The Science Behind Reading

Dear Reader,

Today, we'll be delving into the scientific aspect that makes reading so unique and utterly beneficial to not just our soul, but our noggin too. Simple, clear, concise - so let's get to it, shall we?

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The brain is one of the most complex enigmas in the known universe. With its intricate wirings and high-end abilities, it allows humans to empirically grasp its mysteries through the acquisition of knowledge by reading. The synergy between the brain and the ability to read highlights key elements such as neurotransmitters, the hippocampus, and brain plasticity.

Figure 1

 The way the human brain functions once exposed to words on a page, is a highly technical
process.  First, the eyes capture images of the individual words, which are then converted into electrical signals and transferred to the back of the brain. There, these signals are processed and stored for future recognition in the “letterbox” .  (Figure 1). Then, the frontal and temporal lobes tell us how the word is pronounced and what it means, allowing us to create connections with other words and ideas in the future . 

Figure 2

   For this process, the brain relies on neurons , nerve cells which receive the electrical and chemical signals in the brain, to comprehend what is being read. For them to do this, neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers, play a crucial role in continuously transmitting signals between neurons. When it comes to reading, multiple regions of the brain such as the visual cortex and areas associated with language and comprehension, communicate  with each other (Figure 2) through these neurotransmitters. This allows for the release of hormones which act as the catalysts to the sensations felt while reading.  Such hormones may be serotonin, for its pleasurable sensations and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid , which acts as a reliever of anxiety and fear.

Figure 3

Figure 4

   Notably, there are many phenomena that ensue should the brain be continuously tasked with translating words into intelligible symbols. Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections  throughout life (Figure 3). Moreover, reading helps to strengthen neural pathways and memory in the hippocampus (Figure 4) while also enabling synaptic growth. Each time you learn a new concept or word the brain forms new synapses (connections between neurons), enhancing cognitive function. 

Figure 5

   Interestingly, an experiment led in 2013 by Gregory Berns , a neuroscientist at Emory University, wanted to understand how reading a narrative affects the brain, particularly in terms of connectivity and functional changes. He gathered a group of 21 people and asked them to read specific passages for 9 days from the novel ‘Pompeii’ by Robert Harris  (Figure 5). To his surprise, after some fMRIs he found out that there was increased connectivity in the central sulcus, a region of the brain involved in motor activity and sensation. This phenomenon, known as ‘grounded cognition,’ implies that simply reading about a physical activity (such as running or swimming in the novel) can activate the brain areas related to the actual experience of those movements and enhance even more neural pathways.

   Henceforth, the act of reading engages the brain in profound ways, activating regions and processes that not only enhance cognitive function but also create rich emotional experiences. Through the continuous work of neurotransmitters and the plasticity of neural pathways, reading helps reshape the brain, improves memory, and above all, fosters intellectual growth.

 

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I thought it would be fun to cover something that isn't solely based on literature but something that cognitively works in the mind of all fellow humans and not just the avid reader. Either way, stay tuned for more!

Yours,

Pearl's Odyssey (2025) All rights reserved ©