#029 — Uncovering brain mysteries
Discover the secrets of your "little brain", the power of memory, benefits of monotasking, and more...
Welcome back! How’s it going? We hope you’re ready for our weekend issue…
Get ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of neuroscience as we uncover the mysteries of our “little brain”, explore the intricacies of memory, and discover the benefits of monotasking in our fast-paced world.
In this issue, we’ll focus on uncovering some brain mysteries, like the latest research on the cerebellum – a small but mighty part of our brain that’s responsible for far more than just motor control. We’ll also explore the science behind why certain memories stick with us while others fade away, and share practical tips on how to improve your own memory and recall.
But that’s not all – we’ll also tackle the myth of multitasking and show you how embracing monotasking instead can help you rebuild focus, boost performance, and enhance your overall well-being.
So, sit back and get ready to uncover the secrets of your brain. Let’s dive in! 💭
Cover photo: Daniel Öberg.
Learn something new
✻ Before we start uncovering mysteries of the brain as a whole, we need to uncover the mystery of our “little brain”. What is it, you ask? The cerebellum – a small lobe at the back of the brain, which has long been known for its role in coordinating movement. But groundbreaking new research is revealing that this “little brain” is responsible for far more than just motor control. It seems to be a data-crunching powerhouse involved in complex behaviors, social interactions, emotion, learning, and more. Using cutting-edge techniques, neuroscientists have discovered the cerebellum’s extensive connections throughout the brain, overturning assumptions about its limited role. From social recognition memory in mice to emotional impairments in humans, unlocking the cerebellum’s secrets is key to understanding sophisticated brain functions.
✻ In this episode of “The Next Big Idea” podcast, pioneering neuroscientist Charan Ranganath explores the intricacies of memory as discussed in his new book, “Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Power to Hold on to What Matters”. Ranganath shares some of the many reasons behind why certain memories, like the lyrics of a song from eighth grade, stick with us while we struggle to recall other details, such as the name of a teacher from the same time period. Check out the whole episode to discover how memory shapes our identity and get practical advice on improving your own memory and recall, as the speakers aim to uncover the secrets of memory retention and its significant impact on our everyday lives.
“The only things that are important in life are the things you remember.”
– Jean Renoir
✻ Experts say that our brains aren’t built for multitasking (despite of what some productivity gurus say and almost try to force on you) – instead, we rapidly switch between tasks, often at a cost to performance and our general well-being. To rebuild focus, you should practice monotasking instead. By practicing monotasking and being strategic about task-switching, you can retrain your brain to better tackle the demands of our multitasking world. You can start small, aiming for just 5-10 minutes of uninterrupted concentration. Then gradually challenge yourself to focus on a single task for longer stretches, especially during your peak performance hours. Some multitasking may still be inevitable, but try to be intentional about it.
✻ Did you know that a baby’s brain has billions more neurons than an adult brain? Or that white matter in the brain shrinks with age? If you ever wondered what happens to your brain as you age – wonder no more, because this video explains it all, and in great detail. So watch it below and discover the remarkable lifelong journey of your brain that ages with you in its own, unique way!
But that’s not all!
✻ Should you delay your morning coffee? Yes. No. It depends. Check out and decide for yourself ➤
✻ Personalize your seating experience based on your preferences. Discover the ideal chair for your needs by answering questions in Vitra’s online questionnaire ➤
✻ It’s probably a good idea to forbid Facebook from using your personal data to train its AI. You can opt out here ➤
As we’re on this journey together, it would be an honor to hear what you think about our issues and about things that inspire you. Feel free to suggest topics or share stories you’re interested in!
“Study hard what interests you the most in the most undisciplined, irreverent and original manner possible.”
– Richard Feynman
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