CHESS HEAD: Could regular chess playing remodel your brain?

In this episode we discuss the history and evolution of chess and how chess competence, up to grand master, is rated, including how this would stand up in a scientific research setting. We talk through the range of brain investigation studies included in their recent review and some of the technical background to those tests and limitations of their methods before moving on to the areas of difference between novice players and experts, relating to pattern recognition, memory, imagery and decision making. An interesting finding was reduced grey matter volume in key areas in experts and we talk about the way this links to findings in other skills areas before discussing the possibility that regularly playing chess might be a valuable tool in developing cognitive skills in school age children and maintaining them in older adults (both currently subject to research). Along the way there are interesting diversions into the brains of London taxi drivers, survival value of larger prefrontal areas, other studies of working memory training plus gender differences in chess interest and expertise. Where else could you hear this stuff!

Samantha Brooks is professor of cognitive neuroscience, John Moores University, Liverpool UK https://profiles.ljmu.ac.uk/13546-samantha-brooks/professional

Morgan Williams is a postgraduate researcher, Leicester University, UK.

Ken Barrett is an artist, writer and former neuropsychiatristhttp://www.kenbarrettstudio.co.uk/

Morgan and Samantha's paper ' Neural correlates of chess expertise': https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050642525000326

Also discussed: Frontiers | Review of the Neural Processes of Working Memory Training: Controlling the Impulse to Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater

The Hans Berger, history of EEG Brainland episode: https://open.acast.com/networks/6452b6516dd22500113dc7d2/shows/6452b6516dd22500113dc7ca/episodes/6a4cc139e4f7d40f06345ebc

Opening and closing music: Prelude to Brainland the opera by Stephen Brown

Brainland the opera website: www.brainlandtheopera.co.uk

Instagram: #brainlandcollective

Sketch by KB

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