Researchers May Have Solved , a Piece of the Human Brain's , Energy Puzzle.
'PsyPost' reports that scientists have uncovered
how specific parts of the human brain require
different amounts of energy than other parts.
The work, which was published in 'Science Advances,'
highlights how evolution of human cognition is linked to
the development of energy-intensive brain networks.
The findings challenge the long-held belief that
cognitive abilities are due to the size of the brain.
Despite making up just 2% of an average human's
body weight, the human brain consumes 20%
of the total energy required by the body. .
Researchers uncovered a linear relationship
between the brain's glucose metabolism
and its functional connectivity.
The findings suggest that areas of the brain with more
connections require more energy, like the frontoparietal
network, which performs high-level cognitive tasks.
That brain network, which handles problem-solving and
decision-making, was found to use 67% more energy
than areas of the brain that handle more basic functions.
'Newsweek' reports that the variance in
energy distribution was observed in all
participants, regardless of gender or age.
The team's work highlights how areas of the brain
with more neuromodulators, like dopamine
and serotonin, require more energy. .
It seems that the benefits of increased
cortical energy metabolism, together
with an increased supply of energy
substrates, have outweighed its risks.
Yet, our knowledge of how the interaction
of slow-acting neuromodulators with
fast information processing contributes
to human cognition is still limited, Study authors, via 'PsyPost'