Research Says Brain Regenerates More with Active Learning
Posted by Jason · December 19th, 2007I read an interesting article from the Salk Institute this weekend, discussing current research on how new neurons get integrated into your brain. Here are a few excerpts:
“It is now widely accepted that new neurons are in fact generated in the adult brain. What is not understood is how those newborn brain cells…insinuate themselves into pre-existing brain networks….in mice living in enriched environments filled with running wheels or colored tunnels, the number of young neurons successfully hooking up with existing networks rose to 80 percent..these observations suggest that using one’s brain cells is the best way to maximize the brain’s regenerative capacity.” (emphasis added)
At first glance, this may appear to be an instance of science confirming common sense, but in reality, this is fairly ground-breaking news. It may surprise you to learn that scientists have only recently discovered that the adult brain can even generate new neurons, whereas just a few decades ago it was thought that this could only occur in the brains of children. This line of research could hold important advances in the coming years in the study of Alzheimer’s, depression, and other brain-related conditions. This study shows that as adults the best way to keep our brains young and growing is to keep learning.
Wanting to do a little mental workout right now? May we suggest Manny’s Three Notes per String Thing? (the study didn’t say the learning had to be boring:))
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Tags: brain, learning | Posted in Life and Learning, MindBites News and Notes |
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