Neuroscience

Brain Wave Basics – What You Need to Know about States of Consciousness

Consciousness

The fact that our brains are electrical is a relatively new discovery. The first article about electrical phenomena in the brains of monkeys and rabbits was published in the British Medical Journal of 1875.
Nearly a half century would pass before the first human EEG (electroencephalogram) was recorded. That distinction would go to German psychiatrist and physiologist Hans Berger who invented the device that would begin the field of electroencephalography. There are 4 basic brain wave frequencies and each correlates with a specific state of consciousness. Like sound frequencies, brain waves are measured in Hz, or cycles per second. In general, the slower the frequency of your brain waves, the more relaxed you feel.

7 comments Read the full article →

Brain Scans – 5 Things You Should Know

Consciousness

Brain scans have made huge improvements in diagnosis and treatment. You’ve probably seen a TV show or read articles that feature impressive brain imagery depicting “normal” brains vs. depressed, anxious, or addicted brains. However critics complain that when these images are interpreted to reveal information about your thoughts, feelings, and cognition the claims are often exaggerated.

1 comment Read the full article →

Your Brain is Plastic – Is That a Good Thing?

Learning

It wasn’t too long ago that medical science assured us that once we reached a certain age, our brains didn’t change. The old saying insisted, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Recent research has turned that notion upside down. It turns out your brain is a work in progress, not only in childhood but throughout your life. You can teach an old human new tricks and when you do, the old human’s brain changes. This ability for the brain to change is called plasticity.

8 comments Read the full article →