Yi-Yuan Tang, Ph.D.
Professor; Presidential Endowed Chair in Neuroscience
Experimental (Cognitive Neuroscience)
Email: yiyuan.tang@ttu.edu
Phone: (806) 742-3711; (806) 834-8688
Office: 313, Lab: English. Bldg Rm 105
Education:
Ph.D., Dalian University of Technology & Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy
of Sciences (Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging).
Awards and Honors
- Fellow, the Association for Psychological Science (APS)
- Fellow, the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Associate Editor, Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience (SCAN)
- Associate Editor in Chief, Progress in Modern Biomedicine
- NIH Cutting-Edge Basic Research Awards (with Ponser)
- NIH Phased Innovation Award
- Barnie E. Rushing Outstanding Researcher Award
- New Century Excellent Talents, Ministry of Education
- Listed in: Who's Who in the World
- Research Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon
- Adjunct Professor, Dept. Internal Medicine, TTU Health Science Center
Research
Interests:I'm a neuroscientist and psychologist, and interested in why and how our mind/brain and body construct experiences of self, others and the world; how to optimize mind/brain, body, behavior and habit over the lifespan. I use behavioral and physiological measures (e.g., heart rate variability, cortisol), neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, PET, EEG, MEG), genetic analysis and prevention/interventions (e.g., exercise, mindfulness, neurofeedback, brain stimulation) in my basic and translational work.
My current research is supported by NIH and DoD, including how brain processes information, makes decision and drives behavior in a large-scale network; how experiences (learning or training) affect brain processing and reshape brain networks that support attention control, cognitive function (working memory, creativity, implicit learning), emotion regulation and intuitive decision making; training self-control and executive function to improve performance, compassion and wisdom; training self-control for preventing and ameliorating behavioral problems and mental disorders (e.g., addiction, mood disorders, ADHD, MCI and AD, PTSD); cultural influences on math, language, imagery and self-control; altered states of consciousness; conscious and unconscious regulation; changing behavior and habit; gene-experience interaction; individual differences in self-control and successful aging, see more on Current Research below.
Support:
NIH/NIDA, NIH/NCCIH, DoD/ONR, Templeton Foundation, Bower Foundation, etc.
Achievement:
Dr. Tang has published 9 books and over 300 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Trends in Cognitive Sciences (TiCS), Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Psychological Inquiry, Psychiatry Research, Stress and Health, Trends in Neuroscience and Education, Progress in Brain Research, Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, Neuroimage, Human Brain Mapping, Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience, Neural Network, Brain and Cognition, Behavioral Brain Research, Child Development Perspectives, etc., and these findings are reported in the scientific journals including Nature, Science, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Neuron, TICS, PNAS, etc., and popular media including TIME, New York Times, BBC, NPR, ScienceDaily, The Press Association, Reuters, NBC. Dr. Tang has supervised over 60 graduate students and post-docs in neuroscience, psychology, neuroimaging, BME, medicine, biology, education, neuroinformatics and computer science.
Selected Media Reports (more on imcenter.net):
NPR: Meditation For A Stronger Brain
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129324779
Mind Over Matter - APS Keynote Address
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/mind-over-matter-2
The Meditative State - introduction
http://www.helixcenter.org/participants/yi-yuan-tang/#papers-presentations
Video: http://www.helixcenter.org/videos/#/_es96clsC9U
IBMT on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-hoLHcxpY8
Mindfulness Meditation May Help You Quit Smoking (Cell Press)
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297536.php
Trying to quit smoking? First strengthen self-control (CNN)
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/31/health/beat-smoking-other-habits-with-self-control-techniques-and-games
NIH Integrative Medicine Research Lecture Series
https://videocast.nih.gov/summary.asp?live=14556&bhcp=1
Current Research:
Understanding brain processing of attention, cognitive function (working memory, creativity, implicit learning, decision making), emotion regulation and executive control using multi-modal neuroimaging and neural modeling. We apply neuroimaging (fMRI, PET, EEG) and diverse models (functional and structural connectivity, ICA/PCA, dynamic causal modeling, Bayesian networks, machine learning, small world topology, multi-voxel pattern analysis and neuroinformatics) to understand the principles and dynamics of how the large-scale brain network supporting and regulating the cognitive, emotional and social functioning, information processing, learning, health behaviors and disorders.
Training induced neuroplasticity in healthy and patient populations. We use diverse training methods or learning strategies such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive training, physical exercise to explore the brain plasticity in healthy and patient populations including anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
Development of algorithm and models in information processing and disorders. We developed diverse ICA and PCA algorithms and combine with other models including Bayesian networks and machine learning to map brain processing and predict and detect early issues in MCI, AD and PD.
Development of neuro-feedback system and device for mental disorders. We apply the latest neuroscience techniques such as TMS, EEG feedback, tCDS and Vega that could combine with fMRI and other methods to study the brain mechanism and its application in ADHD, addiction, mood disorders and TBI.
Training self-control over the lifespan. We use IBMT to improve attention and self-control in young children, adolescents, adults and seniors, the goal is to 1) enhance performance and healthy behavior 2) ameliorate deficits in self-control that are associated with many behavior problems and mental disorders.
Prevention and intervention of behavior problems and mental disorders. Since 1990s, we have been conducting RCT studies using mindfulness preventive intervention - IBMT in the populations aged from 4 to 90 years old. Our series of results suggest that brief IBMT can significantly improves attention and cognitive performance, positive mood and immune function, and reduces stress hormone. Meanwhile, short-term IBMT can induce brain activity and structural change associated with self-control networks.
Representative Books:
Understanding brain processing of attention, cognitive function (working memory, creativity, implicit learning, decision making), emotion regulation and executive control using multi-modal neuroimaging and neural modeling. We apply neuroimaging (fMRI, PET, EEG) and diverse models (functional and structural connectivity, ICA/PCA, dynamic causal modeling, Bayesian networks, machine learning, small world topology, multi-voxel pattern analysis and neuroinformatics) to understand the principles and dynamics of how the large-scale brain network supporting and regulating the cognitive, emotional and social functioning, information processing, learning, health behaviors and disorders.
Training induced neuroplasticity in healthy and patient populations. We use diverse training methods or learning strategies such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive training, physical exercise to explore the brain plasticity in healthy and patient populations including anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
Development of algorithm and models in information processing and disorders. We developed diverse ICA and PCA algorithms and combine with other models including Bayesian networks and machine learning to map brain processing and predict and detect early issues in MCI, AD and PD.
Development of neuro-feedback system and device for mental disorders. We apply the latest neuroscience techniques such as TMS, EEG feedback, tCDS and Vega that could combine with fMRI and other methods to study the brain mechanism and its application in ADHD, addiction, mood disorders and TBI.
Training self-control over the lifespan. We use IBMT to improve attention and self-control in young children, adolescents, adults and seniors, the goal is to 1) enhance performance and healthy behavior 2) ameliorate deficits in self-control that are associated with many behavior problems and mental disorders.
Prevention and intervention of behavior problems and mental disorders. Since 1990s, we have been conducting RCT studies using mindfulness preventive intervention - IBMT in the populations aged from 4 to 90 years old. Our series of results suggest that brief IBMT can significantly improves attention and cognitive performance, positive mood and immune function, and reduces stress hormone. Meanwhile, short-term IBMT can induce brain activity and structural change associated with self-control networks.
Representative Books:
- Tang YY. 2017. Brain-Based Learning and Education: Principles and Application. Academic Press, Elsevier.
- Tang YY. 2017. The Neuroscience of Mindfulness Meditation: How Body and Mind Work Together to Change Our Behaviour. Springer Nature.
- Tang YY. 2009. Exploring the Brain, Optimizing the Life. Science Press.
- 12. Tang YY, Holzel BK, Posner MI. Traits and states in mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2016, 17(1):59
- 11. Tang YY, Posner MI, Rothbart MK, Volkow ND. Circuitry of self-control and its role in reducing
addiction. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2015, 19(8):439-444
Cell Press, 2015, July 30
Caputo JN. Trying to Quit Smoking? First Strengthen Self-Control.
ScienceDaily, 2015, July 30
EurekAlert! AAAS 2015, July 30
MedicalxPress 2015, July 30
DailyxNews 2015, July 30
Jones M. Mental Training Could Be Key to Kicking the Habit
CNN Medical 2015, July 31
Lucas L. How to beat smoking, other bad habits with better self control - 10. Tang YY, Holzel BK, Posner MI. The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2015, 16(4): 213-225
- 9. Tang YY & Posner MI. Training brain networks and states. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2014, 18(7):345-50
- 8. Tang YY, Tang R, Posner MI. Brief meditation training induces smoking reduction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2013, 110(34):13971-13975
*Science, EurekAlert, NIH/NIDA comments
Mindfulness meditation IBMT trims craving for tobacco. EurekAlert (AAAS), August 5, 2013
Mindfulness Meditation Trims Craving for Tobacco: 60% Reduction in Smoking. ScienceDaily, August 11, 2013
Meditation and Smoking Reduction. National Institute of Health/National Institute on Drug Abuse, August 8, 2013 - 7. Tang YY, Rothbart MK, Posner MI. Neural correlates of establishing, maintaining and switching brain states. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2012, 16(6): 330-337
- 6. Tang YY, Lu Q, Fan M, Yang Y, Posner MI. Mechanisms of White Matter Changes Induced by Meditation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2012, 109 (26):10570-4
*Science comments
Chinese Meditation Prompts Double Positive Punch in Brain White Matter. ScienceDaily, June 13, 2012 - 5. Tang YY, Lu Q, Geng X, Stein EA, Yang Y, Posner MI. Short-term meditation induces white matter
changes in the anterior cingulate. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2010, 107(35): 15649-52
*Science comments
Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT) Meditation Found to Boost Brain Connectivity. ScienceDaily, August 16, 2010 - 4. Tang YY, et al. Central and autonomic nervous system interaction is altered by short term
meditation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2009, 106(22): 8865-70
*Science comments
Of body and mind, and deep meditation. ScienceDaily, May 20, 2009 - 3. Tang YY, Posner MI. Attention Training and Attention State training. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2009, 13(5): 222-7
- 2. Tang YY, et al. Short term meditation training improves attention and self regulation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2007, 104 (43): 17152-17156
*Nature, Science comments
Cheung F. Mental training: The benefits of short-term meditation. Nature (NatureChina) (Research Highlights), Oct. 31, 2007
Body-mind meditation boosts performance, reduces stress. ScienceDaily, Oct. 9, 2007
This paper is the Top 10 Research Highlights in 2007 evaluated by Nature China. - 1. Tang YY, et al. Arithmetic processing in the brain shaped by cultures. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2006, 103(28): 10775-80. (Top Story)
*Science, Nature Review Neuroscience, Trends in Cognitive Sciences comments
Holden C. Numbers on the brain. Science (ScienceNOW), June 26, 2006
Qiu J. Cultural differences. Nature Review Neuroscience (Research Highlights), July 12, 2006
Cantlon JF, Brannon EM. Adding up the effects of cultural experience on the brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2007, 11(1): 1-4
Teaching and Student Projects
Teaching Interests:
My teaching covers topics in social, cognitive, affective, developmental, cultural,
educational and interventional neuroscience and psychology, psychophysiology, neuroimaging
and computational modeling. I integrate my teaching with research findings, and cover
both basic and translational topics. To deepen the understanding of the course contents,
students will be offered practicum in my lab using state of art strategies and measures.
Taught Courses:
Cognitive neuroscience; Health psychology; Drug, alcohol and behavior; Neuroscience
of self-regulation and consciousness
Selected PhD Student Dissertations:
Chosen from over 40 dissertations:
- Moral Dilemma Decision Making - Cognitive and Brain Processing
- Relationship between Thyroid Function and Depression
- Brain Mechanisms of Metaphor in Chinese and English Cultures
- Cognitive Neuroscience of Language Processing in Chinese and English Bilinguals
- Brain Mechanism of Creativity following Brief Body-mind Training
- Structural and Functional Properties of Brain Changes after Integrative Body-Mind Training
- Brain Mechanism and Intervention of Cognitive Processing in Depression among College Students
- Neuroimmunological Research of Cognition--Emotion Interactions
- Global and Local Imagery Generation using EEG
- Bilinguals' Mechanism of Numeral, Chinese Number Words Processing and Language Selection
- Sex Differences and Functional Connectivity during Orthography and Imagery Tasks
- Effects of Oxidative/psychological Stress on Cognition and AAβ Metabolism--associated Molecules
- Algorithm Research and Application in Structure Learning of Bayesian Networks
Expectations of Students:
My research involves interdisciplinary research field, which requires teamwork from
different background including psychology, neuroscience, engineering, education, math,
physics, biology, medicine to join in. We invite persons with passion, enthusiasm,
motivation and dedication to join our team.
There are new openings for undergraduates, graduates and post-docs! Please email me at yiyuan.tang@ttu.edu if interested.
Psychological Sciences
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Address
Texas Tech University, Department of Psychological Sciences, Box 42051 Lubbock, TX 79409-2051