Read the full report here.
“In fact,” the report goes on, “research suggests our brains process information at a speed of just 10 bits per second. But how is this possible, in comparison to the trillions of operations computers can perform every second?”
Of course, those conversant with information technology will know that input and output to and from peripheral devices in computer systems is far slower, especially if it processes data sequentially rather than in parallel, than the speed of a central processing unit (CPUs); and specialist graphics processing units (GPUs) are lightning fast.
These findings don't, however, take into account the feverish activity of countless authority figures, minions, and unsung heroes scurrying around the subconscious, or unconscious, corridors of power and miscellaneous offices, performing their wizardry and buffoonery behind the scenes.
Skilfully calculating the trajectory of a fiendishly spun curve ball on the cricket pitch in the blink of an eye being one example among countless lesser and unreported miracles. Or something more everyday like recalling a person's name that is on the tip of your tongue, “as if by magic”, or “out of the blue”, half an hour later.
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Image: PET Normal brain / United States Department of Health and Human Services / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain.