A neurostimulation experiment shows that if you stimulate the medial frontal cortex of the brain (the area which is known to be activated when you realise you have made a mistake) you can modulate the learning ability. This is an interesting observation (despite the need for wearing a silly hat!) because the growing understanding of how the brain works and ability to target stimulation to precise locations in the brain could lead us to the golden age of neurostimulation.

Watch this space!

Electric “thinking cap” controls learning speed

In a new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Vanderbilt psychologists Robert Reinhart, a Ph.D. candidate, and Geoffrey Woodman, assistant professor of psychology, show that it is possible to selectively manipulate our ability to learn through the application of a mild electrical current to the brain, and that this effect can be enhanced or depressed depending on the direction of the current.

 

Vanderbilt psychologists show it is possible to selectively manipulate our ability to learn through the application of a mild electrical current to the brain, and that this effect can be enhanced or depressed depending on the direction of the current.

Source: Electric “thinking cap” controls learning speed

Vishal Gulati (I back scientists) on Twitter: “The next college fashion = an electric hat which enhances brains power to learn….really? http://t.co/YWt9a4qDBA pic.twitter.com/wYCR8tZ1Ek / Twitter”

The next college fashion = an electric hat which enhances brains power to learn….really? http://t.co/YWt9a4qDBA pic.twitter.com/wYCR8tZ1Ek