Page 2 – The Brain Bunch

28Jul2021

Neuro-Moody Days

As absurd as this may sound to some, humans have all felt the connection between good or bad weather, and the brain. Weather can influence one’s productivity, mood, and feelings. Most people feel joy and comparatively more productive when the sun is shining brightly, compared to a dark, stormy day. Memory and cognitive functions of your brain have actually been declined in hotter climates when compared to regular weather that our bodies are used to. Studies state, “The decline was most pronounced for attention, concentration, verbal memory, and psychomotor performance.” In addition, a clear connection that many may be able to relate to is photography/art. If someone were to create a piece of art that they desire to give off a gloomy, depressing mood, they would naturally add darker colors like gray to produce a negative vibe. On the other hand, sunshine, rainbows, and bright skies usually indicate a happier mood, as your brain works to function these emotions from the artwork, photography, or simply reality : the weather. But how would this work?

The reason why the human brain can take in so much information so quickly (such as weather, mood of an artwork, mood of another human) is because of a specific hormone in your brain. This hormone is called serotonin. Serotonin is the key hormone that secures your mood, emotions, and feelings of happiness, safety, and well-being. This hormone can affect the entire human body, as it allows brain cells and neurons to communicate properly with each other.

Also known as the ‘happy chemical’, serotonin also may help prevent depression or any other mood/mental disorders. As an extremely necessary and effective hormone, serotonin is also associated with mood elevation, with the weather. Whenever the weather is comparatively better, with bright skies and a warm sun, the serotonin reacts to the bright light from the weather. Just like a parabola in math, the serotonin rises with exposure to light on sunny days. Likewise, it also falls with decreased sun exposure. Therefore, your happiness and overall brain health actually relates to the sun exposure, with the help of your serotonin of course!

Author: Vinuta Ramakrishnan

Middle SchoolThe Day-to-Day Brain

28Jul2021

Strengthening Our Brains?

It is a well known fact that as we age, our brains do, as well. This is noticeable in memory lapses, decreased cognitive strength and the decreased ability to learn. In a world where life saving drugs and antibiotics exist, shouldn’t there be a way to strengthen our brain, or improve its function in the long-term? Couldn’t there be a safe, effective supplement — like a multivitamin for the brain — that would ensure long-living, healthy brains? As this reasonable neuroscience question floated around for the past couple of decades, numerous pharmaceutical companies have jumped at this opportunity to deliver.

One of these companies is Quincy Bioscience, the manufacturer of the well-known, advertised product: Prevagen. This daily supplement aims to improve memory and overall cognitive function; it contains a calcium-binding ingredient originally found in jellyfish (known as apoaequorin). However, like all over-the-counter supplements, Prevagen’s statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Although the television commercial doesn’t mention any major side effects for the drug, one must wonder whether the drug is truly effective. Evaluating this notion, a Harvard University blog assesses the claims that Quincy Bioscience makes. For instance, the main ingredient, apoaequorin, has no known role in human memory; experts believe that these types of supplements would be digested in the stomach, and not have an impact on our brains.

In the case of Prevagen, the company portrays a rise from 5% to 20% in “recall tasks” over the course of ninety days; yet, as the phrase, “recall tasks” is loaded with ambiguities, there’s no definite way to determine what these numbers represent. Furthermore, a published study on apoaequorin demonstrates minimal memory improvement; specifically it is unlikely to be absorbed to a significant degree as it would degrade into amino acids (monomers of a protein).

Since the United States Federal Trade Commision wasn’t convinced by the supplement’s benefits, it charged the supplement maker with false advertising; Quincy Bioscience was accused of selectively reporting data and misleading the public by claiming that Prevagen is “clinically proven” to improve cognitive function. More recently, in November 2020, a federal judge approved a settlement which required the manufacturers of Prevagen to provide cash payments to those who purchased the product. Even though the company admitted no wrongdoing, they agreed to stop marketing Prevagen with statements that it can improve memory without disclosing concrete scientific and clinical data.

Unfortunately, Prevagen is not the only supplement that has been credited with making exaggerated claims. It falls into a wider class of supplements known as pharmaceutical nootropics, or those that are meant to enhance memory and cognitive function. Booster drinks like “Shot of Genius”— which declare to provide customers with a boost in energy and brain function — and fall into this category. Despite the fact that the claims surrounding these products are unsubstantiated by clinical research, it has taken the market by a storm; the global nootropics market was valued at $2.17 billion in 2018, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 12.5% by 2025.

Nevertheless, there are other, less invasive ways to enhance brain function in the long-term. Arguably one of the most notable achievements in neuroscience is that it was demonstrated by research in mice and humans that it doesn’t take a neuro-centered multivitamin to improve brain function and slow the brain’s aging. Simple actions like receiving mental stimulation — by completing puzzles, fulfilling a meaningful hobby, or learning something new — will foster new connections between nerve cells and help the brain develop new cells, subsequently developing flexible neurological plasticity. This creates a functional learning reserve that would not only strengthen the brain, but also combat future cell loss. Overall, following a healthy lifestyle will lead to a healthier, stronger brain. Therefore, it doesn’t take a pill, or any other pharmaceutical product to strengthen our brains — it takes a brain.

Author: Sareena Naganand

Brain TricksHigh School

28Jul2021

The Brain

Let me guess, you’re probably reading this article because you want to learn more about the brain. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll be learning what a brain is, how to grow your brain, and what your brain is made up of.

First of all, what is a brain? Well, your brain is located inside of your forehead. Your brain is the most complex part (organ) of the human body. It is a 3 pound organ full of knowledge and intelligence. It interprets your senses, directs your body movement, and basically controls everything you do!

How can you grow your brain? Just like a remote control car needs batteries to function, your brain needs food to stay healthy and function properly! Since the brain is an organic structure, what you feed it, will determine how your brain functions for the rest of the day. Eating every meal properly and staying on a healthy diet, means that your brain will be alive and up to its fullest potential for the rest of the day. However, skipping meals and eating unhealthy, will lead to your brain being tired all day and your body may pain a bit. Eating fruits and vegetables will make your brain healthier. Fruits and vegetables supply loads of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Lean meat is also really healthy to your brain. Lean meat is meat with a relatively low fat content. It is low in fat and it is a good source of protein. It is also important to eat some dairy foods at least once a day. Dairy products are a good source of calcium and it improves bone health.

What is your brain made up of? You should know what’s inside your brain before you even start to nurious it. Your brain has many different parts that work together. There are five key parts of the brain. The cerebrum is the biggest part of the brain and it controls your thinking and your voluntary muscles. The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and it controls your balance, movement, and coordination. The brain stem sits behind the cerebrum and it is in charge of you breathing air, digesting food, and circulating blood. The pituitary gland is extremely small and it’s job is to produce and release hormones into your body. Lastly, the hypothalamus is like your brain’s inner thermostat. This part of the brain knows what temperature your body should be at. Your brain is also made up of nerves. Your brain is the boss, but it needs some nerves to help. The spinal cord is made up of a LOT of nerve cells. The spinal cord and nerves together, is known as the nervous system – that let messages flow back and forth between the brain and body. The nervous system is made up of millions and millions of neurons. But we’ll talk about that in another blog. Without any of these parts, your brain would not be complete.

Did you know?

About 75% of the human brain is made of water. This means that dehydration, even as small as 2%, can have a negative effect on brain functions. Wow!
We use more of our brain when we are asleep than we are using when we are awake. Awesome!
The brain can’t feel pain. Surgery can be done on the brain but technically the brain does not feel that pain. Cool!

I hope everybody learned something amazing from this article and I’ll see you in the next blog!

Author: Yashi Kumar

High School

28Jul2021

The Temporal lobe

Hi! Remember me? Great! Today’s blog let’s talk about another lobe! This lobe is called the Temporal lobe. In this blog we will get more into The temporal Lobe itself, Let’s dive in!

First, Let’s talk about the basics about the Temporal lobe, The temporal lobe is one of the 4 major lobes of the cerebellum Cortex in your brain. The temporal lobe is located Underneath the lateral Fissure. Your temporal lobe is incharge of Visual memories, Sensory input, language Recognition and Most importantly Make new memories. Now that we know what The Temporal lobe does, Where it is located and what is the temporal lobe let’s dive deeper!

Where is the frontal lobe located?? Well as we all know it is located inside your skull but, we all know that. What is underneath and where is in the BRAIN? As mentioned in the paragraph above, the frontal lobe is located underneath the Lateral Fissure but, What is the lateral Fissure? The lateral Fissure is also known as the “Fissure of Sylvius, lateral cerebral fissure, lateral sulcus, Sylvian fissure, Sylvian sulcus, Fissura lateralis, Sulcus lateralis”. I know right! It has a LOT of names, but we’re going to call it the lateral Fissure for now! The Lateral Fissure Separates the Superior Temporal gyrus of the Temporal lobe from the Frontal lobe – “Wait! What is the Superior temporal gyrus? I’ve never heard of that before?” Well, The term superior temporal gyrus refers to one of six convolutions of the temporal lobe identified by dissection in humans. Let’s get back to what we were talking about! Since we cleared out what the lateral fissure is and where the Temporal lobe is located let’s talk about What the Temporal lobe does!

The Temporal lobe is incharge of Memories, Sensory input, language Recognizations and Also making memories. But, What TYPE of memories? Good or Bad? Well Let’s dive deeper. The Temporal lobe Communicates with the “HippoCampus” to make Long-term memories. now you what causes Long-Term Memory loses.

“Wait, What’s the Hippocampus?” Is it a small Hippo Sitting inside my brain!? Well…… No, The Hippocampus is a greek word Which means Seahorse. “So, then Is there a Seahorse inside my brain??” No, That would be a different story, having a full creature inside your brain! Ok, back to the topic! The Hippocampus is also called a “HippoCampi”. The Hippocampus Plays a role in Stabilizing/Tracing Short-Term and Long-Term Memories. The hippocampus plays a role in only Auditory Memories, the other 3 parts of the brain that works on the Auditory memories are “The primary auditory cortex, Superior temporal gyrus and The Cochlea Cortex.”

And now the Visual memories! Let’s go! These visual Memories include recognitions of face and Scenes. These 2 types of memories have a part of the brain that works fully on them! Let’s look at the first one, face recognition. This memory is controlled by the “Fusiform Gyrus.” The fusiform Gyrus is also called The “Lateral Occipitotemporal Gyrus.” This Gyrus is part of the optical and Temporal lobe. Now the second one, Recognition of scenes.

This Type of memory is controlled by the “Parahippocampal Gyrus.” These gyrus surround the Hippocampus. Since we know how the temporal lobe manages Visual memories, Where does it Store the memories? It Stores The memories that are made in the Hippocampus. Now, Last but not least, Language recognition! If you Speak different Languages then, You know how hard sometimes it is to switch between languages but, how hard is it for the brain to do so? Let’s see! The primary auditory cortex, which is important for the processing of semantics in both language and vision in humans is also Important in language recognition! Wernicke’s area, which spans the region between temporal and parietal lobes, also plays a key role in language comprehension, Whether Spoken or signed!

Now that You know a lot about the Temporal Lobe, Share this information with your friends and family and see how they react to you knowing about the Temporal lobe! I bet you they are going to be surprised by your knowledge! We will meet in the second Blog but, For now have a wonderful day and carry on with your normal day! See you in the next blog!

Author: Lakshana Arumugam

Brainy PartsMiddle School

28Jul2021

Our Healthy Brain

Brain-healthy foods, technology limits, brain-boosting music : these are all instances in which we develop our brain to the best of its ability, and try to make it the healthiest brain possible! Along with these various methods to develop a healthy brain, exercise actually contributes greatly to the wellbeing of our minds. But how could working out physically possibly affect our brains mentally?

Well, some of the few ways in which exercise affects the brain is that it increases heart rate. Let’s look into this further. When you are going for a run, playing a sport, or even playing a simple physical game with your friends, your heart rate increases. As a result, more oxygen is pumped to the brain. Exercise also allows hormones and other essential glands/organs to provide a better space for your brain to grow, both physically and mentally. According to brainfacts.org, “In the brain, hormones alter the production of gene products that participate in synaptic neurotransmission as well as affect the structure of brain cells. As a result, the circuitry of the brain and its capacity for neurotransmission are changed over a course of hours to days.” Hence, exercise promotes structural development of the brain as well!

Another instance in which exercise benefits the brain is when our mental health gets a chance to grow new ‘neuronal connections’. In simpler terms, exercise helps develop the vital brain cells that form circuits, to eventually support our motor, sensory, and cognitive thinking skills that we use in our day-to-day lives. Research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) states that exercise actually increases growth and maturity in the brain, making it easier to create new connections between various minute cells.

Though we may ‘usually’ consider exercise as something just for our physical health, weight loss, or possibly even other health reasons – exercises also have various outcomes (positively) on our human brains. Therefore, next time you ever need motivation to work out or play a sport with friends, just remember that your brain is benefiting by the minute due to your commitment to exercise!

Author: Vinuta Ramakrishnan

Middle SchoolThe Day-to-Day Brain

15Mar2021

Repairing Brain Tissue?

When a trauma patient is admitted to a hospital, doctors don’t only have to treat the most visible injuries, but also have one, pressing worry looming over their head: Has the patient suffered any brain damage? Unlike a broken bone which can be stabilized with a rod, brain damage cannot be reversed; severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) survivors hence experience permanent functional disabilities due to the brain’s poor capacity to generate. The reality is that doctors can administer some type of remedy for a wide range of other illnesses, but hit an insurmountable wall when it comes to brain injuries — injuries that ravage the control center of a person, impeding them for the rest of their life.

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High SchoolNeuroscience Achievements

14Mar2021

Waking Up Your Sleepy Brain

Yawn!! You slowly open your eyes to see the bright sunlight glaring at you. Your alarm clock just woke you up from a deep sleep, giving a reminder that you have a big day ahead of you. As you wake up, you follow your routine and get started on your day. If you think this everyday activity of waking up may seem rather simple, get ready to have your mind blown with the amount of science involved behind waking up your sleepy brain!

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Middle SchoolThe Day-to-Day BrainUncategorized

2Mar2021

The Science Behind Dreams

Throughout the ages, people have pondered the significance of dreams. The Greeks and Romans were convinced that dreams had prophetic powers but it wasn’t until the end of the 19^th century that Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung came up with some of the most widely-known theories to date.

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High SchoolUncategorized

1Mar2021

Our Brain Through the Ages

Throughout our extensive history, humans have evolved; minor changes in the genome of one became more widespread throughout the population over time, eventually leading to advantageous, groundbreaking changes in human structure and function. Similarly, research in neuroscience has uncovered the extent of the extensive change that the human brain has undergone; the overall trend is that it has grown larger, leading to an increase in human intelligence and capability.

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High SchoolNeuroscience AchievementsUncategorized

1Mar2021

Color Exploration with the Human Brain

No matter where you are in the world, colors will always surround you. Whether it’s the dark brown dirt under you, or the bright blue sky with the pretty pink butterflies fluttering in the air, your brain perceives colors in such a unique way. This amazing capability that is being done by the brain is called color vision. Color vision is the ability to distinguish different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The human eye and brain together translate light into color. Light receptors inside the human eye transmit messages to the brain. These messages produce what we call color, and gives us the ability to have color vision and see all of the different colors around us. Therefore, an apple doesn’t exactly have red “inside” it. The surface of the apple is reflecting the wavelengths we see as red, and is absorbing all the rest.

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Middle SchoolThe Day-to-Day Brain

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