i heard the myth that rubbing balloons on your head during a test actually makes you smarter!!! this is because the static electricity actually improves the brains natural electricity flow and cause better thinking power.

I think that this could improve the brain's electricity flow but would you really notice it? And would you be able to get into an exam with a balloon? Wouldn't it look a bit strange?

I've also been told this, as apparently it helps to connect the neurons in the brain. However, better effects can be achieved by performing simple dexterity tasks, such as rubbing your stomach and patting your head.

Nice myth, never heard it before. On the whole 'doing stuff that makes you smarter' subject, has there been any conclusive tests about the whole 'eating fish makes you smarter' myth?

quote:

Originally posted by EjutNick:
Nice myth, never heard it before. On the whole 'doing stuff that makes you smarter' subject, has there been any conclusive tests about the whole 'eating fish makes you smarter' myth?

Eating fish won't necessarily make you smarter. It's the essential fatty acids they contain that are necessary for your brain to function correctly. They have been running trials in various UK schools to see if Fish Oil supplements make any difference to the kids.

Most trials that have been conducted in special schools seem to show very good results. In cases where children have ADHD or autistic spectrum disorders they have been very effective. Children with these and similar disorders have been tested and shown to have naturally lower levels of essential fatty acids than neuro typical children so the supplements bring their brains closer to 'normal' functioning.

From what I have read, and been told, there does not seem to be a significant increase in intelligence in neuro typical children.

I think that there would be too many variables to conduct a large conclusive test though as there would be so many factors to take into consideration, such as the rest of the diet, level of exercise, general health, stress levels, mental health and home life - for starters.

It would be easy enough to test on an individual level though, but that could hardly be considered conclusive!

:-)

most studies tend to show an increase of attention rather than a great jump in iq.

The other theory to back up the 'fish makes you smarter' myth is that when our ancient ancestors started to catch and eat fish, the brain capacity was seen to increase substantially also.

quote:

Originally posted by Fitnessfreak:
The other theory to back up the 'fish makes you smarter' myth is that when our ancient ancestors started to catch and eat fish, the brain capacity was seen to increase substantially also.

This could be a case like the 'chicken or the egg' question, though. Perheaps they worked out how to catch fish due to the increase in brain capacity, or the lack of effort involved in catching fish, compared to hunting large game, meant that more time could be spent thinking or whatever...

NB: For the record, I think the egg came first =)

Not sure about the baloons theory but if you eat a chocolate bar just before a test or an exam the sugar does help feed the brain for a period...too much sugar however can slow it down! Well this theory got me through Uni anyway