Naked Science Forum

General Discussion & Feedback => Radio Show & Podcast Feedback => Topic started by: Ken Flowe on 06/04/2009 19:30:02

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Ken Flowe on 06/04/2009 19:30:02

Ken Flowe  asked the Naked Scientists:
   On the March 8 episode, Kat mentioned that this or that part of the brain (e.g., prefrontal cortex) were where self or personality traits existed, then mentioned that she didn't know where they were.

Two points:

1) I suspect she knows more about mammalian brain anatomy than she lets on, because she's sharp as a tack.

2) That's actually crucial information for even laypeople. Many bike riders are diligent to wear helmets, but wear them wrong with their whole forehead exposed. That leaves the part of the brain that is responsible for our personhood who we REALLY are exposed.  

Of all the parts of my brain, that's my favourite, and the one I'd like to protect the most.   I suspect that if the errant-helmeted riders really knew their risks, they'd wear their helmets correctly.

Thanks for a great show!
Ken
 
Ken Flowe, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Officer and Emergency Department Medical Director
Person Memorial Hospital
What do you think?

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/04/2009 06:18:44

Good on you for pointing that out. [:)]
Take note people, the man has spoken.
Wear your helmet properly. [:)]

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Karen W. on 07/04/2009 07:43:08

Very good! Points well Taken and certainly worth passing on to others especially cyclists!

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 11:29:01

Newton's rule
Inclined plane

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/04/2009 11:29:40

Don't ride your bike downhill too fast.

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 11:32:32

 you also know something.

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/04/2009 11:32:55

No.

I was just talking bs.

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Raghavendra on 07/04/2009 11:38:07

 ok  [;)]

Title: Why do cyclists leave the most important part of the brain unprotected?
Post by: Bored chemist on 07/04/2009 20:42:50

It's been a while since I had occasion to test a selection of human skuls to destruction.*

I'm pretty sure that evolution beat the cylists to it. The skull of the forehead is thick and strong. I also wonder if cyclists hit the ground forehead first. If they don't then padding it wouldn't help. your arms and hands can do a fir job of covering up the front of the head or breaking your fall so your head doesn't hit the ground. If you go for a real tumble and hit the ground such that the back of your head lands first then you have a real problem. You can't get your hands or arms in the way of the fall to protect yourself and you can't rely on the thick skull of the forehead.
In those circumstances it's probably a good idea to have some padding straped on at the back.

Of course all protective headgear is a compromise.
You could offer a greater degreee of protection with a thicker, more encompassing helmet. But people find thosee heavy and hot so they don't wear them.
A helmet that only protects the back of the head but is cool enough to wear might be the best compromise.

* joke, I never broke a skull- though I have been tempted.