Do you have a brain for math? New research indicates that levels of two key neurotransmitters (脑神经传递素) — glutamate (谷氨酸) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)can predict mathematical abilities, suggesting brain chemistry may be playing a role in those who find math easy.
The new study, published in the journal PLOS Biology, recruited 255 subjects extending a range of six-year olds in primary school to university students. The research focused on glutamate and GABA, known to play a role in brain plasticity (可塑性) and learning. Based on prior research, the focus was on two brain regions linked with mathematical abilities — the left intraparietal sulcus (IPS 顶叶内沟) and the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG 脑额中回).
The results were interestingly different. In the youngest subjects high GABA levels and low glutamate levels in the left IPS were consistently associated with high math skills. But in the older university group the exact opposite was seen: low GABA and high glutamate were linked with strong mathematical abilities. Levels of both neurotransmitters in the MFG did not associate with math skills.
The group was tested twice over 18 months, allowing the researchers to see if these neurotransmitter levels could predict mathematical ability into the future. And it worked, with neurotransmitter levels effectively predicting one's success on math tests completed a year and a half later.
Another recent study from the same research team looked specifically at GABA levels in MFG of 14 to 18 year olds. That research indicated MFG GABA levels could effectively predict whether a student was still studying maths or had ceased that subject years prior.
Cohen Kadosh, one of the researchers working on the study, says this may indicate math education can help stimulate the development of key brain regions. Further research will work on whether certain learning interventions can help those children less interested in math so these brain regions still get the developmental workout they need.
"Not every adolescent enjoys maths so we need to investigate possible alternatives, such as training in logic and reasoning that engage the same brain area as maths." says Cohen Kadosh.
