Interview:

Ochanomizu University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology 

Hair extension(No more Hiromu) 先生

Creating a good environment in the brain

interviewer:Professor Kenai's "読書する脳" (SB Shinsho) has become a best-seller on Amazon and has attracted a lot of attention.Improve your brain environmentI would like to ask about this point, but what exactly does a "good environment" for the brain refer to?

interviewer:I had the impression that research into the brain often concerned nerve cells and neurons.

Hair inside先生 : Yes. ActuallyAbout half of the brainis made up of supporting cells called astrocytes.

interviewer:Half of it?

Hair inside先生 : That's right. To reiterate, astrocytes clean up the waste that is produced when nerve cells are active, deliver nutrients, and slightly adjust the exchange of information.Astrocytes are functioning properlyHowever, I believe it is a good environment for the brain.

interviewer:I see. Is this garbage something like the commonly-mentioned amyloid beta?

Hair inside先生 : Yes, that's true, but there are also more mundane things like potassium ions released when nerves are active, and other subtle changes in the environment. Astrocytes try to keep these constant. If this doesn't work, the brainTiredYou may feel faint or your mind may stop working.Brain cleaningThat is a very important keyword.

interviewer:Brain cleaning. Recently,SleepI often hear about this in stories like this. The idea is that your brain is washed while you sleep.

Hair inside先生 : That's exactly it. While we sleep, astrocytes shrink a little, widening the gaps in the brain, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flow through and clean them.Recent researchSo, the reason why sleep is important isTime to physically cleanse your brainThat's why.

interviewer:I see. So it's a physical process of cleaning. If that's the case, does that mean that modern people don't have enough time to clean, or that the environment is prone to deterioration?

Hair inside先生 : I think so.Information overloadSo your brain is constantly working and your sleep time is cut down. When that happens, waste accumulates in your brain and your nerve cells can no longer function properly.Brain fatigueI think this may be one of the true identities.

スマホの悪影響

interviewer:As you wrote in your book, brain fatigue issmartphoneIs there any influence from this?

Hair inside先生 : It's a big deal. As you all know, smartphones are constantly bringing in new and exciting information.reward systemThat is always the case.stimulateThis means that your brain has no time to rest. Even though you're tired, you find yourself looking at your smartphone again. This is a very harsh environment for your brain.

interviewer:Wow, that reminds me...

Hair inside先生 : It's the same for everyone. Especially short videos are designed to release dopamine, so children can't stop watching them with their own will. We have to consciously create an environment that allows the brain to rest.Improve your brain environment" That's one of the reasons why I say this.

interviewer:I see. Professor, I would like to ask you a little more about astrocytes. Is this training or something?Improve your own workIs it possible to do this?

Hair inside先生 : This is exactly what I'm most interested in right now. In fact, astrocytes areblood flowFor example,motionOr a little stimulation, that's what I'm researching.Weak electrical stimulationHowever, there is emerging data that suggests that the function of astrocytes changes.

interviewer:Wow!

Hair inside先生 : So, you don't have to rely on medicines,Lifestyle habitOr newTechnologyIt may be possible to revitalize astrocytes usingdepressionOr,Dementia preventionI hope that this will lead to things like that.

interviewer:That's amazing. Will this weak electrical stimulation be available to the general public?

Hair inside先生 : That's something I'd like to do in the future. It's still in the research stage, but it's highly safe with almost no side effects, so if it could be used in the form of a headset while relaxing at home, it should make brain recovery much smoother. However, in Japan, it tends to be perceived as suspicious or scary, so I think it's very important for researchers like me to spread the word by providing proper scientific evidence.

Developing a "reading brain"

interviewer:From here, I would like to ask you about your approach to reading. The details are written in your book "The Reading Brain," but I would like to ask you again about theBasic StancePlease tell me about this.

Hair inside先生 : First,It's best to read as you please.I think so. In the first place, it's not something you read out of a sense of obligation, such as because it's a recommended book or a required book. I think it's a lot of fun to be able to freely expand your imagination, such as by imagining the continuation of the story yourself. Just like with movies, reading is "Vicarious experience" In other words, you canDiverse valuesand ultimatelyReasoning into the human mindI think this is an activity that will lead to this.

interviewer:If we are to connect reading to learning, what are some effective ways of reading?

Hair inside先生 : First,Reading aloudReading while reading, and before or while reading a bookAsking questions""Reading with questions" That's right.

interviewer:It seems difficult to have doubts.

Hair inside先生 : Famous reading methodsOne of them is "SQ3R method" There is a saying,Ssurvey (overview),Question (question),Read (read),Recite (reproduce),RIt is an acronym for review.Q(Questions) are very important.Diverse experiencesIt is recommended that parents and children read the book together while having a conversation.

interviewer:"StorytellingIt's a great time to do this.

Hair inside先生 : That's exactly right. We think about the rest of the story together and ask ourselves, "Why is that?"conversationAdults can lead children to develop good reading habits that lead to learning.What the author intendedIf you can't read the text, you can't solve the problem. Learning through reading, such as inferring the other person's mind,Fostering social skillsThis also leads to...

interviewer:This is a bit of a tough question, but when it comes to reading,Working memoryIs that also involved?

Hair inside先生 : Yes.inferenceWorking memory is necessary for this. Reading and music are enjoyable thanks to working memory. Working memory also plays an important role in being able to use syllogisms. However, before talking about working memory, let's take a look at the working memory of experiences, knowledge, etc.Database is required.FailureThis process is repeated to update the database and lead to inference.

interviewer:CommunicationThe same is true.

Hair inside先生 : That's right. Inferring what others are thinking is also connected to social skills. In that respect, working memory plays an important role. If the adults around you teach you step by step,Surprise levelThis will result in no learning.

interviewer:Thank you. Finally, please give a message to those who are reading Active!

Hair inside先生 : I try not to treat my children like children.Parents have a lot to learn from their childrenThat's the idea. There seem to be articles with a variety of perspectives, so I think it would be good to have your child explain their favorite article and turn it into a learning opportunity.

Speaking from my field of expertise, the brain can change at any age.EnvironmentIf you just take care of it, you can bring out even more of your potential. I want more people to know that.

interviewer:Thank you very much. Thank you very much for sharing your valuable insights with us today.

Hair inside先生 : I'm the one who should be thanking you.