Brain flexibility is vital for learning, according to a new study. Scientists have discovered that people can learn new information more effectively when their brains are flexible and able to switch between different states. Using a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), researchers can now measure brain flexibility directly. They found that individuals with more flexible brains were better at learning a new task.
This study also revealed that the brain’s flexibility changes throughout the day, suggesting that there might be optimal times for learning. It’s not just about how much time you spend studying, but also when you do it.
Moreover, the findings could have implications for treating conditions like stroke, where brain flexibility is often reduced. By understanding how and when the brain is most flexible, doctors could potentially improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Interestingly, the research also found that caffeine and other stimulants could temporarily increase brain flexibility. However, the long-term effects of these substances on the brain’s ability to learn are still unclear.
These findings underline the importance of brain flexibility in learning and could pave the way for new approaches to education and rehabilitation. The study also opens up exciting new questions about how lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and exercise might influence our brain’s ability to learn.
Go to source article: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/brain-flexibility-learning