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Study With Light Brain Shocks Showed Improvement of Up to 29% in Students With Math Difficulties After Five Days of Stimulation
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford tested a curious method to improve math performance. Using light and controlled electric shocks on the brain, the scientists managed to enhance the performance of students struggling in this area.
The technique, called Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS), was applied to a group of volunteers and showed promising results.
How the Experiment Was Conducted
The research team led by Roi Cohen Kadosh recruited 72 students to participate in the experiment. All wore a cap with electrodes for five consecutive days.
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The shocks applied were gentle and painless. The goal was to stimulate brain areas linked to learning and memorization.
Before applying the technique, the students’ brains were scanned. The researchers were interested in two specific regions: the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which helps learn new things, and the posterior parietal cortex, responsible for recalling that information.
During the five days, the students solved math tasks, focusing both on discovering solutions and repeating memorized answers.
Half of the participants received actual stimulation. The other half received a placebo, serving as a control group.
Surprising Results
The students who had weaker connections between the mapped brain regions were the ones who benefited the most.
After the application of tRNS, these students improved by 25% to 29% on the tasks. In some cases, they even surpassed peers with a natural aptitude for math.
According to scientists, the stimulation helps weak electrical signals in the brain become more detectable.
It’s as if a light noise aids a weak message to be heard more clearly. This logic is known as stochastic resonance.
In practice, tRNS increases the chances of slower neurons firing at the right moment. This can be particularly useful for those who struggle more with learning numbers and formulas.
Not Everyone Improves After Controlled Shocks
Despite the good results in individuals with difficulties, the technique does not work for everyone. In previous tests with math teachers, performance actually worsened. This indicates that the effects of tRNS depend on the profile of the recipient.
This is not the first time Kadosh’s team has studied the use of brain shocks to enhance reasoning.
In 2013, researchers had already pointed out that the technique could provide a lasting boost to mathematical skills.
Moreover, the gains appeared to transfer to new situations, not being restricted only to what was practiced.
It Is Still Early for Practical Use
Even with the positive results, experts say we still do not know exactly how this technique works.
There are brain stimulation devices available for home use, but scientists warn that the human brain is complex.
The structure and chemistry of the brain vary from person to person, and this can affect the effects of stimulation.
For now, tRNS is seen as a promising tool that needs more research before being widely used.
Math: Why This Matters
The study goes beyond test performance. It addresses a broader social issue. In developed countries, about 25% of adults have math skills equivalent to a 7-year-old child.
This interferes with income, job access, health, and even people’s confidence in society.
Most initiatives to solve this problem focus on improving education. However, the research shows that the biology of the student is also an important factor. Stimulating the brain directly can help reduce deep inequalities.
By integrating psychology, neuroscience, and education, scientists are seeking new ways to help those in greatest need. This can open doors to more professional opportunities and a better life in the future.
Inequalities in Learning
Previous studies have already shown that educational disparities begin early and grow larger over time.
This is referred to as the “Matthew Effect,” where students who start well tend to improve more, while those who struggle end up falling behind.
Therefore, the fact that tRNS helps especially those with difficulties is noteworthy. The technique may offer a way to level the playing field for students with less ease.
But researchers make it clear: there are no plans to apply the method widely at this time. The focus now is to better understand the effects and limitations of this technology.
With information from ZME Science.
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