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Neuro wins the LA Tech Fair Startup Competition

Neuro wins the LA Tech Fair Startup Competition

by Kent Yoshimura in Think Tank: The Neuro Blog

We did it guys!

Neuro founders Kent Yoshimura and Ryan pitched in front of a panel of all-star VC and entrepreneur judges ranging from Indeed.com president Chris Hyams, Upfront Ventures Co-founder Hamet Watt to Comparably CEO Jason Nazar. Out of the three finalists selected to present, we were able to woo the judges and receive a $10,000 check and recognition from Mayor Eric Garcetti himself.

Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen Win LA Tech Fair

We're so happy to be powering Los Angeles City and the rest of the United States with Neuro and can't wait to see what's in store for us.

Chew on!
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Students in an university class preparing for exams

Exam Day Calm: Caffeine-Free Focus for Test Takers

Yesterday, you felt prepared and ready for exam day. You gathered your supplies and even estimated the right amount of coffee for the day. Yet when the proctor told everyone to begin, the nerves kicked in and all your preparation seemingly went out the window. For exam takers, the caffeine dose itself is what actually matters rather than the focus issue. The goal is focus without jitters, not more stimulation on top of an already wired nervous system. This also applies to people who do not consume a lot of caffeine, as well as people with a preexisting anxiety condition. This piece covers the science behind anxiety and arousal, what it actually means for performance during standardized testing, and what to do instead of reaching for another cup of coffee. It will also explain the effects that L-theanine and Cereboost® Ginseng will have on you. We’ll explain what you should do on the days you take your SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, your Bar exam, or your CFA to help you feel calm, focused, and confident instead of jittery and overstimulated. Overview: The caffeine trap is real. Intake above ~300 mg can backfire for sensitive people, raising anxiety and hurting exam performance. More caffeine ≠ more focus. Performance peaks at an optimal arousal level; overshooting it lowers alertness rather than raising it. Some people are especially sensitive: teenagers, those prone to pre-exam anxiety, and people with cardiovascular conditions. Test anxiety disrupts thinking. It interferes with cognitive function, so staying calm matters as much as staying alert. L-theanine supports "calm focus" without stimulation. Timing and nutrition are a plan, not an afterthought. The article gives specific steps for the night before, the morning of, 30–60 minutes prior, and during the exam. A caffeine-free option: Neuro Memory & Focus Gum combines L-theanine with Cereboost® Ginseng for calm, alert focus plus memory support. Use responsibly. Note caffeine-withdrawal risks, possible ginseng–medication interactions, extra care for chronic anxiety, and adherence to exam rules.   The Caffeine Trap on Exam Day We all know that caffeine can have its benefits. A review by McLennan and colleagues, published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, found that caffeine improves attention and reaction time. The real question is: how do you dose it effectively? Once you exceed about 300 mg, caffeine begins to work counterproductively. You might feel more jittery with racing thoughts. These symptoms can hinder productivity, and according to the Mayo Clinic, elevate heart rate, especially in sensitive individuals. For those who regularly drink coffee, the threshold is higher since the body has built a tolerance to caffeine. If you drink coffee only occasionally (or not at all), an espresso might impact you differently than it would a regular coffee drinker. A general rule of thumb? Don’t load up on pre-exam caffeine if it isn’t a part of your regular day-to-day routine.   The Yerkes-Dodson Law Applied to Exam Day There is an aspect of performance psychology called the Yerkes-Dodson Law, which states that there reaches a point when alertness and performance become an inverse U. With low levels of alertness, you perform carelessly and are disengaged. With high levels of alertness, you perform anxiously and your thoughts narrow to only the things that are threatening. The sweet spot of optimal performance is in the middle. This is also the reason why more caffeine does not necessarily mean better performance. There is an optimal alertness zone. Caffeine helps increase alertness if you’re feeling tired; however, if you’re feeling pre-exam jitters, you may have already reached the optimal arousal zone without consuming any caffeine at all. Arousal Level What Happens to Performance Contributing Factors Too low Under-engaged, slow, careless errors Poor sleep, no prep, skipped breakfast Optimal zone Alert, focused, responsive Calm prep, light caffeine or none, good sleep Too high Anxious, distracted, working memory impaired Too much caffeine on a non-habitual basis, high-stakes panic   Caffeine Sensitivity - Who Should Skip the Coffee? Students under 25 who drink caffeine infrequently (or not at all) and have low caffeine tolerance should skip caffeine on exam day. This also applies to teenagers, as the evidence base for caffeine in those under 18 is weaker and the dosage sensitivity is higher. If you fall into any of these categories, you should consider reevaluating your caffeine consumption on exam day.  The Test Anxiety Reality The correlation between test-taking anxiety and performance is a complex one. Although research has generally found a negative association between test-taking anxiety and performance, Theobald and colleagues highlight evidence showing that once subject knowledge is taken into account, test anxiety itself is no longer associated with exam performance. In other words, the relationship between anxiety and failing is more nuanced than it first appears.  What we do know is that being anxious in the moment of the exam will interfere with your attention, your short-term memory, and your ability to recall information. You could know the answer, but because your short-term memory is occupied with thoughts of failure, recall becomes increasingly difficult. The disruption that occurs in this moment is what we’re trying to solve for. In terms of protecting cognitive function on exam day, the most successful strategy cited in the research is being well rested, as consolidation of memory occurs during sleep.  In addition to good sleep, mastering the exam content will also help to mitigate any pre-test jitters. Supplements can also help boost cognitive function on exam day. However, it is worth noting that of all the supplements that could be used, they are not a substitution for the other strategies.    L-Theanine - The Calm-Alert Amino Acid Tea leaves, which have been consumed for centuries, are the primary natural dietary source of L-theanine.  Thanks to tea’s history, there have been many studies analyzing the calming effects of L-theanine. This amino acid, which is one of the primary ingredients in Neuro’s Energy & Focus and Memory & Focus,  promotes the production of GABA and increases brain wave activity related to calm, focused awareness. Why Alpha Brain Waves Matter for "Calm Focus" Alpha waves” occur during a state of relaxed, alert focus. People who are “in the zone” experience increased alpha wave activity. Conversely, an increase in anxiety decreases alpha brain wave activity.  One of L-theanine’s many benefits is the promotion of alpha wave activity. This is why researchers have found that it helps support “calm alertness,” avoiding the extremes of being too drowsy or too jittery. A systematic review by Williams and colleagues covering nine studies and 270 participants found that L-theanine reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety during acute stress without causing drowsiness.  Higashiyama and colleagues found that a 200 mg dose of L-theanine improved attention and reaction time in healthy adults, with the greatest benefits observed among participants with a higher tendency toward anxiety.  Studies by Owen and colleagues and Giesbrecht and colleagues found that combining L-theanine with caffeine improved attention and response time compared with caffeine alone. For students who drink coffee before a test, L-theanine may help promote steadier alertness.  What L-Theanine Does Effect on Brain Relevant for Exam Day Increases alpha brain waves Promotes a relaxed, wakeful state Calm alertness without sedation Modulates GABA activity Reduces anxious arousal Reduced jitters and nervous energy Pairs with caffeine* Attention + reaction time improvement For those who drink coffee, the combo may work better than caffeine alone* No sedation Alert, calm, not drowsy Won't make you slow or foggy mid-exam*   Cereboost® American Ginseng on Exam Day Cereboost® is a standardized extract of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) that has been researched for its cognitive impact in multiple randomized controlled trials. Scholey and colleagues found that a single dose of Panax quinquefolius improved working memory, concentration, and focus in healthy adults. Ossoukhova and colleagues reported similar improvements in working memory among middle-aged adults. Bell and colleagues also reported findings related to mood and gut-associated cognitive outcomes.  The research supports the possibility that in healthy adults, Cereboost® Ginseng may improve working memory and concentration levels, which can indirectly reduce the risk of nervousness.  The combination in Neuro Memory & Focus Gum, L-theanine plus Cereboost® Ginseng, is designed around that dual profile: cognitive calm and alert focus from the L-theanine side, working memory support from the ginseng side.    What to Actually Do on Exam Day Pre-exam nutrition and timing matter more than most test prep guides acknowledge. The structure below isn't a rigid prescription. It’s a practical framework you can adjust around your own schedule and caffeine sensitivity.  Timing What to Do Night before Prioritize sleep over last-minute cramming. Avoid heavy caffeine or alcohol. Lay out ID, pencils, snacks. Morning Balanced breakfast (protein + complex carbs). Moderate water. Regular coffee drinkers: your usual cup, not more. 60 min out Light snack if needed. If caffeine-sensitive, skip the coffee. Consider 1 piece of Neuro Memory & Focus Gum instead (caffeine-free).* 30 min out 4-4-4-4 box breathing for 2 minutes. Review key material briefly - no cramming. Arrive with time to spare. Exam start If gum is permitted, chewing gum may support sustained attention (According to a Cardiff study and a 2025 review by Chmiel and Malinowska.) Skip and return to tough questions. You know more than you think.   A Cardiff University study and a 2025 review by Chmiel and Malinowska suggest that chewing gum may help support focus during mentally demanding tasks.  One reason may be that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain and contains an element that increases arousal. It is important to note that the focus may help you achieve a better exam score, but it is not a guarantee. It is also important to note that exam policies differ.  Generally, the SAT and ACT allow food and drink during breaks. However, some testing centers may not allow gum at all. Always check the policy first.   A Caffeine-Free Option When Coffee Backfires Some prefer an energy boost for focus, while others need a calmer alternative. If you've been looking for the best gum for studying focus without the caffeine spike, Neuro Memory & Focus Gum is the perfect solution.  Neuro Memory & Focus offers a caffeine-free nootropic formula in gum format: Cereboost® Ginseng, L-theanine, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. Because it's caffeine-free, you don’t have to worry about overcaffeinating and the crash that comes with it.  It will not spill on your answer sheet like water or juice, and if your testing center allows gum, you can use it during the session itself. If you want to combine the benefits of natural caffeine and L-theanine, you might like Neuro Energy & Focus Gum (40mg caffeine + 60mg L-theanine). This product is perfect for regular coffee drinkers who might benefit from a steady dose of caffeine during the test. However, if you have caffeine sensitivity, Memory & Focus is the way to go. While Vitamins B6 and B12 don’t directly contribute to cognition itself, they support your body’s natural energy production, which indirectly affects your day-to-day energy levels. In particular, low B12 levels have been linked to cognitive fatigue.  If you want to see the full picture of the Neuro range and how it can be used for studying, check out how to focus on studying. There, we explain the cognitive stack in more depth. For understanding how our ingredients support focus, memory, and mental performance, you can also see the benefits of Neuro ingredients on our page. When NOT to Use This Strategy If you’re a regular coffee drinker, you should drink your normal cup of coffee on test day. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms usually come on within the first day of no caffeine, so test day is not the time to wean off caffeine. If you take MAOIs, Warfarin, or diabetes medications, talk to your prescriber before taking a ginseng-containing product. Ginseng has known interactions with MAOIs, Warfarin, and diabetes drugs. Always abide by your testing center rules and policies. If you experience ongoing anxiety rather than occasional nerves or jitters, chewing gum and cognitive support products are not a long-term solution.  Ask your healthcare provider what mental health support solutions are available to you. Neuro Memory & Focus Gum is not a treatment for anxiety disorders or any other medical condition.   FAQs Will L-theanine make me sleepy during the exam? Research suggests that L-theanine supports "calm alertness" rather than sedation. A systematic review by Williams and colleagues found that L-theanine was associated with reduced stress and anxiety symptoms without inducing sleepiness. Can I take Neuro Memory & Focus Gum with my morning coffee? Yes! Studies by Owen and colleagues and Giesbrecht and colleagues found that combining L-theanine with caffeine may improve attention more than caffeine alone. However, if you experience pre-exam nerves, a caffeine-free approach may be a better choice for you.  Is chewing gum allowed during exams? Policies vary. Major standardized tests (SAT, ACT, MCAT) allow some food and drink items during breaks; check your specific test's published rules. Many testing centers prohibit gum in the exam room. How is Memory & Focus Gum different from just drinking tea? Tea contains L-theanine naturally, but amounts vary widely. Neuro Memory & Focus Gum provides a consistent dose of L-theanine alongside Cereboost® American Ginseng, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 in a portable, pre-measured format.* Can young students (under 18) use this? Always check with a pediatrician or HCP for adolescents. Supplements have not been studied as rigorously in children as in adults. Ready to Focus Without the Jitters? If coffee tends to backfire on high-stakes days, Neuro Memory & Focus Gum delivers Cereboost® American Ginseng, L-theanine, and B vitamins in a portable, caffeine-free format. If you want to try the full range, The Neuro Bundle has you covered with both caffeinated and caffeine-free solutions all in one package.  Can this product treat anxiety or anxiety disorders? No. This product is not intended to treat anxiety or any anxiety disorder. It is designed to support focus and cognitive performance in everyday situations, not to replace professional care or treatment.     *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  

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man in his 40s studying with a package of Memory & Focus gum on the desk

Mid-Career Pivot: Cognitive Edge for Mature Students

Whether you're starting a coding bootcamp, going back to school, or preparing for a CFA, MBA, or PMP, you're learning while balancing a busy life. If you’re concerned about whether it's too late to learn something new, the answer is no. Although your brain doesn't retain information the same way it did years ago, you can still learn remarkably well. Understanding age-related changes helps busy adults study more effectively with practical strategies. Overview This guide covers the science, strategies, and practical next steps, as follows: You're never too old to learn, thanks to the midlife brain's ability to keep forming new neural connections. Processing speed may dip slightly with age, but retention and understanding often improve.  Chunking, self-testing, sleep, and exercise consistently outperform cramming. Use caffeinated Neuro Gum by day, caffeine-free at night, and higher doses only when needed. Caffeine, L-theanine, Cereboost® Ginseng, and B vitamins each have individual evidence, but no guarantee for mid-career learners specifically. Realistic Timeline: Hardest in month 1, rewarding by months 2–3, and lasting habits by month 6. Check for medication interactions. Ginseng and caffeine may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and MAOIs.  Start before you feel ready. Pick one simple study routine and build consistency from there. "Am I Too Old to Learn This?" (The Answer: No) Neuroplasticity in Your 40s and 50s: What the Research Actually Shows First, let's clear up a common myth: your brain does not stop changing after your twenties. Brain plasticity, the ability to form new connections, continues well into midlife and beyond. Park and Bischof found that the aging brain remains capable of structural adaptation in response to sustained training. A separate review by Pauwels and colleagues reached a similar conclusion, showing that the brain continues to adapt throughout adulthood, not just during childhood. Mayo Clinic Press also notes that continuing to learn new skills can help support brain plasticity throughout adulthood. You also benefit from crystallized intelligence, the knowledge and pattern recognition gained through years of experience. It often remains strong into your 60s. That gives many adult learners cognitive strengths that younger learners are still developing. In addition, learning new skills helps stimulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein involved in forming and strengthening neural connections. That's one reason consistent study matters more than waiting for motivation. Over time, it also helps build cognitive reserve, giving the brain more flexibility to adapt with age. You also benefit from crystallized intelligence, the knowledge and pattern recognition gained through years of experience. It often remains strong into your 60s. That gives many adult learners cognitive strengths that younger learners are still developing. In addition, learning new skills helps stimulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein involved in forming and strengthening neural connections. That's one reason consistent study matters more than waiting for motivation. Over time, it also helps build cognitive reserve, giving the brain more flexibility to adapt with age. What Actually Slows Down (and How to Work with It) Let's leave the motivational clichés behind. Murman explains that processing speed, or how quickly you take in and manipulate new information, gradually declines beginning in early adulthood. Thus, you can assume that that's a normal part of aging, not a sign that something is wrong. As a note here, fluid intelligence (solving brand-new problems with no prior template) and working memory also tend to decline gradually with age rather than all at once. Fluid intelligence eases downward with age while crystallized intelligence keeps climbing — the crossover is your advantage as an adult learner. Crystallized intelligence becomes one of your biggest advantages, since it gives you context, stronger pattern recognition, and steadier emotional regulation under pressure. These strengths may take years to build. Thus, choosing to learn, rather than being expected to, often makes adult learners more motivated and self-directed. You may take a little longer to learn new material at first, but you're often better positioned to retain it. Younger learners are often better at cramming, but they're also more likely to forget it soon after. Thus, it's well worth it for a busy adult who can't afford to relearn the same material twice.   Evidence-Based Strategies for Mid-Career Learners Balancing Work, Study, and Family: The Real Cognitive Load Problem For most adult learners, studying fits around work and family. It's as much a scheduling challenge as a cognitive-load one, and both are manageable. Manage your cognitive load Cognitive Load Theory suggests breaking dense material into smaller chunks because working memory has limited capacity. 10 focused minutes on one concept beats 90 distracted minutes on 5. Use spaced repetition and active recall This is the single highest-leverage habit change available to a busy adult learner. In a classic study, Roediger & Karpicke found that students who tested themselves on material recalled 61% of it a week later, compared with 40% for students who simply reread it.  A separate review of ten common study techniques by Dunlosky and colleagues classified both spaced repetition and practice testing as high-utility learning strategies, placing them above techniques such as highlighting or rereading. Quiz yourself. Use flashcards. Don't just reread your notes! Protect your sleep Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, the process that turns new information into lasting knowledge. Yet work and family responsibilities often make it the first thing midlife adults sacrifice. Aim for 7–9 hours and avoid late-evening caffeine, which can interfere with sleep and memory consolidation. Move your body Northey and colleagues found that regular aerobic and resistance exercise supports cognitive function in older adults, and that even moderate exercise may be beneficial. Therefore, you don't need intense workouts. A brisk 30-minute walk most days can be enough to make a difference. Lean on your community!  Studying with others, whether in a study group, a bootcamp, a Slack channel, or with a study buddy, can help adult learners stay on track. Years of life and work experience also bring stronger emotional regulation, making it easier to stay calm under pressure. Where Neuro Fits in Your Routine A nootropic supplement doesn't replace sleep, structure, or studying methods. But it can support study techniques and daily focus, especially when years of work have already established coffee as a daily habit. When Caffeine Helps and When It Hurts Your Learning During the workday: Neuro Energy & Focus Gum combines 40mg of natural caffeine with 60mg L-theanine, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 for that post-lunch transition from work tasks to study sessions. Evening study, without wrecking your sleep: This is where caffeine management actually matters. Neuro Memory & Focus Gum is caffeine-free, featuring Cereboost® American ginseng, L-theanine, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 for evening study sessions, grad school reading, or late-night bootcamp assignments. High-stakes days: For exams, certification tests, or presentation sprints, Neuro Extra Strength Energy & Focus Gum delivers 100mg of natural caffeine. Keep track of your total caffeine intake across coffee, tea, and gum to stay within the FDA's 400mg daily guidance. Weekend intensives: Pair a caffeinated piece in the morning with the caffeine-free option in the evening, and protect your sleep schedule while staying energized. Neuro Product Pairing for Career Transitioners Time of Day Product Natural Caffeine Perfect for Workday/ early study block Neuro Energy & Focus Gum 40mg Daily focus, post-lunch slump Exam day/ big deadline Extra Strength Energy & Focus Gum 100mg High-stakes, occasional use Evening study Neuro Memory & Focus Gum 0mg Night sessions, sleep protection Workday/ flavor variety  Neuro Energy & Focus Mints 40mg Same daily focus, mints option   What The Research Says About Each Ingredient Here's a quick look at our ingredients and their benefits. McLellan & colleagues found that caffeine improves attention, vigilance, and reaction time at doses of roughly 100–400 mg. Owen & colleagues and Giesbrecht & colleagues showed that L-theanine paired with caffeine may support sustained attention and other aspects of cognitive performance. Scholey & colleagues, Ossoukhova & colleagues and Bell & colleagues reported working-memory improvements with Cereboost® American ginseng across randomized controlled trials, including one conducted specifically in adults aged 40–60. Zhang & colleagues found that B6 and B12 support homocysteine metabolism, with the clearest benefits observed in people who are deficient. To be clear, no study has tested Neuro Gum in mid-career learners. The ingredient research supports attention and working memory. It does not show improved grades or faster certification passes. For more information, visit our Ingredients and Benefits. Supplements are a helpful supporter here, but study methods, sleep, and consistency are still doing the heavy lifting.   Realistic Expectations and Timeline New habits take time to form, so here's roughly what to expect: Weeks 1–4: The routine still feels new, but that's a normal part of building a habit. Months 2–3: Spaced repetition starts to pay off, and recall becomes easier. Month 6+: Learning feels more durable, and you rely less on constant review. BDNF upregulation is gradual and depends on consistent learning over time. No supplement, including gum, delivers overnight results.   Safety and Realistic Self-Assessment A few things to keep in mind: If you take prescription medications, ask your doctor before adding a supplement. Ginseng has documented interactions with medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and MAOIs. The FDA advises that up to 400mg of caffeine per day is generally safe for most healthy adults. Count your total intake across coffee, tea, energy drinks, and gum. Persistent fatigue, cognitive changes, or symptoms of depression deserve medical evaluation. Supplements aren't a treatment.   FAQs Is it really possible to learn a new skill after 40? Yes. Park & Bischof note that the brain remains capable of adapting and learning well into middle age. Processing speed may be a little slower, but adults continue to benefit from evidence-based strategies such as spaced practice. Should I drink more coffee to keep up with younger classmates? Not necessarily. Caffeine tolerance builds quickly, and excessive intake can interfere with learning. Neuro Gum's 40 mg and 100 mg pieces can help you stay within the FDA's guidance of up to 400 mg of caffeine per day. Which Neuro product is best for evening study?  Neuro Memory & Focus Gum. It's caffeine-free, and combines Cereboost® American ginseng, L-theanine, and Vitamins B6 and B12 to support focus without disrupting sleep. I have young kids and work full-time. Is this realistic? Yes. That's common among adult learners. Consistent 30-minute study sessions with spaced repetition often outperform occasional four-hour cram sessions. How long before I feel the effects? It varies by person. Research includes both single-dose and multi-week studies, so individual responses differ. No single timeline applies to everyone.   Your Move By now, you've probably realized the real question was whether you'd give yourself permission to start. The good news? The research shows your brain is capable! The routine is yours to build. If you want support from your first study session to your last, The Neuro Bundle includes caffeinated, caffeine-free, and extra-strength options in one convenient bundle. → Check our Neuro Bundles     *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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The Science behind L-theanine: a comprehensive guide

L-theanine: A Guide to Its Calming Effects and Benefits

L-theanine, a key component of green tea, is an amino acid renowned for its calming effects. This article explores the intriguing science of L-theanine, from its neural impacts to its far-reaching benefits in enhancing cognitive function and stress relief.

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