Thinkie, a ground-breaking brain training device, uses Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to provide real-time feedback on brain activity, helping users enhance cognitive function, focus, and creativity.
To dive deeper into the science behind Thinkie, Kota Ageiwa, CEO of Thinkie, had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ryuta Kawashima. An MD and leading neuroscientist at Tohoku University and founder of the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Dr. Kawashima's research plays a central role in developing Thinkie’s innovative neurofeedback system.
Interviewer: Kota Ageiwa, CEO of Thinkie Inc
Guest: Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, Neuroscientist
Kota Ageiwa: Dr. Kawashima, what inspired you to pursue neuroscience?
Dr. Ryuta Kawashima: My fascination with the brain began when I was a middle school student and read a science fiction novel. I dreamed of transferring my brain into a computer.
Kota: So, your dream was set from middle school. That’s a profound idea. What excites you the most among recent advances in neuroscience?
Dr. Kawashima: One of the most exciting discoveries is that the brain activities of multiple people can synchronize when they interact. This phenomenon we discovered recently seems to capture human empathy, making it a fascinating finding.
Kota: Neurofeedback is a growing field in neuroscience. Could you explain its core principles and significance?
Dr. Kawashima: Neurofeedback works by measuring brain activity and translating it into visual or audio cues that users can interpret in real time. This feedback allows people to modify and control their brain activity consciously. It has shown effectiveness in improving cognitive functions, focus, and even rehabilitation for brain-related disorders.
Kota: It’s incredibly intriguing [that] understanding the brain’s state reveals novel aspects of cognition. Also, one emerging technology in neuroscience I think is neurofeedback. Could you explain the concept, principles, and its significance in society?
Dr. Kawashima: Neurofeedback involves measuring brain activity, converting it into easily understandable information like visual graphs or sounds, and allowing users to monitor it. This process enables people to modify and control their brain activity through their intentions and actions. While it’s been shown to improve cognitive functions and rehabilitation for people with brain-related disorders, the detailed mechanisms remain partially unknown. We believe the focus required to control one’s brain activity explains its effectiveness.
Kota: I see. You’ve developed a compact device that uses NIRS to enable neurofeedback. What motivated you to pursue this development?
Dr. Kawashima: Various devices have been developed to study brain activity, with MRI being the standard for research. However, we wanted to make brain activity measurement more accessible for everyday use and began working on developing more compact devices.
Kota: Besides its size, how does Thinkie's NIRS sensor differ from conventional brain activity measurement devices?
Dr. Kawashima: NIRS uses light to measure brain activity, and its primary advantage is its extremely low noise levels. Unlike real-time single measurements with EEG, NIRS provides much cleaner data.
Kota: In Thinkie’s efforts, you’ve focused on measuring the prefrontal cortex with NIRS. What does the activity in this region indicate?
Dr. Kawashima: Thinkie’s NIRS sensor measures the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which governs cognitive functions like memory and attention. High activity in this region directly indicates significant utilization of these functions.
Kota: Is it sufficient to measure only the prefrontal cortex?
Dr. Kawashima: We believe so, because most intellectual activities, such as thinking and memory, are concentrated in the prefrontal cortex.
Kota: Using Thinkie’s NIRS-based neurofeedback system, users can objectively understand their thoughts and mental states of themselves. Can it also be of help in managing stress and anxiety?
Dr. Kawashima: Indeed, neurofeedback is highly effective in mental care. Previous research shows that even the effort to alter brain activity can reduce stress levels. For stress management, the medial prefrontal cortex, located in the center of the forehead, plays a crucial role. This area is more active during idle states but less so when concentrating. This concentrated state aligns with what is known as "focused meditation," which has been shown to reduce stress. Neurofeedback can be designed to target decreased activity in this region, providing a clear and actionable method [of stress management].
Kota: Fascinating. Neurofeedback seems to have numerous potential applications beyond stress management.
Dr. Kawashima: Enhancing dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity can improve creativity, making it applicable to the arts.
Kota: I see potential applications in education and workplace productivity. We’re introducing the Thinkie system to American football players soon. Could this technology enhance sports performance?
Dr. Kawashima: Enhancing self-control and creativity through neurofeedback offers advantages in sports. Athletes often face high-stress situations, and neurofeedback also can help alleviate this burden.
Kota: What are the long-term effects of using Thinkie’s system for brain health?
Dr. Kawashima: Continuously enhancing cognitive functions can help prevent dementia in older adults. This suggests neurofeedback could have a significant impact in aging societies.
Kota: Some people believe they don’t need brain training because their brains are healthy. What’s your perspective on this?
Dr. Kawashima: Many assume their cognitive functions are normal. However, psychological research shows cognitive function peaks around age 20 and declines steadily. Thus, brain training is valuable at any age past 20.
Kota: NEU’s website mentions that children also benefit from using the Thinkie system. Could you elaborate on its mechanisms?
Dr. Kawashima: Children also show increases in prefrontal cortex activity. In Japan, children who participated in brain training saw improved academic performance and higher success rates in entrance exams.
Kota: Is combining this with physical activity effective?
Dr. Kawashima: Yes, especially aerobic exercise, which enhances the secretion of BDNF, a factor essential for brain cell growth.
Kota: New users often ask about the safety of NIRS. How would you address their concerns?
Dr. Kawashima: NIRS uses near-infrared light, which is part of sunlight, to measure brain blood flow through reflection. It’s less invasive than standing outdoors in sunlight.
Kota: Why solving puzzles or doing calculations without a sensor insufficient?
Dr. Kawashima: Neurofeedback during intellectual tasks significantly enhances cognitive functions [while] passive activities lack the same impact. Monitoring brain activity ensures optimal engagement.
Kota: What tips can you offer for boosting brain activity during games?
Dr. Kawashima: Increase your speed and maintain focus. Set time limits and avoid distractions.
Kota: Can the long-term effects of brain training be evaluated?
Dr. Kawashima: The Thinkie system tracks progress with Thinkie Points, reflecting brain activities over time.
Kota: Why is brain age measurement limited to once a month?
Dr. Kawashima: Because frequent repetition may skew results as users get accustomed to the process. The experience must be unfamiliar every time.
Kota: How will neurofeedback evolve in the next decade?
Dr. Kawashima: Sensor miniaturization makes this technology accessible to more people.
Kota: Lastly, could you give us some advice to those who are interested in starting brain training and making it a habit?
Dr. Kawashima: Brain training improves cognitive functions, but consistency is key. Effects typically emerge after 2–4 weeks. Enjoyment and a positive mindset are vital to sustaining the habit, so please enjoy yourself, and sometimes with your friends and family.
As our understanding of the brain deepens, Thinkie stands at the forefront of accessible neuroscience technology. With Dr. Kawashima leading the charge in brain training innovation, Thinkie will continue to shape the future of cognitive enhancement.