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Brain Zapping Improves Math Ability

Posted by samzenpus on from the power-up dept.

sciencehabit writes "If you are one of the 20% of healthy adults who struggle with basic arithmetic, simple tasks like splitting the dinner bill can be excruciating. Now, a new study suggests that a gentle, painless electrical current applied to the brain can boost math performance for up to 6 months. Researchers don't fully understand how it works, however, and there could be side effects." We've covered various other potential benefits to having your brain shocked.

3 of 202 comments (clear)

  1. When I was in school, they had something like this by Bearhouse · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Not a "gentle, painless electrical current applied to the brain ", more like a smack round the head.

    Student performance often improved dramatically, and no permanent damage seemed to be done.

  2. mA=volts?? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    from the article...

    "The electrical current slowly ramped up to about 1 milliamp—a tiny fraction of the voltage of an AA battery—"

    Perhaps the article writer could benefit from this electroshock therapy as well....

  3. uhh by DragonTHC · · Score: 5, Interesting

    perhaps the subject should just increase their electrolye intake instead of being electrocuted.

    Proper electrolyte balance make the brain run smooth.

    --
    They're using their grammar skills there.