neurons

How Smartphones Affect the Brain.

Jj is for Jottings 154.  How Smartphones Affect the Brain.

In this article we will cover some of the latest research on how smartphones affect the brain.  We have previously discussed  the effects of screen time on children.  Amongst other aspects, this included language delay in children exposed to screens at an early age.  We have also discussed the effects of digital distraction, which relates to a range of technological devices.  Here we will look into the specific effects on the brain of smartphones, rather than screens in general. Continue reading →

What is Neuroplasticity?

Jj is for Jottings 112.  What is Neuroplasticity?

Just what is neuroplasticity?  It is the term which describes a sequence of processes that take place in your brain in response to incoming stimuli. In other words, your emotions, behaviours, experiences and thoughts physically change the way your brain functions.

Picture of a cat balancing on a clothesline with the caption: "What is neuroplasticity? I think it is - if I keep practising balancing, I'll get better at it."

“What is neuroplasticity? I think it is – if I keep practising balancing, I’ll get better at it.”

Continue reading →

Learning, Part 2.

Otis Reading One of his Favourites. This was the title of a photo sent to me by a young first-time father.

 

Jj is for Jottings 4. Learning, Part 2.

During the processes of thinking, remembering and being physically active, new dendrites grow. (See Learning, Part 1.) They act as contact points and open new channels of communication with other neurons as learning occurs. Continue reading →

Learning, Part 1.

This is what we do when we’re finally let out into the paddock after shearing – have a good roll!

You might need to concentrate a little harder for the first two paragraphs, but bear with me, it’ll become clear in the third. This applies to adults, too, not just children.

Jj is for Jottings: 3. Learning, Part 1.

To understand about learning, we need to know a little bit about how the nervous system works. Continue reading →