The brain is a complex organ constantly at work, even when we are asleep. It is the control center for our thoughts, emotions, and actions and is responsible for many amazing things our bodies can do. Here are some fun and exciting facts about the brain that you might not have known.
The brain can create its own reality.
The brain has the ability to create its own reality based on the information it receives from our senses. This is why two people can have completely different interpretations of the same event.
It can generate new neurons.
Lindzi Wessel/ UCSF | The human brain is an incredible pattern-matching machine
Contrary to what was once believed, the brain has the ability to generate new neurons, even in adulthood. This process is called neurogenesis and can help to improve memory and learning abilities.
The brain is not a muscle.
Contrary to popular belief, the brain is not a muscle, despite being the body's most active organ. Instead, it is made up of neurons, which are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the body.
It can create more connections than there are stars in the universe.
The human brain has an estimated 100 billion neurons, and each can make thousands of connections with other neurons. This means that the brain can create more connections than stars in the universe.
Brain waves can be measured.
The electrical activity in the brain can be measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG), which records brain waves. These brain waves are categorized into different types, including alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves, and each type corresponds to a different state of consciousness.
The brain uses more energy than any other part of the body.
KEN KAWADA/ Getty Images | Our brain is the factory of the emotions
Despite only 2% of a person's body weight, the brain uses 20% of the body's total energy. This is why eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep is essential, as both factors can impact the brain's performance.
The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa.
The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. This is because the brain is divided into two hemispheres, with each side controlling the opposite side of the body.
It can work without oxygen.
The brain can function without oxygen for a short period of time, which is why it is so important to have a functioning respiratory system. However, if the brain is deprived of oxygen for too long, it can lead to brain damage or death.
Different parts of the brain have different functions
Scmp/ Shutterstock | The brain is a far more open system than we ever imagined
The brain is divided into different regions, each with a specific function. For example, the frontal lobe is responsible for decision-making, while the temporal lobe is responsible for processing auditory information.
The brain can store a nearly unlimited amount of information.
Despite its small size, the brain can store nearly unlimited information, from memories to complex ideas and concepts.
It can process information faster than a computer.
Although computers are faster at processing data, the brain can process information much faster than any computer. In fact, it can process information in just a fraction of a second, allowing us to react to our environment in real time.
