Hannah Critchlow in The Guardian:
For decades, mitochondria were introduced in biology textbooks as the cell’s “powerhouses” – important, dependable but rather dull. The stars of the show were undeniably neurons. Today, that picture is changing. We’re discovering that neurons produce thought, ideas and emotions only because mitochondria continuously transform fuel into the energy they need. Intelligence depends not simply on the brain’s wiring, but on the uninterrupted flow of energy through that wiring. This is a subtle shift in perspective, but an important one.
Emerging evidence suggests that healthy mitochondrial function helps give rise to intelligence, including driving arithmetic and processing speed, working memory, healthier brain ageing and greater resilience to stress. Mitochondria are no longer viewed as passive batteries but as active participants in the delicate balancing act that allows the brain to adapt, learn and flourish throughout life. Suddenly, the oldest health advice begins to make much more sense. Exercise doesn’t simply boost muscle mass, it bulks up the hippocampus – a key region of the brain involved in learning and memory. It also encourages mitochondria to become more numerous and more efficient.
More here.
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