DailyDirt: Stuff That Literally Changes The Way We Think
from the urls-we-dig-up dept
The human mind is often described using computer terminology -- with the mind as the software running on our soggy brain hardware. The analogy breaks down in many ways, especially since our brains don't actually execute instructions like CPUs do. However, there are still plenty of folks trying to "hack" our wetware to improve -- or just change -- the way we think. Here are a few quick links on ways to change the way people think.- Experiments with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can turn people into Rain-Man-esque idiot savants. There's a new movie adaptation for Flowers for Algernon somewhere here.... [url]
- Metaphors are influential to how we interpret and understand all kinds of concepts. Hopefully, the "planetary" description of atomic structures is being phased out in science. [url]
- Monogamy in mammals could be turned on/off with some chemicals. Pharma labs are probably working on love potions that don't involve little blue pills. [url]
- One of these "love" chemicals, oxytocin, can also make people more trusting and cooperative. Results may vary. If gullibility lasts more than 4 hours, consult a doctor. [url]
- To discover more interesting articles on the human mind, check out what's currently floating around the StumbleUpon universe. [url]
Filed Under: brain, metaphor, mind, oxytocin, tms, transcranial magnetic stimulation
