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About Neuroscience
- Scientists have only begun to understand the wonders of the nervous system, using increasingly sophisticated tools and techniques.
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- Learn the basics of how the brain’s 100 billion nerve cells are born, grow, connect, and function.
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- Discover causes of disorders of the brain and body, as well as the science enabling prevention or treatment.
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- From birth through old age, brain cells and the connections between them change in response to the environment.
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- - In Society

Neuromyths

False facts repeated often are tough to correct. Some misconceptions about the brain persist in the classroom and the home. Read on to find out the truth behind common brain myths.

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Neuromyth

Myth: People are either “right-brained” or “left-brained.”

Source: Society for Neuroscience

Regardless of personality or skill set, you use both the right and left hemispheres of your brain to perform everyday functions.

Neuromyth

Myth: Listening to classical music makes you smarter.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

Blasting classical music hasn’t been shown to improve intelligence in children or adults.

Neuromyth

Myth: Your brain can’t make new cells.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

Your brain constantly generates new cells and remains adaptable — or “plastic” — as you age.

Neuromyth

Myth: Drinking alcoholic drinks always kills brain cells.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

Moderate amounts of alcohol do not kill brain cells.

Neuromyth

Myth: Drug use makes holes in your brain.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

Only physical trauma can create a hole in your brain.

Neuromyth

Myth: Vaccines cause autism.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

There has been no conclusive, scientific evidence that any part of a vaccine causes autism.

Neuromyth

Myth: Playing games keeps your brain young.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

Crossword puzzles and similar games can help you learn words and improve specific skills, but they won’t enhance overall brain function.

Neuromyth

Myth: You only use 10 percent of your brain.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

You use all of your brain.

Neuromyth

Myth: Brain damage is always permanent.

Source: Society for Neuroscience

In some instances, the brain can repair itself.

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