Limited intelligence? Science explains if we only use 10% of our brain

our brain It controls vital functions, thoughts and emotions, and coordinates actions through complex networks of nerve cells. But have you ever stopped to think about how much we actually use this organ? According to researcher and professor at Harvard University, William James, a person throughout his life develops only 10% of his latent mental capacity. Is this account correct?

The theory is old but it has gained traction over the years. However, current researchers have it in check. A professor of evolutionary neuroscience at Harvard named Irene Hecht explained the myth Science livesIt is a science journal. According to the expert, we always fully use our brains.

“This myth is so widespread that students ask about it. In my classes, someone always talks about this and I say, ‘If you only use 10% of your brain, you’re probably on a ventilator.'”

The researcher makes a very clear comparison so that everyone understands the functions of the brain. According to her, it is possible to compare the brain with heart, which, even if it is not working at maximum capacity, continues to pump blood to the rest of the body. Similarly, for science, neurons need to stay active, even at a basic level, to stay healthy.

Image: reproduction

Better understanding of how the brain works

The researchers explain that the human brain works through several networks and does not work in isolation from any of them. In this sense, the question arises: How do you know which parts of an organ are active?

The most appropriate answer can be given by functional magnetic resonance imaging. The test measures all changes in blood flow in the human brain, which makes it possible to analyze how the organ responds to different types of stimuli.

This indicates that there is an increase in energy use in different areas of the organ. That is, the parts that receive more blood consume more energy and, therefore, it is possible to conclude that they are functionally involved more at that moment.

The brain gets used to familiar activities

Interestingly, brain studies show that the brain recruits fewer resources for the skills we already know well. This is because the tissues attached to the areas of this skill are physically increased. Therefore, the more brain experience a skill has, the more effective it is, and thus requires less energy.

For all these analyzes and conclusions made based on a lot of research, it is possible to conclude that we only use 10% of our brain, not even when an accident occurs, such as a stroke or something similar.

In such cases, even with damaged parts, the mind Humanity finds a way to operate at its full potential, never at partial capacity. Amazing, isn’t it?