It’s all in the mind: strength of brainwaves key to winning university competitions
Scientists are organising events called “Mind Games” to test people's abilities to control their brainwaves
Scientists from Birkbeck are organising a series of events called “Mind Games” to test the ability of students and the general public to control their brainwaves. At the events, contestants from the audience can play a virtual Tug of War using the power of their minds.
To play the game, the contestants will wear a headband that registers their brain activity and sends these signals to a computer that converts them into commands such as “pull the rope”. The stronger your ability to focus your attention, the easier it is to win the game. Games normally last three to five minutes.
The science of neurofeedback
Dr Eddy Davelaar, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pyschological Sciences at Birkbeck, is co-organising the series of events taking place on six consecutive Thursdays in university bars in Bloomsbury, central London. He said: “Apart from the game being fun and interactive, there is a lot of science that goes on in the background. The game makes use of neurofeedback, which is a procedure through which people can learn to control their brain activity. Although its use is mostly in the clinical setting to treat PTSD, ADHD, depression, chronic pain, among others, research has shown that neurofeedback training can enhance artistic performance in musicians and dancers and can improve mental abilities such as memory and attention in college students.
“Neuroscience has also revealed that during neurofeedback training, the brain makes new connections. Current research efforts focus on understanding the detailed processes that happen in the brain during training.”
Taking part
The events raise awareness of this research in a fun way and at the same time will raise donations for three charities: Age UK, NSPCC, and the People’s Project.
The events will take place for six consecutive Thursdays in the bars of Birkbeck, Institute of Education, and University of London Union from Thursday 7 November to 12 December (Christmas finale) from 4pm to 8pm.
We are looking for contestants and interested parties.
The events are free and open to students, and the public (at the Institute of Education). There’s no need to book. Potential contestants should simply come along on the evening.