Can Excited Brain Waves Make for a Better Memory?
Imagine this: college students lined up along rows of small computer screens, with audiovisual stimuli streaming at the precise oscillations to increase theta brain waves and enhance memory of the upcoming lecture. This futuristic image might not be as far-fetched as you think! Researchers from the University of California’s Center for Neuroscience are experimenting with precisely such a device.
Findings were recently published in Cognitive Neuroscience regarding the strategic enhancement of memory skills by stimulating theta brain waves. Participants were given memory assessments after either being exposed to several minutes of white noise (control group) or a rhythmic audiovisual oscillation device (experimental group) referred to as theta entrainment. The experimental group performed better on the memory tasks, and electroencephalography (EEG) revealed specific enhancement of theta brain waves during the application of the oscillating device and while completing the memory assessment. What a fascinating look at how technology and research are coming together to improve human brain capacity!
