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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.

16 of 202 comments (clear)

  1. How it really works by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    OK OK I'll solve your equation. Anything! Please don't shock me again!

    *BZZZZZ*

    ARRRRGH!

  2. huh by WGFCrafty · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you are one of the 20% of healthy adults who struggle with basic arithmetic

    Wow, I never realized the majority of people struggle with this.

    1. Re:huh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      One in twenty isn't a majority.

    2. Re:huh by MadKeithV · · Score: 3, Funny

      Woosh ;-)

    3. Re:huh by beelsebob · · Score: 5, Funny

      Woosh ;-)

    4. Re:huh by fph+il+quozientatore · · Score: 3, Funny

      I see you are one of the 40% of healthy adults who struggle with sarcasm. Don't worry, you are in good company.

      --
      My first program:

      Hell Segmentation fault

    5. Re:huh by durrr · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's also a nice practical demonstration that there are, indeed, adults who struggle with understanding humor.

    6. Re:huh by wbr1 · · Score: 3, Informative

      Thanks y'all. I just shot Raisin Bran out of my nose. Approximately .35 servings worth. There may still be a raisin in my sinus cavity.

      --
      Silence is a state of mime.
  3. Side effects by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 4, Funny

    Unfortunately it makes speaking proper England unpossible.

    --
    systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
  4. 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....

    1. Re:mA=volts?? by jamesh · · Score: 5, Funny

      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....

      Perhaps they could benefit from this http://blog.xkcd.com/2013/05/15/dictionary-of-numbers/

      "1 milliamp [~ the amount of current applied to the brain to boost math performance for 6 months]"

  5. Extrapolation by jamesh · · Score: 3, Funny

    if 1 milliamp produces a 6 month increase in maths performance, then logically, 1 ampere should produce a 6000 month increase in maths performance. Your genius would be smokin'!

  6. 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.
    1. Re:uhh by turp182 · · Score: 3, Funny

      It's what brains crave! And Brawndo has them.

      --
      BlameBillCosby.com
  7. Test case by Skiron · · Score: 3, Funny

    Supposing 0.1 amp per 6 volts in 39 minutes increases mathematical ability by 2%, at what rate should the current be applied and for how long before you can work this out?

  8. Smart enough to not let them zap you again by Carewolf · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hi, you look stupid, would you mind if I zap your brain?
    Uhm...
    It will make you smarter! promise.
    Uh. Okay.

    Ouch
    Muhahaha.
    I don't feel any smarter...
    Would you let me zap you again?
    No!!
    See! You are smarter already