Struggling with maths? Study says this brain hack could help you solve problems faster and better
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What did the study find?
24 received stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,
24 had stimulation to the posterior parietal cortex (an area involved in processing sensory information),
24 received a fake (placebo) treatment.
How does it work?
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A new study from the University of Surrey, UK, has found that applying gentle electric currents to the brain can help young adults solve maths problems better and faster.Researchers used a technique called transcranial random noise stimulation , which involves sending weak, safe electric currents through the scalp to a part of the brain known as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex . This area, located behind the forehead, plays a key role in learning, memory, and focus.The study involved 72 participants aged between 18 and 30. They took part in a five-day maths training programme. Out of these:The results showed that those with weak natural connections between the two brain regions, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the posterior parietal cortex, improved significantly when given brain stimulation. Those with strong natural connections performed well even without stimulation.Brain scans revealed that people with better brain connectivity in these regions performed better in maths. The stimulation appeared to help people with weaker brain links catch up. Improvements were also linked to lower levels of a brain chemical called GABA, which helps with learning and memory by stabilising new information.Lead researcher Roi Cohen Kadosh said that while most education systems focus on things like better teaching and updated curricula, the brain's biology is often ignored. 'By understanding how the brain works during learning, we can develop new methods to support more people in reaching their potential,' he said.The study, published in PLOS Biology, adds to growing research on how brain stimulation could be used safely to support learning, especially in key subjects like maths.Inputs from PTI
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