Ever wondered how fast your brain actually works? Well, scientists have just cracked the code. In an interesting new study, researchers discovered how quickly our brains process information. It turns out that the brain is actually like a supercharged computer that can zip through data and make decisions at a speed beyond our imagination. This groundbreaking discovery is not only mind-blowing but could also open the door to understanding brain disorders and improving cognitive function. From the way we react to things around us to how we make split-second decisions, this research is shedding light on the rapid-fire processes that power our thoughts.
Study uncovers the surprising limitations of our brain’s information speed
Our brains are constantly processing massive amounts of sensory data, with input from sights, sounds, and touch flooding in at all times. Despite this, the speed at which our brains respond is surprisingly slow when compared to the enormous amount of information our senses gather. A groundbreaking study by Jieyu Zheng and Markus Meister from the California Institute of Technology has found that the human brain processes information at roughly 10 bits per second, a fraction of the capacity of sensory cells like those in the retina, which can transmit hundreds of millions of bits per second.
While this seems somewhat limiting, perhaps it results from the elaborate networks of the neurons in our brains, wired for sifting and condensing big volumes of raw data into palatable options. Whether typing or speaking, the performance remains usually around that of 10-bit per second-threshold suggesting an intrinsic quality about brain activity.
Science behind the slow yet powerful human brain
Why do we have billions of neurons if our brain processes information at a relatively modest rate of 10 bits per second? A new theory suggests that while our senses handle in parallel massive amounts of data, actions such as speech or typing occur in strict sequence. Without this, the vast parallel processing capacities of the brain would be useless for many tasks. Researchers believe that earlier stages of information processing, like in the retina, filter out unnecessary data before sending key pieces to the brain. This creates an “inner” brain that processes slowly but flexibly, alongside an “outer” brain that handles the flood of raw input in parallel.
Examples from high-stakes activities like esports and sports, including Tetris and StarCraft, show that while the brain may make quick, repetitive movements, only a few decisions truly matter aligning with the 10 bits/s processing rate.
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