Yes, I know this is a Biology blog, but this is interesting. What does math have to do with Biology? A lot of things actually. A whole bunch of biology is based on Mathematics, but that's not what I am here to talk about. I am here to talk to you about research carried out by Kadosh et al at Oxford University found that dropping Math as a subject after 16l can lead to a lesser developed brain than those who did not drop the subject.
Scientists studied over 130 students between the ages of 14 to 18 and asked if they dropped math after their GCSEs (given usually at the age of 16) or whether they were planning on doing so. Brain scans and cognitive tests were conducted and follow-ups were carried out 19 months later. Guess what they found? Lower levels of the chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid was found in those who dropped the subject. This chemical, a neurotransmitter, is fundamental for brain plasticity. It results in improved problem solving, learning, memory and reasoning. No changes in the concentration of the neurotransmitter were found before the child dropped mathematics.
What are the implications of this study? Well countries that do allow students to drop the subject, such as the UK, will have students who are relatively underdeveloped than their counterparts who are forced to take up this study. Alternatives that have a similar effect of mathematics may have to be developed by the researchers. But what's more important is that this study hints at the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on learning and the development of the brain. In the meantime, you can find the full article in the link below!
Article:
The impact of a lack of mathematical education on brain development and future attainment. George Zacharopoulos, Francesco Sella, Roi Cohen Kadosh. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Jun 2021, 118 (24) e2013155118; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013155118
https://www.pnas.org/content/118/24/e2013155118
Image: https://www.wellesley.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_refresh_hero/public/assets/dailyshot/ds_461390782.jpg?itok=jr0Buv1t
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