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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.

9 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 beelsebob · · Score: 5, Funny

      Woosh ;-)

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

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

  3. 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]"

  4. 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.
  5. 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