The surprising similarities between Twister and intelligence
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It turns out that the flexibility of our brain’s connections can indicate how quickly we can learn or multitask – and is a top predictor of intelligence. BrainCraft shows how the game of Twister functions similarly to how our brain reconfigures as it learns.
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The value of mental-training games may be speculative, but there is another, easy-to-achieve, scientifically proven way to make yourself smarter. Go for a walk or a swim. Scientists have discovered that exercise appears to build a brain that resists physical shrinkage and enhance cognitive flexibility. Exercise, the latest neuroscience suggests, does more to bolster thinking than thinking does.
In addition to exercise, sleep is the mind’s best friend. Everything from your happiness to how well you age depends on your brain. When you’re sleep deprived, your cognitive functioning plummets to a less-than-ideal level, making it hard to go about your day.
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In addition to exercise, sleep is the mind’s best friend. Everything from your happiness to how well you age depends on your brain. When you’re sleep deprived, your cognitive functioning plummets to a less-than-ideal level, making it hard to go about your day.
Watch these recommended TED-Ed Lessons:
The left brain vs right brain myth
The human brain is visibly split into a left and right side. This structure has inspired one of the most pervasive ideas about the brain: that the left side controls logic and the right side controls creativity. And yet, this is a myth, unsupported by scientific evidence. So how did this idea come about, and what does it get wrong? Elizabeth Waters looks into this long held misconception.
How playing an instrument benefits your brain
When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What’s going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians’ brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout.
The benefits of a good night’s sleep
It’s 4am, and the big test is in 8 hours. You’ve been studying for days, but you still don’t feel ready. Should you drink another cup of coffee and spend the next few hours cramming? Or should you go to sleep? Shai Marcu defends the latter option, showing how sleep restructures your brain in a way that’s crucial for how our memory works.
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When it comes to what you bite, chew and swallow, your choices have a direct and long-lasting effect on the most powerful organ in your body: your brain. So which foods cause you to feel so tired after lunch? Or so restless at night? Mia Nacamulli takes you into the brain to find out.
About TED-Ed Best of Web
TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.
Meet The Creators
- Video created by BrainCraft
- Lesson Plan created by Lauren McAlpine
