How to become smarter by literally CHARGING your brain

The phrase “put on your thinking cap” is something everyone is familiar with. It is a figurative phrase that refers to the act of focusing and thinking about how to solve a problem. However, based on a recent scientific discovery, this “thinking cap” might not be so figurative after all.

Scientists have uncovered the secret to enhancing people’s cognitive functions – by using electricity. A study conducted by a group of scientists showed that stimulating isolated parts of the brain with electricity using an electrode-filled cap can help boost people’s memories for at least a month.

Volunteers of the study went through 20 minutes of stimulation using this “thinking cap” for four days in a row and memorised lists of words which they had to recall a month later. Those who participated in the study did relatively better at memorising words both in the short-term and long-term.

So what does this mean for us? At the moment, this method of stimulating the brain is only available in research laboratories. Whether this “thinking cap” can be used to treat Dementia or the ageing brain, in general, is still not proven. However, with more fine-tuning and studies done, this can be used in tandem with ways people are using to engage their minds such as solving crosswords.

If you are thinking of using this method to ace your exams, scientists say that such methods will most probably be available only in the far future. So yes, you do still need to study hard for your exams… for now.