Unmatchable Processing Power
Did you know that your brain operates much like a powerful computer? Incredibly, it is capable of performing approximately 38 thousand trillion operations per second! To give you a bit of context, the world’s most powerful supercomputer can only manage .002% of that. No Silicon Valley invention has come even remotely close to matching the processing power of the human brain, making it a truly amazing piece of natural engineering.
Active Day and Night
Unlike many of our technological devices that go into standby mode or completely shut down when unused, the human brain is constantly working; even when we sleep. During rest, the brain takes the opportunity to sort and store new information, clean up and repair cells, and carry out other vital maintenance tasks. For this reason, regular quality sleep is important for cognitive function and overall brain health.
Bright as a Lightbulb
For those who’ve ever been called a bright spark, it might ring more true than you thought! Amazingly, the human brain generates about 20 watts of electrical power when awake, which is enough to power a low-wattage LED light bulb. So, in a way, your brain does ‘light up’ when you’re thinking.
Oxygen-Hungry Powerhouse
Despite only accounting for approximately 2% of an individual’s total body weight, the brain uses up a whopping 20% of the body’s energy and oxygen supply. This makes it the most energy-consuming organ in the body. Not bad for a squishy 1.3kg mass of tissue!
Irreplaceable Cells
Unlike most other cells in the body, the majority of our brain cells, or ‘neurons’, don’t regenerate when damaged or dead. That’s partly why neurological disorders are often so severe and hard to treat.
However, recent research has discovered that certain areas of the human brain can, in fact, generate new cells in a process known as neurogenesis. This groundbreaking finding is currently shaping the way we think about brain injuries, diseases and potential treatments.
The Speedy Brain
Information in the human brain travels at an impressive speed of up to 268 miles per hour! That’s faster than Formula 1 racing cars. This speedy transmission is essential for the brain’s complex communication network, ensuring we can respond quickly to the world around us.
More than Just Grey Matter
You’ve probably heard the term ‘grey matter’ used to describe the brain, but did you know that the brain is not all grey? It also contains ‘white matter’. Grey matter is made up of cells (neurons), whereas the white matter acts like communication cables connecting different parts of the brain together.
A Water-Logged Wonder
Your brain is about 75% water and maintaining this balance is vital. Dehydration, even just 2%, can affect attention, memory, and other cognitive skills.
A Trio of Parts
The human brain is made up of three main parts – the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. Each of these plays crucial roles in how we function. The cerebrum, the largest part, is responsible for most higher brain function like thinking, learning, and consciousness.
Never Full
Here’s a comforting fact for all the knowledge seekers out there: the brain doesn’t run out of space. You can learn new things throughout your lifetime thanks to the brain’s amazing ability to adapt and rewire itself. So never stop seeking new adventures, learning new skills and feeding your endless curiosity. As it turns out, your brain loves it too.