How does the brain think?

Neurons release brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which generate these electrical signals in neighboring neurons. The electrical signals propagate like a wave to thousands of neurons, which leads to thought formation. One theory explains that thoughts are generated when neurons fire.

pressconnects.com - Ask a Scientist: Neurons help explain how our brains think

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Lina Begdache

Special to Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

QUESTION: What is our brain made up of so that we can think?

ANSWER: Although the science of brain cell communication is well-understood, the complexity of thought processes is not well-defined. However, exploring the brain may help in understanding the bigger picture. The brain is primarily composed of neurons, which are cells that generate electrical impulses for communication. It is estimated that the human brain has close to 100 billion neurons. Neurons release brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which generate these electrical signals in neighboring neurons. The electrical signals propagate like a wave to thousands of neurons, which leads to thought formation. More Ask a Scientist:Ducks quack for several different reasons, and not all of them do

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One theory explains that thoughts are generated when neurons fire. Our external environment (such as home, relationships, media, etc.) leads to a pattern of neuron firing, which results in a thought process. A continuous pattern of neuronal firing reinforces the circuitry. This means that if we are put in the same situation twice, the firing of our neurons is going to be similar and reinforced. This is why people tend to react the same way to similar situations: because neurons, which are part of the circuit responsible for this response, fire robustly. This is interesting, as this means that shifting from negative to positive thoughts or trying to change an attitude is possible. Monitoring a thought or an attitude will cause a change in the firing pattern of neurons, which eventually leads to a new behavior. Several nutrients contribute to brain function and chemicals. Recent evidence suggests that nutritional deficiencies could alter your brain’s normal chemistry, which may impact your thought processes as well. This means that if your diet is deficient in essential nutrients like lean meat, fruits and vegetables, fish and nuts, your neurons will fire abnormally, and your thoughts may not be at their best.

Meet the student

Name: Billie Leet.

Grade: Fifth.

School: Tioughnioga Riverside Academy, Whitney Point Central School District.

Teacher: Mrs. Cleere.

Hobbies: Basketball, Irish dance, art, softball.

Career interests: Scientist, artist or a coder.

Meet the scientist

Answered by: Lina Begdache.

Title: Assistant professor of Health and Wellness Studies, Binghamton University.

Research area: Nutritional neuroscience.

Interests/hobbies: Non-fiction reading, exercising.

Ask a Scientist runs on Mondays. Questions are answered by science experts at Binghamton University. Teachers in the Greater Binghamton area who wish to participate in the program are asked to write to Ask a Scientist, c/o Binghamton University, Office of Communications and Marketing, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, or e-mail scientist@binghamton.edu. For more information, visit binghamton.edu/mpr/ask-a-scientist/. Support our journalism and become a digital subscriber today. Click here for our special offers.

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Where is grief held in the body?

Your heart literally aches. A memory comes up that causes your stomach to clench or a chill to run down your spine. Some nights, your mind races, and your heart races along with it, your body so electrified with energy that you can barely sleep. Other nights, you're so tired that you fall asleep right away.

webmd.com - How Grief Shows Up In Your Body - WebMD

What Can You Do to Cope With Grief?

Emotional and physical self-care are essential ways to ease complications of grief and boost recovery. Exercising, spending time in nature, getting enough sleep, and talking to loved ones can help with physical and mental health. "Most often, normal grief does not require professional intervention," says Zisook. "Grief is a natural, instinctive response to loss, adaptation occurs naturally, and healing is the natural outcome," especially with "time and the support of loved ones and friends." Grief researchers emphasize that social support, self-acceptance, and good self-care usually help people get through normal grief. (Shear encourages people to "plan small rewarding activities and try to enjoy them as much as possible.") But the researchers say people need professional help to heal from complicated grief and depression. Davis says therapy and physical activities like going for walks helped her cope. Social support helped most when friends tried to reach out instead of waiting or asking her to reach out to them. "Th thing about grief and depression and sorrow and being suicidal is that you can't reach out. For many people going through a hard time, reaching out is impossible. If your friend is in grief, reach out to them. Do the legwork. They’re too exhausted!" Davis' advice to most people who are grieving is to "Lean into it. You only get to grieve your loved one once. Don't spend the whole time trying to distract yourself or push it down. It does go away eventually, and you will miss feeling that connected to that person again. And if you feel like your whole life has fallen apart, that's fine! It totally has. Now you get to decide how to put yourself back together. Be creative. There's new life to be lived all around you."

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