Why is the Vegemite in the fridge?
April 28th 2011 03:45
American scientists have turned general thinking about the effects of tiredness and sleep deprivation on its head with a new theory that the brain is capable of giving groups of nerve cells a power nap when needed.
In other words, the brain can shut down parts of itself for small periods, which the scientists say could account for moments of absent-mindedness.
Forgotten where you parked the car lately?
The research, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and published in the journal Nature, showed that groups of nerve cells can go dormant while the rest of the brain remains awake.
“Even before you feel fatigued, there are signs in the brain that you should stop certain activities that may require alertness,” said the lead researcher, Professor Chiara Cirelli.
“Specific groups of neurons may be falling asleep, with negative consequences on performance.”
Scientists had previously thought that sleep deprivation affected the whole brain.
It all goes to explain why I, after breakfast earlier this week, stored the margarine on the pantry shelf and the Vegemite in the fridge.
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