Abstract
The project aims to extend our understanding of cognitive aging by integrating research traditions in experimental cognitive psychology, brain imaging and molecular genetics. The framework for integration is a multilevel approach focusing first on the cognitive neurogenetics of attention and memory, then examining the dynamics of brain-cognition-genetics interaction in an adult lifespan perspective, and finally including aspects of cognitive pathologies. The perspective is that of a dynamic brain-genetics-cognition relation that is sensitive to neurobiological changes during the life span, but strives to maintain function. The project group has access to several large population data bases from Norway, Sweden, UK and USA including brain scans and genome wide association (GWAS) data. We plan to develop strategies for using the large number of participants to test hypothesis not otherwise testable. The project group is composed of experts in the relevant fields, and collaborates closely with researchers focusing on age related cognitive pathologies. Thus we are able to study both successful, normal cognitive aging and conditions where normal cognitive function cannot be maintained.
End Report
The project aimed to place cognitive psychology in the context of 21st century cognitive neuroscience by integrating research traditions in experimental cognitive psychology, brain imaging and molecular genetics. The framework for integration was a multilevel approach focusing first on the cognitive neurogenetics of attention and memory, then examining the dynamics of brain-cognition-genetics interaction in an adult lifespan perspective, and finally including aspects of cognitive pathologies. Cognitive pathologies are often associated with age specific vulnerability and should therefore be studied as an integral aspect of the dynamic brain-cognition interaction within the aging perspective.
We participated in consortia combining large international databases from Norway, Sweden, UK and USA to study the genetic basis for intelligence and brain structure.
Technological advances have made it possible to analyse large amounts of genetic data efficiently. A Genomewide Association Scan (GWAS) can give information of 600 000 genetic variants or more on an individual basis. This staggering amount of data necessitates a high number of study participants (tens of thousands) to yield reliable results, which can only be achieved by combining data from several centres. GWAS is also a theoretical approach which may have the advantage of pointing out new avenues of research or narrowing down a range of alternatives for further study and replication.
Another strategy, which may allow for stronger interpretations of results, is to start with identification of a target cognitive system with well characterised human, animal and neurobiological models, and then generate hypotheses about which neurobiological systems would be the most significant sources of variation. This approach has been followed by several group members and was further developed in the CAS project, where we focussed on attention systems and their known neurochemical modulators, and then proceeding to study of a selected set of relevant genes.
The insights achieved are represented by the 10 papers published during the CAS period and papers in progress. We would especially point to our participation in major international efforts to address two issues of critical importance, i.e. the genetic basis of intelligence and the genetic basis of brain structure. Through the ENIGMA consortium for analysing the genetic basis of brain structure we are co-authors on two papers in Nature Genetics, the top ranking international journal in genetics. The general lesson learned is that a large number of genes each make a small contribution to complex traits.
We have collaborated on the problems addressed in the CAS project for several years, but CAS has provided a unique opportunity to intensify our efforts. The time at CAS has produced a wealth of new results and methodological advances that will keep us busy in several years to come. We are grateful for the excellent administrative support provided by the CAS staff during the whole project period.
Fellows
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Dale, Anders M.
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Davies, Gail
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Espeseth, Thomas
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Greenwood, Pamela
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LeHellard, Stephanie
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Steen, Vidar Martin
Previous events
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09 Jun 202214:15 - 16:00Turret Room at CAS Turret Room at CAS
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08 Jun 202218:00 - 19:00Zoom Zoom
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23 May 202214:15 - 16:00Room 8113, Domus Juridica / Zoom Room 8113, Domus Juridica / Zoom
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19 May - 20 May 2022- 16:00Scandic Solli Scandic Solli
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21 Mar 202217:00 - 18:00Zoom Zoom
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09 Mar 202214:15 - 16:00Room 8113, Domus Juridica \ Zoom Room 8113, Domus Juridica \ Zoom
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13 Oct 202114:15 - 16:00Georg Morgenstiernes hus, Seminarrom 152, University of Oslo (UiO) Georg Morgenstiernes hus, Seminarrom 152, University of Oslo (UiO)
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08 Jun 202119:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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27 May 202110:00 - 14:40Zoom Zoom
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19 May 202119:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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05 May 202119:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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20 Apr 202114:15 - 16:00Zoom Zoom
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07 Apr 202119:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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18 Mar 202114:15 - 16:00Zoom Zoom
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04 Mar 202114:15 - 16:00Zoom Zoom
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03 Mar 202119:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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11 Feb 2021
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10 Feb 202116:00 - 18:00Zoom Zoom
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04 Feb 202114:15 - 16:00Zoom Zoom
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02 Feb 202119:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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25 Jan 202112:00 - 13:00Zoom Zoom
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13 Jan 202119:00 - 20:30Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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02 Dec 202019:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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18 Nov 202019:00 - 20:15Zoom Webinar Series Zoom Webinar Series
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11 Jun - 12 Jun 2012(all day)Turrent Room, CAS, Oslo Turrent Room, CAS, Oslo
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19 Apr 2012(all day)The Norwegian Academy for Science and Letters The Norwegian Academy for Science and Letters
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09 Feb - 10 Feb 2012(all day)Turrent Room, CAS, Oslo Turrent Room, CAS, Oslo
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23 Jan - 24 Feb 2012(all day)Gabelshus hotell, Oslo Gabelshus hotell, Oslo
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22 Aug - 24 Aug 2011(all day)
News
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Good policies: morality, democracy and experts
28.06.2021 -
Books known only by title: A widespread and misunderstood phenomenon
24.06.2021 -
Understanding mathematical motives
24.06.2021 -
CAS scholars receive funding to study experts’ political power in the Nordic countries
28.01.2021 -
Geometry, paintings, and Lance
28.10.2020 -
Books known only by title: a widespread but unexplored phenomenon
23.10.2020 -
The policies that affect us all: are they well-founded?
23.10.2020 -
What is good policy?
25.08.2020 -
CAS Fellow receives ERC Consolidator Grant
17.12.2019