The idea of a simple, cheap and widely available device that could boost brain function sounds too good to be true.

Recent research in Oxford and elsewhere has shown that one type of brain stimulation in particular, called transcranial direct current stimulation or TDCS, can be used to improve language and maths abilities, memory, problem solving, attention, even movement.

The method they offered seems promising. Especially for those with an impaired abilities.

On a more tongue-in-cheek manner, I have one sentence that I personally found very discouraging:

The currents of 1–2 mA make it easier for neurons in these brain regions to fire.

Don’t ever mention fire alongside brain, neurons, and for that matter currents, in a single sentence. Ever.

Okay, one more:

The researchers’ concern is more that the technology is such that people could assemble all the components needed at home reasonably simply. Roi clearly says that this is not warranted yet with our limited current knowledge about the technique’s use: ‘The message should very much be “Don’t try this at home”.’

Fascinating experience to read a science journal and find some joke material. Just sayin’.

Flashy headline, huh? Well you know websites these days; it’s for the sake of SEO. Anyway, this Wired article is worth a read.

“Because humans have unlimited storage capacity, having total recall would be a mess,” said Bjork. “Imagine you remembered all the phone numbers of all the houses you had ever lived in. When someone asks you your current phone number, you would have to sort it from this long list.” Instead, we forget the old phone numbers, or at least bury them far beneath the ease of recall we gift to our current number. What you thought were sworn enemies are more like distant collaborators.

It is fascinating to see the brain’s plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life

Interesting article.

The story sounds almost like a Hollywood plot, except it is true: A young starlet doing nude scenes as a teenager who goes on to invent a critical wartime technology that is ignored by the US Navy but ultimately forms the basis of Wi-Fi and cell phones that we use today.

They could easily make a movie with this story. I’d watch it.

Lamarr is a fascinating study in how someone with both beauty and brains can not necessarily make the best of both worlds.

Maybe this is what they meant with the “X-factor”, Too bad she couldn’t make the best of it, but I’m still grateful for her achievement in wireless technology that we can all enjoy today, thanks Hedy.