文章探讨了人类大脑在思考时的能量消耗问题。研究表明，即使在专注思考时，大脑的能耗仅比静息状态多出约5%。这表明，大脑的主要功能是维持基本运转，而非单纯的“认知机器”。研究还指出，大脑的能量消耗与演化有关，为了节省资源，人类在进化过程中形成了对能量的节约机制。此外，神经元的信息传递速度和效率也受到能量限制，大脑通过优化信息传递方式来实现节能。这些发现揭示了大脑在高能耗与有限资源之间的平衡机制。
The article explores the energy consumption of the human brain during thinking. Research shows that even when focused, the brain consumes only about 5% more energy than in a resting state, indicating that its main function is to maintain basic operations rather than being a purely cognitive machine. The study also highlights that the brain's energy usage is shaped by evolution, with humans evolving mechanisms to conserve energy. Additionally, neural signal transmission speed and efficiency are constrained by energy limits, as the brain optimizes information transfer to save resources. These findings reveal the balance between high cognitive demands and limited biological energy.
| 中文词汇/短语 | 英文解释 | 语法说明 | 附加例句 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 认知的代谢成本 | metabolic cost of cognition | 名词短语，表示大脑运行所需能量 | The metabolic cost of cognition is a key factor in understanding brain function. |
| 神经科学家 | neuroscientist | 名词，研究神经系统的人 | She is a renowned neuroscientist in Australia. |
| 正电子发射断层扫描 | positron emission tomography (PET) | 名词，医学成像技术 | PET scans are used to measure glucose consumption in the brain. |
| 功能性磁共振成像 | functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) | 名词，医学成像技术 | fMRI helps researchers monitor brain activity. |
| 默认模式网络 | default mode network | 名词，大脑活动区域 | The default mode network is active during rest. |
| 内稳态 | homeostasis | 名词，维持体内平衡 | Maintaining homeostasis is essential for survival. |
| 能量预算 | energy budget | 名词短语，指生物体的能量使用限制 | The brain operates within a strict energy budget. |
| 预测式 | predictive | 形容词，强调预测能力 | The brain is a predictive system. |
| 疲劳机制 | fatigue mechanism | 名词短语，身体防止过度消耗的机制 | The fatigue mechanism prevents overexertion. |
| 中文句子/表达 | 英文解释 | 语法说明 | 附加例句 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 根据最新研究，它在你放松时消耗的能量，几乎和你紧张工作时差不多。 | According to the latest research, it consumes almost the same amount of energy when you relax as when you are stressed. | 主句 + 宾语从句结构 | According to the study, people use similar energy levels whether they are working or resting. |
| 我们常觉得集中注意力、深入思考很费脑力，好像消耗了很多能量。 | We often feel that focusing and deep thinking are mentally exhausting, as if they consume a lot of energy. | 主句 + 插入语结构 | People usually think that solving complex problems requires a lot of mental effort. |
| 大脑并不仅仅是一个“认知机器”，而是演化塑造出的产物。 | The brain is not just a "cognitive machine," but a product of evolution. | 主系表结构 | The body is not just a physical structure, but a result of natural selection. |
| 为了维持体内稳态，大脑必须时刻为下一步做好准备。 | To maintain homeostasis, the brain must always be prepared for the next step. | 目的状语从句 | To stay healthy, the body needs to regulate its internal environment. |
| 你感到疲惫，就像运动之后会累一样，并不是因为你真的没有足够的热量去“支付”这些活动。 | Feeling tired is like after exercise, not because you don’t have enough calories to “pay” for these activities. | 比较结构 | Feeling sleepy after studying is similar to feeling tired after running. |
| 中文句子 | 英文翻译 | 解释 |
|---|---|---|
| 你刚刚结束了一天的疲惫工作回到家，只想抬起双脚，随便看点电视放空自己。 | You just finished a tiring day at work and came home, wanting to just prop up your feet and watch some TV to relax. | 描述人们下班后想休息的状态。 |
| 但其实你的大脑并没有真的“放空”。 | But actually, your brain isn't really "off." | 指出大脑即使休息也在运作。 |
| 这项新研究支持了一个正在发展的观点：大脑的主要功能其实是“维持运转”。 | This new study supports an emerging idea: the brain's main function is to "keep running." | 强调大脑的基本功能是维持运转。 |
| 人们总觉得大脑是用来思考的，但从代谢角度看，它的大部分功能其实是用来管理身体的。 | People often think the brain is for thinking, but from a metabolic perspective, most of its functions are for managing the body. | 指出大脑的功能不仅仅是思维。 |
| 大脑的演化限制 | Evolutionary constraints on the brain | 指出大脑在进化中受到能量限制。 |