The secret of inspiration and memory

NHK special "Human body”series were broadcasted from last year to this year. Among them, I was particularly fascinated by the feature on “brain”.

The hosts were Mr. Shinya Yamanaka and Tamori.

The first is ‘inspiration’. How can one become a condition to have an inspiration? Unexpectedly, for that purpose, you may want to think of nothing in particular. Such a resting-state is called “Default mode network” and as a matter of fact, even at the time, brain spends 70 percent of its energy. It’s considered that, while you are thinking of nothing, your brain pieces splinters of memory together freely and creates new ideas.

Importance of thinking of nothing in particular, which is said that it is a drastic paradigm shift for brain science. In fact, Shinya Yamanaka had a sudden idea while he was taking a shower vacantly and the idea led to iPS cells in later years.

However, to piece splinters of memory together, it is necessary to store memory strong. Then, what can we do to develop our memory? Actually, to do that, anyone can do it easily, too. The key is in message substance from all organs and it’s important to keep a balanced diet. Also, it’s necessary to develop muscle through moderate exercise. It is said that brain has evolved to insulin secreted when human take food would lead to improve memory. Yamanaka said that indeed, food is necessary for survival, so that may makes sense.

After watching the program, I learned anew that not only concentrating but sometimes being vacant and moderate exercise, not drinking and not eating too much are important. (H.S)