Why Scientific Literacy and Learning Enhance Brain Function and Neural Health

Often in discussing health related findings with non-scientists, I’ve found that scientific literacy in the general population tends to be inadequate for evaluating scientific claims. A surprising number of people are reluctant to study science despite the potential to benefit from the vast amount of useful knowledge being accumulated by scientists. Neil DeGrasse Tyson discussed a similar issue with the New York Daily News several years ago (A Cry to Pass the Science Test, 2006). In a time when scientific information is constantly reshaping our understanding of the world, a strong foundation in scientific methods and ideas is essential. A better understanding of biological sciences, for example, improves the ability to monitor one’s own heath and discuss health issues with health care professionals. The consequences of learning science are especially interesting when thinking about neural health. As it turns out, the very act of studying and learning can help to keep the brain healthy. There is then a unique and beneficial interplay between studying science, improving health, and improving brain function. To understand this interrelationship, consider what happens when you learn something new. Every mental activity — including learning — is played out as precise electrical and chemical activity in brain cells. The electrical activity specific to studying and learning directly causes the release of a molecule called brain derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. B...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neurologists Authors: Tags: Cognitive Neuroscience Health & Wellness BDNF health-literacy Learning memory mental ability mental-activity neural-health neurotrophic scientific literacy Source Type: blogs