The human brain is one of the most complex structures in the universe, responsible for everything from consciousness and emotions to movement and memory. As our understanding of the brain continues to grow, we are discovering more and more fascinating facts about this incredible organ.

One of the most surprising brain facts is that the brain is not fixed and unchanging – it has the ability to learn and adapt throughout our lives. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity, and it allows the brain to rewire itself in response to new experiences and challenges. In fact, research has shown that the brain can form new neural connections and even generate new brain cells well into adulthood.

Another interesting brain fact is that the brain uses up a significant amount of energy – despite only accounting for 2% of our body weight, the brain consumes around 20% of our body’s energy. This is because the brain is constantly active, even when we are sleeping. In fact, the brain is so active during sleep that it uses up almost as much energy as it does when we are awake and engaged in mental activity.

The brain is also capable of some incredible feats of calculation and problem-solving. In 2016, a team of scientists used a supercomputer to simulate the activity of a single second of brain activity, and it took over 40 minutes to process. This highlights the incredible complexity of the brain’s neural networks and the sheer amount of information processing that takes place in our heads every second.

But despite all these capabilities, the brain is still vulnerable to damage from injury or disease. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major cause of disability and death worldwide, and can have lifelong consequences for survivors. Diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s also take a significant toll on the brain, leading to cognitive decline and motor dysfunction.

As we continue to explore and better understand the brain, we may be able to find new ways to protect it from harm and enhance its capabilities. From neuroplasticity to energy consumption to incredible computational abilities, the animal brain is a marvel of biological engineering – and there is still so much more to discover.