The human brain, which is often referred to as the greatest achievement in the course of evolution, surprisingly cannot process information as fast as the amount of sensory data it is exposed to. The peripheral nervous system takes environmental information at a rate of over 1 billion bits per second, while our brains can process only 10 bits per second, according to a new research published in the journal Neuron. This discrepancy reveals fascinating insights into human cognition and raises profound questions about how we perceive and interact with the world. At first glance, the brain's ability to process just 10 bits per second may seem underwhelming.

For perspective, this rate pales in comparison to modern internet speeds. "We become annoyed when the WiFi in our home falls to 100 megabits per second because this interferes with streaming shows on Netflix," according to the authors of the study, Caltech's Jieyu Zheng and Markus Meister. In stark contrast, the human brain processes a billion-bit data stream at dial-up internet speed, yet manages to work reasonably well in real-time applications. To reach this number, the scientists considered tasks such as solving Rubik's Cubes or memorizing shuffled decks of cards. Dividing the number of bits for these tasks by the time needed to complete them, they determined that even memory champions who set record times process information at the same snail's pace of 10 bits per second.

Why is Brain Processing So Slow?

This seems a strange limitation for the brain's filtering mechanism. If a single neuron can wire at a rate fast enough to encode 10 bits per second, why does the brain, with its billions of neurons, still process information at such a restricted rate? The study suggests that this is evolutionary, based on the very survival tasks early organisms had to complete.

The first nervous systems, intended to guide creatures towards food or away from predators, had to function on a one-task-at-a-time basis. This single-task focus enabled prompt, decisive action. Modern humans, despite the ability to abstractly think, may have been left with this limitation. Even in such complex tasks that require multitasking, like driving, the brain is essentially juggling its attention between distinct subtasks rather than processing them simultaneously.

Dual-Mode Operation of the Brain

According to the authors, the human brain works on two modes at once. That is, as follows:

1. Outer Brain: It perceives and aggregates tremendous amounts of sensory data-the colors, the sounds, and the textures surrounding the environment.

2. Inner Brain: A minuscule fraction of the same data at a concentrated pace of 10 bits per second gets processed.

The frontier for neuroscience is to understand how these two systems communicate. When driving, the brain is switching focus constantly from traffic signals to the speedometer to potential hazards. Future research could unravel how the "inner brain" decides which bits to prioritize in those high-stakes scenarios.

Also Read: Can You Rewire Your Brain? 6 Ways To Do It

'Cocktail Party Problem' in the Brain

Humans' inability to process multiple trains of thought simultaneously, popularly known as the "cocktail party problem," underscores this limitation. For instance, it is almost impossible to follow multiple conversations simultaneously at a noisy gathering. Evolution may have optimized the nervous system for making a single decision at a time-an advantage when survival depended on determining whether to fight or flee.

Today, the single-minded quality of this cognitive system helps sustain attention but impedes our capacity to multitask. This particular evolutionary trade-off continues to mold the human mind; it affects every aspect of it, from linguistic processing to dealing with high-stress situations.

How Does the Brian Breaks Down Language Processing?

Another experiment gives a clear view of how the brain processes information in speech. Scientists, by using electrodes implanted in the brains of patients suffering from epilepsy, found that it takes the brain 600 milliseconds to think of a word, apply grammatical rules, and say it.

They recorded activity in Broca's area—a critical region for language production—and identified three distinct steps:

Word Recall: Occurring at 200 milliseconds.

Application of Grammar: Takes 320 milliseconds to occur.

Phonology or Sound Organization: Takes 450 milliseconds to occur.

This further supports that the brain operates on a step-by-step approach. Amazing as it might be able to generate speech continuously in a span of milliseconds, the brain's operation does follow a strictly linear approach; its bottleneck of 10 bits per second does not differ from one activity to another.

This new understanding of the brain's speed limit opens doors for further research. How does the inner brain prioritize specific tasks? How might this bottleneck influence artificial intelligence systems designed to mimic human thought processes?

Implications stretch beyond neuroscience. In the era of multitasking, this study underlines the importance of attentional focus. As Zheng so aptly put it, study of real-life situations like driving may be one of the best ways to learn how the brain accommodates changing priorities in real-time.

How You Can Improve Your Brain's Mental Flexibility

Improving the speed of your thoughts and processing requires improving cognitive functions and strategies that enhance mental agility. Here are some ways to optimize your brain's processing power:

Regular Exercise: Physical activity promotes better blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive functions. Aerobic exercises like running or swimming improve memory and focus, allowing for quicker thinking.

Mindfulness and Meditation: The practice of mindfulness meditation enhances attention and reduces mental clutter. They help train your brain to focus on one task at a time, thus enhancing processing efficiency.

Mental Stimulation: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, memory games, or learning a new skill. These exercises stimulate neural connections, sharpening your processing speed.

Adequate Sleep: Sleep is important for cognitive function. The brain is best able to process information quickly and efficiently when it is well rested.

Healthy Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins supports brain health, enhancing overall mental speed.

This is counterintuitive, for the brain takes in information at a mere 10 bits per second, but such is the depth and efficiency of human cognition that it can work through this very effectively. Extraneous data will be filtered out, and focus will be placed where it matters the most: survival, adaptation, and communication.

Although our mental "speed limit" may be maddening for those who multitask, it speaks to the stunning advancement of the human mind—a machine designed for clarity, precision, and survival in an overwhelmingly complex world.

The unbearable slowness of being: Why do we live at 10bits/s? Neuron. 2024

Sleep is one of the most important pillars of health. How much you sleep, what times as well as how well you sleep are things that heavily affect your body and lifestyle. Many people think sleep is something they can always recover from. Stayed up too late but still going to work early in the morning? Or you slept on time but woke up due to some issue, making you unable to sleep the rest of the night. These are issues we have all faced, and we figure that we’ll sleep when our day ends.

However, this is not an issue to be taken lightly, as researchers found that lack of sleep can essentially shorten your lifespan.

A 2025 study published in Springer Nature Link have found a clear link between how long you sleep and your risk of dying. They say there's a "golden window" of two hours that most people should aim for to stay healthy and avoid bad consequences. To figure this out, scientists looked at almost 80 past studies, which included information from over two million people, giving them a lot of data to understand sleep patterns better.

Dangers of Too Much (or Too Little) Sleep

The research shows risks for both sleeping too little and sleeping too much. If you regularly sleep for more than nine hours each night, you could face a 34% higher risk of death. On the other hand, those who sleep for less than seven hours faced a 14% increased risk of dying. This ideal sleep range matches what health groups like the NHS suggest for most healthy adults, though it's noted that everyone's needs can be a bit different based on things like age.

Why Long Sleep Might Be a Warning Sign

The study's authors, from a university in Hungary, think that sleeping too much might actually be a sign of hidden health problems. For example, if someone has a heart issue that hasn't been found yet, it could make them feel extra tired, causing them to sleep more. This means the higher risk isn't just from the sleep itself, but possibly from an underlying sickness. Interestingly, women who slept over nine hours had an even higher risk – 41% greater – compared to women who got a normal amount of sleep.

Perfect Amount: 7 to 8 Hours

After looking at all that information from millions of people, the research strongly points to sleeping between seven and eight hours as the best amount for staying healthy. This time seems to be just right for your body and mind to rest and work well. However, the researchers did notice that different studies on long sleep times sometimes showed slightly different results. This means we might need more research to fully understand all the ways sleeping too much can affect our health and specific causes of death.

Why Good Sleep Matters for Everything

A good night's sleep is absolutely essential and does much more than just make you feel rested. It helps your mental health, gives you enough physical energy for your day, and keeps your brain sharp so you can think and focus clearly. Health experts also warn that ongoing sleep problems can negatively affect your relationships, social life, and even simple daily tasks. These continuous issues can make you feel constantly tired, lead to eating more, and make you less productive at work or school.

Can You Recover Lost Sleep?

Recovering lost sleep is not as simple as you may think it is. The more hours you lose, the more you accumulate sleep debt. Sleep debt, according to the Sleep Foundation, is the difference between the amount of sleep you need and how much you are actually getting.

While short naps (10-20 minutes) can refresh you, and sleeping in on weekends might feel good, they often aren't enough for true recovery. Research shows it can take four days to bounce back from just one hour of lost sleep, and even longer to fully erase "sleep debt" and restore your body's normal function. Your brain needs more than a weekend to recover fully from ongoing sleep restriction.

Celebrities go through extreme amounts of scrutiny, constantly living under pressure and having to stomach all their personal feelings in order to continue their work. Olivia Munn is no stranger to this feeling. The American actress recently opened up about struggling with an uncommon condition that was triggered due to a paparazzi shot.

She revealed she lives with trichotillomania, a lesser-known mental health condition. This news comes after her public battle with breast cancer, highlighting her continued openness about her health journey.

“I did the horrible thing, which was to read the comments... And they were like ‘I think she set this up!’” In a recent episode of ‘Armchair expert’ podcast, Munn shared that her trichotillomania began after an incident with paparazzi between 2009 and 2010 when she was dating Chris Pine. The insensitive comments turned out to be a trigger for her, and she explained it was the beginning of her condition.

What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania, also called trich or TTM, is a condition where people have strong, repeated, and uncontrollable urges to pull out their hair. This hair can come from their scalp, eyebrows, or other body parts. Munn explained that the urge to pull can be quite intense and it is a sensation that feels like “oh this eyelash feels like its going to come out, even though it is not”. Once you pull it, she details, there is a small second of pain, then satisfaction followed up with immediate regret.

The National Health Services UK explains that people with trichotillomania often feel a certain sensation. They feel a lot of tension building up until they pull, and once they do, they often feel a sense of relief. Sometimes, hair pulling happens when someone is stressed, but it can also happen without them even thinking about it. While most people pull hair from their head, some also pull from their:

• Eyebrows
• Eyelashes
• Genital area
• Beard or mustache

Bald patches may appear unusually shaped and affect one side of the head more than the other. Trich can lead to feelings of shame and low self-esteem, often causing individuals to try and conceal their condition.

What Causes Trichotillomania?

The exact causes of trichotillomania are not entirely clear, but potential factors include:

Coping mechanism

For some, pulling hair might be a way to deal with strong emotions like stress or anxiety. It could be a kind of self-soothing behavior.

Chemical imbalance

There might be differences in the brain's chemicals that affect how a person controls urges or handles rewards, making it harder to stop pulling hair.

Hormonal changes

Changes in hormone levels, especially during puberty when the condition often starts, could also be a factor.

Genetics

If someone in your family has trichotillomania, you might be more likely to develop it too, suggesting that genes could play a part.

Can Trichotillomania Be Treated?

The main way to treat trichotillomania is through a therapy called habit reversal training, which is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy focuses on helping you replace the urge to pull your hair with something harmless. It typically involves keeping a diary to track when and where you pull your hair, which helps you identify and understand your triggers – the specific situations or feelings that make you want to pull.

Once you know your triggers, you can work on replacing the hair-pulling action with a different, less harmful behavior, like squeezing a stress ball or making a fist. Support from loved ones is also a key part of this process, providing encouragement as you work to change the habit. Other self help tips according to NHS are,

• Squeeze a stress ball or similar object.
• Form a fist and tighten arm muscles.
• Use a fidget toy.
• Wear a bandana or a tight-fitting hat like a beanie.
• Take a soothing bath to reduce stress or anxiety.
• Practice deep breathing until the urge subsides.
• Exercise regularly.
• Apply plasters to fingertips.
• Cut hair short.

While summer season hits US, with record high heat already engulfed parts of United States so far, with sunny brunches, impromptu beach excursions, and lazy, stress-free days outdoors. But with the rise in temperature and UV index, your skin has a special set of problems—consider sweat-caused breakouts, dehydration, and the constant threat of sun damage. Whereas glowing skin is the season's go-to accessory, attaining and sustaining it takes more than a splash of water or swipe of sunscreen. The seasonal shift demands an strategic revamp of your skincare routine, designed specifically for summer's particular needs.

Most people maintain the same skincare routines throughout the year, yet what works in winter could fail in summer. Hot, humid weather increases oil production, clogs pores, and heightens the risk of dehydration and sunburn. The right summer routine is about making smarter, climate-aware choices: featherweight hydration, targeted serums, and robust UV protection. Summer's longer days and soaring temperatures may boost your mood, but they’re also hard on your skin. Increased exposure to the sun’s UV rays can accelerate aging, cause hyperpigmentation, and damage the skin barrier. Toss in sweat, humidity, and pollution, and your skin's defense system is put to the test.

Dermatologists caution that neglecting these environmental stressors can result in premature fine lines, pores clogged by grime, and irregular tone. The secret? Steering clear of aging skincare habits and swapping them out for summer-smart solutions.

"Are you cleansing enough?" That's what Chief Dermatologist Dr. Shwetha Rahul thinks should be the motto for every summer skincare routine. When it's summer, skin sheds more oil, which—if combined with sweat and grime—can block pores quickly.

STEP 1- Cleansing

"Twice daily gentle cleansing is a must," says Dr. Rahul. "But steer clear of harsh scrubs or over-cleansing, which can leave the skin defenseless and even more vulnerable to the sun."

Choose sulfate-free, pH-balanced cleansers that eliminate dirt without tampering with your skin's natural barrier. Gel or foam cleansers are particularly effective on oily and combination skin.

STEP 2- Hydration

One of the largest myths about summer skincare is that you can forego moisturizer. In fact, summer's heat and humidity have a dehydrating effect on your skin, with added sweating and sun damage to boot. Trade in your heavier moisturizers for a lightweight, water-based or gel moisturizer that seals in moisture without being greasy or pore-clogging. Opt for non-comedogenic products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to keep your skin soft and strong.

"Moisturizing doesn't become optional just because the weather is warm," maintains Dr. Rahul. "In fact, dehydration does occur in summer, particularly following sun exposure."

Check for products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. For more serious hydration, treatments such as Profhilo or PRP microneedling can restore lost moisture and trigger collagen.

STEP 3- Sunscreen

Whether you’re brunching outdoors or lounging at the beach, sunscreen is your skin’s best defense against premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and sunburn. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours when outdoors. Antioxidant-enriched formulas offer extra protection against environmental stressors and help keep your skin evenly toned and healthy.

A golden tan may look appealing, but the long-term effects of unprotected sun exposure are far from pretty. Wrinkles, sunspots, and increased skin cancer risk are all linked to UV radiation.

Sunscreen—broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher—is non-negotiable. But it’s not just about applying it once in the morning. “Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating,” Dr. Rahul advises. “Choose antioxidant-rich formulations to fight off free radical damage.”

And don't miss forgotten areas such as ears, feet, and the back of your neck.

STEP 4- Moisturize

Heavy moisturizers and high-coverage foundations can suffocate your skin during summer. The result? Clogged pores, acne, and dullness.

Ditch heavy moisturizers and heavy foundations and switch to light serums, liquid sunscreens, and light BB creams. "Heavy makeup creates a film that holds on to sweat and bacteria. Summer is the time when your skin needs to breathe," advises Dr. Rahul.

STEP 5- Rejuvenation

Sustained sun exposure can leave the skin dry and drained. Brightening serums containing vitamin C or niacinamide brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and reduce sun damage. After-sun treatments like aloe vera gel or soothing facial mists calm the irritation and restore lost water.

Professional treatments such as microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), bio-remodelling injectables such as Profhilo, and LED Light Therapy are becoming increasingly popular due to their capacity to stimulate collagen, improve elasticity, and achieve a dewy, natural look without heavy makeup. These treatments promote deep hydration and discreet repair, minimizing the visibility of fine lines and keeping your skin firm and perky.

Hydration From the Inside Out

Hydrating 8–10 glasses of water a day and consuming water-filled foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges keep the skin elastic and prevent dryness. Optimal hydration promotes your skin's protective barrier, removes toxins, and postpones premature aging signs.

Summer Skin Issues—and How to Correct Them

Breakouts: Excess oil and sweat can block pores. Exfoliate with gentle acids and use non-comedogenic products.

Sunburn: Cool with fragrance-free moisturizers and aloe vera; skip active ingredients until the skin settles down.

Hyperpigmentation: Prevent and address with daily sunscreen, niacinamide, and vitamin C serums.

Oily Shine: Blotting papers and mattifying primers keep oil under control; change to oil-free moisturizers.

Dehydration: Apply humectants such as hyaluronic acid and hydrate with lots of water to keep your moisture barrier intact

Summer skincare isn't all about appearance; it's about shielding and caring for your skin to keep it healthy, strong, and radiant through every brunch or beach day. By changing up your routine for the season—emphasizing gentle cleansing, intelligent hydration, sun protection, and light textures—you can sidestep snags and maintain a radiant complexion all summer.

As Dr. Shwetha Rahul concludes, "It is crucial to take care of your skin during the summer season in order to prevent common errors that will damage it. By maintaining a consistent skincare routine and using proper products and treatments, you can keep your skin safeguarded, moisturized, and refreshed."

A summer skincare routine is not just about avoiding sunburn or acne—it's about loving your skin through its changing needs and providing it the attention that it needs. From the beach to brunch, your skin is always on high exposure to heat, UV rays, and air pollution.