There is the general adage that silence is golden, but according to a recent study, some background noise could potentially unravel some people’s hidden learning potential. Edith Cowan University scientists studied the impact of transcranial random noise stimulation (tTNS), noting that tech may be used in several settings.
Although tRNS is an act of making noise, it is generally not. Rather, it is a process involving matching certain electrodes to the head to generate electric current passing through certain parts of the brain. The scientists feel that tRNS has a great deal of promise as a solution for those with impaired learning ability.
Study leader Onno van der Groen said that the impact on learning would encourage learning and assist individuals with neurological conditions. Therefore individuals with learning challenges can leverage it to improve their learning rate. Similarly, it has been tried on individuals with visual deficits, like after traumatic brain injury and stroke. Onno said that adding this simulation to learning results in better performance, attention, and learning afterward.
The authors of the study indicate that tRNS support neuroplasticity, the process through which the brain creates new neuronal connections and circuits.
According to Dr. van der Groen, to learn anything, there must be neuroplastic adaptations in the brain that enable you to do so. Additionally, this is a way to boost neuroplasticity.
It is undoubtedly appealing to consider extending one’s learning potential and boundaries. However, the study’s authors clarify that other additional unanswered questions are associated with technologies like tRNS.
Experts confess they have pondered the impact tRNS could have on a “neurotypical person,” even if the main emphasis is on how the tech might assist those with learning issues. Although it is unclear whether the technology would produce a “new level of intelligence,” Dr. van der Groen says it is plausible that tRNS could be capable of increasing the ordinary person’s intelligence level.