A recent academic investigation has shown that applying electrical noise stimulation can augment mathematical skills in persons who exhibit lower cortical excitability. However, this effect is not observed in individuals with higher brain excitability or in control groups given a placebo.
The innovative research, conducted by scholars from the Universities of Surrey and Oxford, Loughborough University, and Radboud University in The Netherlands, focused on the impact of neurostimulation on learning capabilities. Despite a burgeoning interest in this non-invasive procedure, there exists a constrained body of knowledge about the induced neurophysiological changes and their repercussions on the learning experience.
The researchers discovered that applying electrical noise stimulation to the frontal region of the brain enhanced mathematical skills in those individuals who displayed less neural excitability towards mathematics prior to the stimulation. In contrast, no measurable improvement was seen in individuals with high neural excitability during preliminary assessments or among the placebo groups. The team of researchers posits that electrical noise stimulation functions by interacting with the sodium channels in the brain, thereby modifying the neuronal cell membranes and increasing cortical excitability.
Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh, who holds the title of Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and leads the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, stated, “Learning is fundamental to all aspects of our existence, whether it be mastering a new skill like driving or coding. The human brain is in a continuous state of absorbing and assimilating new information.”
He added, “We have previously demonstrated that the ability to learn is closely linked with levels of neural excitability in the brain. What we sought to ascertain in this study was whether our newly developed stimulation protocol could increase, or in other terms, excite this activity to improve skills in mathematics.”
The research involved 102 participants who underwent an evaluation of their mathematical skills via a series of multiplication problems. They were then divided into four distinct groups: one subjected to high-frequency random electrical noise stimulation (learning group), another practicing multiplication to the point of overlearning also with high-frequency random electrical noise stimulation (overlearning group), and two control groups subjected to a sham condition, which simulated the experience of real stimulation without significant electrical currents. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were captured both at the inception and conclusion of the stimulation to document brain activity.
Dr. Nienke van Bueren from Radboud University, who spearheaded this research under Professor Cohen Kadosh’s guidance, noted, “Our findings underscore that people with lower neural excitability may be more amenable to the benefits of noise stimulation, thereby achieving better learning outcomes. Conversely, individuals with higher neural excitability may not enjoy the same enhancements in mathematical performance.”
Professor Cohen Kadosh further elucidated, “Our research has illuminated the mechanisms by which this promising form of neurostimulation operates, and the specific conditions under which it is most efficacious. This insight could pave the way for more individualized learning approaches and could also inform us about the optimal timing and duration for applying this stimulation technique.”
Reference: “Human neuronal excitation/inhibition balance explains and predicts neurostimulation induced learning benefits” by Nienke E. R. van Bueren, Sanne H. G. van der Ven, Shachar Hochman, Francesco Sella, and Roi Cohen Kadosh, published on August 31, 2023, in PLOS Biology.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002193
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Neurostimulation and Mathematical Abilities
What is the main focus of the research discussed in the article?
The primary focus of the research is to explore the effects of electrical noise stimulation on mathematical learning, particularly in individuals with lower levels of brain excitability.
Who conducted the research?
The research was conducted by scholars from the Universities of Surrey and Oxford, Loughborough University, and Radboud University in The Netherlands.
What methods were employed to assess the impact of electrical noise stimulation?
The researchers used a series of multiplication problems to assess the mathematical abilities of 102 participants. They were then divided into different groups, subjected to high-frequency random electrical noise stimulation, or a sham condition, and had their brain activity measured via Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings.
Were there any specific findings regarding who benefits from the stimulation?
Yes, individuals with lower levels of brain excitability were found to benefit from electrical noise stimulation. Those with higher levels of excitability did not show any improvement, nor did the placebo groups.
What are the implications of this research?
The findings could pave the way for more individualized approaches to learning, particularly in the field of mathematics. It could also help understand the optimal timing and duration for applying neurostimulation techniques.
What does the research say about the mechanism behind the stimulation’s effects?
The research suggests that electrical noise stimulation acts on the sodium channels in the brain, thereby altering the cell membrane of the neurons and increasing cortical excitability.
Who led this research project?
Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, led the project.
What are the potential applications of these findings?
These findings could be applied to educational settings, cognitive training programs, and even therapeutic interventions for learning disabilities. It highlights the potential for more targeted and effective learning techniques.
What is the next step in this research?
The next step would involve further exploration to determine under which specific conditions and parameters the stimulation protocol is most effective, as well as its optimal timing and duration.
Is the full research study publicly accessible?
The research was published on August 31, 2023, in PLOS Biology and can be accessed via DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002193.
More about Neurostimulation and Mathematical Abilities
- PLOS Biology Journal Publication
- University of Surrey School of Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience at Oxford University
- Loughborough University Research
- Radboud University Neuroscience
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) Overview
- Overview of Neurostimulation
- Neuronal Excitability and Learning
10 comments
Intriguing. But what are the long-term effects? I’d be cautious before jumping on the bandwagon.
Interesting but makes me wonder, is it safe for kids? Do we know enough about the side effects?
hold on, so you’re saying there’s hope for ppl like me who struggle with numbers? Sign me up!
Wow, this is really groundbreaking stuff. Never knew science could make us better at math through some sorta brain zaps. So cool!
sounds cool, but what’s the environmental impact of all these electronic devices for stimulation?
Fascinating research. But how does it apply practically? like, can teachers start using this soon or is it still in the lab phase?
Raises ethical questions tho. If we start tailoring education this way, what happens to good ol’ hard work? just a thought.
If this works I might finally pass my math exams lol. Seriously tho, amazing what science can do these days.
Finally, a concrete way to tackle learning challenges. Hope more research follows to really fine-tune this method.
Wow, the implications for personalized learning are huge. Cant wait to see how this develops.