Mind Blowing Human Brain Facts

The human brain is outrageously cool. The more I learn about it, the more I realize how little I know. Reams of research and discoveries are being made about the brain year after year. This mysterious organ controls everything we do, think, and feel. That’s why it’s important to continue celebrating Brain Awareness Week.

Brain Awareness Week is a worldwide event designed to get people excited about brain science. Each March, communities hold creative events to teach others about how the brain works and how neural science affects daily life. In celebration of this year’s brain week, from March 11th to the 17th, here are eight amazing facts about the brain that might just blow your mind!

The brain itself can’t feel pain

A family friend had brain surgery in his early 20s for a tumor. And he was awake when they did it! The tumor was near the part of his brain that controls speech, so they had a speech pathologist sit with him throughout the surgery while talking to him. This was to make sure there were no changes in his speech patterns which may indicate the surgeon was poking somewhere they shouldn’t. 

But how is it possible to be awake for surgery? It is! While the brain is covered by layers and blood vessels with pain sensors, the brain itself doesn’t feel pain. For example, when someone has a headache, it might seem like the pain is coming from the brain, but it isn’t. The pain usually comes from the muscles or skin around the brain, which then sends a message to the brain, signaling pain. During brain surgery, when the person is awake, the surgeon can communicate with the patient and ask them to perform tasks, such as counting or saying specific words. This allows the surgeon to map out important areas of the brain and avoid damaging them.

The brain is greedy

The human brain makes up only about two to three percent of a person’s body weight, but it uses around 30% of the blood pumped by the heart. This shows how much care and energy it needs compared to other parts of the body. When it comes to consuming calories, your body will use a significant amount for the brain only. In fact, In 1984, the World Chess Championship was suddenly canceled because of concerns about Anatoly Karpov’s health. Karpov, a top Russian chess player, had lost 22 pounds over five months of matches. Karpov wasn’t the only chess player to face intense physical effects from the game. 

Although no other competitor has lost as much weight as he did, top chess players can still burn up to 6,000 calories in a single day, according to ESPN, all while staying seated. Does this mean all we have to do to maintain a healthy weight is think? Well, no, not for us, everyday folks. We still need healthy diets, exercise, and appropriate supplementation.

Adult brains still make new neurons

Most of the neurons in our brain have been there since birth, and while aging has an impact, the brain can still create new neurons. This process, called neurogenesis, happens in a part of the brain known as the dentate gyrus. These new neurons are believed to play a role in learning, memory, and how the brain handles stress. 

Although this topic has been debated, a 2019 study in the journal Nature Medicine examined brain tissue from 58 recently deceased people and confirmed that adults can grow new neurons. To encourage neurogenesis, experts recommend healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, staying active, and eating a balanced diet. Certain foods can also help improve brain health, such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. 

Your brain can rewire itself

Neuroplasticity is the human brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself over a person’s life. In a 2011 study, researchers from the University of Montreal looked at how the brains of people born blind compared to those with normal vision. They discovered that the part of the brain usually used for vision could rewire itself to process sounds instead, meaning some people with blindness can theoretically see with their ears. It’s amazing how the brain can adapt like that!

The brain lights up when you’re in love

Some people think being in love is just a concept or a word people use, but brain scans show that it’s more than that. Brain scans of people who are in love often reveal activity in areas where dopamine, the chemical that makes you feel good, is released. Other parts of the brain related to pleasure and reward also become more active when someone is in love. 

Human brains are shrinking

We may have suspected it, but scientists have found evidence that human brains are getting smaller. Research on ancient skeletons from all over the world supports this idea. While there are various theories as to why this is, one possible explanation is that our brains are becoming more efficient and streamlined. This may be due to advances in technology and the ease of accessing information, allowing us to rely less on our memory and problem-solving abilities. This also tells us that a big brain does not necessarily correspond to being more intelligent!

Brain waves of two people can synchronize

Scientists have discovered why musicians can play so well together. Researchers in Berlin studied 16 pairs of guitarists as they performed the same piece of music. Using electrodes to measure brain activity, they found that the brain waves of the players synced up, even though each person was playing a different part. According to the researchers, this shows that the human brain has a way of connecting with others to coordinate actions, and when people sing together, their brain waves, chemical signals, and even heartbeats can start to match up. Music can be a pretty powerful tool for a healthy brain!

A young child’s brain is incredibly flexible

The nerve cells in a baby’s brain continue to develop and change based on how often they are used, especially during the first year of life. For example, some toddlers may need major brain surgeries that involve removing the brain’s primary language center for medical reasons. When adults go through similar surgeries, they often lose their ability to communicate through speaking or writing. However, a young child’s brain is so flexible that it can reorganize itself, allowing them to retain their ability to use language.

Your brain has unlimited storage (as long as you’re well-rested!)

You can never learn too much or run out of space in your brain for new information, even though it might feel overwhelming after a long meeting. However, getting enough sleep is important because being tired can make it harder for the brain to form new memories. The body and brain need rest to work well. Sleep helps with memory, quick reactions, and good decision-making. Without enough sleep, judgment can suffer, and the body and brain struggle to repair themselves. Lack of sleep can also kill brain cells, lead to psychosis over time, and slow down healing. All of this affects how people think, make decisions, and respond to situations.

FAQs

Why is the human brain so hard to study?

The brain is incredibly complex and many of its functions are still not fully understood. Additionally, the brain is constantly changing and adapting, making it difficult to pinpoint specific functions or behaviors. Another challenge in studying the brain is that each individual’s brain is unique, making generalizations difficult.

How to check if your brain is working properly at home? 

The best way to check if your brain is working properly at home is to pay attention to any changes in your cognitive abilities, behavior, or mood. If you notice significant changes or difficulties with tasks that were once easy for you, it may be a sign of an underlying issue.

Why is brain science important?

Brain science and research into the brain is so important as there is still so much about it that is not understood. The more awareness that is raised about brain science, the more likely there is to be finding available to study this organ more.

What are the best ways to keep your brain healthy?

Regular exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, supporting cell growth and cognitive health. A nutrient-rich diet with antioxidants, omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamins is key for optimal brain function. Quality sleep is essential for memory, focus, and mood, while mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, learning, or strategy games keep the mind sharp. Staying social with friends and family also helps maintain cognitive health and lowers the risk of decline.

What diseases affect human brains the most?

There are several diseases that can greatly affect the brain and its cognitive function. Some of the most common ones include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.