Attention isn't just about what we focus on -- it's also about what our brains filter out. By investigating patterns in the brain as people try to focus, computational neuroscientist Mehdi Ordikhani-Seyedlar hopes to build computer models that can be used to treat ADHD and help those who have lost the ability to communicate. In his recent TED Talk, Seyedlar breaks down how our brain transforms when we pay attention, instead of losing focus and getting easily distracted. 

He starts his talk by pointing out that being able to stay focused on a particular task at a particular moment is in fact, impressive. He says that when we're actively paying attention to something, our brain is filtering information. “There are two ways you direct your attention,” he says. “First is over attention… you move your eyes over something in order to pay attention to it. Then, there's covert attention… you pay attention to something but without moving your eyes.” 

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He goes on to elaborate on how understanding brain patterns is important to build models for computers that can determine how well a brain functions. “And if it doesn't function, well, then these computers themselves, can be used as devices for therapy,” he adds. 

If there's one thing you should listen to today, it's this neuroscientist talk on why and how our brain changes when we pay attention to certain things.