Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Enhancing the Human Brain

The human brain is the soul of the human nervous system. It controls involuntary activities such as respiration, digestion, and heartbeat, which are also known as automatic functions of the body. This organ also controls other conscious activities that are considered as higher order activities like reasoning, abstraction, and thought. The human brain is superior to any other brain of any other living species that are known to humankind.

The brain is also the center by which other human characteristics are defined. Creativity, for example, is much associated with the brain. So is personality. The brain lets us make decisions and define colors and smells. This organ controls every other perceived activity of the human body.

However, the human brain, as strong and as invincible as it may look, is not going to stay that way forever. As with any other part of the body, the human brain will wither in the future. One’s lifestyles and all other external factors will take toll against the human brain. As one grows old, the human brain will become slower in terms of functioning and rejuvenating itself. However, there are ways on how to enhance the power of the human brain as age catches up. This article tries to give some useful tips on how to do just that.

1. Live a healthy lifestyle.

The brain is an integral part of the human anatomy. It is probably the most important organ in the body; but of course, we all know that every other organ in the body works for the others to function properly. The human brain is subject to the lifestyle of the person who owns it. If the person loves alcohol, he may not fully reap the powers of his brain. Alcohol and other dangerous substances destroy brain cells. An alcoholic will argue that, “I’ve been using only ten percent of my brain, drinking will activate the other 90% of it.” This is a total fallacy. This premonition was formulated in the 1800s and there is no truth in it. The brain is a lifetime organ, so we must preserve and protect it.

2. Eat the right foods.

Eating the right sets of food will definitely benefit the brain. The brain is the most active part of the body. Even when one sleeps, the brain remains active and vibrant. The brain will appreciate it if one eats the right and balanced sets of food. The sad thing is that the brain is usually taken for granted when it comes to having a balanced meal or a workout because people are so focused into developing their outside looks. It’s about time that we give the brain a break.

3. Engage in proper exercise.

Proper exercise is good for the brain and not only for the body. The human brain needs a well-balanced life.

4. Release stress once in a while

Releasing stress is necessary to be able to clear the brain from all the difficulties and the clouds in one’s life. One must take time to get into a relaxing mood and a good night sleep.

The brain is an organ to be cherished. No individual will ever be able to live his life to the fullest if his brain is not functioning well. A brain that is cared for will result in a more active and fulfilling life.

duckwah

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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Planet Asing "Kembaran" Bumi Mungkin Digenangi Lautan

ST LOUIS, SELASA - Sebuah planet asing yang baru ditemukan di luar tata surya kita (ekstrasolar) memiliki massa tiga kali Bumi. Planet tersebut mungkin memecahkan rekor sebagai planet asing terkecil saat ini.

Objek langit yang mirip dengan Bumi atau disebut super-Earth ini berada pada jarak 3000 tahun cahaya dari Bumi (satu tahun cahaya sebanding dengan 9,46 triliun kilometer). Planet yang diberi nama MOA-2007-BLG-192Lb mengorbit bintang MOA-2007-BLG-192L.

Bintang yang dikelilinginya diperkirakan termasuk bintang kerdil. Massanya jauh lebih kecil daripada Matahari bahkan hanya 6-8 persen saja. Para astronom berhasil mendeteksi dengan teknik lensa gravitasi yang memanfaatkan penguatan dari cahaya bintang di seberangnya.

"Penemuan kami menunjukkan bahwa bintang-bintang dengan massa yang kecil tetap dapat menjadi induk bagi planet-planet," ujar David Bennett dari Universitas Notre Dame yang melaporkannya dalam pertemuan tahunan Masyarakat Astronomi Amerika (AAS). Ia terkejut karena sebelumnya belum pernah ada planet yang mengorbit bintang dengan massa kurang dari 20 persen massa Matahari.

Jarak lingkaran orbit planet dan bintang sama dengan jarak Venus-Matahari. Namun, karena bintang yang dikelilinginya jauh lebih redup dan dingin, atmosfernya mungkin lebih dingin daripada Pluto.

Para peneliti memprediksi planet kecil tersebut memiliki atmosfer yang tebal. Proses peluruhan zat radioaktif mungkin terjadi di intinya sehingga permukaan planet sehangat Bumi. Jika benar, secara teori mungkin saja planet tersebut digenangi lautan yang dalam.

Sejauh ini sudah hampir 300 planet ektrasolar yang terdeteksi. Planet-planet raksasa sebesar Jupiter umumnya ditemukan dengan mengamati gejolak cahaya bintang saat planet melintas di antara bintang dan Bumi. Dengan penemuan terakhir, sudah tujuh planet terdeteksi dengan teknik lensa gravitasi. Dari sekian banyak, belum satu pun yang terdapat kehidupan.

kompas

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