Keeping Your Brain Healthy: Brain-FX

Predictions for the Future

This report from NewScientist.com lists "who's who" in science and their leading edge thinking, and is worth reading.

As Ellen Webb says over on her Brain-Based Business blog, "Anybody can predict what we can look forward to or fear for the future, but when NewScientist.com collected forecasts from the most brilliant minds in their fields, it’s worth taking a look."

There are plenty of experts here who tell us where the cutting edges are, some of them about the brain, others about alien life and computer innovations. Whether your interests lie in looking backwards or forward, these tidbits stimulate thinking for sure.

Smile, and Your Whole Body Smiles

I read this great post over on Robert I. Sutton's blog, describing the research behind the smile-get happy-smile some more processes. Most people think they smile in reaction to a happy feeling; but research shows that you can bring on a happy feeling by just smiling.

At this time of year, why not just smile then? Heck, at any time or place: smile your face off and see what happens. To understand the brain mechanisms, visit Sutton's blog, he's researched and written about Zajonc and others who have studied this and it is worth the read.

Left-Handers Faster in Sports and Computer Games

Of course the Hubby has been telling me this all along since he's a lefty, but now there is a study to prove it: Left-handers 'think' more quickly.

This report is from the BBC News site:

Left-handed people can think quicker when carrying out tasks such as playing computer games or playing sports, say Australian researchers. 

The fast transfer of information in the brain makes left-handers more efficient when dealing with multiple stimuli.

Experts said left-handers tended to use both sides of the brain more easily.

Study leader Dr Nick Cherbuin from the Australian National University measured transfer time between the two sides of the brain by measuring reaction times to white dots flashed to the left and right of a fixed cross.

Martina Navratilova is left-handed, and so are many other sports legends.

If only the Hubby would apply his advantageous abilities to taking out the trash...

Brain Gifts for the Holidays

Looking for intelligent gifts for the Holidays? How about giving a gift that improves the brain? Of course, you'll have to avoid the implication that a brain-based gift to a loved one might entail, but you can figure that one out.

Why not give a smart gift that keeps on giving?

Zack Lynch from the Brainwaves Blog at Corante reports on several games designed to improve brain functioning.

If you know someone who is too stressed, wants to improve cognitive sharpness, desires a better basketball game or is bothered by light ADHD then you might think about getting them one of these programs featured on the SharpBrains Blog:

• The Freeze-Framer® Interactive Learning System for Stress Management
• MindFit Brain Workout a personal trainer for your brain
• The Basketball IntelliGym™ Cognitive Trainer for improving your working memory
• RoboMemo: Cogmed Working Memory Training for ADD/ADHD