Is it True that We Only Use 10 per cent of Our Brains? Science Fiction

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Welcome to Science Fiction, where you supply the questions.

And we apply the science. Argh!

What's today's question, BUD-E?

Two ticks, Doc. Me old processor's gone a bit wonky, there.

Today's question comes from Fiona in Athlone-a...

Ah, this'll be a real test to the old grey matter, Fiona.

The brain is composed of billions of tiny cells, called neurons,

that communicate with each other via electrical signals.

Kind of like loads of little gossipy grannies running around,

nattering away inside your head.

Now, these neurons control different functions

depending on what part of the brain they're in.

So, one area controls language and thought,

another movement and balance, another breathing...

Another, what peanut butter you like,

-whether or not you can tickle a chicken...

-Professor, please!

Sorry, love, sorry.

Oh, I'm feeling a bit light-headed after that.

While all these parts of the brain may not be in use all the time,

they are able to work together to allow you to do

even the most complex of tasks.

Ha!

See, look what happens when I try to do this. Look.

So, Fiona, the brain is a powerful and sophisticated machine

and it's a total myth to say that we only use ten percent of it.

So that's just a load of old science fiction, eh?

I think I need to lie down after that. My head feels a bit funny.