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All, Common Myths

Do we only use 10% of our brain?

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Image from medicalnewstoday.com

Emily Samson

The human brain is complex. Despite advances in neuroscience and brain imaging, much of how the brain functions remains a mystery. This vast uncertainty may be one reason many misconceptions about how the brain works persist in popular culture. For example, one common myth is that humans only use 10% of our brains.     

The origins of this myth can be traced back to the early 1900s. Psychologist and philosopher, William James, wrote a book in 1908 in which he claimed that humans only use a small part of our mental resources. This theory was backed up only by observation and anecdotes, without any scientific evidence to support the claim. However, the idea that humans have untapped brain potential was popularized and has become the topic of many motivational speeches, self-help books, and Hollywood movies.

However, using a technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), scientists and doctors can see which parts of the brain are activated during different tasks. The fMRI scans show that even during simple and routine tasks like talking, walking, or listening to music, people use almost every region of their brain.

In addition to conscious tasks, the brain is responsible for performing many functions that you might not be aware of, such as coordinating movement and balance, regulating your body temperature, and making sure your organs are functioning. So even when you think you are doing nothing, you are using far more than 10% of your brain to control things like your heart rate or breathing. In fact, in a 24-hour period, you have likely activated every region of your brain.  

While it’s exciting to think that we could tap into unused portions of our brain to expand our intelligence or creativity, we have no evidence to think that there are any unused portions. On the bright side, our brains are working harder than we might think to keep us functioning!

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-people-only-use-10-percent-of-their-brains/

 

https://www.britannica.com/story/do-we-really-use-only-10-percent-of-our-brain

All, Common Myths, Summer

Medical Myths: Back to Backpacks

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Image from theatlantic.com

 

After more than a year of almost entirely virtual school, most schools and universities are returning to in-person education this fall. This means that students will be spending more time walking to and from classes, studying on campus, and exploring the city, all while sporting any student’s quintessential accessory: the backpack.

While backpacks are practical and comfortable, the books, laptops, water, and other things inside can also be extremely heavy. For decades, concerns have been periodically raised regarding daily use of a heavy backpack. A heavy or awkward backpack might be uncomfortable, but the idea that it causes harm is likely an overstatement.  

There are also things you can do to improve comfort with a standard backpack. Backpacks with two, wide, cushioned straps allow weight to be distributed evenly, which may be more comfortable than a messenger bag or a backpack slung over one shoulder. A waist strap can also help distribute weight. Tighten all straps so the backpack hangs in the center of the back. 

In addition, packing one’s backpack with the heaviest items closest to the back and spreading items throughout all the pockets might also be more comfortable. Consider buying electronic copies of books or keeping duplicates of supplies at home so you don’t have to carry around as much weight. If you struggle to put on a backpack or lean forward while wearing one, you might want to try using a rolling bag.  

Backpacks are utilitarian, timeless parts of the student experience, and can and should be used in a way that makes you feel most comfortable and prepared for your day. While they may, at times, be uncomfortable, Think Twice thinks these references may overstate the potential for harm from backpacks. In our opinion, the imperatives (e.g. “should”) and statements that there is a “wrong” way to wear a backpack overstate what we see as options for getting around comfortably with school books. There is no evidence for harm associated with backpacks.

 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/childrens-health/bad-backs-and-backpacks

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/backpack.html

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/backpack-safety/

All, Summer

Does higher SPF Sunscreen Provide Greater Sun Protection?

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Image from wired.co.uk.com

Oishika Das

With beach season at its peak, wearing sunscreen can protect your skin from harm related to UV radiation. Sunscreens come in various strengths from Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 5 to SPFs over 100. But do sunscreens with higher SPFs actually provide more protection from the sun? 

There are two types of UV radiation produced by the sun: UVA and UVB. UVB causes sunburns and skin cancer while its counterpart UVA infiltrates into deeper skin and induces changes in the skin associated with aging such as increased wrinkles, age spots, and pigmentation. Broad-spectrum blocking sunscreen provides protection against both forms of UV radiation but the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen refers to how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB. SPF can be thought of as a factor of how much longer it will take your skin to burn than without sunscreen. For example, applying SPF-15 sunscreen means that your skin will take 15 times longer to burn than if you were not wearing sunscreen. 

However, as SPF increases, the benefit decreases, ultimately plateauing at SPFs higher than 50. SPF-15 sunscreen stops approximately 93% of radiation from getting into your skin, SPF-30 stops 97%, and SPF-50 can protect you from 98%. No sunscreen can stop 100% of UV radiation so there isn’t a big difference between using SPF-50 and SPF-100 sunscreen. 

In fact, there can even be diminishing returns from using sunscreen with high SPFs. Higher SPF products usually contain higher concentrations of chemicals that may be associated with potential side effects, such as hormonal imbalance, since there is some level of skin penetration. In fact, the FDA has stated that high SPF sunscreens are misleading, providing a false sense of security without data showing any greater advantage of high SPFs. 

Medical professionals recommend sticking to sunscreen from SPF-15 to SPF-50 while having fun at the beach. Regardless of the SPF you choose, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours to stay safe and healthy in the Sun!

 

https://www.livescience.com/32666-how-does-sunscreen-work.htmlhttps://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/whats-wrong-with-high-spf/https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-advances-new-proposed-regulation-make-sure-sunscreens-are-safe-and-effective

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun