10 Things You Didn't Know About Your Brain

1.  The brain holds between 3-1,000 terabyte of information
This is pretty impressive seeing that a movie is only a couple of gigabytes, or that the National Archives of Britain with 900 years of history only has about 70 terabytes of information.
2.  The brain is 80% Water
The brain is soft and spongy, and water really helps it perform better.  So the next time you feel dehydrated drink some water, and you will help out your brain function.
3.  The brain itself can't feel pain
But don't worry if you hit your head, you will still pain.  Even though the brain can't feel pain, it is surrounded by bone and tissue that can feel pain.  So that's why you still get headaches.
4. The Higher your IQ the more you dream

Courtesy of Mateu from DeviantArt

While this is true, don't feel bad about not remembering your dreams.  The average dream only lasts about 2-3 seconds, which is barely fast enough to register.
5.  The brain generates as much energy as a 10 watt lightbulb
I don't think any computer has as much memory as the brain, but they all use a lot more energy than the 10 watt lightbulb.  We should study the brain and see how it utilizes power, and maybe we can build a computer closer to it.
6.  Your brain is more active when you sleep
While you would think that day to day life would be a lot more active for your brain, the opposite turns out to be true.  While scientists don't know the exact reason why your brain is more active, you can thank your active brain for tons of interesting dreams while you sleep.
7. The brain is always changing
One study found that learning to juggle changed the structure of the brain in just 7 days.  This goes to prove that the brain learns very quickly.
8. Information can be processed as fast as 268 mph
This explains why your reactions can be really fast.  For example pulling your hand away from a fire.  On the other hand, don't rely on your reactions too much because some information can be processed as slow as 0.5 m/s
9. People who eat lunch did better on IQ tests
Studies show that people who eat lunch score an average of 14 points higher on an IQ test.  So when you are given the option of skipping lunch, don't.  You will be eating to a healthier brain.
10.  The brain uses 20% of the oxygen from your body
While the brain only weighs 3 lbs, your brain takes up about 1/5 of your body's total oxygen.  That's a lot of air!

Posted in: General Wellness