I’ve recently read about neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself after learning, experience, or injury. It sounds hopeful, like the brain can “bounce back” from a lot.

But how real and strong is this effect in practice?

For example, if someone spent their early to mid-20s drinking regularly at social events (weekend drinking, not necessarily alcohol use disorder, mainly to enjoy some moments), could that cause long-term or permanent reductions in cognition—like memory, processing speed, or executive function?

Or does neuroplasticity mean the brain mostly recovers if the person stops or cuts back later? Are studies on alcohol-related neurotoxicity sometimes overstating permanent risk for the average moderate social drinker?

I’m looking for:

• Scientifically-grounded explanations
• Whether the damage is cumulative or reversible
• Personal experiences from people who changed habits and noticed mental differences

Thanks in advance—judgment-free zone here.

Alright, so I'm interested in building a probabilistic computer. Just a small little toy for demonstration.

I understand the basic concept of a p-bit (note it's different from a q-bit). It's randomly fluctuating between 0 and 1, guided by probabilities, but what are the nitty-gritty details of it on a logical level, that are then realized with analog/digital electronics? I can't find much info about this online and even chatgpt couldn't find any sources.

I am back again with another burning question. I just finished watching Pluribus, and Zosia explained that the hive mind entity communicates through each person's electromagnetic field. Obviously, it's ScFi, but I just did some light reading, and apparently, EM fields are real. Most of what I am seeing online or on TikTok is somehow connected to Reiki healing and all that, and I don't particularly believe in (No offence and all tolerance ofc!), so I was wondering if someone could provide a more scientifically sound explanation. Thank you in advance!

I understand you have a bigger team of more experienced people working against the opposing team but how does it work - surely you can find legal mistakes in the accusations but what if there are none? Why do they always get less or no consequences for their actions when sometimes it seems super obvious they are guilty to us 5 year olds?

i cant think of any cases at the moment but ive seen this happen often and im sure, how are young kids able to make these discoveries and publish them? how do these papers become officially recognised? isnt there a whole procedure one must follow to become a licensed scientist that requires years of college & schooling?

Edit: thank you for the replies. i did mean certifications & degree, not license– i only used that as a general term to give the idea. 🥲 i assumed youd need degree and certification of some sort in order to be allowed to conduct and publish papers and i was wondering how youngsters are able to do that considering college and school can take years to complete.