Introduction

Neuroscience is a field overflowing with fascinating discoveries and complex mysteries. However, despite scientific advancements, many misconceptions and myths still have deep roots in our culture. These myths can lead to misunderstandings about how our brain works and affect our perception of mental health and cognitive abilities. If you believe any of these myths, don’t worry, you are not alone! Macdonald et al. 2017 stated that 68% of the public believes common neuroscience myths! in this blog post, we’ll debunk five common neuroscience myths, providing the scientific truth behind this widespread misconception. Let’s separate fact from fiction!

1) We only use 10% of our brains

The Myth

The myth that we only use 10% of our brains at any given moment is widespread. It is one of the most popular neuroscience myths. We have all seen the blockbuster movie Lucy (2014). In it, the protagonist, played by Scarlett Johansson, takes a synthetic drug. She gradually accesses 100% of her brain power. This grants her extraordinary abilities such as enhanced perception, telekinesis, and the ability to manipulate matter. While this is a cool concept for a sci-fi movie, it is completely unrealistic. We always use virtually every part of the brain. Most of the brain is always active.

The Reality

Studies using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) are brain imaging techniques. They have revolutionised the way we understand the brain. These techniques have shown that different tasks and stimuli activate various, often overlapping regions of the brain, suggesting there is no single “unused’ area. Even in sleep, the brain remains active, managing functions and processing information.

Why the myth persists

This neuroscience myth is appealing because it suggests untapped potential in all of us. It has also become popular in movies and self-help books. brain. Additionally, it simplifies the brain’s complex workings into an easily digestible concept that resonates with people. However, the reality is that our brains our highly efficient and each part has a function critical to our daily activities.

Further reading

Hughes, S., Lyddy, F., & Lambe, S. (2013). Misconceptions about Psychological Science: A Review. Psychology Learning & Teaching, 12(1), 20–31. https://doi.org/10.2304/plat.2013.12.1.20

Power, J. D., et al. (2011). Functional network organization of the human brain. Neuron, 72(4), 665–678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2011.09.006

2) Left vs right brain people

the myth

Another common neuroscience myth is the notion that people are either ‘left-brained’ (logical and analytical) or ‘right-brained’ (creative and artistic). This suggests a dominance of one hemisphere over the other. This myth gained popularity in the 1960s when the psychobiologist Roger W. Sperry conducted split brain experiments. Sperry and a psychology professor Michael Gazzaniga were the first scientists to study the different roles of the hemispheres in the brain. Michael Gazzaniga, a psychology professor, also contributed to this research. They found that the left hemisphere controls functions such as speech, language, and comprehension. The right hemisphere controls creativity, perception, and spatial understanding.

the reality

Recent research has shown that both hemispheres are involved in nearly every cognitive task. This debunks the idea that one side is more dominant than the other. Though the two sides work differently, the brain does not favour one side over the other. Both hemispheres of the brain work together for a wide range of tasks. For example, creativity involves networks spanning both hemispheres, integrating multiple types of information processing. The corpus callosum, a thick band of nerve fibres, allows the two hemispheres to communicate. While Sperry’s discoveries about hemisphere localisation were revolutionary, the myth of hemisphere dominance has been debunked.

Why the myth persists

This myth simplifies the complex nature of the brain, providing an easy explanation for individual differences in skills and personalities. Its catchy and memorable concept has been perpetuated by popular culture.

Further Reading

Nielsen, J. A., et al. (2013). An Evaluation of the Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Hypothesis with Resting State Functional Connectivity Magnetic Resonance Imaging. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e71275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071275

Sperry, Roger W. Science 133 (1961): “Cerebral Organization and Behavior.” 1749–57.

Sperry, Roger W. “Hemisphere Deconnection and Unity in Conscious Awareness.” American Psychologist 28 (1968): 723–3

3) Brain damage is always permanent

The myth

Many people believe that once the brain is damaged, recovery is impossible as neurons do not regenerate. It was once believed that individuals are born with a finite number of brain cells, meaning if any of them become damaged, this would result in permanent loss.

The reality

The brain does have limited regenerative capabilities compared to other brain regions. However, it is not entirely incapable of recovery. The brain does have limited regenerative capabilities compared to other brain regions. However, it is not entirely incapable of recovery. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise synaptic connections in response to learning and injury, is widely accepted in neuroscience. After damage due to neurological or traumatic injury, neuroplasticity allows the brain to create new pathways. It also strengthens existing ones. This enables healthy areas to compensate for damaged regions.

Think of your brain as a SatNav. If the road on the quicker route is blocked, the SatNav will find another route. Though it might take a little longer. It has been shown that a traumatic brain injury can result in some intense remodelling. Entire functions can be transferred to different parts of the brain! For example, vision is taken over by the primary auditory cortex.

One remarkable case study demonstrating neuroplasticity is that of a young girl named Jody Miller. At the age of three, Jody underwent a hemispherectomy. This surgical procedure involves removing or disabling one half of the brain. The surgery was to treat her severe epilepsy. Astonishingly, despite losing an entire hemisphere, Jody’s remaining brain half adapted to take over many of the functions previously managed by the removed half. This adaptation allowed her to lead a normal life.

Why the myth persists

Brain injuries are often severe and can lead to significant impairments, making it look like recovery is impossible. Additionally, recovery’s slow and sometimes incomplete nature can reinforce this belief. However, it is important to realise that the period directly after an injury is crucial for your brain to rewire!

Further reading

Devlin, A. M. (2003). Clinical outcomes of hemispherectomy for epilepsy in childhood and adolescence. Brain, 126(3), 556–566. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awg052

Girl has half her brain removed – if you meet her you would not be able to tell. (2017, November 7). https://relieved.co/girl-brain-surgery/

4) The bigger the brain, the smarter the person

The myth

There is a common misconception that the bigger the brain, the smarter the person. This is an oversimplified explanation of the relationship and cognitive abilities. The idea is often reinforced in our culture. in movies and TV shows, the characters with large heads are portrayed as exceptionally intelligent and in sci-fi, the alien species or future humans have enlarged craniums suggesting superior intelligence. Examples include movies such as ‘Megamind’ and ‘Star Trek.’

the reality

While there may be a small, weak correlation between brain size and intelligence, it is neither strong nor consistent. One of the greatest scientists known to man was Albert Einstein. His brain size was 1230 grams. This falls at the low end of the average for modern humans! The brain’s neural networks’ organisation, structure, and connectivity are more crucial to intelligence than overall brain size. For instance, Einstein’s brain had a thicker corpus callosum compared to elderly controls, suggesting he had enhanced connectivity between the two hemispheres.

Studies have shown that individuals with higher IQs often have stronger connectivity between brain regions. Additionally, the volume and density of grey matter (neuronal cell bodies) and white matter (myelinated axons) in specific brain regions are better indicators of cognitive abilities. Research indicates that individuals with higher grey matter volume in specific regions tend to score higher on intelligence tests. They also have higher grey matter density.

Why the myth persists

The myth persists for many different reasons. One is due to the observable differences between species. Humans generally have larger brains compared to their body size, correlating with more complex behaviours and cognitive functions. This led to the assumption that individuals with larger brains would be more intelligent within the human species.

Also, people often seek straightforward explanations for complex phenomena. The notion that a larger brain correlates with higher intelligence is a simple explanation. It doesn’t require an understanding of the complex nature of the brain.

Further reading

Closer Look at Einstein’s Brain. (2009). Science News. https://www.science.org/content/article/closer-look-einsteins-brain#:~:text=One%20parameter%20that%20did%20not,of%20average%20for%20modern%20humans.

Men, W., et al. (2013). The corpus callosum of Albert Einstein‘s brain: another clue to his high intelligence? Brain, 137(4), e268. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awt252

Muetzel, R. L.et al. (2015). White matter integrity and cognitive performance in school-age children: A population-based neuroimaging study. NeuroImage, 119, 119–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.06.014

5) Our memory is foolproof

The myth

Some people believe that our memory is like a tape recorder, accurately replaying past events exactly as they happened. It is often believed that we can trust our version of past events when telling a story or testifying in court.

The reality

Human memory is highly fallible and is subject to various distortions. In psychology, this is known as false memories. These memories may contain some elements of facts while other memories may be entirely imaginary. False memories differ from simple memory errors. False memories are interesting as they represent a recollection of events that didn’t happen. American Psychologist Elizabeth Loftus demonstrated this through her research. She showed in multiple experiments that the power of suggestion was enough to produce false memories.

False memories are also more likely to form when more time has passed from the ordinary event. Loftus showed that if an individual was interviewed immediately after an event, people were less likely to be influenced by suggestions. However, if the interview is delayed for a longer period, people are more likely to be affected by false information.

Why the myth persists

This myth persists as humans it is scary to know we cannot trust our own experiences. It is also reinforced by how memory is depicted in the media. However, understanding the limitations of memory is crucial, especially in the context of eyewitness testimony, where the stakes can be high.

Further Reading

Loftus, E. F., & Palmer, J. C. (1974). Reconstruction of automobile destruction: An example of the interaction between language and memory. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 13(5), 585–589. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5371(74)80011-3

APA PsycNet. (n.d.). https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/1993-37888-001

Conclusion

How many of these myths did you believe? Do not worry, you are not alone! Macdonald et al. 2017 stated that 68% of the public believes common neuroscience myths! As neuroscience is filled with remarkable truths it can challenge our preconceived notions. However, by debunking these myths, we can better understand the complexity and resilience of the human brain. Understanding the reality behind these myths enhances our knowledge and helps promote accurate information about our brain health and function.

If you liked this, check out part 2 here!