You can light a small bulb through your brain!

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the human brain is a powerhouse in terms of intelligence. Surprisingly enough, it can also generate electricity. Research proves that the human brain is capable of producing up to 20-25 watts of power, which is enough to light a small bulb! This remarkable phenomenon showcases the incredible complexity and efficiency of the brain, which remains one of the most enigmatic organs in the human body.

Notably, the brain is often referred to as the body’s control centre. But much more than that, it is a biological supercomputer, comprising approximately 86 billion neurons, each connected to thousands of others. These neurons communicate with each other through tiny electrical signals. And, these electrical impulses are essential for various brain functions, including thinking, memory and even controlling bodily movements.

How this discovery came about

The journey into understanding the electrical prowess of the human brain began in the late 19th century. A British physician and psychologist Richard Caton made pioneering strides in 1875. He conducted experiments that involved measuring the electrical signals in the brains of animals, providing an initial glimpse into brain electricity.

However, the turning point came in the early 20th century when Hans Berger, a German psychiatrist, introduced the world to electroencephalography (EEG). Around the 1920s, Berger developed a method to record the brain’s electrical activity in humans. His invention of the EEG marked a historic moment, allowing scientists to delve deeper into the brain’s electric potential.

The brain’s other capabilities

Further, the brain can do more with the electricity generated. Its ability to produce 25 watts of electricity is essential for its many functions. Some of them include:

Cognitive function: The brain uses electricity to power all of its cognitive functions, such as thinking, learning, and remembering. Without electricity, the brain would not be able to function properly.

Sensation and perception: The brain can process sensory information from the eyes, ears, skin, and other senses. It relies on electricity to generate perceptions, such as the sight of a tree or the sound of a bird chirping.

Movement: The control of the movement in the body is e-generated too. This includes both voluntary movements, such as walking and talking, and involuntary movements, such as breathing and heartbeat.

Behaviour: All of our behaviours, from simple tasks like eating and drinking to complex tasks like driving and playing a musical instrument, are borrowed from electricity.

Shocked? Read this.

The brain cannot short circuit in the same way that an electrical circuit can short circuit. However, there are a number of conditions that can cause abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can lead to symptoms such as seizures, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

So, overall, the human brain’s ability to generate up to 25 watts of electricity is a testament to both human ingenuity and the remarkable complexity of our mind. From the initial experiments of Caton to Berger’s groundbreaking invention, the journey of discovering brain electricity has been a remarkable one. As we delve deeper into the wonders of our body, who knows what other astounding secrets one will be able to unveil in the future?