Technology is increasingly taking over our lives but it can also help us avoid aging and age-related disease. We are experiencing an interacting amalgamation of humans and technology. Our research shows that, if we engage with technology in a positive and meaningful way, we increase the information load to our brain and this has several effects on our biology.
‘When a positive amount of information reaches our brain cells (neurons), they react by activating a neuronal stress response which leaves the neuron healthy and more 'information-rich.'’
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For example, when a positive amount of information (i.e. not too little and not too much, but just pleasantly challenging) reaches our brain cells (neurons), these neurons react by activating the 'neuronal stress response' mechanisms. In essence, this response aims to contain the slight stress caused by the challenge to the neuron, and leaves the neuron healthy and more 'information-rich'.
The information overload of our modern society represents one such positive challenge, known as a 'hormetic stressor'.
Hormesis is a widespread phenomenon characterized by a 'low-dose activation, high-dose inhibition' principle. This means that a low dose of any given stimulus (a challenge) can stimulate the organism in a positive way and result in health improvement, whereas an excessive or suboptimal exposure of the same stimulus can result in damage and disease. So, a challenging exposure to information technology results in brain improvement.
But this is not all. During the neuronal stress response there is production of factors (such as Protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, Activating-transcription-factor-6, and Mitogen-activated protein kinases), which are in direct competition with the germline - the cells and elements of our sperm and eggs.
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Therefore, we age and die, with our genes being passed unharmed to the next generation. But, our research indicates that the activation of neuronal stress response diverts these repair resources from the germline back to the neuron and thus the neuron remains healthy and functions for longer.
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In this way, the hormetic cognitive stress originating from exposure to information derived from new technology, may result in a reduction of aging and age-related diseases.
Source-Eurekalert