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Our Brains Don't Work Like Computers

Roland Piquepaille writes "We're using computers for so long now that I guess that many of you think that our brains are working like clusters of computers. Like them, we can do several things 'simultaneously' with our 'processors.' But each of these processors, in our brain or in a cluster of computers, is supposed to act sequentially. Not so fast! According to a new study from Cornell University, this is not true, and our mental processing is continuous. By tracking mouse movements of students working with their computers, the researchers found that our learning process was similar to other biological organisms: we're not learning through a series of 0's and 1's. Instead, our brain is cascading through shades of grey."

7 of 737 comments (clear)

  1. something's missing by justforaday · · Score: 4, Funny

    Looks like the submitter forgot something. Lemme see if I can help him out a little:

    How will this study affect your next thought? Go here to discuss it further.

    There, that feels more complete.

    --
    I'll turn into a supernova and burn up everything. Well I'll turn into a black little hole and you'll turn into string.
  2. Fascinating by Vengeance · · Score: 5, Funny

    The idea that our brains might work like biological organisms is a real breakthrough.

    Next week's research topic: Do farts stink?

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    It was a joke! When you give me that look it was a joke.
  3. Missing Comma by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 5, Funny

    More like:

    Our Brains Don't Work, Like Computers

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    make install -not war

  4. Wow by CardiganKiller · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've been waiting for a scientist to tell me that I'm capable of thinking in abstract and fuzzy terms for years. Things I can now forget thanks to the brilliant scientist:

    1.) The GPS coordinates of each key on my keyboard.
    2.) The streaming audio of my name and all of my friends and families name.
    3.) The bio-mechanical force sequences for the hundreds of muscles used in picking up a glass every morning.

    Beer will no longer render my circuits useless!

  5. Tomorrow on the "Painfully Obvious" by ugen · · Score: 5, Funny

    Birds do not fly like airplanes, they continuously wave their wings - and do not have turbines or propellers.

    Sure hope my taxes don't pay for that "research".

    1. Re:Tomorrow on the "Painfully Obvious" by Hektor_Troy · · Score: 4, Funny
      Birds do not [...] have turbines [...]
      No, but if they've ever eaten my chilli, they may get an afterburner effect ...
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      We do not live in the 21st century. We live in the 20 second century.
  6. Re:comparisons by suitepotato · · Score: 5, Funny

    "By 2015, we'll have computers as smart as humans."

    And given the people I deal with as customers in tech support, this is not an improvement. Quite the opposite really.

    "I don't know what the IP address is Dave and I don't care. I just want you to make me work or I'll e-mail your supervisor with a nasty complaint."

    --
    If my grammar and spelling are off, I am [distracted/tired/careless] (take your pick)