Anyone who has spent hours studying for more than one exam knows that the mind has a tendency to push out certain information in order to make room for other thoughts and ideas, making it difficult to learn multiple subjects at once.
In a clinical trial, a team of researchers proved that this effect does occur, but that it can also be prevented.
The scientists found that when they used a non-invasive magnetic device to stimulate current flow through the brain, study participants were better able to remember details from two distinctly different sets of information. One test involved finger tapping and motor skills and the other was a word memory test.
"Our observations suggest that distinct mechanisms support the communication between different types of memory processing," said researcher Edwin Robertson, M.D. "This provides a more dynamic and flexible account of memory organization than was previously believed. We've demonstrated that the interference between memories is actively mediated by brain areas and so may serve an important function that has previously been overlooked."
Human brain potential remains a mystery, but this study helps to shed a little more light on the mechanisms by which the mind operates. Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes that personal development training, which entails eliminating negativity from the brain and embracing the positive, is key to achieving a higher, fulfilled state of being.
Results of the study suggest that barriers that people perceive – such as a lack of ability to learn multiple subjects at once – may in fact be overcome. Anything is possible when an individual casts aside their fears and harmful thoughts in favor of a mindset that believes human brain potential is limitless.
