“Zapping part of the brain makes you think harder – at a cost”

Key points

• 31 volunteers received targeted tDCS while performing a 3-back memory task.
• Stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improved speed and accuracy.
• Average reaction time dropped from 1.12 to 0.98 seconds with stimulation.
• Post-task glutamate levels rose, correlating with preference for the easier task.
• Researchers caution that benefits may come with increased mental fatigue afterward.