Researchers scanned the brains of
nine advanced physics and engineering students as they thought through 30
physics concepts such as momentum, entropy and electric current. The
researchers fed the data from the scans into a machine-learning computer
program, which eventually could identify which concept a volunteer was thinking
about based on his or her brain activity. To take it further, the scientists
then compared the scans from their study with previous research matching neural
activity to thought processes.
They found that brain responses
corresponding to the scientific concepts of frequency or wavelength occurred in
the same regions that activate when people watch dancers, listen to music or
hear rhythmic patterns such as a horse's gallop. And when the students thought
through mathematical equations, the engaged brain areas were the same as those
that process sentences. These results suggest that general neural structures
are repurposed for dealing with high-level science. The findings may someday
help determine which school lessons should be taught together for easiest
consumption.
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