Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Study Reveals Brain Regions Linked to Cognitive Fatigue

6/28/2025

27 6

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have pinpointed two brain regions—the right insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—that light up during cognitive fatigue. In a study with 28 participants, financial incentives spurred continued mental effort despite exhaustion. These insights could pave the way for new treatments for PTSD and depression by unraveling the mysteries of cognitive fatigue.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have pinpointed two brain regions—the right insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—that light up during cognitive fatigue. In a study with 28 participants, financial incentives spurred continued mental effort despite exhaustion. These insights could pave the way for new treatments for PTSD and depression by unraveling the mysteries of cognitive fatigue.