- World is a step closer to deal on climate change: Obama
- Obama rules out mediating in Indo-Pak conflict from outside
- Obama to visit India next year
- Obama promises not to allow al-Qaeda, its allies operate in Afghanistan region
- Obama, Manmohan pledge to operationalise nuclear deal
- Pak religious parties warn govt not to repeal blasphemy law
Using Internet is good for the brain
London, Oct 15 (IANS) Internet use benefits the brains of middle aged and older people as it stimulates the brain's decision-making and reasoning centres, according to a study by US scientists.
The team of researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, found that searching the Internet stimulates parts of the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning, BBC News reported.
-
E-mail Article 
Printer Friendly
Text-Size 
The study found that Internet use might even help resist age-related physiological changes in the brain such as shrinkage of cells, which reduces its performance.
'The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerized technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults,' lead researcher Gary Small said.
'Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function,' he added.
The study involved brain scans of 24 volunteers aged between 55 and 76 while they were doing web searches and reading books.
Both tasks caused activity in regions of the brain responsible for language, reading, memory and visual abilities. However, searching the web produced considerable additional activity in areas of the brain controlling decision-making and complex reasoning.
The study found that the additional activity was present only in the brains of experienced web users and the volunteers who were new to the web did not experience such activity.
The researchers said that the number of possible options while performing a web search requires people to make decisions about which link to click on for getting the required information.
The increased brain activity was absent in the people who were new to the Internet as they had not yet acquired the necessary analytical skills for carrying out a successful web search by distinguishing relevant links from non-relevant ones.
'These fascinating findings add to previous research suggesting that middle-aged and older people can reduce their risk of dementia by taking part in regular mentally stimulating activities,' said Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Britain-based Alzheimer's Research Trust.
The study features in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Using calculators in math class 'ok' as long as kids possess basic skills.
Using different drugs on different patients best way to beat malaria.
Using antibiotics for cough and cold 'increases superbug resistance'.
Using Internet is good for the brain .
Using tissues from the infirm for research without consent proposed in UK.