Post date: May 20, 2013 11:45:6 AM
UK, (Next Media) - Researchers have discovered that applying randomly fluctuating currents to the head boosts the brain’s ability to carry out mathematical calculations.
Scientists carried out studies on a group of volunteers by presenting them with math equations and applying transcranial random noise stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of their brains. This is the area of the brain that a person uses to solve math problems.
Over the course of five days, a control group received a sham stimulation while learning new math, while an experimental group received electrical stimulation. The result was the participants being stimulated did faster calculations than the control group.Researchers found the brains of those in the experimental group actually had reduced blood flow to the DLPFC area, but oxygen consumption was not affected. This suggests that brain cells were actually performing more efficiently by requiring less blood flow for the same amount of activity.
SOURCES:
Forbes, Nature.com
http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/05/16/electrical-stimulation-might-improve-the-brains-capacity-for-math/
http://www.nature.com/news/shocks-to-the-brain-improve-mathematical-abilities-1.13012