Changes in Gray Matter Induced by Learning
Author Information
Author(s): Joenna Driemeyer, Janina Boyke, Christian Gaser, Christian Büchel, Arne May
Primary Institution: Department of Systems Neuroscience, University of Hamburg
Hypothesis
How does learning a new skill like juggling affect the structure of the brain over time?
Conclusion
Learning to juggle can lead to changes in brain gray matter as early as after 7 days of training.
Supporting Evidence
- Learning to juggle was associated with an increase in gray matter in the occipito-temporal cortex.
- Changes in gray matter were detectable after just one week of juggling practice.
- The study confirmed previous findings of structural brain changes due to learning.
Takeaway
When you learn something new, like juggling, your brain can actually change shape a little bit, and this can happen really quickly, even in just a week.
Methodology
The study used MRI scans to measure changes in brain structure in 20 healthy volunteers before and after learning to juggle over several weeks.
Limitations
The study could not control for mental rehearsal, which may also affect brain changes.
Participant Demographics
20 healthy volunteers (11 female, 9 male; mean age 26.5 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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