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Neuroscience is the science that studies the nervous system—with a special emphasis on the brain—seeking to understand how it works and how it influences our behaviors, emotions, thoughts, habits, and perceptions. It's like a magnifying glass on everything that happens inside our mind and body.

Neuroscience tries to answer questions such as:

• Why do we feel what we feel?
• How do we form memories?
• What motivates us to act (or not act)?
• How can we change behaviors or heal emotional wounds?

The answer to all this lies in the trillions of neural connections that occur in our brain—the most mysterious, complex, and fascinating organ in the human body. And that's precisely where this science comes in: mapping, analyzing, and interpreting neural functioning.

 “Neuroscience is the field of science that studies how the brain and nervous system work to influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.”

Historical origins and technological advancement

The word “Neuroscience” comes from the Greek: “neuro” (nerve) and “skopein" (observe). Although it is a relatively new field, its roots go back to Ancient Greece, when philosophers like Hippocrates already suggested that the brain was the center of emotions and thought.

However, it wasn't until the 19th century that neuroscience began to take shape as a science. With the invention of the microscope and advances in anatomy, it became possible to observe neurons, those tiny cells that communicate everything within our bodies.

Furthermore, it wasn't until the 20th century, with the advancement of technology, that this science truly took off. The advent of tests like electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and CT scans allowed scientists to literally "see" the brain in action. Since then, we've been peeling back the layers of what was once a complete mystery.

Why is Neuroscience so important today?

We live in the age of the mind. In this sense, understanding how the brain works is no longer just a scientific curiosity—it has become a necessity.

The connection between brain and behavior

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes act on "autopilot"? Or, on the other hand, why you repeat certain patterns, even though you know they're not good for you? Well, it all stems from the invisible gears of your brain.

In this way, neuroscience helps us understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. It shows that nothing happens by chance in our minds—there's a logic behind every reaction, even if we're not aware of it.

For example, studies show that most of our decisions are made unconsciously, influenced by neural patterns formed throughout life. What's more, our brains are lazy. They prefer to repeat familiar paths rather than create new ones—even if those paths aren't the best for us.

Furthermore, by studying how neurons communicate, how habits arise and how the brain responds to external stimuli, this science allows us to reprogram our behaviors — and even transform our internal and external reality.

Therefore, with this understanding, we can map and change certain mental patterns, identifying the triggers that trigger automatic behaviors—which is valuable not only for personal development, but also for areas such as education, leadership, and mental health.

“Neuroscience shows that our behavior is a direct result of how the brain processes stimuli and experiences, both conscious and unconscious.”

The influence of Neuroscience on mental and physical health

Another reason why Neuroscience has gained so much traction in recent years is its direct impact on how we deal with emotions, illnesses, and well-being.

Conditions such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder or even the burnout can be understood more deeply in light of Neuroscience. The imbalance of neurotransmitters, overstimulation of the limbic system and prolonged activation of the stress axis, for example, help explain why these conditions affect the body and mind so intensely.

And it doesn't stop there: Neuroscience also shows how seemingly simple habits — such as sleeping well, meditating, eating mindfully, and breathing correctly — have a direct impact on brain biochemistry.

Thus, today we know that it's possible to modulate the brain with daily choices. In other words, lifestyle is a powerful "medicine"—and neuroscience is the map that helps us use it strategically.

How the brain works according to Neuroscience

Neural theory and communication between neurons

The human brain is made up of about 86 billion neurons, and each of them can connect with thousands of others — creating a veritable galaxy of connections called synapses.

But what exactly is a neuron?

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical and chemical impulses. They are the messengers of the nervous system. So, when you see, feel, think, or act, neurons are firing signals to each other in a fraction of a second.

THE neuronal theory, proposed by Santiago Ramón y Cajal, explains that neurons are independent units that communicate through synapses — junctions through which signals pass from one cell to another.

It is this communication system that allows everything: from memorizing a song to solving a problem or feeling nostalgic.

“Neuronal theory states that neurons are individual units that communicate with each other through synapses, forming the basis of brain function.”

Neurotransmitters: The Brain's Messengers

Now that we know that neurons communicate, we need to understand how this communication happens.

Enter the neurotransmitters: chemicals responsible for transmitting signals between neurons. Each neurotransmitter has a different function:

• Dopamine: related to motivation, reward and pleasure
• Serotonin: linked to mood, well-being and sleep regulation
• Norepinephrine: activation, focus and stress response
• Acetylcholine: attention and memory
• GABA: natural brain calming, reduces anxiety

When these messengers are out of balance, the symptoms we experience in our daily lives arise: fatigue, irritation, lack of motivation, or even anxiety attacks.

The good news? There are natural and effective ways to regulate these chemicals—and neuroscience has shown the way.

Limbic system: the center of emotions

Inside our brain there is an “emotional nucleus” called limbic system. It is made up of structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus — and is responsible for processing emotions, forming affective memories, and reacting to emotional stimuli.

You know that feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you receive unexpected news? Or the irrational fear of something that poses no real danger? The limbic system is in charge.

In particular, the amygdala is largely responsible for detecting threats. Thus, it is instantly activated in situations of fear, risk, or stress. However, the hippocampus helps consolidate memories, especially those with emotional implications.

“The limbic system is the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions, emotional memories, and automatic responses like fear or pleasure.”

Understanding how this system works is essential to understanding how emotions shape our decisions and how we can learn to regulate them.

Mirror neurons and the social mind

What are mirror neurons?

Imagine seeing someone smile and, without realizing it, you feel the urge to smile too. Or you watch a movie and are moved by a character's pain, even though you know it's fiction. This phenomenon has a concrete neurological basis: mirror neurons.

These neurons were discovered by chance in the 1990s by Italian researchers at the University of Parma while studying the brains of monkeys. They noticed that certain neurons were activated both when the monkey performed an action and when it simply observed another monkey doing the same thing. Thus, it was as if the brain was "imitating from within" what it saw from the outside.

“Mirror neurons are brain cells that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing that same action.”

In humans, these neurons are strongly linked to the empathy, observational learning, language, and even the ability to imagine what the other person is feeling.

How they explain empathy, imitation, and connection

Thanks to mirror neurons, we can put ourselves in another person's shoes—literally. Thus, when we see someone hurt, for example, our brain internally simulates that experience. This is why we feel pain when we see someone else get hurt or joy when we hear good news.

Thus, mirror neurons are the basis of social learning, especially in infancy. Babies, for example, learn a lot by observing—and their brains use mirror neurons to "train" behaviors before they even put them into practice.

Furthermore, these neurons are behind so-called "emotional contamination": when we're in a tense environment, even without words, our body goes into a state of alert. Similarly, the presence of someone calm can calm us down.

This explains why emotionally regulated leaders positively influence their teams, or why living with toxic people affects our mental energy.

What's more, these discoveries have given strength to therapeutic practices, coaching based on rapport, Neurolinguistic Programming, and even emotional marketing. All because, at the end of the day, we are connected beings, inside and out.

How does the brain learn?

The learning process according to Neuroscience

Learning is much more than memorizing information. From a neuroscience perspective, learn is to form and strengthen connections between neurons. Thus, each new piece of information, each repetition, each well-done practice stimulates neurons to communicate more efficiently.

This process is called synaptic potentiation: the more a connection is activated, the stronger it becomes. In this way, it's as if neurons "create intimacy," making it easier to repeat that action, thought, or knowledge in the future.

Learning, therefore, is an active, physical activity in the brain. It involves structure, emotion, attention, and repetition.

“Learning is forming and strengthening connections between neurons, which occurs through repetition and attention to stimuli.”

Neuroplasticity: the moldable brain

For a long time, it was believed that the human brain formed in childhood and then became "finished"—like a finished machine. But neuroscience has proven that this is far from the truth.

Today, we know that the brain is plastic. That is, it changes with use. This adaptability is called neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity allows the brain to:

• Restructure damaged areas after an accident or trauma
• Acquire new skills at any age
• Create habits and eliminate dysfunctional patterns
• Learn a new language or musical instrument
• Adapt to different emotional and social contexts

In other words, you're not stuck with your current brain. It can transform with intention, practice, and the right stimulation.

The role of emotion in learning

There is an essential ingredient for the brain to truly learn: emotion.
It's no wonder we remember memorable events, like a first kiss or an accident, in vivid detail. Thus, emotion acts as an amplifier for learning.

In this way, the limbic system, especially the amygdala, acts as a "relevance filter." If something touches us emotionally, the brain understands: "This is important, it needs to be saved!"

Therefore, learning environments with emotional safety, curiosity and enthusiasm are infinitely more effective than contexts based on fear or punishment.

Practical tip: To learn something faster, associate the practice with something emotionally relevant—a life goal, a positive memory, or an achievement you really want.

Areas of Neuroscience: how is it divided?

Neuroscience is vast and encompasses several specialized areas. Here are the main ones:

Cognitive neuroscience

THE Cognitive neuroscience studies how the brain processes thought, memory, language, perception, and problem-solving. In other words, it seeks to understand how we construct ideas, make decisions, and interpret the world around us.

This field combines psychological studies with brain imaging technology (such as fMRI) to understand how specific parts of the brain are activated in different cognitive tasks.

“Cognitive neuroscience studies how the brain processes information related to thought, memory, perception, and language.”

Behavioral neuroscience

Here, the focus is on understanding how the brain influences behavior observable. This includes impulsive decisions, emotional reactions, and even addictions.

It is widely used in studies with animals and humans to investigate patterns that emerge from the interaction between brain, environment and experiences.

Affective neuroscience

How do we feel what we feel? This is the question that affective neuroscience seeks to answer. This field studies the brain mechanisms of emotions—such as fear, joy, sadness, anger, and love.

She investigates how the limbic system, amygdala, and neurotransmitters interact to generate emotional states and how we can learn to regulate them.

Social neuroscience

Have you ever noticed how we are influenced by the people around us?

Social neuroscience studies human group behavior, empathy, social judgment, influence, cooperation, and even prejudice—all based on how the brain responds to social interactions.

It is in this area that mirror neurons gain prominence.

Neuropsychology

This is the direct link between the brain and clinical behavior. Thus, neuropsychology studies how neurological injuries or alterations affect behavior, cognition, and emotion.

It is widely used in evaluations of patients with brain damage, Alzheimer's, strokes, ADHD or cognitive disorders.

Computational neuroscience

This is a more technical and mathematical field, which uses computational models to simulate how the brain works. In this sense, it is the basis for the development of artificial intelligence and artificial neural networks.

Furthermore, this area helps to understand complex patterns of connectivity between neurons — which would be impossible through direct observation alone.

Practical Applications of Neuroscience

Effective education and learning

Neuroscience has revolutionized the field of education. Today, we know that the brain learns best in environments with emotional safety, positive stimulation, and sensory variety. The well-known idea that each student learns differently (visually, auditorily, kinesthetically) is based on discoveries about how different senses activate distinct areas of the brain.

Furthermore, the concept of neuroplasticity has shown that every student is capable of learning—all it takes is the right stimulus, at the right intensity and pace. This reinforces the importance of teaching with empathy, patience, and intentionality.

“Neuroscience applied to education shows that the brain learns best when it is emotionally safe and stimulated by meaningful experiences.”

Psychology, therapies and emotional well-being

Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Mindfulness and even Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) tools have neuroscientific backing. Thus, they work because they help the brain create new connections—replacing dysfunctional patterns with healthier pathways.

Neuroscience also helps psychologists understand how trauma affects the nervous system, how emotions are stored in the body, and how to promote lasting change without relying solely on rational talk.

Medicine, public health and prevention

In medicine, Neuroscience is essential to understand and treat neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, among others.

But it doesn't stop there: it also has an impact on prevention strategies, the creation of public mental health policies, and even raising awareness about the impact of chronic stress on the body.

Today, for example, it's known that chronic pain, low immunity, and insomnia can originate from a dysregulated brain. Therefore, taking care of the mind is taking care of the body—and vice versa.

Leadership, productivity and corporate environments

Companies that apply neuroscience principles are one step ahead. They understand, for example, that multitasking reduces productivity, that recognition releases dopamine, and that emotionally regulated employees make better decisions.

Furthermore, Neuroscience applied to leadership teaches how to develop empathy, active listening, emotional regulation, and intrinsic motivation—all based on the functioning of the social brain.

Thus, healthy corporate environments are those that respect the biological and emotional limits of human beings — and this is where Neuroscience comes in as a tool for transformation.

Neuroscience, NLP, Mindfulness and Mindset

How science validates these practices

For a long time, techniques such as Mindfulness and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) have been viewed with suspicion by mainstream science. But that's changing—and fast.

Modern neuroscience has confirmed that mental and emotional interventions can generate real, measurable changes in brain structure and function. MRI scans, for example, show changes in prefrontal cortex and in the amygdala after a few weeks of regular meditation.

On the other hand, NLP, by focusing on language, focus and mental patterns, directly engages with concepts such as selective attention and neuroplasticity.

“Practices like Mindfulness and NLP have neuroscientific support, as they influence brain plasticity, focus, and emotional regulation.”

Attention, focus and changing mental patterns

The brain focuses on areas of emotional relevance. Therefore, learning to control focus—instead of letting the mind wander on autopilot—is one of the keys to applied neuroscience.

Mindfulness, for example, is like weight training for the brain. The more we practice, the more we develop areas related to self-control, empathy, and emotional stability.

Mindset—as popularized by Carol Dweck—has everything to do with beliefs that shape behavior. A fixed mindset (the "I'm just like this" kind) activates neural patterns of defense and fear. A growth mindset activates networks linked to curiosity, reward and openness to new things.

NLP and Mindfulness work precisely on this transition: replacing limiting unconscious patterns with conscious and flexible responses.

Practical techniques with scientific support

Want to apply neuroscience to your everyday life? Here are some simple, well-founded examples:

• Mindfulness meditation (Mindfulness): reduces the volume of the amygdala and increases the thickness of the prefrontal cortex.
• Positive Affirmations and Visualizations (NLP): activate areas associated with motivation and create new neural connections.
• Conscious breathing: activates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and balance of the autonomic nervous system.
• Reinterpretation of events (reframing): helps the brain encode memories with less negative emotional charge.
• Emotional Anchoring (NLP): creates positive neural triggers for moments of stress or challenge.

All of these practices may seem simple, but they bring about real neural restructuring when done frequently and with intention.

How to learn more about Neuroscience

Many people think that neuroscience is something reserved for doctors and scientists, but the truth is that anyone curious can start studying the brain — and apply this knowledge in their daily lives.

Today, there are countless channels, courses, and books available with accessible language without sacrificing depth. Therefore, the key is to start with the basics and gradually progress, using reliable, evidence-based sources.

“Anyone can learn Neuroscience from reliable sources such as introductory books, online courses, and educational videos.”

You don't need to understand biochemistry to apply neuroscience to your daily routine. Simply understand key concepts like brain plasticity, attention, emotions, habits, and behavior. This will help you transform the way you think, feel, and act.

Recommended books, courses and channels

Here are some valuable tips for those who want to get started (or delve deeper):

Books

The Brain That Changes Itself – Norman Doidge (Author), Ryta Vinagre (Translator)
(About neuroplasticity and real cases of brain reprogramming)

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The Drunkard's Walk: How Chance Determines Our Lives – Leonard Mlodinow (Author), Diego Alfaro (Translator), Samuel Jurkiewicz (Contributor)
(It mixes Neuroscience, statistics and behavior with lightness)

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Man's Search for Meaning: A Psychologist in a Concentration Camp – Viktor E. Frankl (Author), Carlos Cardoso Aveline (Translator), Walter O. Schlupp (Translator)
(Although it is not technical, it dialogues with Neuroscience applied to resilience)

Courses and Platforms

• Fundamentals of Neuroscience (Harvard University)
  Free, with subtitles and accessible teaching materials.
• Neuroscience at School – Singularities Institute
  Focus on classroom application.
• Neurofuncional – Channel about Neuroscience in a simple and didactic way

With these sources, knowledge ceases to be technical and becomes transformative.

Conclusion: The Power of Knowing Your Mind

Understanding how the brain works isn't just a curiosity—it's an invitation to live with greater awareness, lightness, and autonomy. Neuroscience shows us that thoughts aren't absolute truths, habits aren't immutable, and emotions aren't enemies. Thus, everything can be understood, reinterpreted, and transformed.

More than that: you can reprogram your mind, change patterns, create new connections, and build a lighter, more productive, and healthier mental pathway. The brain is like a garden—and neuroscience teaches you how to care for this fertile space every day.

And perhaps the most beautiful thing about all this is realizing that, behind all the neurological complexity, we are human beings trying to live better. And we have science on our side to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions about Neuroscience – FAQ

1. What is Neuroscience in a nutshell?

It is the science that studies the brain, the nervous system and how they influence behavior, emotions and the mind.

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2. Is Neuroscience only for doctors or scientists?

No! Anyone can learn Neuroscience. There's plenty of accessible content for beginners.

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3. How does Neuroscience help with well-being?

She shows how emotions, habits, and thoughts affect the brain—and how we can change these patterns for greater health and balance.

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4. Does neuroscience have anything to do with artificial intelligence?

Yes! Computational neuroscience is one of the foundations for the development of neural networks and AI.

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5. Can I change my brain with practices like meditation?

Yes! Neuroplasticity proves that the brain changes with training and repetition. Mindfulness, for example, even modifies the brain structure.

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Image: Freepik