It was not long ago since I became obsessed with researching myths that people have adopted for so long and considered them facts and an essential part of their identity. I felt it so hard for us humans—the most intellectual creatures on this planet and who are meant to populate it—to keep passing these myths from one generation to another without checking their origin or source.
For me, the journey started internally; I started researching more about the first thought that sparked in my mind. It was related to the master that controls all inside; the organ that is irreplaceable and most precious, yet, not totally explored: the human brain!
Ironically, our brains seem to be the last continent we—laymen—tend to explore. We just take what we read about them the way the information is presented to us, without much thinking. Some of this information is misleading, and sadly, has the ability to diminish our capabilities, since we become what we think. Now, let us welcome the master, and dive deeper into how it works, and process everything we experience daily.
The Brain in Action
The brain is complex; even though we have discovered several facts about it and its functions, it still hides more within. It represents 3% of the body’s weight and uses 20% of the body’s energy.
It is the main organ responsible for coordinating thoughts, emotions, behaviors, movements, and sensations through its billions of nerve cells.
This net of nerves connects the brain to the rest of the body, which interacts with the outside world, as such, actions and reactions can occur instantly. This process, of course, works perfectly for our benefit; by processing the information received from the senses of the body and sending messages back, we survive dangers and harmful situations, such as pulling our hand away from a hot stove, blinking when something flies toward our eyes, and many other reflexes.
Here is an important view to be noted: although parts of the brain work hand in hand, each part is responsible for a specific function. The brain’s hemispheres are divided into four lobes, and each one is responsible for a certain function, as follows:
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The frontal lobe controls thinking, planning, organizing, problem solving, short-term memory, and movement.
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The parietal lobe interprets sensory information, such as taste, temperature, and touch.
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The occipital lobe processes images from your eyes, and links that information with images stored in memory.
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The temporal lobe processes information from your senses of smell, taste, and sound, and plays a role in memory storage.
Is everything we think about our brains correct?
Back again to the main question that initiated this inspiring journey: the myths and the facts, and what is beyond them. Below are six of the most circulated myths about the brain and the facts represented by research outcomes.
- We only use 10% of our brain
Although this assumption has been repeated over and over, it is not true! Research has shown that most of the brain’s regions are active and work throughout the day; even if not all regions are working at the same time, as we rest. Even during sleep, areas such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which controls higher-level thinking and self-awareness, for example, or the somatosensory areas, which help people sense their surroundings, are active.
Another evidence that debunks this myth is that, if we only use 10% of our brain, why can small damage to a small area in the brain be such impactful to cognition and functioning? Why should we worry about damage to a small area in the brain if not all of it is actually used?
- If damage occurs, there is no way back
As mentioned above, the brain masters all our behaviors, emotions, reactions, and so on; naturally, if it is damaged by an injury or a stroke, its functioning is affected. Yet, is that permanent or could it be healed?
Research indicates that the brain can repair itself in some cases, depending on the severity and location of the damage. For example, the brain can repair itself after a disruption caused by a concussion, which is a typically mild and common type of brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of brain functions, provided that there is an adequate time for recovery and no repeated injury. Speaking of more serious cases, such as strokes, research shows that the brain may be capable of developing new connections and function through healthy areas, with the help of therapy.
- Brain cells die permanently
Within the same context, let us view another widespread myth related to the belief that adults have a certain number of brain cells, and when we lose any of these cells, we lose them forever with no possibility of retrieving them back.
Recently, experts found through research that the human brain can form new cells through a process entitled the neurogenesis, which starts during early nervous system development and throughout the lifespan, and is responsible for the growth and production of the brain's neurons. They discovered that it can happen even during old age, and in different regions of the brain.
- You are either right-brained or left-brained
If you are logical and detail-oriented, then you are left-brained; on the other hand, if you are creative and intuitive, then you are right-brained. This myth is so widespread and has been affecting people’s choices in several aspects of their lives, such as picking a profession, hobby, etc. In reality, it is only a myth!
Yes, we have asymmetrical brains that allow each of us to be unique and excel in some tasks more than others, but it does not mean that a person is either right- or left-brained. Although each hemisphere handles or is responsible for certain functions, their duties are not strictly divided and no one is fully right-brained or left-brained.
- Brains have a preferred learning style
Watch, listen, read, or just do it; perhaps you have noticed that you learn new things and skills, through one of these ways. For example, you prefer to read about the evolution of vaccines to watching a documentary, or listen to a podcast about it.
Well, although preferring a learning style is an appealing concept and has been developed into models, such as the VARK model that refers to visual, auditory, reading, writing, and kinesthetic styles for learning, the scientific evidence beyond these learning styles is not adequate.
Moreover, this concept has been extensively criticized and some researchers suggested that it can lead to bad consequences and a hindrance to learning if applied to the learning system without further research.
- Learning more than one language at the same time is impossible
Some people believe that learning more than one language simultaneously is impossible, as the brain will not be able to process the acquired information. The truth is that it is possible to learn two languages at the same time. Our brains are accustomed to that as they also can adjust themselves to new tasks when needed.
The challenge here is how to divide time and energy to learn both of them, as learning a new language requires high activity from the brain and the ways you use to memorize vocabulary, grammar, and structure. Perhaps it would be confusing for some who cannot handle this extra effort, but it is not impossible!
Conclusion
The human brain is a realm of wonders that makes humans the masters of this planet. It holds our experiences and emotions, and helps us survive. It is our turn to value it and make the most of it, by exploring more and more facts, and not to follow misconceptions and myths about it. They may not be harmful now, but may lead to further problems and hinder us from achieving what we can.
The brain is priceless, and its abilities are limitless! We should cherish these facts and work accordingly.
References
brainfacts.org
journals.sagepub.com
mayoclinic.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
news-medical.net
psychologytoday.com
scientificamerican.com
verywellmind.com