, memory, and attention. We use baseline pupil size, which covaries with locus coeruleus activity, to anchor the present analyses of the role of the locus coeruleus in cognitive ability. This work provides a foundation for future research integrating different levels of brain function with individual differences in cognitive ability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.2110630118
Entities
People
- Jason S Tsukahara
- Randall Engle
Organizations
- Georgia Tech
- Office of Naval Research Global