Body is real, so is mind

According to a study, 'sad feelings' can alter stress-related brain tasks and increase blood levels of inflammatory proteins linked to heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. Mind and mindset are crucial to one's nature. Our nature or behaviour is controlled by the 'brain,' a mysterious 3-pound soft structure responsible for solving problems, planning actions, and controlling emotions. These executive functions control our' body and mind.

The central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord (CNS). They regulate thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and more. It controls things we don't notice, like digestion. Simply put, it is the body's central computer. The spinal cord connects the body and brain. Brain information travels 268 mph, say, scientists. Men are smarter than women. Bigger does not equal smarter.

New research may help us understand how a healthy brain works, how to keep it healthy, and what happens when it is diseased or dysfunctional.

Scientists call the human brain "evolution's crowning achievement." Scientists agree that the brain is always active, firing millions of neurons. The brain and some cognitive functions decline with age, but many mental skills improve. Older brains perform better in vocabulary, comprehension, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. We need a bridge between young and old today.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org