What is the truth about human brain power?

  • Medical
  • Thread starter Therian
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Brain Power
In summary, my friend was saying that it is only physically possiable for the average human to use 10% of their brain at once. (She wasn't saying we always use the same 10% of our brain though) and that this knowledge is unfortunately out to date.
  • #1
Therian
44
0
My friend was saying that

*it is only physically possiable for the average human to use 10% of their brain at once. (She wasn't saying we always use the same 10% of our brain though)

Is that true?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
heh, did you ask why that is? :)
 
  • #3
Therian said:
My friend was saying that

*it is only physically possiable for the average human to use 10% of their brain at once. (She wasn't saying we always use the same 10% of our brain though)

Is that true?

This is a little different from the usual 10% myth. I don't know of any research that says what percentage of the brain is in use at any moment; it would vary of course depending on what you were doing. And what counts as "brain"? Do we count all the glial cells (support tissue, non active) in the denominator? Ask her for a reference. If she says "It's generally known" be sure she's just retailing a myth.
 
  • #6
Hi,

Do we count all the glial cells (support tissue, non active)
This knowledge is unfortunately out to date. :smile:
 
  • #7
What are brains? I am sorry, my kidney isn't that smart.

-- AI
 
  • #8
somasimple said:
selfAdjoint said:
Do we count all the glial cells (support tissue, non active)
This knowledge is unfortunately out to date. :smile:

somasimple, thanks for keeping us on our toes, but it would be nice if you could go into more details when discussing factual matters like this one. Even just posting a link to a reputable source on the matter should be sufficient.

According to the Wikipedia entry on glial cells:

Glial cells, commonly called neuroglia or simply glia, are non-neuronal cells that provide support and nutrition, maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and participate in signal transmission in the nervous system. In the human brain, glia are estimated to outnumber neurons by as much as 50 to 1.

Traditionally glia are thought to lack certain features of neurons. For example, glia are not believed to have chemical synapses, nor do they generate action potentials or release neurotransmitters. They were considered to be the passive bystanders of neural transmission. However, recent studies completely reversed these dogma. For example, astrocytes are crucial in clearance of neurotransmitter within the synaptic cleft, which temporally and spatially restricts neurotransmission and limit the toxicity of certain neurotransmitters such as glutamate. And at least in vitro astrocytes can release neurotransmitter glutamate in response to certain stimulation. Another unique type of glia, the oligodendrocyte precursor cells or OPCs, have very well defined and functional synapses from at least two major groups of neurons. The only notable differences between neurons and glia, by modern scrutiny, are the ability to generate action potentials and the polarity of neurons, namely the axons and dendrites which glia lack. It is inappropriate nowadays to consider glia as 'glue' in the nervous system as the name implies. They are also crucial in the development of nervous system and in processes such as synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis.
 
  • #9
Phobos said:

According to this article, "The origins of the myth are not at all clear." Here's an article that goes a little deeper into the origins of the 10% myth (you may have to scroll down a bit to get to the article):

Exploding the 10 percent myth
So where did this particular old wives' tale spring from? Well, there are at least three famous bits of neuroscientific research that have fed the myth. And here are the modern countering arguments.
 

FAQ: What is the truth about human brain power?

What is "Unlocking 100% Brain Power"?

"Unlocking 100% Brain Power" is a concept that suggests humans only use a small percentage of their brain's potential and that by unlocking the remaining 90% of the brain, individuals can tap into extraordinary abilities and intelligence.

Is there any scientific evidence to support the idea of unlocking 100% brain power?

There is no scientific evidence to support the concept of unlocking 100% brain power. In fact, numerous studies have shown that humans use a large percentage of their brain's capacity, and there is no evidence to suggest that unlocking the remaining percentage would lead to superhuman abilities.

Can brain training exercises help unlock 100% brain power?

There is no scientific evidence that brain training exercises can unlock 100% brain power. While certain exercises may improve cognitive function and memory, they do not unlock any unused portions of the brain.

Can certain foods or supplements help unlock 100% brain power?

There is no scientific evidence that specific foods or supplements can unlock 100% brain power. While a healthy diet and proper nutrition are important for brain function, there is no evidence to suggest that any specific food or supplement can unlock untapped brain potential.

Is there any danger in attempting to unlock 100% brain power?

There is no danger in attempting to unlock 100% brain power because it is not a scientifically proven concept. However, some brain training exercises or diets may make false claims and could potentially be harmful. It is always best to consult with a medical professional before trying any new health or wellness practices.

Back
Top