The human brain is an incredible and powerful organ that controls both our thoughts and bodies. Even though we all have one, most people don’t know much about it. Here are some fun, lesser-known facts about the brain to help you see how yours stacks up and maybe even boost your brainpower!
– It takes activity in five different parts of the brain for someone to laugh.
– Metastatic brain cancer can be treated noninvasively with gamma knife treatment, which uses finely focused gamma rays to stop tumor growth – despite its name, it’s not an actual knife.
– The brain can’t feel pain because it doesn’t have pain receptors.
– We have about 70,000 thoughts each day, which is a lot of thinking!
– Studies suggest that memorizing information might make the hippocampus grow larger. However, other research shows that brain size and weight aren’t linked to intelligence, indicating that memory doesn’t equal knowledge.
– What we eat could impact our intelligence and brain capacity. One study found that New York primary school kids who ate lunches without artificial additives did 14% better on IQ tests compared to those who consumed such additives.
– While why we dream remains a mystery, some experts believe it helps clear our minds of cluttered thoughts.
– Our brains contain 100,000 miles of blood vessels.
– The brain can survive up to six minutes without oxygen, but five to ten minutes of oxygen deprivation can cause permanent damage.
– Recalling memories can improve brain mass by boosting brain connections and connective tissue. Just thinking of good memories can enhance your brainpower.
– Scents evoke stronger emotions and memories than other sensory triggers. So, stop to smell the roses and other pleasant smells to help boost your brain power.
– During waking hours, the brain generates 10 to 20 watts of energy – enough to power a low-watt light bulb.
– Kids who learn a second language before age five develop a different brain structure and end up with denser brains as adults.
– The brain is the body’s fattiest organ, containing up to 60% fat. It’s one part of your body you definitely shouldn’t put on a diet!