(searching PubMed, the database of biomedical journals, for “cognitive enhancement”)

if scientists understood the mechanisms of intelligence even half as well as they do the mechanisms of, say, muscular strength.

but the number of rigorous, well-designed studies that will stand the test of time is much smaller,”

Be skeptical

depending only on whether attention is being paid.

we don’t pay much attention to them

cognitively demanding activity

To be determined: whether a nicotine patch delivers the benefits without the risks.

by simply believing that you’ll do well, which itself releases dopamine.

reducing stress and the resulting cortisol, which attacks the myelin sheath that coats neurons and thus impairs signal transmission, allows underlying abilities to reach their full potential.

that the more you use a circuit, the stronger it gets.

physical exercise

meditation