Mild Brain Stimulation May Boost Math Skills, Study Finds

A new study has found that gently stimulating the brain using weak electric currents could enhance mathematical problem-solving abilities in young adults, offering a potential breakthrough in cognitive learning enhancement.

Conducted by researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK, the study focused on individuals aged 18 to 30. It revealed that applying safe and painless electric currents to a specific part of the brain—the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—led to improved performance in solving mathematical problems.

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, located on the outer surface of the frontal lobe just behind the forehead, plays a critical role in learning, memory, focus, and executive function. By targeting this region through transcranial electrical stimulation, researchers observed noticeable improvements in participants’ ability to tackle complex numerical tasks.

“Our findings show that stimulating the DLPFC may enhance cognitive functions associated with mathematical learning,” said the lead author of the study. “This could pave the way for non-invasive, brain-based interventions to support education and skill development.”

The stimulation technique used in the study is considered safe and non-invasive, with participants reporting no discomfort or side effects. Researchers emphasized, however, that this approach is still in its early stages and should not be seen as a shortcut to mastering mathematical concepts.

While the idea of enhancing learning through electrical stimulation may raise ethical and scientific questions, experts believe such studies could help develop new tools for supporting students with learning difficulties or improving cognitive function in aging populations.

The research team plans to explore long-term effects and broader applications of the method in future studies, including whether similar benefits can be observed in other areas such as language learning or logical reasoning.

The study adds to growing evidence that neurostimulation could become a valuable tool in personalized learning and cognitive training programs.