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The topic of the brain has fascinated mankind for quite some time now. Today, we have many forms of technology to aid in our quest to figure out what is happening in our crania. In the project that created Brainbow, neurons were ‘painted’ with fluorescent colorings to show how they are connected to one another, which is important for understanding how they interact to different stimuli.

With the use of modern MRI scans, it is now possible to see different parts of the brain react to different stimuli in real time as opposed to waiting days and months for the data to be analyzed. Christopher deCharmes describes how this technology can be used to relieve chronic pain by knowing which part of the brain is causing the pain and correcting it from there rather than focusing on that specific body part.

A UCLA study showed that people who meditated 10-90minutes each day say it is an essential part of working in their field. Through deep concentration, they are able to focus on how to heighten their precision in their work. They also showed signs of reduced stress and better immune systems. They are still unsure of where exactly in the brain reacts to meditation.

It is a bit strange to think that we have been using our brains to study our brains and we still do not know all there is to know! With better technology surfacing every day, we will be able to find out more and more about ourselves in the near future!

sources:

 "3 Clues to Understanding Your Brain." VS Ramachandran:. Web. 18 May 2015.

"A Look inside the Brain in Real Time." Christopher DeCharms:. Web. 18 May 2015.

"How to Build a Bigger Brain." How to Build a Bigger Brain. Web. 18 May 2015.

"Neuroscientist Helps Pave Way for Dalai Lama's Visit." Neuroscientist Helps Pave Way for Dalai Lama's Visit. Web. 18 May 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. "Neuroscience-pt1.mov." YouTube. Web. 18 May 2015.