Neuroscience is an exciting and fast-growing area in the study of science. The field explores areas of the nervous system’s structure and how it functions. The experts involved in this field of study are called neurologists; they combine the study of biology (body) and psychology (brain) to explore the brain’s impact on behavior, cognitive function, and memory. This study is vital because it gives a deeper understanding of how the nervous system works, and it allows researchers to strive to find ways to treat people with disorders affecting the brain, nervous system, and body.
The brain is the most complex organ in the body, whether human or animal. It’s made up of cells, chemicals, and electrical signals that work together to control our thoughts, actions, and even the things our body does automatically without having to think about. In this article, we have some fascinating facts about the brain that are sure to leave you in awe!
Forgetting is a Crucial Brain Function
Forgetting something is crucial! It is a positive signal that the brain is functioning and doing its job correctly. So, the next time someone admonishes you for forgetting something significant, remind them of this important fact.
You will make countless memories throughout your life, but you can’t hold onto all of them. In fact, remembering every single detail – even that cringe-worthy moment from kindergarten – might be detrimental to your mental health.
A new theory featured in Nature Reviews Neuroscience suggests that forgetting less important memories helps the brain work better. It allows you to adapt to your surroundings, make smarter choices, and feel more at ease. Instead of seeing memory loss as a sign of brain trouble, this idea views forgetting as a helpful tool.
Your Brain Is as Packed as the Milky Way
Your brain contains around 100 billion neurons, roughly the same number as the stars in our galaxy! Each neuron connects to hundreds or thousands of others through synapses. These connections aren’t fixed; they adapt and change based on your experiences, which is how we learn.
Your Brain Is Always Adapting
Neuroplasticity is a feature that allows the brain to constantly change in response to what you experience. It enables you to learn and adjust to your environment, which happens in several ways. For example, synapses can become stronger or weaker (like changing the volume of a conversation), new synapses can form or disappear, and entirely new neurons can even grow in some brain areas!
New Brain Cells Are Made Throughout Life
Did you know that your brain continues creating new neurons throughout your life through a process called neurogenesis? However, this only happens in certain areas, like the hippocampus, which is key for memory, and the striatum, which helps with movement and processing rewards.
It Understands Written Language Quickly
A study found that the human brain can recognize the basic structure of written language in the blink of an eye. Have you ever attempted one of those viral posts with text written backward, challenging you to read it correctly? And when you realize you can do it, you feel like you’ve performed some magic trick! But it’s not magic at all – this incredible ability is all thanks to the most remarkable organ in our body: the brain.
The brain processes written phrases almost as quickly as it processes visual scenes. Participants in a study understood phrases with subjects, verbs, and objects faster than simple lists of nouns. They also quickly noticed when a phrase didn’t make sense. Consequently, this suggests the brain doesn’t just recognize words but immediately starts figuring out the meaning behind what it’s processing.
The Left Brain And Right Brain Myth
The idea that people are left-brained or right-brained is surprisingly false. While some functions, like language, are mainly processed on one side, usually the left, both sides of the brain work together, and no one side is dominant.
Some Animals Can Regrow Brain Cells
While the human body cannot automatically repair nerves in the central nervous system, some animals, like worms, can regenerate neurons and recover without any intervention. Scientists are studying the process to find ways to assist people with spinal cord injuries, which can prove groundbreaking if figured out!
We Use All of Our Brain
The claim that we only use 10% of our brain is another popular myth you might have come across on social media. While some areas of the cerebrum may be more active at certain times, all parts are utilized at some time or another. Despite being only 3% of your body weight, your brain consumes 20% of your energy!
Dementia is Not a Single Disease
Dementia isn’t one disease; it’s a collective term used for symptoms caused by brain tissue damage, often from toxic protein build-up. Dementia is a cluster of symptoms caused by the progressive decline of brain functions such as memory, thinking, reasoning, and the ability to perform everyday activities. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are many other forms, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia, which is a combination of two or more types. Over 50 different conditions can cause dementia symptoms.
Not All Brain Cells Are Alike
Your brain’s 100 billion neurons come in many shapes and sizes, each with specific roles. Like a well-oiled machine, each component of the brain has a role to play; they all need to work together in harmony to keep us functioning. Some neurons transmit sensory information, while others help with motor control, memory, emotions, or decision-making.
Conclusion
These facts about brains are, frankly, mindblowing! From the remarkable ability to forget and read written language within the blink of an eye, the brain is simply incredible. This organ, comprised of millions of neuron cells, works tirelessly to regulate every aspect of our lives, from basic motor skills to complex thoughts and emotions. Simply put, a living being cannot function without every aspect of the brain working concertedly. So, next time you marvel at a skill or memory, remember—it is thanks to that noggin!
